A Circle of Joy: The Sweetest Contest Winner Story
🌿 A Circle of Joy: The Sweetest Contest Winner Story
Some moments in this little handmade journey remind me exactly why I do what I do - why I stay up late shaping silver, why I chase textures from tree bark and moonlight, why I pour so much heart into every clasp, bezel, and stone.
Yesterday’s moment was one of those.
I spent the day at the Hampstead Church Christmas Fair, greeting familiar faces and meeting new ones, and as always, I ran a little contest: a chance to win a $50 gift card or a credit toward a custom piece with a free consultation. It’s something I love doing because it adds a spark of excitement to the day - a bit of magic woven into the bustle of a holiday fair.
What I didn’t expect was how beautifully full-circle the winner’s story would be.
🌙 The Girl Who Loved a Moonstone
Last year, at several shows, a young woman kept returning to look at one of my moonstone rings. She saw it three different times - each time her eyes lighting up, each time her mom gently encouraging her, each time walking away but never forgetting it.
Eventually, her mom gave in to her daughter’s subtle (and not-so-subtle!) hints and gifted it to her for Christmas. Months later, at The Vintage Bazaar at Crescent Farm, she spotted me again - and ran over, literally jumping up and down with excitement.
She told me how much she loved her ring.
I told her how honored I was that she wore something I made close to her heart.
It was pure joy - the kind of connection that keeps me inspired through long studio nights.
🍃 A Return Visit - and a Serendipitous Win
Yesterday, her mother returned to my booth with the warm, familiar smile I’ve come to recognize from my most cherished customers - the ones who feel like they’re part of the Rust & Leaf story.
She took her time exploring each little world of texture and stone before choosing a pair of Green Garnet Earth Studs — a design close to my heart, shaped by the beauty of gemstones left in their natural state and the quiet grounding of tree-bark textures. It was an honor to see them go home with someone who has woven my work into her family’s traditions.
Later that evening, when it came time to spin the digital wheel and select the contest winner, the arrow landed on #2 - her number.
She won.
And I’ll admit…
I had been secretly hoping the universe might nudge things her way.
And it did.
There was something incredibly sweet about seeing that little circle complete itself - a loyal customer, a family who has supported my work over the years, now gifted with the chance to dream up something new through a custom piece credit.
🌿 Why This Story Matters
Moments like these remind me that Rust & Leaf is more than metal and stones.
It’s connection.
It’s memory-making.
It’s the way a young woman lights up when she recognizes my booth.
It’s the trust of a mother who returns year after year.
It’s the joy of seeing a familiar name appear as the contest winner - a name I was quietly rooting for.
These are the roots that keep me grounded, grateful, and inspired.
To Kate - thank you for supporting my work, for bringing your daughters into this world of handmade wonder, and for trusting me with your stories.
I can’t wait to create something beautiful with you.