Back in September of 2013, I started my own little "campaign" to raise funds for a charitable organization that is near and very dear to my heart....Miracle Horse Rescue. This horse rescue, located outside of Las Vegas, is run solely by a wife and husband team - no volunteers. These horses are basically "throw aways"...abused, some slaughter bound. They live in contentment now, free to be horses, as God intended. I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie and Rob Pierce earlier this year, and I can attest that these two souls live for these horses (and their brood of dogs, too)! Thank you Stephanie and Rob, for devoting the past 13 years of your life to this most wonderful cause!
I started donating proceeds from my Etsy sales and my craft shows to Miracle Horse Rescue. I received a HUGE stash of gorgeous artisan lampwork, donated from Jan Onipenco of Molten Mayhem. This woman makes AMAZING lampwork beads- I have 3 left in this special stash! They are incredible beads and I am trying to create a design worthy of the beads themselves! Thank you again, Jan!
Then, Jeannie Dukic of JKD Studio donated a boatload of her artisan polymer clay beads - these beads are fantastic! Her beads are created in layers - quite laborious. Her polymer beads are like no other - distinctive, little wearable works of art from an artist with a heart of gold. I have two of Jeannie's pendants waiting - again - for a design worthy of the beads themselves. Thank you again, Jeannie!
Very late yesterday, my mail carrier knocked on my door to have me sign for an international package from Luxembourg. I have been on a self-imposed bead buying budget (at least until the end of 2013- 1 day and counting..whoo hoo!), so I had to ask myself, did I order beads from Maryse Fritzch-Thillens (GlassBeadArt) on one of my late night/can't sleep buying binges and forget? No...I did not. Along with an incredibly huge stage of artisan lampwork was a lovely note from Maryse asking me to use these beads in designs for Miracle Horse Rescue! Her daughter rides horses - and Maryse's family rescues rabbits! :) Animal lovers unite!
The package included these beauties:
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| An entire set of lovelies with silvered ivory striping (my favorites) that will make an incredible bracelet, as well as striking iridescent purples, blues...you name it - if it's a color in the rainbow, it's in these beads! |
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| 6 sets for earrings...6!! |
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| Focals - incredible focals! That red one, bottom left is just stunning in person! |
I have used Maryse's beads in many of my designs - here is just a sampling of recent jewelry made with her glorious beads:
I truly cannot thank Maryse enough for her incredible donation of artisan beads! Please visit Maryse's shop here on Etsy and give her some love!
These very special artisans donated these beads without even being asked...I find that so heart warming that words fail me.
Along with these three very special ladies, I have to thank each and every one who has made a purchase from me. I am very happy to report, that since September, I have raised and donated - through my Etsy sales and 4 craft shows - over $5,350 to support in the feeding and care of the beautiful horses that live at Miracle Horse Rescue. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!
I mentioned in a blog post a few weeks ago that my jewelry designing started as a hobby. I retired from the work force about 3.5 years ago - that's when my mother moved in with me. Though she in no way requires any sort of constant care, it was a sacrifice for her to leave ALL HER FRIENDS IN FLORIDA and move in with her stubborn and opinionated daughter in Northern Virginia. The least I could do was be a presence in the house for her (yes...I also take her shopping!)
So, while my mother sews in her sewing room EVERY.SINGLE.DAY., I am in my basement studio happily wrapping beads or banging on metal or singeing the hair off my knuckles every now and then with my torch in the hopes that the proceeds from that piece of jewelry will buy another bale of hay for the furbaby residents of Miracle Horse Rescue.
2013 has been a wonderful year - thank you! I hope and pray that 2014 is just as special!
I wish everyone Hope, Peace, and Love for 2014. Stay Safe!
Thank you for stopping by!
xo
Patti
Happy New Year, Patti! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you a very blessed new year! Your work for the horse rescue is really wonderful and the beads you've received are fabulous. There are so many very giving people out there and you certainly are one of them. I'm looking forward to seeing what you create this year!
ReplyDeletePatti, your Blog Posts are so interesting and informative and so much FUN to read! What you have done for MIRACLE HORSE RESCUE is remarkable. This is a really great donation to a great cause. Kudos to you for all of the time, effort, energy and talent that went into making this happen. We sure do miss your Mom here in FL, but we know she is happy and enjoying being with YOU! Wishing you and your loved ones a Healthy, Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Patti, and I can see you're still very busy on a great effort with the horse rescue. So amazing all the donations you've had - and how much you've been able to raise for the horses! I'm sure it is very much appreciated!
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