Charm Giveaway: And the Winner Is…

Posted on January 26, 2019February 4, 2019 by Suzanne

Many thanks go out to those who participated in our Journey Charm Giveaway. As part of our “Where Will Your 2019 Journey Take You” blog post (January 2), we asked that you share with us your favorite destination thus far in your life. We received many great submissions, but there can only be one winner…and that is…Penny Muncy Giesecke! Penny provided us with a beautiful story and an equally lovely photograph. Here is Penny’s story in her own words:

“While the accompanying picture does not entail much “vacation-related” scenery, the photograph was taken at The Pink Adobe in Santa Fe, NM, this past June. From left to right are my sister (Pamela Jones), my mother (Edith Muncy), my niece (Caitlin Jones), and myself. My family has enjoyed trips to Santa Fe through the years, enjoying the Indian Market in August, especially. My parents have celebrated many anniversaries there as well, having honeymooned in Santa Fe in November of 1954, dining for their first of many times at this lovely restaurant.

“This past year has been a “journey” for us. My dad passed away January 8, 2018, after a long battle with Parkinson’s, and together we have intentionally attempted to honor his life by caring for our mother’s heart as well as our own. This trip was a pilgrimage of sorts to celebrate his life and enjoy our time together in a very special place. As a family we have been fortunate to travel to so many wonderful places, near and far, but this trip was symbolic in that it affirmed we are indeed on a new path, one that is different, but filled with renewed promise and possibilities.”

As the winner of our contest, Penny got to choose any charm from our Journey or Heart’s Desire collections. She selected “Loves Books,” which couldn’t be more appropriate. Why? Because Penny works as a public school librarian, and most certainly loves books. In addition, the reverse of the charm features a vintage public library card! This was a match that was meant to be.

We can’t thank Penny enough for sharing her moving and inspirational story, and we wish her and her family much peace and happiness as they continue on their new path together.

Behind the Scenes with Pick Up Sticks Jewelry Company Owner

Posted on January 21, 2019July 17, 2020 by pickupsticksjewelry

With a long history in retail and design, here is a closer look at the Pick Up Sticks Jewelry Company owner and how she got to where she is today!

How long have you been in retail?

It’s as though I was raised in retail. Many after-school hours and summers were spent working at my parent’s Asian import stores in Boca Raton, Riviera Beach, and Palm Beach, Florida. From waiting on customers, to reveling in gift wrap, to unpacking untold treasures from the Far East, I loved being part of my parent’s shops. Each day was like being in a foreign land surrounded by beautiful and exotic things. Unlike most of my friends, my mom went to work each day in a brocade Suzy Wong dress.

Who or what piqued your interest in Pick Up Sticks Jewelry Company?

I feel that my path to Pick Up Sticks was a gift from my sister, literally. Andrea and I were an amazing team. In younger years our five-and-half-year age difference was apparent, of course, but as we grew older, we grew closer. Some of my fondest childhood memories were she and I in Saturday morning art class together, or spending vacations at the Jersey shore burying each other in the sand or digging for periwinkle shells.

In 2008, however, we banded together for a much more serious pursuit. Our beautiful mother suffered a major stroke, and Andie and I were called into action. We worked tirelessly to rehabilitate and care for Mom, while juggling our personal and work lives. It was a challenging journey that spanned not months, but years.

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Sylvie from On a Limb – Our Testimonial Contest Winner

Posted on January 26, 2011February 4, 2019 by pickupsticksjewelry

We’ve heard lots of great stories from Pick Up Sticks retailers and customers, but never one like this. So we had no choice but to choose Sylvie, the adorable, smart, hard-working 13-year-old from Summerville, South Carolina, who WORKS FOR PICK UP STICKS CHARMS.

Yep, we said that right. Sylvie works for the sole purpose of adding to her Pick Up Sticks collection. When her employer, Heidi from On A Limb (onalimbflorals.com), e-mailed us with her story, we had to know more. So we called Heidi to get the low down on Sylvie.

“Not your typical 13 year-old,” Heidi says, “in fact, like no other 13 year-old you’ve ever met.” Evidently Sylvie came into Heidi’s shop last spring, wanting to buy an expensive Mother’s Day gift for her Mom. When she saw the price tag, Sylvie asked if she could work to pay it off.

Heidi put her to work scrubbing floral buckets, sweeping and taking out the trash. Heidi was leery of hiring someone so young, but Sylvie proved to be an amazing employee. And once the Mother’s Day gift was paid for, Sylvie asked to stay. Seems she’d had her eye on the Pick Up Sticks display.

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Desere and Erika – An Amazing Pick Up Sticks Story

Posted on June 2, 2010February 4, 2019 by pickupsticksjewelry

Frequently, a customer sends us a story about their Pick Up Sticks jewelry that truly touches our hearts. This is such a story. In fact, we all had to stop what we were doing for a while after reading this. We received this e-mail from Erika Martinez in December 2009, and are proud to share it with you. Thank you, Erika, for allowing us the honor of being a very small part of memories with your cousin.

Desere and Erika wearing their Sole Sisters charms

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