2025: That's a Wrap!
Here’s a look back at some of my favorite highlights:
#1 A Much-Anticipated Trip to the Bead Factory in the Czech Republic
This year, I returned to the Czech Republic to visit the traditional glass bead factory we work with—my third visit overall, but the first in nearly eight years. Between COVID and the war in Ukraine, it had been far too long since I’d last been there, and stepping back into the workshop felt both familiar and important.
The factory, located outside Prague, has been run by the same family for generations and still operates with short production runs and skilled artisans working by hand. I watched glass rods heated in open flames and pressed into vintage steel molds—some of the very molds still used to create shapes found in our jewelry today. The master mold maker for the village, my partner’s father, is the one who brings new bead shapes to life, including the molds that led to our signature Martha’s Vineyard necklace and charm.
Choosing glass in person was a critical part of the trip. Standing in front of drawers filled with pressed glass samples, I could see color variation that photos never capture. I rediscovered shades I hadn’t seen in years (including a coral I thought was gone for good) and found new ones that immediately sparked ideas for future designs. This visit reinforced why we do things the way we do—and why supporting this rare, hands-on craft matters so much to our work.
#2 We Expanded the Charm Bar - AGAIN!
The Charm Bar continued to grow in 2025, both in-store and online. We introduced an additional fully customizable in-store necklace experience, allowing you to choose not only your charms, but exactly where each one sits along the chain.
What we loved most was the experience itself—meeting you at the bar, hearing the stories behind each charm, and sharing why certain pieces felt meaningful. Those one-on-one moments made the Charm Bar feel especially personal this year, turning jewelry design into something intimate, thoughtful, and truly collaborative.
#3 Permanent Jewelry Reached New Milestones
We zapped hundreds of permanent jewelry bracelets again this summer and expanded our charm offerings to include letters and new birthstones, giving customers even more ways to personalize their pieces.
We also loved taking permanent jewelry on the road—celebrating bachelorette parties, birthdays, and special moments around the island. Spending time with groups of friends and helping mark meaningful milestones made this season feel especially rewarding.
We also had so much fun taking permanent jewelry on the road—celebrating bachelorette parties, birthdays, and special moments around the island. Spending these days with groups of friends, helping them mark milestones with lasting jewelry, was such a joy and made summer feel extra magical.
#4 The Mini Charm Holder Clasp Made It's Debut
We introduced the Mini Charm Holder in 2025—a more delicate version of our customer-favorite necklace and bracelet. Designed for everyday wear and easy layering, it quickly became a go-to piece while still holding all the meaning of the original.
#5 The Enamel Rainbow Martha’s Vineyard Pendant Finally Launched!
One of my longtime design goals finally became a reality with the launch of our enamel rainbow Martha’s Vineyard pendant. Created in celebration of Pride, this joyful, colorful piece had been years in the making and quickly became a meaningful addition to our collection.
#6 First Place at the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Fair
The Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair has been part of my life since I first came to the island as a teenager, and the exhibit hall has always been my favorite stop—filled with creativity, craftsmanship, and local pride. This year, for the first time, I entered the fair as a participant, submitting a one-of-a-kind statement necklace in the commercial beaded jewelry category.
The Fruit & Flower Bounty Necklace began as a piece for Featherstone’s Art of Flowers show and evolved into a playful celebration of summer abundance, featuring hand-crafted flowers, fruit, and a tiny ladybug. To my delight, the piece was awarded first place, earning a blue ribbon at the Agricultural Fair. Seeing my work displayed among so many talented Vineyard makers—and being recognized in a place that has meant so much to me over the years—was an unforgettable moment and a proud milestone.
#7 A Summer Oyster Party to Remember
Our annual summer party returned with an oyster-themed celebration that captured everything we love about a Vineyard summer—good food, easy conversation, and a strong sense of community. These gatherings are always a highlight and a reminder of how special it is to come together in this place.
#8 Our First Ever In-Studio Photoshoot
In October, we hosted our first professional photoshoot inside the studio with photographer Joe Mikos. Capturing the space and the jewelry, on our team members-- as well as the energy of where our pieces are actually made felt like an important milestone and gave us a new way to visually tell our story.
#9 Back to Wholesale - New England Made
For the first time since 2020, we returned to a wholesale trade show, exhibiting at New England Made in March 2025. We connected with new stores, re-entered the wholesale space, and also discovered incredible locally made products to bring into our shop—including favorites like Center Street Soaps and YAM Fragrance.
#10 DIY Snowflake Making Became a Daily Holiday Tradition
By popular demand, DIY snowflake making returned for the holidays—this time as a daily, drop-in experience. From Thanksgiving through Christmas, guests could stop by any day to create their own snowflake, no appointment needed. We loved watching your creativity come to life as you designed one-of-a-kind, beaded ornaments—each one as unique as the person making it. It became a festive, creative constant during the busiest time of the year.
#11 A Local Collaboration with our Creative Neighbor- Tote-Ally Yours
We partnered with fellow Oak Bluffs shop Tote-Ally Yours to create a limited-edition tote featuring our logo patch. Many of you picked one up during our Small Business Saturday giveaway. Collaborating with local businesses continues to be something I value deeply and look forward to expanding on this year.
Looking Back and Ahead
Beyond these highlights, 2025 was also full of many quieter moments- new jewelry designs, in-store conversations, and creative experiments that continue to shape our work. Thank you for being along for the ride.
I’m heading into 2026 feeling inspired, grateful, and ready for new projects, partnerships, and moments worth sharing.
