Chestnut Hill Creations

02/26/2026

Working with stone reminds me that beauty doesn't come from haste. It comes from listening.

02/19/2026

This piece feels complete and ready to meet its person.

02/14/2026

02/12/2026

Lapidary teaches me when to pause. You can't force a stone. Only meet it.

02/05/2026

This stone asked to be worked slowly. Every time I rushed, it resisted.

01/22/2026

I’ve added a small collection of newly finished pendants to the shop. Each one hand-cut, shaped, polished, and wrapped by me from start to finish.

These pieces were created slowly, with attention to the stone’s natural character and what it wanted to become. Some were found along the shores of Lake Michigan, some repurposed from everyday materials, and others chosen for their steady, supportive presence.

Each pendant is one of a kind, crafted to be worn as both adornment and quiet companion.

If one is calling to you, trust that nudge.
They’re now available and ready to find their next home.

www.chestnuthillcreations.com

12/22/2025

Today we honor the Winter Solstice.

The longest night,
and the quiet turning toward the light.

A moment to pause.
To breathe deeply.
To tend what needs warmth within us.

The Solstice reminds us that rest is sacred,
and even in darkness, light is already returning.

12/18/2025

If you’re finding yourself pausing before starting things this season,
wrapping gifts, creating art, sending messages, even doing things you want to do.
There’s nothing wrong with you.

The holidays often ask us to move quickly, brightly, and outwardly…
while our bodies and nervous systems may be craving quiet, warmth, and slowness.

Sometimes what we’re feeling isn’t procrastination,
it’s activation energy.
That tender moment between rest and action.

Instead of pushing, I’ve been using a gentle holiday ritual:

One hand on the heart, one on the belly
One slow breath, longer on the exhale
A soft reminder: “The smallest step is enough.”
Then just one tiny action

Not the whole list.
Not the whole day.
Just the next kind step forward.

Gentle beginnings still carry magic,
especially during the holidays.

May your season be warm, spacious, and kind to your nervous system.

12/11/2025

A Landscape You Can Wear

This new inlay pendant feels like a tiny window into the Earth.
I hand-cut and polished three different stones. Petrified Palmwood, Green Moss Agate, and Picture Jasper. Then set them together inside a warm brass frame.

Each layer has its own story:
Palmwood that echoes ancient forests
Moss Agate that feels like standing in the quiet green
Picture Jasper that holds the memory of desert horizons

When they come together, they create a little landscape you can carry close to your heart.
A reminder to breathe, to ground, and to notice the beauty in small, intentional moments.

Would you wear a tiny Earth scene like this?

12/10/2025

Lake Michigan Stone Christmas Spider

Hand-crafted by Dawn – Chestnut Hill Creations

Born of freshwater tides and glacial memory, this spider carries the quiet strength of Michigan’s ancient shores. Lake stones hold the energy of resilience shaped by time, softened by waves, steadied by Earth, and touched by the gentle patience of the water’s long embrace.

In winter lore, the Christmas Spider blesses the home with protection and subtle fortune. The lake-worn stone within her body offers grounding to wandering hearts, calm to restless minds, and the soothing reminder that you can be shaped by life without losing your inner light.

Hang her where light may kiss her copper and stone, and let her weave steadiness, reflection, and shoreline peace through your season.

Message me if you are interested in purchasing her before she goes up on my website.

03/18/2025

Tried a new technique. Inlay with Picture Jasper, Green Spot Jasper and Petrified Palm set in brass.

02/17/2025

Just finished these beauties and a bunch more! Now it's time to design and create some jewelry.