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L.C. Van Houten
California Tortoiseshell Butterfly

California Tortoiseshell Butterfly

The California Tortoiseshell Butterfly, (Nymphalis californica) is known for mysterious population explosions where they fill the air. Their range is from British Columbia to Baja California. As caterpillars, they eat California Lilac (species ceanothus). Our Butterfly necklace is the perfect homage of the California Tortoiseshell with its scalloped wings and brilliant markings. Our Butterfly necklace is handmade from an antique button in your choice of sterling silver or bronze - both recycled. Layer with our other classic Modern Vintage classic necklaces to make your personal story. 

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L.C. Van Houten
Holiday Pop-Up: Handmade Jewelry, Bespoke Hats, Natural Skin Care & Woodworks!

Holiday Pop-Up: Handmade Jewelry, Bespoke Hats, Natural Skin Care & Woodworks!

We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with two other Marin-based handcrafted, woman-owned businesses for our Winter Holiday Pop-Up! sign up for your invitation to this private event! On December 15 from 11am-4pm, Creek Van Houten of Compass Rose Design will be joined by Laurie Berliner of Madge & Me Bespoke & Hand Made Hats, Brenna Krebbers of Mahina Skincare and Brian Ventura of BHV Woodworks. Shop directly from FOUR Bay Area artists! CREEK VAN HOUTEN / COMPASS ROSE DESIGN: Compass Rose Design is inspired by the history of small things, 1870-1970, a century that bridges the old world and the modern era. Each piece celebrates...

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L.C. Van Houten
Bronze Jewelry Care - A Case Study in Hawaii

Bronze Jewelry Care - A Case Study in Hawaii

I love Bronze because it has a beautiful warm color that pairs with gold and is one of the earliest metals used in jewelry. Bronze is an alloy made of copper and tin. It's history reaches back through millennia and inspired important trade routes in the ancient world. I wear my pieces everyday - except when I swim laps. Last week I went on a family vacation to Kauai and my jewelry got the serious chlorine, salt, and sand treatment. Here's what happened: Due of the copper content, Bronze can oxidize in combination with moisture, creating a greenish layer of copper...

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L.C. Van Houten
Fall Fashion Pop Up with Evgenia Lingerie

Fall Fashion Pop Up with Evgenia Lingerie

Shop local fall style on Nicasio Square during a pumpkin patch weekend - Sunday October 20th at 4503 Nicasio Valley Road from Noon until 5pm Join us for refreshments and shopping with Bay Area artists and designers, spanning a range of styles and aesthetics. For more about the participating artists, read on:STEPHANIE BODNAR / EVGENIA: Evgenia is fine lingerie for the modern heartbreaker. It is versatile and beautiful, the ideal marriage of strength and delicacy. A fresh take on an old story, Evgenia lingerie is meant to be worn out and about, and not strictly relegated to the boudoir. Thoughtfully simple construction pairs...

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