Stained Glass from a dismantled church becomes keepsake jewellery!

On some lucky days, you meet a person or family who touches your heart and shares an incredible story with you. 

Marie Dicks 

In 2018, I was blessed to meet an amazing lady and her beauiful family.  She shared a story with me.  A story about an isolated community in the middle of Placentia Bay and a church that had a gorgeous stained glass window.  

Marie Dicks and her husband, Jim, had left their home in Harbour Buffett during the second phase of the Newfoundland government's resettlement program.  They left with their five daughters, the youngest of whom was just weeks old.  Can you imagine how challenging that must have been!!

Along with so many who were uprooted from their lives during the resettlement, they never lost their passion and connection to their homes and communities. 

Several years ago, Marie and Jim went back to Harbour Buffett for a visit.  While there, Marie picked up some pieces of the stained glass windows that had been left on the ground after their church had been dismantled.  I am grateful that these precious pieces of glass found their way to me.  Marie wanted keepsake jewellery pieces made for each of her children as well as for herself.  

Marie herself tells the story much better than me. Click on the thumbnail below to hear her!

Marie's pieces that were ready to be made into jewellery

I had posted about this and was contacted by Stephanie who asked if there were any pieces left. Her great-grandmother was from Harbour Buffett and she  would love to be able to buy one of these necklaces for her grandmother (her daughter).  I made contact with Marie and discussed this with her.  What a gracious lady!  She readily agreed.  There was an interesting conversation about how the familes knew of or knew each other.  Connections were made.  

Stephanie did get a necklace for her mother for Christmas.  This is an exerpt from an email that she sent me early in the new year:  

"My grandmother absolutely LOVED the necklace and I don't think she's taken it off since I gave it to her. She tells everyone about it and she wells up with tears every time because she's so happy to have a piece of Harbour Buffett so close. Harbour Buffett was very special to her mother (my great-grandmother Eileen) and this gift meant so much!"  She also asked if there was a small piece left.  "My grandmother wants to take a little piece of the glass to place at her mother Eileen's grave in Bay Roberts."

I am in awe of the character and resilence of those who survived and even thrived under conditions that we would find so challenging.  They forged a living in often harsh conditions and developed deep bonds with others in their communities.  Their connections to each other and to the places that they lived are incredible. Even though many were uprooted during the resettlement program, they maintain close sense of connection to their communities and each other.  

I thank Marie and Jim Dicks for sharing their story and giving me the opportunity to be a small part of their story.  

If you would ever want a customized item to help you honour a special person or event, please feel free to reach out and start a conversation.  

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During times like these, connection is even more important than ever. At Karlande Designs, we empower people to express the most meaningful connections in their lives through the jewellery they wear.

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​​Please stay safe and don't hesitate to connect,​

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Andrea Sharpe
​Founder of Karlande Designs
​www.karlandedesigns.com​

andreasharpe2@gmail.com

709-427-4771 (cell)

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