Saturday 12 January 2013

Memories and Thanks Blog Hop

Welcome to Lori Anderson's Memories and Thanks blog hop. Normally, I leave these things to the very last minute and whip something up in the 24 hours preceding. I haven't done that this time. There are two reasons - firstly, as frequent readers will know, I haven't been very well recently - I have has a vicious virus over the past few months which came to a head over Christmas and really stopped me in my tracks (I'm doing much better now though so don't worry!). And secondly, whilst I could have stayed up late creating something, that somehow felt wrong for this blog hop. Somewhat disrespectful, to not put proper thought into it. So rather than not take part at all, I have decided to repost a post from Art Bead Scene that I wrote last year, about a bracelet I made for my little house bunny Maisie, who died on the 2nd January last year. She is still sorely missed, and it feels appropriate to remember her here again on this occasion.

Please hop over to www.prettythingsblog.com for the full list of participants. Thanks to Lori for organising another great blog event!

If you are reading this blog, jewellery is most likely a beautiful and enjoyable part of your weekly or even daily life. Certainly, there are not many days that go by when I don't play with the beads, just a little! Jewellery is beautiful to look at and can be an expression of how we feel; how we perceive ourselves or wish others to perceive us. But jewellery can be more than even that - it can capture memories, it can act as a talisman, it can keep those we are parted from with us. And handmade art beads are the perfect way to capture these memories and thoughts - individual tiny pieces of art, worn close by.

My family recently lost a very dear member - our little house bunny, Maisie. We were pretty devastated by our loss, and I wanted to create something for myself to remember her by - something special, that I could keep close by and feel that she was still with me. So I decided to create a bracelet, commemorating her and her sweet nature. It struck me that bracelets form the perfect 'memory jewellery' - not only are they visible to others, but unlike necklaces and earrings, can be seen by the wearer.

I thought of the things that reminded me of Maisie. She was a tiny bunny, and we had nicknamed her our 'Maisie bird' due to her daintiness and her quick, darting movements. So this beautiful lampwork bird from Elise Thomas, which my partner just happened to have given me for Christmas, was perfect to capture her. 

She was black and white in colouring so freshwater pearls and Czech glass were the perfect framework for the lampwork bird. She also loved rose petals - not something she got to eat often, I must say, but on the few occasions that we had roses, she really enjoyed them! So a sprinkling of tiny Czech glass flowers were the perfect accompaniment, and also broke up the stark monochromatic colour scheme. A heart frame from Fallen Angel Brass (a deep, rich colour to co-ordinate with the colour scheme I was working with) I adapted into a clasp completed the bracelet - perfect, again, for capturing just how much we loved Maisie.



Not only was making the bracelet incredibly cathartic for me, but every time I see or wear the bracelet, I am reminded of my sweet girl. For me, it was the best way to honour and remember someone so important to me.

Why not create your own memory jewellery? It could capture and much missed and loved pet like mine does, but equally well a friend or family member who lives far away, a place you have visited and fallen in love with, a memory from childhood....there are so many possibilities here. Think of the elements that make up the person, place or thing you want to capture...find an art bead or two that really speak to you and frame them with your favourite beads. Memories captured forever, to be kept with you and worn, rather than just sitting on a shelf or bedside table.

23 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh I am so sorry to read about little Maisie and what a beautiful thought to make a bracelet to remember her by. It's beautiful and so thoughtful.

I keep very rare breed little bantams that are smaller than a pigeon - apart from one. They are getting very old, and I dread letting them out each morning in case one has fallen asleep permanenty over night. It's hard for folks to understand how attached to get to out pets, and how we see different personalities in them. Maisie sounds a though the had the best life possible.

Unknown said...

A very loving and beautiful bracelet for such an adored pet...it is beautiful and my wish is for your comfort in wearing it.

Kim said...

A bracelet is a wonderful way to remember your Maisie. It is so hard when we lose our pets, I wish we could have them here with us longer.

Here Bead Dragons said...

How sweet and what a wonderful way to remember your bunny. Thanks for sharing. I agree, a memory bracelet is a way to share. Thank you.

~cryssT

Unknown said...

I wear bracelets every day, for just the reasons you stated. Love that you keep Maisie close by in this way.

Bonnie said...

What a lovely bracelet in memory of Maisie.

Anonymous said...

Such a pretty piece, and a sweet story about your little bunny love ♥

Unknown said...

Our pets are truly members of our family, and losing one has the same sense of devestation. Beautiful bracelet to remember her by.

Terri said...

Awe..I'm so sorry for the loss of you beloved pet bunny. This bracelet is absolutely adorable! What a beautiful way to remember Maisie. Enjoy the hop
Hugs
Terri G.

Becky Pancake said...

Thanx for sharing your story. Your bracelet is wonderful and a fitting tribute to your pet. It's so nice that you can remember her in this way. I love the colors that you chose.

re-maker said...

I love your bracelet. It is dainty and full of life!

A Polymer Penchant said...

Aw, so sweet. I've got a little Maisy mouse fan in my house so I'm having trouble picturing a bunny and not a mouse, but I bet she was quite the sweetie. This is such a pretty bracelet and I think you are right too, right where you can see it is the way to go

adlinah said...

I'm so sorry about Maisy. I can completely empathise with your loss. I have an almost 20-year-old cat and am dreading the the day he leaves us. The bracelet is lovely.

la mar de bonita said...

Oh, Rebecca - I'm sure Maisy would be absolutely delighted with this florets bracelet. I know, all your pieces are made with a lot of love to every single bead you thread.. Sending you a hug! Michi

becca said...

Oh, what a sweet story. I had bunnies as a girl and miss them so much sometimes. My sister and I should make a bracelet for our bunnies.
I love the idea of remembering a pet with a bracelet. I participated in this hop, and only thought of people. Thank you for sharing your bunny with us.
I love the bracelet! such pretty colors.

Donetta said...

Love your story...sweet little Maisie!...and love the adorable bracelet you made in her memory. Thanks so much for sharing, and all my best wishes for excellent health in the future!

Kepi said...

What a beautiful piece to remind you of your Maisy!

TesoriTrovati said...

I love that you have this bracelet as a remembrance of your Sweet Maisie. I just love that name! Thank you for sharing your story and your creation. Enjoy the day! Erin

Karin said...

What a great tribute to Maisie. I know that she had a great life with you and your family.

Pretty Things said...

You and Nancy Schindler could bond about bunnies. I take care of bunnies along with the cats at the shelter here because the poor bunnies get overlooked. If I didn't have cats, I'd have bunnies.

Thank you so much for doing this.

april grinaway said...

Beautiful story and bracelet! Thank you for sharing...
Peace and Love.

mrs beadsley said...

Oh I am so sorry for the loss of your bunny - it's so very hard when they go because we get so attached while they are here. I love your bracelet - and your work is really lovely!

Christine said...

Your bracelet is a beautiful reminder of your sweet Maisie - every detail so perfect.

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