Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Creating with Cabochons Challenge & Blog Hop

Sally Russick of The Studio Sublime put forth the challenge to create something using cabochons. It looks like a lot of people jumped in on this one! I hope you enjoy reading about what I created and I encourage you to hop on over to the other artists' blogs and read about their creations as well. Enjoy!

A few years ago I thought of an idea using PMC (Precious Metal Clay) to honor my mother and keep her close to me. (She passed away close to five years ago.) I had a stamp made with an image of her handwriting. Specifically, how she used to sign her cards to me and my sisters.

I have already made my sisters pendants for necklaces using this stamp on one side and a texture of their choice on the other. I have been going back and forth about what I wanted to do with mine all this time. The only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted a bracelet. I decided to use this challenge to delay no more and make my bracelet blank. So without further delay, here it is:
(Bottom picture is actually from my sister's bracelet. Forgot to take a picture of mine!!)

The decorative elements I added all have meaning for me. The blue stone in the cab represents the color of my mother's eyes and the three silver balls on that side represent my two sisters and myself. On the left-hand side are silver balls with wire wrapped around them that symbolize the hugs that I miss so much.

I plan on completing the bracelet with PMC links that will picture things that my mother passed on to or shared with me as well as nicknames she used to call us. You can see the links I've made so far in this collage photo.


Well enough of the somber tone! Thank you for stopping by and I hope I have given you some ideas to use in your own jewelry.

Please visit the other participants' blogs:


Your Host:  Sally Russick

Alicia Marinache           
Lynn  Jobber           
Jenny Davies-Reazor           

Jo-Ann  Woolverton           
Marde Lowe           
Dawn Doucette           
Mary K McGraw           
Gloria Allen           

Cheri  Reed           
Sonya Stille           
Elizabeth Owens Dwy           
Veralynne   Malone           
Tania Hagen           
Lynsey  Brooks           
Christina Miles           
Holly  Westfall           
Kathy  Lindemer           
Patti Vanderbloemen           

Therese Frank           
Adrienne Berry           
Tanty  Sri Hartanti           
Renetha Stanziano           
Marlene  Cupo           
Sandi Volpe           
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson           

Mischelle Fanucchi           
Tracy  Stillman           
Skylar Bre'z           
Ann Schroeder           
Jess Green           
Susan Kennedy           
Stacie  Florer           
Cathie  Carroll           
Susan F.  

Michelle Caballero       
Sabine Dittrich           
Kristina Johansson           
Kimberly Sturrup-Roberts           
Melissa  Meman           
Cheryl McCloud         
Michelle  Timms           
Cindy  Pack           
 
Cynthia  Machata           
Julia  Harris           
Ingrid  Anderson           
Toltec Jewels  
 

28 comments:

Libellula Jewelry™ said...

Your bracelet focal is such a wonderful, sentimental piece. The symbolism is so beautiful. The completed bracelet is certain to be an heirloom for generations.

Mystic Indigo said...

Really beautiful, and so well thought out too...what a wonderful way to remember her....

Niky Sayers said...

Such a lovely idea and such a beautiful piece!

Mary K. McGraw said...

What a great idea to hav a stamp made of your mother's handwriting.

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

I got tears in my eyes reading your post - this is going to be one FANTASTIC bracelet! Love that bracelet bar!

Paula, Chief Bead Officer said...

I agree! The stamp of your Mom's handwriting is a fabulous idea. Your sisters must have loved the gifts you made for them and I think the components for your bracelet will make it a true heirloom. Amazing!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful piece and I enjoyed reading the story behind your creation.

Anonymous said...

It will be a beautiful bracelet. Thanks for sharing.

SueBeads said...

SO very special and pretty!

Islandgirl said...

what a lovely tribute to your mother. Would love to see the finished piece!

Cindy said...

Michelle, what a beautiful way to remember your Mother. I can't think of a more personal touch than to include her handwriting. Your bracelets are so thoughtful, and I know your sisters will cherish them. Your work is so inspiring to me!

Jo-Ann said...

Look forward to seeing the finished bracelet!

Becky Pancake said...

Michelle your bracelet piece is wonderful. What a great way to remember your Mother.

Becky Pancake said...

Michelle your bracelet bar is wonderful. What a great way to pay tribute to your Mother.

Ann Schroeder said...

I love this idea and everything you've made so far is beautiful. What a wonderful keepsake.

Alicia said...

Oh, such a special piece - it is lovely how you incorporated elements to cherish her memory; the idea of making a stamp from her signature is wonderful. Beautiful all around - thank you for sharing!

Karin G said...

What a beautiful piece and wonderful way of keeping your mother with you.

Tracy said...

It's going to be a beautiful piece when you finish...and a lovely way to remember your mom every day.

Empty nester at last said...

I too used an element in my piece from my mom. I love your metal pieces. Isn't nice to have a piece to remember mom!

Great Work!

Sharyl said...

What a lovely, thoughtful idea! I'm especially moved that you included the image of her signature. I like how each element of your design represents something special about your relationship with your mom and your sisters. Lovely artistry too. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

Sabine Dittrich said...

What a wonderful idea! You have indeed a beautiful piece to remember your mother!
Looks amazing!

Therese's Treasures said...

Ahh this is so sweet it brought tears to my eyes as I read your wonderful story of your memorial bracelet of your Mom. This is so awesome and inspiring, thank you for sharing. Oh and the bracelet is gorgeous.
Therese

Anonymous said...

What a lovely testament to your mother's love for you all. And that you have found such a personal way to remember her.

Lynda

Unknown said...

That is a wonderful thing to do. I am so glad you finally made something for yourself. I really love the story behind jewelry when each detail has a purpose. Thanks for sharing this.

Liz said...

What an incredibly beautiful thing to have a stamp made of your mother's signature line. Please show the final bracelet. You have an incredible piece in the making.

Bits of Learning said...

Michelle, so BEAUTIFUL!! What a great idea to have your mom's handwriting made into a stamp, and then each piece of the bracelet a part of her thoughts, words and symbols of her relationship with her family. Please bring these to ArtBLISS, I would love to see them in person!!

Thank you for picking my challenge as your first challenge to walk into too!!

lamplight crafts said...

The cab with the stones representing your sisters will make a wonderful talisman.

baymoondesign said...

Michelle-I love how you have carefully selected special elements with meaning for your bracelet. You will have a wonderful heirloom when you complete it. Very special!