Friday, November 15, 2013

Art Charm Swap & Beads of Courage Auction

This is my second year participating in Jennifer Cameron's 
Art Charm Swap and Auction benefiting Beads of Courage.
 100% of the money is donated to a program I'm really proud to support. 
BOC helps children with serious illnesses or long hospitalizations 
honor their story.
Each bead represents a procedure, hospital stay, surgery, etc.
This year's theme for creating-love.
 
I tired to think of something other than my garden as inspiration, 
but my work table looks out on it so it won again.

The pattern is by my first ever blog hop partner, Martina Nagele. She's the most amazing seed beader I've worked with. Here's the pattern she gave to the beading world. It's what she used as bead caps for the beads I sent her in that hop. So who ever has one of these know it came from an idea in Germany that was created in Japan and now lives with you. What a grand journey.
 As a military spouse, I've been fortunate enough to plant gardens in several places on this planet. Part of my gift to this world is a path of flowers. This charm was designed to show love for the world I'm grateful to be a part of. It's made with headpins, seed beads, Swarovski crystals and Fireline.
  I must say one of my favorite parts of this hop is the facebook group. Early on one member posted that during her search of inspiration she asked her husband, "How do I make love?" While it don't remember his reponse I do know it wasn't bead related. That still makes me giggle when I think about it. 

Jennifer thanks for creating a great place for us to converse while we create. It really makes the process even more enjoyable. So since I've had such a great experience both this year and last I did my best to create a second set for swapping and auction this year.

When I made this decision I was watching Letters to Juliet. Have you seen it?
Well, there is a line in that movie that inspired this next batch.
 
 I vowed to be absolutely un-me. 
No pressure. 
No stress. 
No judgement, self-doubt. 
Just creating my version of love for the sake of creating 
for charity and others to enjoy.
So I turned up my favorite music and started dancing. Then sat down to create these hearts inspired by the quote. Every time it was not fun or negative thoughts crept in I took a fun break till I was ready to enjoy every minute of the experience.
 
So these hearts are made with an overflowing happy heart. 
Yeah, life has it's dark bits as well as it's light, but you can add a silver lining to anything.
Only pic that showed silver lining.
  I must say my water bottom aluminum wire drying rack was a perfect solution when I had glazed myself into a corner.

Today's the day to start bidding on the work of these talented artists.
Tiny little masterpieces waiting for you to wear are waiting.
Click HERE to get started.

Here's what I received to give you an idea of what's in store for you to bid on.
One more great big THANKS to Jen Cameron our fabulous hostess.
I can't imagine what it took to photograph and get all these beauties ready for auction.
Don't forget to bid on some treasures to help us raise money for BOC.
Feel free to visit the other artist too.
Caroline Dewison: http://blueberribeads.co.uk
Charlene Bausinger Jacka: http://clay-space.com/blog/
 

14 comments:

  1. I do love your gift of gardens! What a wonderful view you have of a process most people really dislike - moving - and what a cheerful outlook, GO you! I think your charms are beautiful!! Thanks so much for sharing!!

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  2. I love my little imperfect heart. I am a quilter and I love the "patchwork" aspect of it.

    Susan Delphine Delaney
    LadyFlowersbySusan

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  3. The flowers are SO beautiful and the hearts are very creative. Your garden must be very inspiring, indeed! - Julie

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  4. I really love the meaning behind both charm designs. Very special! And the stories make them that much more special! (even though they were already pretty special...) Thanks so much for participating and for helping to raise money for Beads of Courage.

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  5. I was lucky to get one of these cute little beaded charms! I got it immediately! I love my garden outside and find such peace and serenity there. I love your little charm and admire your work. I could never do anything with all the tiny little beads (no patience) .

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  6. Aww...what a great story behind your charm! I was lucky enough to receive one of your "messy bits" hearts. It is just lovely and a nice remembrance of this event. I come from a military family too...and then I married a man who is transferred quite a bit, and love your garden thoughts!

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  7. They are both wonderful reflections of special pieces of your life, Ginger, and I am proud to have one of your beautiful flower gardens!

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  8. I am happy to own one of your little heart charms!! Great story!! Love it!!

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  9. Oh and just LOVE the "silver lining"!!

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  10. When all you can think of is your garden - then go for it! Beautiful charms - a tribute to remaining in a state of bliss!

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  11. Oh, my, not one - but two sets! Great job, Ginger ~ I absolutely loved the story and the journey of your 'global' charms :) and I do remember that non-bead-related answer too, it made my day back then, thank you for the reminder! I didn't get any of your gorgeous charms, but I see you got one of my imperfect heart :)

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  12. I have the charm that reminds me of a patchwork quilt. I have always wanted one and unless you are lucky to be from a family that sews and they get handed down, they are insane money. So, thanks to you, I can feel the love of a handmade quilt every day.

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  13. I am the delighted owner of one of your sweet gardens. I love these little flowers!

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  14. I'm thrilled with my little seed bead charm, it's perfect... thank you!

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Hey Thanks! I love hearing what you think.