Der Ring des Maderer

Jeweler and environmental activist Bill Butler

Here’s how The Amazing Bob and I feel about wedding bands and such -- we like rings. We like jewelry in general. We def don’t need, and in no way feel compelled, to wear rings which symbolize the love and commitment that’s long been woven into our very DNA BUT, at the same time, we like symbols.

So, given this, we chose rings to
wear and name 'wedding bands.'

We’re not particularly keen on gold but silver is beautiful and not obscenely expensive which is great since I like diversity. I don’t want to wear the same damn rings, earrings or bracelets every day. Variety = spice and all that.

Every now and again I like to change things up -- get a new wedding band/engagement ring combo.

I def had this in mind as we voyaged north into Craftperson Heaven, AKA Vermont.
Nothing snagged me in Brattleboro but then, in Montpelier, we found Artisans Hand gallery. Man o man, my wallet was in serious danger of going tits up.

In the July Crafts Report, a monthly business mag for crafts pros, Artisans Hand was favorably profiled -- molto and deservedly.

In 1978, during the holiday season, a group of young
craftspeople decided to open a temporary gallery in
a storefront in Montpelier, Vt., as a way to sell their
wares—mainly jewelry, pottery, woven scarves, and
block prints. Thirty-five years later, Artisans Hand Craft
Gallery is flourishing, exhibiting the work of over 140
handcrafters, most of who reside in Vermont (a few are
from neighboring states).
The gallery, one of the oldest
...................................................
Artisans Hand’s mission is to support and celebrate
Vermont’s crafts community and to enrich the lives of
their customers with beautiful, high-quality handmade
treasures. They encourage young talent and work with
them to bring out the best of their capabilities, ensuring
the next generation continues the long tradition of
creating quality, locally handcrafted goods.

Beauty!

my new 'engagement' ring with the band

While rapturously gazing about, I fell in love with a particular ring. Fabulously and unknown to me, it was the maker, the creator of this wonder who came over to ask if I need assistance.

Bill Butler’s also one of the gallery’s founders.

Too cool!

The name of his specific brand is Nature and Myth.

From his website:

All the diamonds and precious gems used by Nature & Myth are responsibly sourced, conflict-free, and certified by the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).

Had I known this, well, there’s another ring with my name on it up there. Normally I’m not a diamond lover but, on this particular bijou they were wonderful support players to a deep dark ruby.

Also on the Nature and Myth page is this:

Mount Mansfield River Watch
The Mount Mansfield River Watch is a grassroots group started by Bill Butler that has been involved in water-quality advocacy and monitoring of Vermont streams.
Since 1989, it has successfully added a floodplain language into the zoning regulations of Jericho, Vermont. As such, Jericho now boasts the most protective anti-development regulations in the state.

Awesome artist AND an active environmental activist?
Mais oui, I’m totes lovin’ this dude!

I only mention it but they also carry Bill Peberdy of Cookville Woodworking’s fine furniture -- all made from reclaimed lumber.


Do check out the website and, if you're up/down that way, stop in and hit Julio's Cantina for a portabello, goat cheese, tomato, zucchini quesadilla afterward.


Seriously.