I enjoy creating jewelry that suits my own style: simple, subtle, and not too fussy. Most importantly to me, it has to be COMFORTABLE and EASY to wear. I had given up on wearing jewelry because it often felt so uncomfortable; I would either feel irritated and take it off halfway through the day, or leave it on and be so relieved when I finally did remove it. I worked in a greenhouse for 12 years a
nd would never even bother trying to wear jewelry to work - it was just too impractical and it would get in the way. After I made a pair of ear climbers for a coworker, I started wearing them myself and felt so excited that I had, after 33 years, finally discovered a piece of jewelry that didn't drive me crazy! I began getting more requests from other coworkers who saw the benefits of a lightweight, out-of-the-way earring that could be worn all day (while being super stylish and unique at the same time!). I strive to be somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to my own style, so I want jewelry that I don't have to change if I switch from my gardening gear to casual jeans to a cute dress. I've even had brides purchase my ear climbers to wear with their wedding gown. I design and hand craft all of my earrings, including shaping and hammering wire into ear climbers and open hoops. My open hoops have gained quite a loyal customer base as well, for their simplicity and quality. I get such a thrill when excited customers tell me they love their earrings and don't want to take them off. The name Squirrel's Nest is a business name that runs in my family. From the 1930s to the 1950s, my great-grandmother Eugenie Russell owned and operated a gift shop in Rangeley, Maine called The Squirrel's Nest. I am lucky to have the original shop sign hanging in my kitchen, and it seemed appropriate to carry on the name! After living in upstate New York for 15 years, I am back in Maine and loving being surrounded by the ocean, pine trees and chickadees that I grew up with. Thanks to my wonderful customers, I have been able to make Squirrel's Nest Jewelry my full-time job and I’m devoting lots of time to creating fun, classic designs that will never go out of style.
