I never dreamed when my daughter and I started this venture 22 years ago that I would still be immersed in the joys of presenting and encouraging American craftspeople all this time later. It is Heart of the Homes' 22nd Anniversary on April 1, 2016. Wow! They tell me that the 22nd should be celebrated with "Copper" and I find that intriguing and also an opportunity to talk about some of my favorite artists who work in copper and its associated alloy, bronze.

Think of the wonderful garden critters from Haw Creek Forge that you see as you walk through the gate. The two delightful women who design and make them have been some of my favorites for many years. Not only are the praying mantises and butterflies and hummingbirds true images of the real ones but they are made from copper and it doesn't rust. They will last and last. Although it may not be obvious, they also do what all the best artists do and they keep adding new creatures every year so there is always something to look forward to each spring. A brand new collection just arrived! ​

If you love bells you've probably noticed our unique and melodious collection of bronze wind bells from U S Bells. Hand cast in solid bronze the way it has been done for hundreds of years, these are my favorites. They will last for more than a lifetime and come with a written guarantee that says so. The bells are made in Maine and have that lovely no-nonsense simplicity that New Englanders cherish. You're encouraged to come in and ring our bells.

I'm also reminded that we have bronze represented prominently in our jewelry department in the person of Michael Michaud. His extensive collections of botanical jewelry cast from real plants are some of our favorites. New for this year is a plant I feature in my home garden. It's botanical name is Baptisia but it is commonly called False Indigo and is native to the prairies of North America. Using glass, Michael has captured the intense blue of the flowers which pops against the patinated bronze leaves. ​

One of the things that we love most is working with couples on their engagements, weddings, and anniversaries.  There is something that is so rewarding about helping a couple select rings and registry items  that will have meaning  as they start their new lives together. Knowing that we've been a part of that is a privilege and an honor.

Many of the clients we work with for special rings and gift registries become not only repeat customers but, more importantly, friends.  These are folks we get to know  as we share their joys and celebrate their milestones.  It's truly the core of what we are about as a  business firmly grounded in family and community.

This year, we are focusing new efforts supporting wedding couples.  We've just launched "Our Customers' Voices," a page dedicated to sharing the pictures and thoughts of our wedding couples.   

We are also exhibiting at wedding events to help new couples discover us.  Our first one is coming up on April  24, 2016 at Aldie Mansion in Doylestown. We hope to see you there!

We offer:

• Engagement, wedding, anniversary and special occasion rings
• Full-service gift registry, both in store and online
• Jewelry and accessories to wear on your wedding day
• Bridal party and family gifts
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Make an appointment today for a personal consultation.

~Karen Goeller

Leather Goods are a traditional 3rd anniversary gift, and a modern 9th anniversary idea.   We love Leaf Leather's amazingly detailed leaf-patterned bags, and Token & Icons' baseball leather money clips, which feature pieces of leather from real MLB game-used baseballs.  Solace's marbled leather bags are works of art, and a functional, durable gift that your sweetie can enjoy for years to come.   For the writer in your life, we love Oberon's beautiful tooled leather-clad journals.

Watches make a  wonderful modern 15th anniversary gift.  Watchcraft's beautiful time pieces are as unique as your relationship.  No two patterned faces are alike, and the beautiful silver, copper, and brass which adorn them are uniquely textured.   (Has your 15th anniversary come and gone?  Congratulations, and no worries, watch-lovers - brass and copper are beautiful modern suggestions for the 21st and 22nd anniversary!)

Copper  is  the Chicago Public Library's suggestion for the 22nd anniversary - which is what Heart of the Home is celebrating this year! We love copper's warm, rich color, and its versatility.  Its loveliness can be featured in everything from jewelry like  Watchcraft, to home furnishings like  Kohler Lamp's copper lamp shades, to garden decor by long-time Heart of the Home favorites Haw Creek Forge.

Pottery and Porcelain  have never gone out of style - they're traditional 9th anniversary gifts, and a modern suggestion for the 18th. From full place-settings by Bill Campbell to the perfect coffee mug for  your favorite caffeine enthusiast from Jason Silverman, pottery is a gift that can be used and treasured daily.  Ivy's favorite idea: anniversary breakfast in bed served on beautiful American-made pottery!  (And cooked in it -  Flameware by Potteryworks  can be used on the stove.)  For romantic flare, imagine a celebratory toast in Newman Ceramic Works' exquisite botanical goblets.

​~  Ivy Palmer