A few months ago, after a visit from my friend Swati... I got to thinking about jewelry. You see, she is quite talented at making jewelry and I think of her as an artist. I can be 'crafty' and I can figure out how to make a lot of things, but there is a little extra 'something' that true artists have... you can see Swati's artistry at http://fleurviolettejewelry.blogspot.com/
Anyway... thinking along as I do... about jewelry and why I don't wear it anymore. I used to love playing dress up with my grandmother's costume jewelry. I was certain that when I grew up, I would wear the Hawaiian sunset earrings on my honeymoon - in Hawaii of course. I would wear the lacey gold cuff bracelet, and the pearl beads... oh yes, I would wear them all!!! Ok, maybe not those weird black ones that look like rabbit poop. When I was an adult, I had an argument with my Dad and he asked me to return my grandmother's jewelry. It wasn't that it had any value to anyone but me, but it was a point he wanted to make. I got most of the jewelry back some years later, but it just sat on the closet shelf.
My enjoyment of Swati's artistry and some of our conversations really got me thinking about my attitude toward jewelry - wanting it but not wearing it. Why was that?! I realized I had a couple of issues... money and comfort. I am simply uncomfortable wearing something expensive, being afraid I would break or lose it completely. I had to really think about how expensive is 'too expensive' for me to wear without worry. I came up with a number that works for me... and let's just say you won't find me sporting diamond encrusted anything any time soon!
My second major issue was comfort, physical comfort. I realized that I had made several adjustments to what I wear, like buying men's jeans because they have longer inseams (try finding a 40" inseam... I dare ya!). Why wouldn't I also do that with my jewelry? Of course! a 16" chain barely closes around my neck. I need something longer.
I pulled out a lifetime's worth of jewelry and stared at it. Cutting the first thread would be the hardest, so I began with the strands already broken. I was convinced my grandmother would rather I have fun with her old jewelry than leave it collecting dust. I was ripping things apart and before I knew it my mind was racing with possibilities.
I ended up with well over a dozen new pieces that I could actually wear and feel comfortable in! Not only that, each piece still has the old memories attached to it although now I can enjoy reliving them more often.
Those are awesome Jen! Would love to see your work individually too from now...like you did with the locket above :-D.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I have some others to post yet...
ReplyDelete