Vintage Postmark Necklace & Firehose Belt from UncommonGoods.com

When the good folks at UncommonGoods.com asked me to review product to share on my blog, I was extremely happy to oblige. I’ve been a fan of their unique marketplace for years and it took me three full evenings at the computer to narrow down my choices of items to review, there’s that much cool stuff! Most of their wonderful product is either recycled or handmade, or both. They have an amazing line-up of artists and share information on each, so you’ll enjoy your piece(s) even more knowing something about the person who crafted it.

My first choice was a gorgeous Vintage Postmark Necklace made by artist Susan Rodgers in New York. These pieces remind me of the Free French Postal Graphics I share on my blog.However,  Susan’s designs come with stories:

“Each handmade charm comes with a copy of the original postcard from which the postmark was taken and a story card describing the history of each authentic, historic correspondence. Together, these timeless pieces capture the essence of adventure, the excitement felt when exploring a new city, and the sentimental ties we have with our homes and our most cherished travel spots.”

My charm choice was the Pony Express because that service ran from Pikes Peak to San Francisco, two very special areas in my life history.My necklace arrived beautifully packaged and included an image of the original piece with its postmark, and information about the artist. The sterling silver charm suspends from a delicate silver, adjustable chain.And the detail of the charm is spectacular.This just may be my everyday necklace from here on out. I simply adore it. As the story goes, “A Pony Express rider, while crossing Nevada, met his demise )likely killed by Indians), before being able to deliver his mail. Two years later, in May 1862, the mail pouch from this failed mission was recovered. The mail pouch still had letters contained in it which were bound for the East.”

My second choice from Uncommon Goods, also from their Jewelry & Accessories Collection, was both a recycled and handmade item- the Fire Hose Belt!No, it’s not for me. It’s for my son, Bennett, a volunteer firefighter with a local fire district. He had just told me he was in need of a belt for jeans and what better kind to receive than a heavy-duty one made from an actual fire hose?! It comes with the original rubber lining for extra strength and durability, and is so well made.

Here is Colorado designer, Lori Holliday’s story behind these great accessories:

UncommonGoods.com will soon enough be your go-to market place for really, really unique gifts for the holidays and other occasions, and a delightful place to treat yourself. Along with Jewelry & Accessories, there are additional categories of Home & Garden, Dining & Entertaining, Office, Leisure, cool gifts for kids, and a Christmas Collection. Enjoy!