Aitkens Pewter Blog

December New products

2011-12-05T07:30:00.001-08:00

Aitkens Pewter helps treasure hunters come to the city to Geocache

2011-10-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Fredericton will host both local and visiting geocachers Saturday for the launch of the Fredericton Geocaching Tour.

Daryl Cooper of the Fredericton Region Geocachers will be trying to find 30 hidden locations around the city as part of a geocaching event this weekend. A winner will receive this trackable geo-coin in a Saturday evening event co-hosted by the city. The unique coin was designed with the Fredericton brand and made by Aitkens Pewter.

The tour is the first bilingual geocaching initiative in the province and is a co-operative effort between Fredericton's recreation and tourism divisions, and the Fredericton Region Geocachers.

Mayor Brad Woodside has proclaimed Saturday as Geocaching Day in the capital city.

Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers (called caches) with the help of a GPS device. They then share their experiences online.

There will be 30 caches hidden around the city, focused on three themes: nature, heritage and culture.

"Geocaching encourages people to be physically active outdoors," said Coun. Stephen Chase. "Geocaching continues to be a growing trend, with an estimated 5,000-10,000 cachers in the Maritime provinces."

"We see this partnership with the Fredericton Region Geocachers as a great opportunity to increase awareness of many of Fredericton's assets to this market," said Stacey Russell of Fredericton Tourism. "Not only do Frederictonians enjoy caching, but many cachers will include this as part of their activities while on vacation in the city."

Saturday's geocaching event, which is a full day of activities, is already drawing attention from many Maritime and New England geocachers who plan to make the trip. There are also groups from northern New Brunswick coming to the capital, who are particularly drawn to the fact it's a bilingual challenge.

The Fredericton Geocaching Tour is open to everyone. It begins with breakfast at the Snooty Fox followed by a day of geocaching, then a casual awards ceremony at the Odell Park lodge from 6:30-8 p.m. Awards will be presented to geocachers who are able to find 10 and 20 caches, with a special edition, locally crafted pewter geo-coin for those who find all 30.

For more information, visit www.tourismfredericton.ca/geocaching.

August 2011 New products

2011-08-16T11:01:00.001-07:00

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July 2011 New products-Happy Canada Day!

2011-06-28T08:48:00.001-07:00

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June 2011 New Products-Happy Father's day

2011-06-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Check out these great gift ideas for DAD!!!

Aitkens Pewter - April/May New products

2011-05-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

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Aitkens Pewter - Cultural Capital fish wall plaque video

2011-04-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

In 2009 the city of Fredericton, New Brunswick (Canada) was designated a Cultural Capital of Canada by the Department of Canadian Heritage. To commemorate this designation Aitkens Pewter was commissioned to create a piece for the City Hall.

Click here to check out the video!

March 2011 New products

2011-03-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

Click here for more Celtic gift ideas

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February 2011 New products

2011-02-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

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"City company made medals for winners" - Daily Gleaner article

2011-02-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
mclaughlin.heather@dailygleaner.com

Fifty-one-year-old Keith Fagan has a distinct advantage over his Special Olympian competitors - he's had an up-close glimpse of the gold.

Aitkens Pewter made the medals for the upcoming Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games. Above, at the Aitkens Pewter plant, showing off the gold, silver and bronze medals, are, from left: Marty Forsythe, chairman of the Special Olympics games; Keith Fagan, Special Olympian in floor hockey; and Martin Aitken, owner of Aitkens Pewter.

The floor hockey competitor doesn't hesitate to state his ambition to wear one of the pewter-based, gold-coated, green-enamelled medallions up for grabs at the upcoming New Brunswick Special Olympics.

"I hope to win," he said, as he eyed the finished medallion cast at the industrial park workshop of Aitkens Pewter of Fredericton. "I hope I get that gold. I'm going to give it my whatever."

A defenceman on his 16-member Fredericton-area team, Fagan will be joined by 215 other Special Olympians from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

He's been practising every Monday and is running, jogging and doing pushups weekly to be ready. He said he's going to bring an entourage of supporters to cheer him on when he faces his opponents.

Business owner Martin Aitken designed and had his staff cast the medals for the event, and he hasn't stinted on design or finish in creating his gift for the athletes.

Aitken designed the medals for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, and his wares have been given as gifts to visiting royalty.

"One of the things that struck me about the (Special Olympics) Winter Games here in Brunswick is that it more truly follows the true sense of the Olympics - volunteers getting together, athletes simply doing their best with what's available," Aitken said. "We want to design something that was truly unique for the games ... I hope when an athlete leaves with one of our awards that they'll feel that they are leaving with something that is Olympic class, not something that's purchased out of a catalogue."

The 300 bronze, silver and gold medals his company has produced incorporate the logo of the games and the green shading reflects the signature colour of the event.

Marty Forsythe, chairman of the New Brunswick Special Olympics, said figure skating, speed skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, floor hockey and curling make up the event. Individual and pairs events are included in the games, which open Thursday with competitions on Feb. 4-6. Closing ceremonies are Sunday.

New Brunswick last hosted the games in 2003 with the assistance of Canadian Forces Base Gagetown. Athletes this year will again be housed and fed on base and athletes will have the use of the military's arena, curling rink and gym.

"Each year we have games that go to the nationals that go to the worlds," Forsythe said.

Rosalind Fagan, volunteer co-ordinator for the event, said almost 100 volunteers help host the event, from military personnel to Oromocto High School students to University of New Brunswick nurses.

"Oromocto has just taken it right on and been wonderful and the base as well," Fagan said.

The event is a huge deal for the competitors because it allows them to qualify for national and world competition.

The games are hosted through a combination of fundraising, donations of goods and services and sponsorships. Those gifts and the $68,000 in cash it takes to run the event would probably push the total cost of hosting Olympians to $200,000, said Forsythe.

December 2010 New Products

2010-12-09T05:26:00.000-08:00

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'Tis the Season to Save the Legion

2010-11-03T06:55:00.000-07:00

Support HERE

DOING WHAT THEY CAN: Maxine MacConnell’s 120 World Issues class at Oromocto High School have started a fundraising project to support the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 93’s rebuilding efforts. They’re selling pewter ornaments and holding raffles, all in support of the local veterans. The first installment of their donation, hopefully $1,000, will be presented at Remembrance Day ceremonies at the school on Nov. 10.

World Issues students helping out in Oromocto
Tis the season to help the legion.Entitled just that, Oromocto High teacher Maxine MacConnell’s 120 World Issues class is embarking on a special fundraiser for something close to everyone’s hearts.

The Oromocto High School teacher suggested that, as they were studying world villages, why not do something for their own village, in particularly the Oromocto Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 93.

The students all wholeheartedly agreed and a two pronged fundraising campaign is now underway. All proceeds will be given to the Oromocto legion for their rebuilding fund.

Melissa Ward, of Gagetown, and Bailee Macpherson think the idea of raising money for the legion is one the whole school and entire community should get involved in.

They both decided to take the World Issues because it would be interesting to learn more about what’s going on in the world and are now getting an extra lesson in what’s going on right here at home.

“We don’t see some of the stuff that’s happening Asia, some of the stuff in Africa,” Ward said. “We talked about global villages and Miss. MacConnell said it’s great to look at the global aspect but sometimes you have to look at the local aspects.” So they decided to collect Canadian Tire money, purchase gift cards with it and sell tickets on the gift cards.

After one week of fundraising, they’re halfway to their $1,000 by Remembrance Day goal. They want to present a cheque to the legion members who will be participating in their Nov. 10 Remembrance Day service at the school and keep the campaign going until Christmas.

“I’m not from Oromocto but I know my family is in the military and [I] see the whole aspect of the legion being taken away and how much it affects the community and how it affects the military community,” Ward said.

She had spent a lot of time there during Christmas parties, anniversary parties and other celebrations; it’s sad and the legion facility is missed. “I was in cadets and we would go there and see where our group’s affiliation was from and what they did and now you can’t,” Ward said. Macpherson said she was hoping to learn more of what was going on in the world around her but this project has taught her so much more.

“I think it’s a good fundraiser and I also think that the community will get really involved with it because it is such a ‘community’ town,” she said. “Most of the fundraisers hat have been happening around the school have been for third world countries that are still developing but we chose to do something local because it is something in all of our hearts.”

“My dad is in the military and he’s a huge part of my life so it was a disaster to see him really upset about what happened and that just motivated me even more to do something,” she said.

They’re excited to see the results of their effort. “I just can’t wait to see everybody’s faces when it’s finally rebuilt,” Macpherson said.

MacConnell said her students have embraced this project and are putting 100 per cent effort into their cause.

“I’m really proud of them,” she said. “They have taken one small idea that I had, brainstormed, and they came up with so many ideas that I was just overwhelmed.”

They condensed those ideas, decided on what they could do to include the school and the community and have run with it.

“Aitkens Pewter has come on board to make the ornaments,” MacConnell said. “For them to help us out in that way is tremendous. They came to us. The owner emailed me and said ‘I want to get involved’.

”The ornaments will be $10 each and $5 of every sale will go to the legion rebuilding fund. The other $5 will going towards the cost of the ornaments.

“The design is something they can use again but we’re the first to use this design; they created it especially for us,” MacConnell said. A donation box is also located at the Bargain! Shop in the Oromocto mall and the amount raised there will be added to the Remembrance Day cheque.

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November 2010 New Products

2010-11-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

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October 2010 New Products

2010-09-28T06:38:00.001-07:00

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June 2010 New Products

2010-06-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

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Telegraph Journal Article - Celebrating history and green space

2010-05-13T05:35:00.000-07:00

Mike Doyle holds up the medals for Run Through History: A Celebration of Green Space. Each year in the three-year event, participants will receive a different medal that can be linked together.

Published Saturday May 8th, 2010

SAINT JOHN - Area runners can connect city landmarks to their achievements with the upcoming Run Through History event.

The showcase event, presented by Brunswick Pipeline, kicks off on July 10 and takes participants through some of the city's greenest and most historical landmarks. This year's theme is A Celebration of Green Space and takes runners through Rockwood Park, as well as other "green" areas throughout the city.

The medals awarded to participants is one of the unique aspects of the Run Through History, which takes place every summer for the next three years. Each year, every participant will be awarded a different medal. The pewter medals fit together like puzzle pieces, but can be displayed individually as well.

The medals for 2010 are engraved with a picture of King's Square, while in 2011 they depict the Reversing Falls, and in 2012, the pavilion at Lily Lake.

Mike Doyle, the event's creator, designed the medals and said he was completely awed when he saw them for the first time Monday.

"You're going to be kicking your butt if you miss next year and come back the last year. (The medals) all fit together and they look great," Doyle said.

The medals were created by Aitkens Pewter, a New Brunswick company.

"We're trying to keep everything local and very green," Doyle said, adding that he was impressed with the work the company does.

Similar medals were given out from 2004 to 2006 in the Run Through History's first event, the Tri-Fort Run.

Doyle said people came from across the country to run each year in the Tri-Fort Run and complete their medal collection.

"People actually came back (to run the event) because they wanted the medals. Last time we had the medals we had people from out West that came back every year so they could have the whole medal," Doyle said. "They flew back every year to do it.”

The event runs over the course of two days and takes runners as far as the city's west side. Saturday's event will include an afternoon of activities like rock climbing and geo caching at Rockwood Park and a Recycling Challenge Cup boat race sponsored by the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission. In this event, teams will race across Lily Lake in boats made entirely out of recycled materials in an effort to promote green living and recycling.

The races take place on Sunday, July 11. A Stride for Success relay will take place that morning, with team proceeds supporting Portage Atlantic's Recovery Trail. The substance-abuse rehabilitation centre hopes to enhance a 3.8-kilometre path to provide a safe and peaceful place for client exercise.

The shortest run takes place entirely within Rockwood Park and covers a distance of four km. The second longest run, about 14.5 km, will take runners through most areas in the city core, including uptown and the south and north ends, eventually returning to Lily Lake. The longest run is about 26 km and takes participants on a running tour of Saint John's marine attractions, including the Reversing Falls, and gives runners a view of Partridge Island.

The events are capped for participants, but the event organizer said he is not releasing the maximum number of spots available in hopes it will encourage people to apply early for spots. Doyle said he expects over 800 people to apply.

For more information, or to register for the event, visit www.celebrationofgreenspace.com.

Aitken Pewter, a Saint John company, made the medals for the race event.

____________________________________________

Also included in this issue of the Telegraph Journal was an ad for Export Achievement Awards which we provide the trophies for each year;

May 2010 New Products & tax free promotion

2010-05-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

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April 2010 New Products

2010-04-06T07:46:00.001-07:00

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March 2010 New Products

2010-03-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

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February 2010 New products & Groundhog week promotion

2010-01-30T05:11:00.000-08:00

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Telegraph Journal article : "Ornaments bring back Empty Stocking Fund children"

2009-11-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

SAINT JOHN - The first-ever limited edition Empty Stocking Fund pewter ornament goes on sale Friday at 8:30 a.m. and, already, phones have been ringing off the hook with people looking to buy.

Gary Dean, a long-time Empty Stocking Fund volunteer, was the first person to secure one of the new ornaments.

"We have had about a dozen people in to try to purchase them early and about 40 calls," home delivery sales and marketing manager Sheri Moore said.

"We are really expecting a crowd on Friday to buy."

A maximum of 2,000 ornaments will be sold at $10 each, HST included, and the mold will then be broken. Each ornament comes packaged with the heartwarming story of how the Empty Stocking Fund was born. Only cash will be accepted and all proceeds will go to the Empty Stocking Fund.

It was the late artist Jim Stackhouse who put faces to the Empty Stocking Fund children who, for years, represented the plight of Saint John's poor at Christmas and reflect what reporter Harry (Dutch) Ervine saw on his way back to the newsroom nearly 100 years ago.

This year, Moore decided it was time for the children to secure their rightful place in Saint John history and she proposed the idea of capturing them in a pewter ornament.

"I have been watching the Empty Stocking Fund ever since I can remember," Moore said.

"It was our family tradition growing up. My mother had to watch it for the full eight hours every year. It was when we started our Christmas cookies. Even if we were performing on the show, Mom would make arrangements to get us there so she could stay home and watch. When I got older and started working here, I got involved behind the scenes and have been attached to it ever since."

The ornament depicts two waif-life children gazing at toys in a store window and is from a drawing by Stackhouse, who drew the powerful illustration in black ink and wash in the 1960s, actually modelling it after his own two children. He said at the time that his son, Hank, used to wear an aviator cap, which he changed into a boy's cap with flaps, and his daughter, Greer, was the face of the little girl.

The children are dressed in thread-bare clothing and stand together in front of a brightly-lighted window. Pierre-Luc Arseneau, the Aitkens Pewter artist who cast the ornament, said it took pretty much a whole day to get the design perfect.

"I re-drew it and traced over it on the computer," he said. "I applied a three-D rendering program that allows me to take drawings and apply a virtual relief of it. I, virtually, sculpt the piece from my drawings."

It then takes a second full day to mill. Pewter is at least 95 per cent tin with small parts of antimony and copper, making it an extremely versatile metal that improves with age. It doesn't rust, tarnish or affect the taste of food or drink, and requires little maintenance.

Former Telegraph-Journal employee Gary Dean - who ran the Empty Stocking Fund campaign for 44 years and was known as Mr. Empty Stocking Fund - is thrilled with the ornament and was the first in line to buy, even before they went on sale.

"I think it's great," he said.

"It's the old-style logo with the two children. It's really good to see that back again."

The original Empty Stocking Fund logo has always been close to Moore's heart, too.

"It symbolizes what I remember of the Empty Stocking Fund: children helping children.

"While researching different New Brunswick companies to come up with our Christmas subscription packages this year, I stumbled upon the Aitkens site and thought immediately about how we could fundraise for the Empty Stocking fund with a limited-edition pewter ornament.

"I remembered the Uptown Saint John pewter campaign 15 years ago and standing in line myself to get the old General Hospital ornament," Moore said.

"The number of children needing help increases every year and with the economy the way it's been all year, I worried that the Empty Stocking Fund might suffer and was looking for a way to help.

"We have already had numerous phone calls and customers at our counter inquiring on the ornaments since the announcement ads started running on Monday."

Auditions for the Empty Stocking Fund will be held on Saturday, with the 73rd annual broadcast set for Nov. 21.

Aitkens Pewter - September 2009 New products

2009-09-01T09:11:00.001-07:00

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Aitkens Pewter - July 2009 New products

2009-06-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

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Aitkens Pewter's Facebook

AitkensPewter creates special keepsake - Gazette article

2009-06-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

Aitkens Pewter - June 2009 New Product

2009-06-15T12:35:00.001-07:00

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Aitkens Pewter- May 2009 New products

2009-05-05T07:07:00.001-07:00

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Aitkens Pewter- We're on YouTube!

2009-04-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Aitkens Pewter would like to invite you to a behind the scene look at how we have produced our anticipated Canadian Leopard Tank replica using all of our technology and resources. You will also get to meet the man behind the company, Martin Aitken as he talks about his company and the production of the Leopard tank. Aitkens Pewter would also like to thank the video production team and the folks at Goldencoast.ca for graciously hosting these videos for us.

Martin Aitken

Canadian Leopard pewter tank replica

ArtCam 2009 User Group meeting

Our videos hosted on GoldenCoast.ca

WWW.AITKENSPEWTER.COM

Telegraph Journal Article - Brilliant Tradition

2009-04-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

For nearly 40 years Aitkens Pewter has been a fixture in New Brunswick's capital, prompting Fredericton to crown itself the pewter capital of Canada. Over the years, founder Martin Aitken has reached new markets while exceeding expectations in craftsmanship and design.

We are proud to be featured in Telegraph Journal's Salon article which features the company history, our techniques and highlights our latest creation, the Leopard C1 tank replica.

Also , stay tuned for our next blog which will feature a locally made video featuring Martin Aitken and the production of the Leopard tank!

Aitkens Pewter- April 2009 New Products

2009-04-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Aitkens Pewter- March 2009 New Products

2009-03-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

HREF="http://www.aitkenspewter.com/catalog/1">www.AitkensPewter.com

Aitkens Pewter- Green Shop

2009-02-19T07:21:00.000-08:00

Aitkens Pewter- February 2009 New Products

2009-02-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

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Aitkens Pewter- Valentine' s day-Eternal Love pendant

2009-02-10T04:16:00.001-08:00

Aitkens Pewter - Groundhog week special

2009-01-28T12:49:00.001-08:00

Aitkens Pewter- December 2008 New products

2008-12-23T07:08:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas everybody, from the staff at Aitkens Pewter!!!

Aitkens Pewter – What is your Celtic connection

2008-09-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

Celtics travel mainland Europe for centuries. Because of that many of us have Celtic connections. We are of the designs and craftsmanship that we offer to those of you who have a Celtic connection.

More designs can be seen by typing in “celtic” at www.aitkenspewter.com

Cheers
Martin Aitken

Aitkens Pewter- New Product for September

2008-08-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Aitkens Pewter- New Product for August

2008-08-06T07:51:00.001-07:00

Aitkens Pewter- Something everyone should know about - New biodegradable plastic shopping bags

2008-07-22T08:48:00.001-07:00

Aitkens Pewter- New Products for July

2008-06-30T08:41:00.001-07:00

Aitkens Pewter- new products for May

2008-04-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here's what's coming up around the corner for our May 2008 new products, don't forget the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each month is our special 30% off deal so you'll want to take advantage of it if you're thinking of getting some of these hot new products.

Thanks again for reading,
happy May Day folks!

Aitkens Pewter

Tommy's Tommie

2008-04-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

tommy’s tommie: The Friends of STU Hockey presented the “Tommy Hughes Friends of STU Hockey Award” at a reception prior to the St. Thomas University athletic awards banquet Tuesday, April 8th, 2008. The award, named in honour of long-time St. Thomas Fan Tommy Hughes, is presented to the playere who is dedicated, leads by example, has a good work ethic and plays with grit, determination and tenacity -- known as “Tommie Hockey”. The award was presented to graduating veteran Jean Bourbeau (left) by St. Thomas head coach Mike Eagles. The award was made by Aitkens Pewter.

We here at Aitkens would like to congratulate Jean Bourbeau for his determination and tenacity and we hope you enjoy this beautiful award!

Thanks for reading!

Aitkens Pewter

Irish Charm

2008-03-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our new Celtic line is almost ready to be released into our stores and we are excited to give you a sneak peek...

Keep a look out for other new product postings!

Thanks for reading!

Aitkens Pewter

We have made Progress!

2008-03-06T06:39:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick little posting that should have been made last year... but of course our Blog not exist untill this year so here it is...

The above article was in the October 2007 issue of "Progress" highlightning another local Fredericton company, Remsoft. Of course we send our congratulations to Remsoft for there great work.

If you look real close you will see that just behind the couch there is a small frame with a pewter Inukshuk displayed in it... that happens to be one of our pieces. There is a good chance this piece was assembled by our staff in our Queen Street location as either a gift or award.

Our framed Inukahuk (and many of our other Inukshuk themed products) have been used by many as awards, gifts or even keepsakes to be given away.

"The Inukshuk (IN-OOK-SHOOK) meaning 'in the image of man' were erected by the Inuit people and are unique to the Canadian Arctic.They endure as eternal symbols of leadership, the importance of friendship and reminding us of our dependence upon one another.These were built to point the safer way for those who followed. The Inukshuk guided people across the frozen land and gave them the strength to handle hardships they encountered."

If you or your companie is thinking a framed Inukshuk would be a great gift please feel free to call us (the framed crest is not avaiable online) at (800) 567-4416 and you can place your order.

Thanks for reading....

Aitkens Pewter

A little touch of the Irish....

2008-03-01T05:18:00.000-08:00

It is almost that time again... a time to break out the green tie, those green pants and see if you can dig up a 4 leaf clover... under all that snow?

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and in some circles it is one of the best times of the year to enjoy friends, family and a pint of green ale.

Our Aitkens Pewter line of Celtic products seems to always be a very popular motif with visitors to the Maritimes. This year we are very excited to expand that collection (hint - next month we have 3 new Celtic products to unveil) with our first Celtic Christmas ornament (available March 1st, 2008)...

“A Celtic Christmas”, a time for gathering, a time for sharing, and a time for reflection.
This very unique ornament was designed in-house and reflects the true Celtic knot; a continuous knot with out a beginning or end.

This particular ornament is in the shape of a star with a transparent green enamel center. The green for its Irish roots and the star shape to symbolize our hopes, dreams, aspirations and the sharing of our light with each other.

You may think... a Christmas Ornament... March???? Think of this as a sun catcher in the summer and an ornament in the winter... add a suction cup hanger and put it in a window and watch the green light dance around the room.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all!!!

Thanks for reading

Aitkens Pewter

Sneak Peek... New Products For March 2008

2008-02-18T05:43:00.000-08:00

It is always great when we can give our customers a sneak peek at what we are up to. This time we are happy to be able to give you a look at our new products that will hit our stores and be available online March 1st, 2008.

We have our new fun and playful Ladybug jewelry collection, our beautifully designed Celtic Christmas ornament and the finishing pieces to our Jade Collection. Not pictured is a new School Bus picture frame that has three windows to hold your children’s school pictures.

With St. Patrick’s Day coming just around the bend (March 17th) the lady in you life would look perfect wearing any of our Celtic line of jewelry or if you are planning to celebrate the occasion by visiting friends, the new Celtic Ornament would be a perfect hostess gift!

Thanks for reading...

Aitkens Pewter

We love to hear your comments...

2008-02-14T06:33:00.000-08:00

It is always great to get customer response! We love feedback on pretty much anything we do!

Below is a great comment from one of our online customers...

"Just received my order (Bedtime Wish Box) and everything's in great shape. Very nicely wrapped in your Aitkens Box.............Thanks again, for your prompt and friendly service..........former Saint Johner, Jean." Jean from Kingsville, Ontario Bedtime Wish Box - Item # 10.081

Thanks Jean for your wonderful comments.

Sometime we get comments that, well, just add a little insight into our current product line...

"Hi, I recently got your flyer in my mailbox and couldn't help but notice that your Canadiana picture frame, though pretty, is decorated with Norway maple leaves. The red maple leaf, not the Norway maple leaf, is the symbol of Canada found on the flag. You can tell the difference because Norway maple leaves have extra lobes near the stem. The Norway maple is an ironic choice for a symbol of Canada not only because it is non-native but because it is an invasive species that crowds out other, native species. Unfortunately, it is liberally planted in urban areas in this country, including Fredericton, because it is tough and resistant to smog. Just thought you might be interested to know that." Vivian, Fredericton, NB
Canadiana Picture Frame - Item #06.415

Hummm... I guess this speaks to our attention to detail... Thanks Vivian. Comments like this are great to get and can only make us better at what we do.

And our last comment comes from a lady that was at the CASE I conference with Martin Aitkens in Boston (see last posting)...

"Martin, I love the blog.
Nice job!
The pewter boxes for the Light the Flame Conference were absolutely beautiful and very classy. In my mind, the quality of the Aitken's craftsmanship is second to none.
People in our business want our donors and friends to understand that our thanks and gratitude is as long lasting as... well, Pewter!
I am in awe of your talent and the quality of your product." Mary

Thanks Mary for the great message and we are all glad that the trinket box's were well received!

That's it for now....

Thanks for reading.

Aitkens Pewter

We are "Fire Starters!"

2008-02-08T05:40:00.000-08:00

Getting Alumni excited about giving back to the intuitions that helped to mold their careers is a tough job. It takes a special person to give back and those who do deserve to be rewarded with a very special gift.

Creating these special gifts is something that Aitkens Pewter is very good at. Every year we are asked to design and create many one-of-a-kind gifts and every year we are happy to say that these gifts are very well received. Not only because of their unique design, wonderful craftsmanship or attention to detail, but for the "heart" we infuse into these pieces. The recipients of these special gifts not only appreciate the sentiment but can make a connection; the passion we feel for our work is the same passion they feel about their work and what they have become!

We are one of the "fire starters" that can truly help to "light the flame"!

This year we are happy to be yet again a Sponsor of the 2008 CASE District I Conference. We have created a very special oval trinket box that will be given to speakers and special guest.
Martin Aitken, owner and craftsman, will be at the conference in Boston to meet with attendees and explain how we can be a very important part of their "alumni relations" programs and help to "Light The Flame!"

If you are attending the conference, look for our great new ad in the conference program.
If you can see us being a part of your alumni relations program or any other appreciation program we would love to hear from you. Call Martin directly at (800) 567-4416 ext 3 or email him.

Thanks for reading!

Aitkens Pewter

In Celebration of Groundhog Day!

2008-02-01T04:02:00.000-08:00

Groundhog Month has arrived and with it so has our "Groundhog Month Savings Event"!

Starting today, if you are making a purchase at one of our four Studio Store locations or online at AitkensPewter.com you can save 13% (the equivalent of our New Brunswick Sales Tax) by presenting your Groundhog Token in person or entering in our special promotion code online.

Also, for our local customers that can visit us in person, you can save an additional 10% by showing us any customer loyalty card and we will take you Canadian Tire Money as if it was real cash!!!

We only do this once a year... for the month of February!! There isn't a more perfect time to get your yearly gift giving purchases then right now. Your friends and family will be amazed by the hand-crafted quality of our pewter giftware... something to be cherished for a life time.

Thanks....

Aitkens Pewter

PS... if you don't have an official Groundhog Token we will be including one in every online order (in February)... for free, and if you live near one of our Studio Stores just stop in and sign up for one... they are free. Also... they double as a high-tech weather prediction device!

PSS... more information on Groundhog Day click the link.

Sneak Peek - New Products for February 2008

2008-01-29T11:21:00.000-08:00

As one of our Blog readers we wanted you to be one of the first people to know about our New Products to be released next month. We are super excited!!!

Right now they are available online at AitkensPewter.com... even before they are in our stores (we can't ship until Feb 1st, 2008 but you can pre-order NOW!).

If you wait until Feb 1st, 2008 (or any time in February) to order, look for the Groundhog banner... click it to find out how to save 13% on your order and receive a high-tech weather forecasting Groundhog coin for FREE!! (with your order).

Thanks for taking the time to see what is new!!!

Aitkens Pewter

Aitkens Pewter on Front Page!

2008-01-28T04:13:00.000-08:00

The story on the front page of the Daily Gleaner (Fredericton, New Brunswick's local paper) was not focused on pewter, but the Saint Thomas University Student interviewed and pictured is wearing our Pisces zodiac pendants...

Article - By ADAM BOWIE - Published Monday January 28th, 2008 - Appeared on page A1

These pendants have become very popular amongst many of our customers. Both men and women alike, seem to be attracted to their simple design. We decided to use black cord as a finding to keep the whole look more earthy. Every pendant comes with a small write-up that tells a bit about the particular zodiac sign and instructions on how to make the perfect slip-knot.

The designs are based on one of Martin Aitken's (owner of Aitkens Pewter) first belt buckle series. They were released in the early days of Aitkens Pewter around 1973. In the year 2000 we created the pendant designs and released the whole 12 month collection.

If you are interested in seeing all of the zodiac designs please follow this link... Zodiac Pendants.

We always love to see our work pop up in photos and at special events. If you happen to see one of our pieces someplace or have a special piece you use or love to wear, please email us a picture at comments@aitkenspewter.com. We would be happy to post it on our blog with a bit of text explaining your event or why you like that special piece.

Thanks....

Aitkens Pewter

Groundhog Month Savings!

2008-01-22T10:26:00.000-08:00

Subscribe to our feed or get on our mailing list for updates on this special event!

Aitkens Pewter's 1st Blog Posting

2008-01-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the "official" Aitkens Pewter Blog. You may find it strange for a small pewter company in New Brunswick, Canada to have a blog but we feel it is an important step forward and a great compliment to our new online store(http://www.aitkenspewter.com/).

We have always prided ourselves on the "experience" we give our walk-in customers. In the past (before today) our walk-in customers we able to get inside information on the products and services we offer or are going to offer. Not that we were leaving our online customers in the dark but we did not have a avenue to do this... unless you wanted an email waiting in your in box every couple of days... we know you did not want that! Now you will be able to keep up with the news on your terms and on your time schedule.

This will be the place to get all of the up-to-date information on new products, new locations, what we are up to and also where we are going. This also will be a spot for you to leave us a note on how you think our designs are looking or what the next new product should be. We want your comments... that's what will make us better!

We hope you come back often or sign up to the RSS feed so you can stay in the loop. You are a very important part of why we have been in business since 1972... and we want you to know we appreciate you!

Thanks for stopping by!