About
What is Alder Grand Park?
Hey there, I'm Allie, and Alder Grand Park (AGP) is my passion-fueled artistic outlet, born from my love of creation and connection. By day, I’m a dedicated higher education professional; during every other waking moment, I’m a mother, lover, and creator, channeling my energy into crafting art that enriches and inspires.
Artistic Concept
Established in 2023 in Chapel Hill, NC, AGP is built upon the fusion of art and daily life, bridging tradition and innovation while fostering a vibrant artistic community.
Mission
At AGP, we aim to infuse joy into daily life through the transformative power of art. Art enriches the world and we seek to craft exceptional, limited-edition pieces that resonate with the soul and celebrate nature's raw beauty. By blending traditional and contemporary artistic expressions, we strive to inspire wonder and nurture a sense of belonging within our community.
Vision
We aspire to be a hub for art enthusiasts seeking distinctive, handmade creations that reflect the beauty of nature and the diversity of human culture. Our vision is a world where homes are adorned with unique and ethically sourced art, and where communities thrive through shared artistic experiences.
Art and jewelry are available through local vendor markets, pop-up events, and online sales via our website and social media.
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Making a Difference
Commitments and Values
Community-Centric Approach:
Alder Grand Park is not just a business; it's a hub for artistic expression and connection. We aim to host educational workshops, art events, and collaborations that bring our community together. These initiatives not only enrich the lives of our customers but also create a sense of belonging and shared appreciation for art.
Commitment to Sustainability:
We prioritize ethical practices in our art production by minimizing plastic use, embracing plastic-free glues and products wherever possible, and sourcing materials locally. By supporting local artisans and reducing our environmental impact, we align with our values of environmental responsibility and community connection, ensuring our art contributes to a brighter, more sustainable future.
Art that Transforms Daily Life:
At Alder Grand Park, our core concept revolves around the belief that art has the power to bring joy and inspiration into everyday life. We're not just about creating art; we're about crafting unique pieces that become a source of joy in our collectors’ lives. From nature-inspired jewelry to home décor, each creation is designed to enhance the beauty of living spaces and adorn individuals with wearable art.
Products
Unique, Handcrafted Art for Modern Living:
Our art pieces are not mass-produced; they are limited editions crafted in small batches, ensuring their uniqueness and quality. Alder Grand Park aims to be the destination for those seeking art that augments modern everyday living, reflecting the beauty of nature and the richness of global artistic traditions.
Where to Buy
Local Vendor Markets and Pop-Up Events:
We take our art directly to the heart of our community by participating in local vendor markets and pop-up events throughout the Chape and the surrounding areas. These physical spaces provide us with an opportunity to connect with our customers on a personal level, showcase our limited-edition handcrafted art, and share the stories behind each creation. It's a chance for art lovers to touch, feel, and experience our pieces firsthand.
Online Sales through Website and Social Media:
In today's digital age, we understand the importance of an online presence. Our website serves as a virtual gallery, allowing customers to explore our diverse portfolio, learn about our artistic process, and make secure online purchases. We leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to engage with a wider audience, share our latest creations, and build a loyal community of art enthusiasts.
Retail Locations:
Currently AGP is not selling in any retail locations. Stay tuned for updates!
Common Questions:
Materials and Process
What materials do you use?
Pretty found objects, paper, wood, paint, stain, fire, oil, glue, clay, wire, luminescent pigment, pearls, semiprecious stones, crystals, and shellac are some of my favorites. Any piece I make, regardless of final form, is likely to incorporate at least a few of these materials!
Do you make jewelry in Silver?
Generally my pieces are made with gold, but I will absolutely make custom orders in Silver. Hey, if they look better in Silver, I will also add them to the main line!
How long does it take to make your origami bonsai or mobile?
Each piece varies slightly, but all elements of the final piece are done by hand from the foraging of sticks, staining and finishing of the mount board, hand-folding the origami pieces, finishing them individually, and gluing them to the branch. Each piece can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks from start to finish. For reference, folding one flower blossom takes about 5 minutes.
Do you finish all of the papers you use in origami?
Nope - I finish many of the origami pieces with some sort of fixative, but some are not finished at all - it's all part of the study. Generally, the paper I use to make origami has been through at least one finishing process at one point or another - some of the papers are my old artwork, or upcycled magazines, or some other form of non-traditional folding paper.
Jewelry and Care
What is Permanent Jewelry?
Permanent Jewelry is jewelry that is welded shut, rather than having a clasp closure.
Does Permanent Jewelry Hurt?
Nope! It takes a quick zap-zap to weld the chain shut. You will have the option of wearing a pair of level-5 welding sunglasses, or looking away while the weld is taking place to protect your eyes, so all you'll feel is the joy of having a new, beautiful, low-maintenance piece of jewelry.
Can I make an existing piece of jewelry into permanent jewelry?
Yes! Any piece of jewelry can become permanent with a quick zap. Making pieces permanent requires a weld fee of $20.
How much does Permanent Jewelry cost?
We charge by piece, regardless of style, in gold-filled or sterling silver chain:
Bracelets: $50
Anklets: $60
Necklaces: $120
Weld fee: $20 (re-works, repairs, and making existing jewelry permanent)
Can I shower in my jewelry?
We recommend you remove jewelry with semiprecious stones and pearls when you swim and shower, but pieces made from only gold-filled metal can be worn daily and regularly, through your everyday activities like sweating, showering, and swimming.
Can I fly on an airplane with permanent jewelry?
Currently the TSA guidelines state that in general, small pieces of jewelry like rings and earrings can be worn through TSA checkpoints without issue.
Can I get an MRI with permanent jewelry?
You will need to remove all jewelry and follow hospital protocols to receive an MRI or undergo surgery. If you need to schedule a re-weld of a permanent piece for any reason, you may do so for a weld fee of $20.
What materials do you use for traditional jewelry?
Most pieces are done in gold-filled wire and chains. Gold-filled pieces are high-quality and contain about 100x more gold than gold-plated jewelry. Gold-filled jewelry is hypoallergenic and nickel-free, and designed to last a lifetime. All materials we use for jewelry are hypoallergenic and nickel-free. We also have sterling silver and silver-plated wires and chains available so if you see it in gold, we can make a rendition in silver.
Exchanges and Warrantees
Do you have a warrantee on permanent jewelry?
Yes, if your permanent jewelry needs re-welding within the first year, it's on the house. After the first year, re-welds are still possible, but cost $20 per session. Submit a service support request below to start the process.
What if I change my mind about an order?
Don't worry, sometimes feelings change - returns are accepted for store credit within 30 days of purchase.
Can I return permanent jewelry?
No, returns on permanent jewelry are not accepted. Once we size the chain to your body and put it on, we cannot process returns.
I lost my permanent jewelry, what can I do?
If you lose your jewelry within the first week of your welding appointment, we will replace your chain. After that, you'll need to repurchase your permanent jewelry.
My piece has been damaged and I need repairs, how do I start that process?
Listen, accidents happen. Submit a service support request below to begin the process of repairs. Repairs (for décor and jewelry) which require a rebuild of a piece may require additional charges, which will need approval before repair work can begin.