When Jeanine Mulholland’s son was born, she began making jewelry for herself, and his spirit and the joy he brought her became the inspiration for her pieces. Her hand-stamped jewelry caught people’s eye wherever she went.
People even began asking for her to create custom pieces to capture what was important in their lives, and thus came about, Buddha Kanuddha Designs. Just a side note – Jeanine named her jewelry biz after her son – it’s his nickname. How sweet is that!
What else inspires Jeanine? Well, she and her family have been coming to the Vineyard for the Summer for years, and of course she finds inspiration here. When she’s not on the island, she lives in the Catskill Mountains with her family, where she also finds inspiration. Two topographies that could not be any more different, yet both providing unless sources of beauty and inspiration.
In her collection, you’ll find things aptly named for what was the basis for the piece, like Menemsha Sunset or Sugarloaf Morning. Soon as you hear the names, you know what colors to expect. The deep greens and browns found in the Catskills, the beautiful oranges in Menemsha, as the sun is setting. Her pieces help bring you to that place. Also, her jewelry can be worn with just about anything.
Jeanine makes her pieces in the basement of her home in NY in between being a mom, a wife, and a nurse – whew, as if all that wasn’t enought. However, she loves making jewelry. It is a way to work with her hands and create something beautiful. It has almost a calming effect for her.
Though she has been quite busy preparing for the MVFW Trunk Show party at Vinyeard Square this Thursday night. Jeanine is pretty excited about being a part of the Martha’s Vineyard Fashion Week.
For the Trunk Show, there will be something for everyone. Jeanine is doing so much more than her stamped pieces these days. She works with the most beautiful beads, some of which look like sea glass and colorful freshwater pearls. She also has a number of sterling silver pieces and of course her fabulous leather bracelets.
Wondering what her most popular piece is? This year, it has been her hand-stamped Sun Sea Sand Serenity pendant which was inspired by how she feels when she gets to the Vineyard. Just stepping foot on the ferry relaxes her.
Also, this would be a great time to order a custom piece, perhaps a favorite saying or life mantra, celebration of the birth of a child or perhaps something special for a loved one. I hate to say it but the holidays are right around the corner, and who doesn’t love to get that special gift that dazzles? One for them and of course one for you.
Speaking of custom pieces, Jeanine has had some wonderful stories surrounding pieces she’s made for people or to help commemorate an event. It’s amazing how powerful jewelry can be – especially if you pair it with words that are significant.
When Hurricane Irene hit last Summer, it destroyed a number of communities in the Catskill area. Many people lost everything. Feeling inspired by the strength of those trying to rebuild their lives, Jeanine created custom stamped pieces that said Our Mountain Our Home, and donated the proceeds to the local rebuilding effort. Those words, so simple, meant so much to people and provide hope. A little heart and effort and one person can really make a difference. Also, this shows you what kind of person Jeanine is, and helps you appreciate her work even more.
Now that you’ve got your personal saying ready to be turned into wearable art or are needing one or two of those fabulous beaded bracelets, head on over to the Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites on Thursday night from 4 – 6pm for a little (or a lot) of shopping.
Rebeccah J and Libby Ellis Designs will be there too. To make the event even better, there will be cocktails and appetizers, provided by Chef Paul Sardini. Sounds like a pretty nice way to spend the evening, and perhaps you can even grab dinner afterwards and show of your new purchases!
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Thanks for reading On Point – I hope you enjoyed it. You can find Buddha Kannudha Designs on Facebook. And speaking of social media, don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook, on follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Pinterest and YouTube.