A birthday gift

I love giving gifts.  I love giving gifts that have an emotional significance to the receiver even more.  My dear, dear cousin recently had a birthday and I made her a gift this year that had a family connection.  So, let's back up...several years ago, my mother gave me a book with cute ideas for hand made bags, purses, totes, etc., and I have looked through it over and over again trying to decide which would be the best pattern to make.  This year, I finally concluded that I would make a small zippered wristlet for Sarah's birthday.  I went to my local fabric store and found a deal on some pretty fabric for the exterior of the bag along with the detailing.  When I got home and started cutting the pattern out, I realized that the fabric that I had for the lining and strap was fairly "plain."  I started hunting around in my fabric to see if there was a small scrap of fabric that would work when....out of the blue I remembered that I had a small bag of silk scarves, fabric napkins, and other fabric pieces from our grandmother's estate tucked away.  I pulled it out hoping that there would be something there to work with.  It was magic!  I found the perfect fabric napkin that matched the project and the rest is history.  It turned out so nicely, that I made two wristlets, one for Cousin Sarah and one for me.  Now we can carry a piece of our family inside our wallet, everyday.  There is so much to love about this project, and I love that I was able to share it with someone I love so dearly!

If you post it, they will come.

Is it silly to make a baseball movie reference when talking about recycling and upcycling jewelry? Nah. 

 It has been many moons since I lasted posted and told you about the latest and greatest on my jewelry bench.  Today I am here to tell you that I have had small successes this winter/spring.  I made a bridal necklace for a co-worker of mine using pearls that had once belonged to her mother.  Her mother passed away several years ago, but she asked me if I thought I could recreate a picture of a necklace she had found online using those same pearls and I said, "absolutely."  I was thrilled with how it turned out and I hope she did too.  She looked amazing on her wedding day.

For me, it's the story behind the jewelry (and everything else) that makes it so special.  Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wright.
RemarydOriginals on Etsy.

 

Time flies by when you are swept up in life.  My mind doesn't tend to do well unless I have some semblance of organization in all aspects of life.  For instance, in high school I found it very difficult to start my homework in the evening until my bed was made and my room was clean and organized.  I still struggle with that discomfort before I can fully engage in a creative project.  So, today, I made sure the dishes were done, the other weekend chores were sufficiently completed, bills were paid, and husband and boy prepared for the week ahead...and only then did I begin my jewelry endeavors in the basement.  Happy Sunday to all!