What happens when beaders get together and want to create some way to honor the people in our lives??? Well, you get a Memories & Thanks Blog Hop of course...
This all began when Lori Anderson, heartbroken, shared with the group that Marianna of Moods by Mari had passed away. When we all heard the news we were all brainstorming of a way to honor her on The Bead Soup Cafe facebook page thread. It morphed into a beautiful tribute to any or all that we would like to Remember and or Thank, living or deceased. The Memories & Thanks Blog hop was born. And of course, Lori has graciously hosted this event.
Well, for me personally, this has been an interesting end to a trying year and a welcomed embrace to a new one. The past five years seem to be a blur as life and death have ebbed and flowed, reminding me how fragile and precious life is, crippling me at times. This blog hop seemed like the perfect thing for me to do to honor Marianna and have a tribute to my dead. My mother-in-law died late October 2012 and my sister-in-law at Christmastime this year making this timely as there deaths are what finally broke me in the whirlwind of loss and the depression that was sucking me in.
I had big ideas for what I would create, sadly in the midst of preparing and coping things did not turn out as I'd planned. i have some artisan beads, still not here and a few other glitches in original plans. I did however find a way to work with what I had and came up with the perfect piece - that I already wear, for me. I love bracelets and love movement. A charm bracelet seemed perfect...
I used charms that are representative of the person and what they imparted to me. The bracelet itself is made with bright pink w/black swirls Mother of Pearl(MOP) connectors that I joined with wire to form links. I added some chain links for adding charms, and a plate that says HOPE.
My bird charms didn't get here yet but I will add them. I have a red enameled Cardinal coming for Mari, Hummingbird for my grandfather who spent many hours delighting in watching them, Bluebird for my other grandfather, and a Dove for my mother.
The HOPE is to remind me there is hope in life no matter what I face and that I can do this without the physical presence of these influential people, who aren't really gone. The open heart at the hand-made clasp is a reminder of the eternal love shared between me and my loved ones. I chose a butterfly to remind me of metamorphosis in life and relationships. The INSPIRE, BELIEVE, and EMBRACE charms are to remind me of the lessons instilled by them all. For my Mother-in-law I have the smiling sun, and praying hands for my grandmother. I have a sunflower for my Kansas roots, crosses in shamrocks for heritage, and a life/energy swirl to celebrate life and my gratitude that these wonderful people were in my life and shared a part of the journey with me. I indeed, am blessed. I will post additional photos when I add the missing charms.
I used charms that are representative of the person and what they imparted to me. The bracelet itself is made with bright pink w/black swirls Mother of Pearl(MOP) connectors that I joined with wire to form links. I added some chain links for adding charms, and a plate that says HOPE.
My bird charms didn't get here yet but I will add them. I have a red enameled Cardinal coming for Mari, Hummingbird for my grandfather who spent many hours delighting in watching them, Bluebird for my other grandfather, and a Dove for my mother.
The HOPE is to remind me there is hope in life no matter what I face and that I can do this without the physical presence of these influential people, who aren't really gone. The open heart at the hand-made clasp is a reminder of the eternal love shared between me and my loved ones. I chose a butterfly to remind me of metamorphosis in life and relationships. The INSPIRE, BELIEVE, and EMBRACE charms are to remind me of the lessons instilled by them all. For my Mother-in-law I have the smiling sun, and praying hands for my grandmother. I have a sunflower for my Kansas roots, crosses in shamrocks for heritage, and a life/energy swirl to celebrate life and my gratitude that these wonderful people were in my life and shared a part of the journey with me. I indeed, am blessed. I will post additional photos when I add the missing charms.
Now grab yourself something good to drink and maybe some snacks and enjoy going through the blogs of the other participants. Enjoy the stories and creations....
Adlinah
Kamsir Dream Struck
Designs
Aimee
Biondolillo Aimee's Jewelry
TreasuresAlicia Marinache All the Pretty Things
Andra Marasteanu Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank Heaven Lane Creations
April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Barb Solem Vivi Magoo Presents
Becky Pancake Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery Stories by Indigo Heart
Bonnie Coursolle Jasper's Gems
Cassi Paslick Beads: Rolling Downhill
Catherine King Catherine's Musings
Cece Cormier The Beading Yogini
Chandra Leitz Juniper Goods
Charissa Nesler FireStorm Designs
Charlie Jacka Clay Space
Christina Hickman Vintage Treasures Jewelry
Christine Stonefield Sweet Girl Design
Chrizette Bayman Bead Soup Mix
Cindy Wilson It's My Sea of Dreams
Crystal Thain Here Bead Dragons
Cyndi Lavin Beading Arts
Debbie Rasmussen A little of this, a little of that
Denielle Hagerman Some Beads... and other things I like
Diana Gonzalez Arte y Poemas
Diane Hawkey diane hawkey
Dita Basu ankarshilpa
Donetta Farrington Simply Gorgeous
Dyanne Everett-Cantrell Deeliteful Jewelry Creations
Emma Todd A Polymer Penchant
Erin Kenny beadiful therapy
Erin Prais-Hintz Treasures Found
Gina Hockett Freestyle Elements
Gloria Allen Innovative Dreams Jewelry
Heather Marston CSW Designs
Inge von Roos Inge's Blog
Jacqueline Marchant Fiddledeedee Jewelry
Jami Shipp Celebrating Life! - YOU ARE HERE!
Jean Yates Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Do!
Jennifer Reno Musings of a Crafty Jenny
Jenny Robledo Peppa's Dream
Jennifer VanBenschoten Jewelry, Art and Life
Jessica Klaaren Cellar Door Jewelry
Jessica Murray Whimsical Monkey
Joan Williams lilruby jewelry
Jo-Ann Woolverton It's a Beadiful Creation
Joanne Browne josjewels1
Jodie Marshall Jodie Marshall Lampwork Beads Wearable Art
Johanna Rhodes Fire Phoenix Creations
John Rasmussen Rasumussen Gems and Jewelry LLC
JuLee Wolfe The Polymer Penguin
Julie Bean Blue Pig Blog
Karen Mitchell Over the Moon Designs
Karin King The Sparklie Things Blog
Karin Slaton Backstory Beads
Kat Douglas Washoe Kat's
Kay Bolton Toodles and Binks
Kelly Hosford Patterson The Traveling SideShow
Kim Ballor Vitamin C ... A Daily Does of Creativity
Kim Dworak CianciBlue
Kim Houston The Pink Martini
Kym Hunter Kym Hunter Designs
Laren Dee Barton Laren Dee Designs
Lea Avroch LA Jewelry Designs
Leanne Loftus First Impression Design
Lena Adams (Mari's daughter) -- TBA
Liddy McLaughlin Liddy McLaughlin Art
Linda Florian Lily's of the Valley Jewelry & Creative Creations
Linda Inhelder Must-Haves Jewelry
Lisa Hamilton Simply Irresistable Jewelry
Lisa Suver Fancee That
Lori Bowring Michaud Artfully Ornamental
Lori Poppe Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean
LouAnn Elwell Southpass Beads
Mandi Effron Craft-o-licious
Marcia DeCoster MadDesigns
Marcia Dunne The Alternative Foundry
Marie Covert Creating Interest
Marjorie Savill Linthwaite bennubirdrising
Marlene Cupo Amazing Designs by Marlene
Martha Aleo Ornamento
Marti Conrad Marti's Buttons -n- Beads
Mary Ellen Parker BeeTree by m.e.
Mary Govaars MLH Jewelry Designs
Mary Lindell Mary Lindell Artisan Jewelry
Maureen Connolly Mrs Beadsley's Workshop
Maybeline Tay The Jewelry Larder
Melissa Elgin The Addicted Beader
Melissa Mesara one-eared pig beads
Menka Gupta Menka's Jewelry
Michaela Pabeschitz la mar de bonita
Mischelle Fanucchi Micheladas Musings
Mona Rae Baroody Who Does She Bead She Is?
Nan Emmett Spirit Rattles -- Spirited Earth
Nancy Pedersen Something Heartfelt by Nancy
Natalie Davidson NorthShore Days
Nikki Douglas Bead It and Weep
Pam Farren re-maker
Pam, the Crazier Sister The Crazy Creative Corner
Priya Krish Hellopalz
Rebecca Anderson Song Beads
Rebecca Sirevaag Becca's Place
Robin Kae Reed Artistry HCBD
Rochelle Brisson a creative chelle
Sabine Dittrich perlendschungel
Sandi Volpe Sandi Volpe
Sandra McGriff Creative Chaos
Sarah Goode Pookledo
Sarah Singer String a Song of Sixpence
Serena Trent All Things Made Jewelry
Shai Williams Shaiha's Ramblings
Sharon Palac Sharon's Jewelry Garden
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
Sheila Davis Stone Designs
Shelley Graham Turner Fabric of My Life
Sherri Stokey Knot Just Macrame
Sherry Baun Unicorns Jewels
Skylar Bre'z Brising Beads
Stephanie Haussler Pixybug Designs
Tania Spivey Moobie Grace Designs
Terri G. Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter Tapping Flamingo
Terry Matuszyk Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
Toltec Jewels Jewel School Friends
Tracy Kruse Goldkisses Art
Tracy Martin Nutkitten's Jewelry
Zia Parks Anzi~Panzi's Work Shoppe
Zoe Marcin Beads, Tea and Sweets
Jami:
ReplyDeleteWow! I think the thing I love about this the most is that you made it for you. It isn't often that we make things for ourselves and this is such a personal project. I am glad you shared the charms you are adding, but aren't here. The symbolism of the bird is a wonderful tribute.
I love the things Lori does and I am glad you gave her a shout out, too.
What a lovely post to read to start my day. You are truly special! Thank you.
Thanks Melinda for your kind words and support :) It is good to have something personal now and again... this was definitely a timely Blog Hop! I agree Lori is awesome.
DeleteI am thankful for our friendship... <3
Ok Jami, so I knew [found out really quickly] that you are a gifted beader, you are very kind, patient and sweet. What I did not know was that you are VERY BLESSED BY GOD!!! You have had the trials of JOB this last year and still you have time and patience to help me, say wonderful things about designs and just be THE WONDERFUL PERSON YOU ARE!!! Ok now for the bracelet!!! I love charm bracelets to start with, and I really love yours! I think my favorite part is the Hope plate and the butterfly! Glad you are keeping it. it is a great tribute to the memories and a tangible way to keep them with you always! Touching and feeling the love you put in to each choice will bring your loved ones even closer!!! Thank you again for all of your help and kindness to me in the last few months!
ReplyDeleteThanks Robin, for your kind words and support! I think we have been a comfort to each other through some difficult times. I am honored to call you friend.
DeleteThis project was just what the doctor ordered, and yes it is comforting to have symbols of the memories, love, and lessons shared with my loved ones who have gone before.
What a lovely piece. I love that you can always add more to a charm bracelet, and I know that the charms that are still on the way will make this bracelet even more gorgeous than it already is.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karin! I think I like charm bracelets for the same reason. This was definitely a therapeutic experience for me.
DeleteSweet. I lovr that you will have nice memories everytime you fondle it or hear it tinkle on your wrist.
ReplyDeleteJami, this is the sweetest tribute piece I have seen. It will be wonderful to be wearing it and thinking of such blessed people in your life everytime you look at it.
ReplyDeleteI love how each of the charms is something really special to you...what a great way to remember your loved ones
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely charm bracelet! I adore them as you can personalize them and that you definitely did. Thank you for sharing just what the charms mean to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shaiha! I certainly have found comfort, healing, and acceptance - filling the void that was gaping... this was the right project and it just seemed natural to share the significance of the charms <3
DeleteI wear bracelets more than necklaces... it works :)
Your bracelet truly shows the essence of what this hop is all about. Thanx for sharing your story with us. I hope you find peace soon with your losses.
ReplyDeleteBecky, thanks for your words of encouragement and hope.
DeleteThank you for sharing about your losses! You bracelet is very personal and very pretty!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dyanne! I have enjoyed wearing it and has been a comfort.
DeleteJami: this is such a wonderful tribute to all your loved ones! I love the idea of a charm piece, where charms can each symbolize a different person or emotion. You're right: hope is the biggest of all! You captured all your loved ones so beautifully - thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alicia for your kindness, it has done well for me in the making and wearing of the bracelet.
DeleteI like your style and design. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
ReplyDeletePeace and Love.
Peace and Love to you too April! Thanks for your kind words :)
DeleteI really love a charm bracelet, nice job on it! So sorry for your losses...blessings.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marti! This whole project and my connections to everyone beacuase of Lori and the Bead Soup Cafe have been a blessing to me.
DeleteLovely bracelet with so much meaning.
ReplyDeleteThanks Louann!
DeleteI love charm bracelets, too...they can be so personal and so meaningful. Hugs to you, and may your beautiful charm bracelet bring you special memories each time you wear it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donetta! It has been a blessing to me already. As i wear it it brings me comfort - it embraces me in love.
DeleteWhat a lovely charm bracelet full of memories and meaning and yes..hope! When you get the additional items that didn't come in time you can share an up dated photo. Loved to see it. Hope you are enjoying the hop.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Terri G.
Terri, I will update photos and post that they're up. Thanks for your support, I have had to take it very slow and deliberate, as beautiful as all the tributes and the sentiment behind them are, they are also so touching and I am still emotionally wide open. I will take my time and feel and heal and hopefully help others do the same :)
DeleteLovely charm bracelet, so meaningful. Thanks for sharing sounds like you've had a lot on your plate lately.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your love and support!
DeleteHow wonderful this is. And the way you built the bracelet with what you had at hand at the time, and then will add more layers as they arrive -- it struck me as a metaphor for how we remember loved ones we lose. We wrap ourselves in the memories that are most immediately accessible to us, adding more as time passes and our memory allows us to go deeper. This is a touching celebration of those you've memorialized.
ReplyDeleteBobbie, you are so kind... I think I feel the same way about adding layers and depth. I am glad that you see and understand what this means to me.
DeleteA very touching tribute, the charm bracelet is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kepi, I am pleased with how it turned out.
DeleteThe charms are a perfect way to remember and honor your family. I would love to see this when the bird charms are added!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your losses this past year. I think that your work-in-progress charm bracelet is the best idea to honor all those that made a difference in your life. Each little charm is a touchstone, a talisman to remind you of the happier times and to keep their memory alive. Thank you for sharing your story. Enjoy the day. Erin
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin! It has already been a help to me.
DeleteSo sorry to read of your recent losses. This is a beautiful piece to remember them by.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I enjoy it and have found comfort in wearing it.
DeleteThanks for sharing your story. It is a beautiful story of remembering. As you continue to work on your bracelet, may the remembering evoke beautiful memories and happier times.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, it helps to remember and I am glad I have allowed myself the freedom to do so.
DeleteI'm so sorry for your recent losses. I liked that you didn't let glitches (eg beads/components that hadn't arrived) get you down and were able to complete the bracelet. I thought it was such a clever idea to make a charm bracelet - thank you for sharing the symbolism of each charm.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words od support and understanding... I had to finish - I had to have a way to celebrate the lives that have touched mine and I feel closer to them now too.
DeleteOh well, a charm bracelet is just perfect for missing elements. Once they come you will never know they weren't there from the start. It's a beautiful means of rememberance. I'm sorry for your recents losses too, hopefully no new charms for a good long time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your words. There haven't had to be any new charms. I have had different struggles, but am back to the grind of life now and looking up. Health is restoring and happiness returning. Thanks for your support :)
DeleteI unfortunately wasn't able to participate in this hop due to health related reasons, but I really wish I could have because this is something truly spectacular!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that you had such a trying year, especially in the latter half of 2012. I think your gorgeous bracelet pays tribute to so many of your loved ones and that's the one thing I REALLY love about it :)
Thanks Kayla! I have had some health struggles myself, keeping me from BSBP-7 and other events - heck the internet. Life seems to be returning to some sort of normalcy. Thanks for your words of support and understanding. Hope life is looking up for you now as well.
Delete