I first discovered flower petal jewelry back in June, when I walked past Hillary Flanders’ stall at Concord’s Market Days Festival. What a novel concept, preserving flower petals to be worn as earrings or necklaces. I’d never seen anything like it before, especially with the bright yellow sunflower hues sparkling in the sunlight. I knew I needed to learn more.
Flash forward to July, when I met Flanders at Newbury Harbor. We sat by the water and talked all things creativity. She showed me more of her jewelry, explaining the process of taking her “secret coat” — a scientific solution passed down through her family — and using it to preserve the petals to maintain their color and create eye-catching statement pieces.
This edition of Around Concord Magazine brings you inside Flanders’ jewelrymaking and explores her journey as an artist.
Flanders isn’t the only creative person whose story lies within these pages.
Pittsfield couple Beverly Thomas and Richard Perry channel their energy into Spooky Kisses Haunts, a television show taking viewers to different haunted locations across the country.
Allyson Speake develops science education classes for children at Tanglewood Hollow, where she aims to give her students hands-on learning experiences relating to the natural world.
Sharon Curley co-conducts the Hopkinton Town Band, which brings together musicians of all generations to play tunes for their family, friends and neighbors.
Around Concord introduces you to all these members of the greater Concord community and more. So curl up with a mug of tea or find a seat outdoors with the trees and the crisp fall air and enjoy reading these stories.
And if you feel inspired, as we sincerely hope you will, why not return to a creative endeavor of your own!
Happy fall,
Rachel Wachman, Community Editor
