Home > Artists of the week > Lara Green’s Story

She Resisted Mass Production for 35 Years—Now Her Final Handmade Pieces Are 80% Off

By Katie Williams - Published: May 16, 2025 – Updated: 2 hours ago

Katie Williams is a senior writer covering artisan craftsmanship and cultural stories for Artisan Weekly.

Lara Green, a 70-year-old artisan who’s closing her workshop after 35 years. (Photo: Artisan Weekly)

A Story of Craftsmanship in a Mass-Produced World

For over 35 years, Lara Green spent her days crafting delicate, one-of-a-kind jewelry in her cozy North Carolina workshop. Each piece was lovingly made by hand — not for sale, but as heartfelt gifts for friends and family. Now, at 70, arthritis has made it too painful for her to continue.

"My hands just aren’t what they used to be," Lara says with a soft smile. "But I’d rather see my work out in the world — worn, loved, passed down — than left sitting in boxes."

What began as a private passion became something much bigger when her granddaughter shared her story online. Within days, thousands of women connected with Lara’s art — and with the soul behind it. In a world full of fast fashion and machine-made jewelry, Lara’s deeply personal pieces stood out.

Lara Green in her workshop, shaping her final collection by hand. (Photo: Artisan Weekly)

Lara never expected her quiet, personal story to resonate so widely. But after her granddaughter shared it online, something remarkable happened — in a world flooded with mass-produced jewelry, people were moved by the authenticity of one woman, working alone, crafting beauty with her bare hands.

Within days, the internet had fallen in love — not just with her jewelry, but with the meaning behind it.

Customers Instantly Felt the Difference

💬 “I found Lara’s collection by accident — I thought it was a luxury brand! The craftsmanship is incredible, and you can tell it's made with love.”

– Jessica L., Verified Buyer

💬 “My grandmother had a necklace like this when I was little. I ordered one the second I saw it — it feels like something passed down, not bought.”

– Juliana R., Verified Buyer

Soon, orders were pouring in from all over the world. Women were moved by more than the beauty — they were drawn to the soulful contrast between Lara’s handmade artistry and the cold perfection of factory-made jewelry.

Lara was stunned.

“I never thought anyone beyond my friends would wear my work,” she says. “Now I can barely keep up.”

But as her arthritis worsens and supplies dwindle, this is truly the last chance to own a piece of her life’s work. Her final collection is almost gone — and there won’t be another.

Inside Lara’s sunlit studio in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo: Artisan Weekly)

More Than Jewelry — A Rebellion Against the Disposable

Lara Green’s jewelry isn’t just stylish — it’s deeply intentional.

Every ring, bracelet, and necklace is crafted entirely by her hands, one piece at a time. No templates. No shortcuts. No mass production.

For over 35 years, Lara has poured her heart into jewelry that feels alive — each piece subtly different, rich with detail, and full of soul.

From hand-selecting each stone to the final polish, she treats every design like a tiny sculpture — something meant to be worn, felt, and passed on.

"I don’t want people to wear my jewelry just because it’s pretty," Lara says.

“I want it to hold memories. To remind them of someone they love. To outlast trends.”

In a world of factory-made sameness, Lara’s work stands apart.These aren’t just accessories — they’re future heirlooms, created with care and meant to last lifetimes.

A glimpse at the last of Lara’s handcrafted pieces. (Photo: Artisan Weekly)

The Final Collection — Almost Gone

After 35 years of quiet dedication, Lara Green is closing her studio for good. Her arthritis makes it too painful to continue — and this is truly the end of her one-woman craft.

No employees. No machines.

Just a lifetime of work in a final, limited collection.

These aren’t restockable. There’s no warehouse. Once a piece is gone — it’s gone forever.

With hundreds already sold, only a handful remain. To say thank you, Lara is offering this last collection at up to 80% off — a parting gift to those who value meaning over mass production.

“I’m overwhelmed by the love,” Lara says.

“But it’s time to rest. I want my pieces to live on — worn, shared, passed down — not packed away in boxes.”

Don’t wait to own something truly rare: a handmade original in a world of replicas.

This is your last chance to carry a piece of her legacy.