MADONNA

I created this necklace in my ongoing exploration and examination of my faith...something I have been working on for a long time and actually quite afraid to do. I know it sounds silly, but growing up catholic , attending catholic school, and being instructed by nuns....let's just say I carried a lot of guilt with me over the years. This is in one way an exercise to shed some of that guilt, and to be able to celebrate what I believe. I really feared using a religious picture, medal, icon, etc....would be somehow wrong, blasphemous, ignorant. I tried to rationalize in my head, but it took a long time to sink in, and I think it was only by doing it, did I actually feel good about it, and reaffirm my beliefs. I was proud to wear it the other day, and am starting to become so comfortable with it I don't want to let it go...that is until I make another!! I have had talks recently regarding faith with a few artists I admire and respect, and they have also helped me along this journey. For this piece, I tried a technique that Deryn Mentock had published in the March/April 2009 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine, applying image transfers to chandalier crystals. Deryn"s blog is Something Sublime, and she is a kind, lovely person, and so talented, and is always willing to share. So a new journey of faith begins here, one filled with anticipation and celebration.....and whatever your faith, I hope this post in some little way will help you with your journey also.

GROWING III

I think I'm just about twisted out, but couldn't resist making a pair of earrings, and really giving it my own twist!

MORE FRIENDS AND MORE GIFTS

I recently did a charm exchange with the lovely Anne of Bulles Dorees blogspot from France! If you want a visually stimulating sight, visit her blog. This is what she sent me....just beautiful little charms in all different combinations, just lovely! She sent them in this little box done in mixed media which I just Looooove!! Anne also creates beautiful mixed digital collages, just incredible!! Thank you again Anne. I have a plan to make something outrageous incorporating all these charms!!
I also am participating in a "Create it Forward" exchange, and this gift of a mixed media painting was sent by the lovely talented Laura Pace!! It is so much fun, and unlike anything I have!! It also came with a delightful recipe, but I can't promise I'll be baking anytime soon Laura!! I like to take all these gifts and keep them around my work area so I am always reminded of all the kindness that surrounds my life. Thank you Laura and ladies!!

GROWING........PART II

In my continuing obsession with wire, and my longtime struggle to incorporate some fiber in my work, I created this. Not so super sure I liked it at first, but definitely liked a lot about it, so I reworked a few times till I was content. Then I had to leave it for a few days and come back and it is growing on me. I really liked LeAnn's button with it, I thought it helped fit the earthy character of the piece and to anchor the colors. In any event, I am not done twisted wire!

GROWING

Another project from Mary Hett's book, "Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet". This type of wireworking can be very addicting, and I really like how the physical movement involved in the process leads you to where you can go, and it can change with every twist of the metal. I actually made a few more projects that I will post later in the week.

FLANDERS FIELD

I guess it's very fitting, that my long awaited poppy blooming has occurred this weekend, in remembrance of the people who have served us in times of war. The poppy holds a lot of symbolic meaning for Memorial Day. It represents the blood lost by soldiers on the battlefields.
In 1915 a woman by the name of Moina Michel sold poppies as a way to encourage recognition of Memorial Day. The poppy is a wildflower, and it's seeds do not produce growth until they are disturbed. It is thought that in times of war, the soldiers marching through the fields turned the earth with their boots and poppies bloomed abundantly in places of desolation.

Let us all say our own type of pray for those who have sacrificed their time, work, and lives for our freedom!

USE THE MUSE II

Scarlet Lanson has launched her 2nd Use The Muse contest, and it looks very inviting to me. I missed the first one, so I'm anxious to jump in and give this one a try! She has teamed up with a few select sponsors for this , and they have put together a beautiful kit!! Scarlet's blog and website are a treasure to look at, and there is sooooo much information on it I suggest you visit it for yourself. An added bonus is that every week she is giving away a prize for spreading the news about her contest, and judging by the photo of this first week's prize, they are all going to be great as well!!! I just want to say thanks to Scarlet for all the hard work she must have to put into this, in order to share creativity with all of us. THANKS SCARLET! Here's a photo of this week's blogger rewards!!