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As we celebrate John Franciscus's 35 Years as a master hand engraver in Atlanta, we reached out to some of his long time creative collaborators. One such person is Lainey Papageorge, an amazing artist whose medium is jewelry. John and Lainey met at the esteemed Gemological Institute of America in 1979 as both were expanding their knowledge of diamonds and fine gemstone setting. Though one would work strictly with metal and the other with colored gemstones, they were immediate kindred spirits. Both brought to the table an "articulated focus” and compatible creative visions. So much so, that they can still finish one another's sentences and my conversations with Lainey and John blur into one another with similar phrases and themes. One such recurring theme: "Anything worthwhile takes time and energy." So where do we begin her story of time and energy well spent? Before Lainey was a jeweler, before she became bewitched by gemstones, before all that she had begun her creative life as a dancer and choreographer. Little did she know that her study of the human form and her observations of the movement of dancers would dovetail perfectly into her future profession as a jewelry designer. This fluidity would be key to her creations. . . Jewelry that felt as good as it looked. But before that, Lainey was a child with learning differences in a world that hadn't even coined the term "learning differences" yet. Today she would most likely receive a diagnosis of Dyslexia and ADHD, but then she only knew that traditional school was extremely difficult and overstimulation would leave her exhausted. These circumstances put her on a path that would lead to her greatest gift. During this time, she learned valuable lessons by being left alone to explore nature. . . to observe patterns and light, shapes and shadows, and the action of water on the creek banks. Unhindered by left and right, experiencing the acceleration and deceleration of time depending upon her activity, and the gift of unstructured time set the stage for learning the most valuable skill of all: How to manage solitude. It is from this quiet place that she returns to again and again to tap into her creative root system.
 Lainey Papageorge / photo by Steve Pelosi In order for Lainey to create she must become still. Her process is not a moment, but rather a synthesis of dreams and life events over decades. And she can only get to that place through that quiet place. . . a place that she meets with the gemstones, listens and gets to know them. There is a meditative quality to her work and the human touch is inescapable. Jewelry created in this way is qualitatively different because so much time and energy has been invested in it. Both women and men enjoy her jewelry because it is easy to wear; subtle, not flashy and comfortable. It’s jewelry that is worn every day and leaves you feeling incomplete when you’re not wearing it. Essentially it “feels good”. . . both physically and emotionally.  We are thrilled to bring Lainey Papageorge to Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts for a very limited engagement. For three days the showcases will be brimming with her creations Thursday October 19 through Saturday October 21. So whether you're a long time collector or completely new to her creative universe, do stop by the shop. And as a special reward for those who have read to the very end, you should know we will be fêting John and Lainey on Thursday from 4:30 - 7:30. This an event you won’t want to miss so mark your calendars now. Because old friends are indeed the very best kind! ~ lwM
Well there's Vermeer and his Girl with A Pearl Earring. . . and Rembrandt. Van Gogh and his starry night, Holbein and Brughel, and the Zonneveld engravings. And many others because the Dutch know their art! Zonneveld. You may even be lucky enough to have some of his work in your home. Of course, you may know him as John Franciscus, the master hand engraver who works his special magic herein Buckhead. He's called Atlanta home now for over 35 years and we think that's cause for celebration! First up is a new website. You'll notice a tulip or two in his honor! The website is designed to host the best imagery of his work and the amazing collections of jewelry and gift items that Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts is known for. You'll also be able to keep up with the blog and check the calendar of events. With a wink and a nod, to Vermeer there will be a special collection of pearl earrings so you can channel your inner Girl with A Pearl Earring. (We're fairly certain she would have liked an engraved locket to go with those earrings.) And one very special event in October. More on that later!  Image by Steve Pelosi at www.pelosiphoto.com John Franciscus is thoroughly Atlantan. Playing soccer at least once a week, enjoying coffee with friends on a daily basis, and wining and dining during the week as can be done so well in this city that he's proud to call home. Atlanta 1982: Andrew Young became mayor. SnowJam crippled the city. E.T. was in the theatre and Magnum P.I. was on the set. You were listening to Lionel Richie, Olivia Newton John and the Steve Miller Band. Most likely on a cassette player.* And John Franciscus decided to move here and share his talent with an appreciative city. He arrived here via Vancouver where he was honing his skills. Professionally, his journey began in the Netherlands at The Royal Silverworks with his apprenticeship at the age of 15. He learned the basics and he practiced. And practiced some more. But it's not "practice makes perfect." It's "perfect practice makes perfect!" John is naturally gifted as an artist. But giftedness alone is not enough without the lifetime investment of time to master his art and craft. And anyone who owns a piece engraved by John knows that the technique is invisible. Though classical in style, the fluidity of his work just gets richer with time. Technique is so ingrained as to be automatic. There is a directness of his vision to his hands. But this is something beyond hand-eye coordination. It is hand-eye-heart coordination. It is this quality that makes each piece a virtuosic performance. Quite literally a performance piece. We will fête John and long time creative collaborator Lainey Papageorge Thursday October 19th from 4:30-7:30. This is an event you won't want to miss! So mark your calendars and please join us in raising a glass to 35 Years in Atlanta and to creative collaborations!  Photo by Vera Mackyntoich
8/7/2017
Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts on a Saturday morning: The right place at the right time. Recently I was in LJ Lewis Silver when Lana said to me you must meet Debbie. When Lana insists, there's usually good reason and that interaction quite literally set the tone for the entire weekend! I could not escape the feeling that I had been in the right place at the right time and that my life would be richer for it. Debbie Phillips exudes an energy beyond enthusiasm that ebbs and flows. She had what I would characterize as joie de vivre. Again, quite literally "joy of life." You could sense she was an intentional person with an unerring compass. We talked of business and life, friends and art, and of course, jewelry and hand engraving. And then decided we needed to talk more later. Here's just part of that conversation. Enjoy. You just never know who you'll meet on a Saturday morning at Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts! lwM: When our paths happily crossed at Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts I was completely drawn to your energy! What do you for fun, for work, and for everything in between? DP: People talk about work/life balance, but I refer to it as work/life blend. I believe my life’s work is “growing talent.” I help people figure out what their gifts are… I call it their “genius zone.” When I’m not meeting other people, I’m antiquing, traveling and reading! lwM: How did you first meet John? Seems to me like it's been a very happy partnership! DP: Someone referred me to him over 20 years ago! Friendships that last that long are built on trust, respect, fun and LOVE! lwM: Agreed! Most people know John is a world class hand engraver, but he's also an accomplished painter. Tell me about the painting you have of his and what drew you to that? DP: It’s soothing. I grew up on a farm, but I’m naturally drawn to color. Like all of John’s work, it spoke to my heart. lwM: Your "Fruit of the Spirit" bracelet is beautiful on so many different levels. Tell me about it. Is this a piece that evolved over time or did you know exactly what you wanted right out of the gate? DP: There was a bracelet similar to it that was a sample of a special font. It was a unique shape and I instantly thought of adding scripture on it with some design. Two of my favorite scriptures are about the Vine and branches and the Fruit of the Spirit. So I knew I wanted those two combined. It’s a statement piece in more ways than one! It gives me the opportunity to share my faith, my friends and my “fuel.” The most important things in life that resonate with me. Everyone has a story and if you take time to listen (not just hear), but to really listen, it is amazing what can evolve. lwM: I'm thrilled to give hand engraved items as well as receive it because it is so emotionally substantial. You made a comment that John hears time and time again. . . "When I want something really special, I always come here." What are some of the most memorable gifts that you purchased at Franciscus Silver & Pewter Gifts and for what occasions? DP: There have been so many…. There's the sterling silver ruler because I tell people if you aren't measuring it you aren't managing it! Cuffs, baby gifts, the graduation gifts… I call it “memory making.” lwM: Hand engraving adds so much character to an item and takes personalization to a whole new level. What are your favorite items (other than the aforementioned bracelets) in your collections that are hand engraved? DP: The silver disc that is an enhancer on my pearls! It’s my signature “go to” piece. Each time I wear it, I get so many compliments.
lwM: Give us a parting shot! When it comes to living life and loving well, what would you like to share? DP: Success is defined differently for many people. When I see happy people, I see people with a happy heart. Another favorite scripture of mine is Proverbs 4:23. The NLT says “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” We have all driven a car that has been out of alignment. I use many analogies when I speak and our lives can get out of alignment if we aren’t focused on our core values and living those values in a way that brings meaning to life. Just like a car, we get pulled in many directions and our days can seem ‘ajar’ but when we step back and consider what our values are and where we are able to make a contribution, life flows with a natural rhythm. It’s a special type of harmony when we value the difference in others and not try to fit a certain mold. I’m a Type A personality that has to resist running the world on any given day, but I’m finding so much joy in helping others find their gifts, their treasures and celebrating people for who they are and not who I think they should be! When someone reads this and they think about their gifts, I hope they will give thanks for their uniqueness, give thanks for the people that brought them to this page and more importantly, thankful for the life that they been given. I have a screen saver that says, “what you do today is important, because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.” So let today mean something. Be intentional in your thinking and let goodness come from it! lwM: Thank you, Debbie. And I hope our paths cross again very soon! Photographer: Steve Pelosi / www.pelosiphoto.com  We always strive to delight our discerning customers with unique products, and straps and belts are no exception. We use only the finest skins, tanned and dyed to your specifications and then finely constructed with layers of leather. Our preference is the strap, unstitched for a clean line and beveled edges that exemplify the extraordinary craftsmanship. The strap is held in place by a tension buckle which easily adjusts to how you want to wear your strap: low, high or somewhere in between.  You can choose from the highest quality Calf, Shark or American Bison (popular with the college crowd). Or select from the largest selection of exotic skins that include Lizard, Ostrich, Cayman, Hornback Alligator, Stingray or the coveted American Alligator. All durable, true classics. And Lana can guide you though the subtleties of 1”, 1 1/8” or 1 1/4” widths. Truly bespoke, a custom strap paired with an engraved buckle is the epitome of refinement and understated elegance. It is a touchstone to anyone’s wardrobe as a small, yet significant detail of life beautifully lived... the accessory of a lifetime. The typical turnaround time for a strap or belt is 2-3 weeks and range from $147 to $620  |
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January 2025
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