Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Progress via a Gift

Since my jewelry class debacle (I posted about it here), I have decided to brush off the negativity and put the soldering tips I learned to use.

I have had a friend via "the Internet" for many, many years now.  She is a very special person who has been going through some tough times lately.  She had a stroke last August, actually - two strokes - and she has been progressing wonderfully.  During this terrible time, her father was diagnosed with Cancer.  Having gone through this dreadful disease with my late father 8 years ago, I know all too well what she is going through.

She is one Tough Broad - in a good way (I would love to be called a Tough Broad!)  She is dealing with these emotional and physical hardships in the most beautiful way, and I am awestruck by her strength and beauty.

I wanted to give her something, specifically, I wanted to make her something that would reflect how I feel.  So, I did my best and put what little skills I have to use and I made her this pendant.


It features a cabochon by, quite frankly - yes I am going to say it - my FAVORITE lampwork artist - Sue Kennedy.  I usually say "one of my favorites" - but her work truly speaks to me and if you saw the amount of my purchases of lampwork beads from etsy, the majority are from Sue!  So there...I said it!  Anyway, I stamped the words STRENGTH on the back of the pendant (can you believe I forgot to take pictures of the back! ha!)  I was lucky to find in my stash other GORGEOUS lampwork beads by the ultra talented Donna Millard - a match made in heaven!



Naturally, I completed this necklace with swirled links (again - credit for this design goes to Kerry Bogert!).  This necklace had to be 100% handmade!  I oxidized, buffed, tumbled, buffed again....

My friend has a friend who was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  I am so tired of reading about one more person stricken with this horrible, horrible disease.  My immediate thoughts ran to Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp - a way-too-young mother who was also recently stricken with the Big C.  For those of you who may not know Marie (how can you not know her work??!!), she is an extremely talented jewelry AND component designer who has bravely shared her journey via the WWW.  Marie has exhibited an awesome amount of COURAGE during her ordeal....so I made a "kind of" matching pendant for my friend's friend:

Again - a most lovely cabochon by Sue and I believe these are my favorite color combinations!  And, how befitting to augment this cabochon with yet more gorgeous lovelies in purple by Donna.


I stamped the word COURAGE on the back of this pendant (again...no pictures of the back!  Shame on me!)

I made matching earrings - swirled links for the both of them.

My heart goes to anyone who is struggling with health issues...especially Cancer.  As only an "onlooker", as in I am not there physically, I feel helpless.  But, I say my prayers and hope the Good Lord takes the utmost care for not only those who are going through the actual physical suffering, but also the caretakers - their suffering is just as real.

Thanks for stopping by today...

15 comments:

  1. These are two gorgeous necklaces and what a fantastic job you did with your new soldering skills. What a tough time for your friend and friend of a friend. Best of luck to them. It's so nice of you to make something beautiful for them. I'm sure it will mean a lot to them.

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  2. These necklaces are stunning Patti! The Sue/Patti/Donna trifecta certainly is a magical one! I know the recipients will not only see the love that went into them, but they will feel it as they wear them close to their hearts. What a beautiful person you are! Prayers to all for good health and healing ...

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  3. Your heart is huge and this post shows it. Your artistry, paired with Sue's and Donna's, is second to none. What beautiful necklaces~sure to be treasured by the ladies that inspired them. I will send my warm and healing thoughts out to both of them.

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  4. What beautiful thoughts and compassion you have for these people during their challenging times. How much more special it makes your gorgeous gifts.

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  5. These two necklaces are so beautiful and so heartfelt. Your wonderful spirit shows in the work. I'm sure they will make both friends feel warm and loved when they receive them.

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  6. Beautiful sentiments Miss Patti...your friends will cherish them with fond thoughts of your amazing friendship...xox

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  7. Patti you ARE a tough broad with a generous, sentimental side full of empathy for folks who are suffering difficult times. It is a gift and along with your talent, it is a blessing. These gorgeous necklaces will be loved, cherished and will give strength to the friends who receive them. Bless YOU!

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  8. Patti...what you have made is beautifully executed...but your heart and soul are the extra special sauce that is apparent when one looks at these...you are so right..Sue's beads are special..they speak to me too! Lovely post...and wow..how in-spirit they are...lovely...

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  9. What a beautiful friend you are. Your work is just as beautiful and sure to brighten up your friend's days!

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  10. You are so thoughtful, these pieces will be truly cherished because not only are they works of art they were made with such love!

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  11. you are one of the most compassionate, 'big-hearted' people I know! and these gifts are beautiful. Straight from the heart, and gorgeous workmanship!

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  12. Wow! These are so absolutely gorgeous! I love Sue's beads as well, and I want some of those cabochons. What a sweet friend you are.

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  13. That necklace is incredible!

    karen
    www.KarenStoneStudio.com

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  14. You are a very compassionate person and it shows in your work-Beautiful!

    Kat

    http://www.jewelrybykat.net

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