So, the other day I was at a local tavern, picking up tickets to see the Green String Farm Band. And there in the corner was a man holding a folder that said “Morris” on it. Now, seeing as I just happen to be named Morris, I felt the impulse to say hello. The man’s name was Jack Van Stone. He works for Lost Cost Brewery, and was in the bar to meet with the manager about beer. Morris is the name of a beverage distributer, he explained. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he asks, “Do you like beer?” “YES!” was my enthusiastic reply. His next question really had me puzzled, “Are your ears pierced?” “Um, yeah?” With a sly smile, Jack hands me a little bag with a pair of golden glittering earrings. Golden glittering beer bottle cap earrings. Golden glittering beer bottle cap earrings that he made himself. Jack is a bottle cap artist, and working for the Lost Coast Brewery clearly provides him with ample materials for his creations.
Needless to say, I was beside myself. There is nothing that makes me happier than the random kindness of strangers, but men who make crafts are a close second! Besides earrings, he makes rings with rhinestones, and is currently working on a beer bottle cap chainmaille bikini top, which he plans to bring to the Boonville Beer Festival this summer. Jack doesn’t sell his work online, he just likes to share. He crafts solely for the joy of creative reuse, and I’m guessing, seeing the smile on a stranger’s face. And for that I am very grateful. To get in touch with Jack, to talk about beer, or crafting, email him at jackglobal@sbcglobal.net. And if you like, please share your stories about random crafty kindness moments in the comments. Cheers!
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