Creative Forces

Rich and Michelle Drake’s partnership is built on four decades of creativity, craftsmanship, and connection. Together they have created a beautiful life — raising a family and filling their home with Rich’s woodworking and Michelle’s paintings.

Rich, the craftsman, has long been drawn to shaping wood and metal, building everything from fine furniture to classic cars. Michelle, the artist, expresses her creativity through paintings that grace prominent homes, churches, and public spaces across the East Coast.

New Life for Reclaimed Materials

Over the years, the couple saved end cuts of exotic woods from Rich’s projects, committed to honoring every beautiful piece. In November 2022, after taking a basket weaving class, Michelle found the perfect inspiration: handcrafted jewelry.

Blending traditional weaving techniques with sustainable design, they launched Stonington Designs in January 2023 — creating distinctive reclaimed wood jewelry made by hand in their Connecticut workshop.

Crafted by Hand, Rooted in Purpose

Rich’s background as a craftsman and process engineer allowed the couple to manufacture their jewelry components in-house, ensuring quality at every step. As demand grew, Michelle expanded her creative vision, bringing Stonington Designs’ handcrafted jewelry to online retail and wholesale markets. To preserve the brand’s artisan craftsmanship and support local communities, the Military Spouse Weaving Program was created — offering flexible weaving opportunities to military families. [Read more about our Military Spouse Weaving Program here.]

Committed to Craftsmanship, Community, and Growth

At Stonington Designs, every piece reflects a dedication to American craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and thoughtful design. Proudly creating made in the USA jewelry, the brand supports local artisans, military families, and eco-conscious production.

Stonington Designs is also proud to be part of the Goldman Sachs 10K Alumni community, committed to conscious growth and innovation. As members of the Museum Store Association and the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, the company continues to expand its reach while staying rooted in coastal heritage and timeless artisan values.

Michelle, the artist, has been her own creative force, an artist at the core of her being. Her paintings hang in prominent homes, churches and public spaces throughout the east coast.