When I unpacked these bead looms I felt a jolt of excitement like I was 10 years old. Looking at the loom and the beads brought me back to my childhood. Seeing them reminded me of the hope there is in beginning a project
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I just took the Meyers Briggs personality test. The results surprise some people who don’t know me well, but not me or those in my family.
ESPT-T Entrepreneur.
Generally, people who don’t know me well assume I’m an artist/maker, and they are correct. I am ALWAYS making something from something else and creating beauty somewhere around me. Yes, it’s chaotic and disorganized around my house and studio. Typical artist.
But, at 58, with my kids pretty launched and still having my wits about me, what am I doing? I am opening another business - in Baltimore. And not just Linda Blackbourn Jewelry, but this time, I want to have fun! I sit with the wisdom of my years, a lot of creative energy and a studio full of tools and talent and SO MANY STONES! So many beads and cabochons and colorful, sparkly, magical STONES that I have been collecting over decades! And I want you to see them and touch them and feel their presence!
Sure you will be able to shop the LBJ collection, along with one of a kind pieces that you will only see there, but we want to share more than that. We want to share our excitement for stones and our excitement for MAKING!
I believe that making is not only fun but it's healthy for our minds and spirits as well as cathartic in these challenging times. If you grew up with my kids you might remember the Craft Room. This is a room in the house where we keep the paints and papers and beads and buttons and a kiln and the sewing machine and anything else we've collected from all the making!
I am recreating the craft room at the new shop -- but only for jewelry making! I am ordering all the fun things for the jewelry classes and workshops -- think stamping and beading and leather beaded bracelets and precious metal clay - we can do anything! How fun is that? It’s like I get to invite everyone over to play.
I have no doubt that my people will find me. My stone people AND the makers and makers at heart.
WORKSHOP by LBJ - Fall 2021
3600 Clipper Mill Road, Suite 124, Baltimore, MD.
Stay tuned!
Life happens in chapters.
I drove up to the storefront of Gala 8 years or so ago. It was not for rent, but I knew it was the store.
I met Jenny that same day, she had just signed the lease for JennyCakes. I met Frank very soon thereafter as he began parking the pizza truck in front of Gala on certain Thursdays. Between you and me, he had his sights on the Two Pears space, (who remembers that?). And now Frankly Pizza, who has won every accolade possible for best pizza in the DMV, has both spaces, which is how it should be!
I’ll admit it’s still a little bittersweet when I drive by. It was a wonderful time for me and I hope for many!
8 years later here I am in front of my new place! 3600 Clipper Mill Road #124, Baltimore! (Hampden)
New time in life. New time on the planet. New lease on life. New town!
At LBJ, we are so excited about our new space, 3600 Clipper Mill Road, Baltimore, MD, which is currently being built out to house not only our studio, but also our retail showroom. (Limited hours and by appointment.)
When I drove up and saw the Meadow Mill location, and the little shop, I knew. Again. The spirit is right, as is the Hampden location. The neighbors - La Cuchara and KSM Candles - couldn’t be more perfect!
Both are owned by small independent owners who are truly wonderful at what they do. And, the LBJ brand fits so well between the two.
We have needed a new home and this trendy new location is going to suit us for a long time!
If you are our local DC area fans, then we know you are adventurers. We know you’ll come and see us in our new space! And when you do, you can discover a wonderful new hoppin' area of Baltimore if you don’t know it already.
For the last 1 ½ years, as LBJ has been selling almost entirely online, it’s been difficult for me personally. While we’ve grown, we’ve lost the "in person" aspect. And I miss seeing everyone!
I cannot wait to get to know people again, but also to talk about the jewelry and the process and materials, etc.
And especially the stones. You know I love to talk about the stones.
The new shop is going to feature stones and rocks prominently. Of course we will have LBJ silversmith jewelry on display, and more. But we will also have the stones on display in case you want to fall in love with one and have something made. And specimens!
We will have a classroom and open studio area for jewelry workshops of many types, as well as open creative hours. It's all coming together.
And beads! All of my beads are finally coming out for their rightful retail debut. So many years of collecting gemstone and semi-precious stone beads-- they're going on the wall! Here are three trays of MANYYYYY!
My most valuable possession cost $9.99 at Target...
... Confidence is worth more than all the weight-loss programs and skin-care regimens combined. I don’t care if you need a magic mirror to get it ... get it!
