Finding Solace in Nature  began after the death of our beloved niece, Gretchen M. Snedeker. She was tragically taken away from us by a distracted driver on April 10, 2008 in a car accident in Madison County.  She was traveling to Colgate University where she was an adjunct instructor for French horn.

      Gretchen was a Master's candidate in horn performance at the Eastman School of Music and was granted her Master's in Music degree posthumously in May of 2008. Gretchen was an amazing woman who packed a lifetime into her 24 short years. She was a tremendously gifted musician who had traveled as far away as Japan on tour with her music and also played at Carnegie Hall with the Eastman Wind Ensemble. She loved to share her talent and her love for music with others, which made her a natural teacher and performing artist.

      Wanting to honor her and to celebrate her life, we started Finding Solace in Nature as a way to raise money for the foundation her parents wish to organize in her memory. Part of the profits from the sales will be donated to the foundation once it is established. It was David’s inspiration to make the jewelry and the collecting of the materials has been a healing process for the whole family.

      The stones used for our jewelry are collected along the shores of Lake Ontario by Gretchen’s mother and other family members.  We hand pick each stone from many different locations along the shore and bring them to David to fashion into necklaces. Every stone necklace is unique. There are no two stones that are alike, just as nature intended.  The necklaces are made with either sterling silver, brass, bronze, copper, suede, leather or hemp. The findings and jump rings are made from sterling silver, brass or copper. They are elegant looking and very secure.

      Embellishment is minimal so that the wearer can appreciate the simple elegance of each stone. It is a reminder of the energy and beauty that surrounds us each and every day.  

      We take commissions as well as selling our jewelry and crafts on the website and at area craft shows.
                   
                                         Thank you for viewing our website, 

                                                     Leslie and David