News — #withthesehands

Our #withthesehands campaign celebrates the analog in a digital world, reminding us to honor the handmade.

Sandy Cantrell is the owner of one of our favorite places in Branson, Missouri, The Copper Jewelry Store. We love knowing our bracelets can be found in this location filled with her love and care.

But we also really dig the fact that Sandy, who’s 73, has been making quilts for over 45 years.  Although she had to quit sewing when her arthritis got bad at age 50, she was able to resume her daily practice again after finding and wearing Sergio Lub bracelets, which she says, helped clear up her pain. 

She tells us, “My Gramma made quilts out of flour sacks with a pair of scissors and a needle and thread. Thank heavens when the time came for my Mother to teach me to sew we had a Singer foot peddle sewing machine. She always told me that when you create something with your hands you will cherish it. She was right!”

“Out of ten sisters, I was the only one who took up quilting. From start to finish of a quilt I think of my Gramma and Mother. There is such a sense of peace and accomplishment knowing your hands have created such a beautiful quilt. I have made quilts for sister, brothers, nieces, and nephews. They come and help make their quilts. It is a time of bonding and remembering the good old days.”

“I also make baked potato bags. Microwaveable baked potatoes. A lot of what I make by hand I give away to friends and neighbors. It makes one heart feel good to see smiles on their faces.”

You can check out Sandy’s gorgeous quilts online at The Copper Jewelry Store. 

Our #withthesehands campaign celebrates the analog in a digital world, reminding us to honor the handmade.

Our newest sales director Rebecca Schick has a passion for sewing. What else could be more hands-on then creating with thread, needles, fabric, and pins? We sat down with her recently to discuss the merits of the handmade.

Why is it important for us to use our hands?

I feel that our hands are one of the most understated, profound, & integral catalysts for human connection. We are soothed, we are nourished, we are provided for, we communicate, we learn and in kind are taught by our collective hands. Our hands carry us through our lives and worlds, in countless ways and forms. Our hands literally touch, whether directly or indirectly almost every aspect of many different modalities of existence in some way and the impact is immeasurable, insurmountable, often overlooked, and extends a reach that surpasses what we know of time itself. Hands are directly related to our evolution, from the very beginnings of our civilization to current. Our hands are a story. I look at mine knowing that I’ve rarely squandered their utility. They are muscular, and slightly chubby, covered in wrinkles, already with scratches and scars. I keep my mind aware of the distance they have carried me. Especially now, I am reminded with reverence of the power in our hands.

What is the role your hands play in sewing?

It would prove very difficult to sew without hands, although I'm sure it's possible. Whether I am measuring, cutting, pinning, placing, threading, stitching - even in the conceptual phase when drafting a pattern, or sketching - the hands are involved. I’ve even started to practice writing and tasking in the non-dominant hand in hopes that I can extend the life of my work.

What kind of sewing do you love and are you working on anything new?

I really loved the hand sewing I did while working for Heidi Johnson, "The Wedding DeTailor." We were involved with a varied and constant flow of high-end bridal gown alterations, which were costly & delicate. It was a tremendous responsibility to take such great care & skill towards something so special and although it was cautious, it felt like very peaceful meditative work. The pandemic put an end to the wedding season, so I was afforded plenty of time to work on personal pursuits. I began to make face masks inspired by one created by a very talented friend and artist Dominique Ellermeier, and the desire to help protect my friends and family. I thought I could take my couture skills and apply the functionality of face masks to create something lighthearted to brighten up the mood during these times. Ever since, I have been crafting bizarre and eccentric pieces of PPE couture for the brave souls who wear them.

What is your life’s philosophy?

Laugh as much as you can. Dance like no one is watching and every chance you get. Love deeply. Eat well. Have fun. Show up for your people. Let go. Take every chance to be kinder. Be what you want to see in the world. Follow your bliss. Stop doing things you don't want to do. Be honest. Realize your faults. Learn-change. Help each other. Listen to music. Stop and smell the roses. Give a good hug. Be patient. 

What is your favorite Sergio Lub bracelet?

Connection. It feels weightless, and I think the design is very beautiful. It reminds me of the invisible connective strings between us.

In the photos above, Rebecca wears the following SLJ bracelets: Harvest Dance, Copper Creek, and Copper Band.

For a glimpse at Rebecca’s DIY couture and fashion PPE, visit her Instagram page: @hausofschickofficial

As a small business made up of family members, and extended family members comprised of artists and artisans who create beautiful things with their hands, we empathize with many others like us who are currently trying to keep afloat during these trying times of the coronavirus. It’s important in this age to support each other in any way we can, which is why we enjoy sharing the fruits of those dear to us in this space here. 

Today, we are celebrating the release of The Soulfire Project’s latest album No Borders. The Soulfire Project includes members of the Morgan family who have been neighbors and lifelong friends of ours here in Napa.

The band is a multi-cultural, nomadic music experience that fuses reggae and cumbia with folk, Afro-Latin, and Caribbean elements, weaving a tapestry of world music that embraces the resilience of the human spirit. With one fist raised in solidarity and the other hand inviting us to join the movement, the group’s powerful blend of world beats and infectious harmonies stand out as a passionate call for coherence between consciousness and action.

Touring the Americas since 2009 in their home/studio, a converted 1979 school bus that runs on used vegetable oil and solar power, The SoulFire Project has grown from the street, to the stage, to world music festivals in Central America, Europe and the US.

Interweaving musical genres and languages, with songs in English, Spanish and Portuguese, the new album features musicians from 13 countries, jumping all kinds of geographical borders as well.

LISTEN HERE NOW! ENJOY!

More information on Soulfire Project

There is a new hashtag roaming the social media circuits these days called #staywithsmall. It arose in response to the current pandemic as businesses across the nation found themselves shuttering their doors to shelter in place, or local artists and creators were forced to utilize new ways to spread the word about their products, creations, and art online. In support of #staywithsmall we are temporarily turning our blog into a place to share profiles of small businesses we adore. If you’d like to be featured, contact us at yes@sergiolub.com.