December 30, 2009

All Shall Be Well - Mixed Media Necklace


I was delighted when the feminine side of a creative duo that writes music and lyrics together... requested this necklace. She had purchased one of my necklaces and loved it so much that she wanted one for the male counterpart in this ying/yang friendship. I don't do alot of jewelry for the guys, so it was a welcome challenge. I love to problem solve, to find solutions....to create something that has special meaning for the person wearing it. A talisman of sorts.

It got me to thinking about the creative muses that come into our lives to be treasured, you know that special someone who gets your wheels turning, spinning, and humming with creativity. You learn more about yourself in the time spent with them than in the years before they came into your life cracking your world wide open. Your buddha buddy...

I once left my purse in a taxi in Las Vegas - not one of my favorite places to go - too busy, too hectic, too much. too much. too much... For a visual person, it is overwhelming. So while, trying to get out of the cab without getting hit by another cab at the airport I grabbed my bags and left my purse in the cab. The cab drove away, with my purse, my money, credit cards, and my identification... I was so disappointed in myself for doing such a foolish thing...by putting myself into that situation to begin with...why was I in Vegas??? I am a nature girl...I am completely at home in nature, not so much in the world of concrete and flashing neon.

So, once I returned home, as a visual reminder I didn't allow myself to carry a purse for an entire month. I have never lost my purse since...so I guess it did the trick. I was so surprised when I received my purse in the mail about 8 weeks later with everything still in it from the cab company. I was shocked, I was sure that my purse was gone forever. All Shall Be Well.

Here's a rough sketch that I did for her consideration. She loved the concept, so with a little more information, the necklace was begun.

This is part of the toggle closure attached to the soft suede leather laces.

This is the flip side of the necklace with the requested expression, a spiral symbolizing the continuity of life - all things change. Imagine your worst day and be assured that it will not remain constant - it's the beauty of change. Relish the good days and be comforted knowing that bad days will end. The gift of impermanence. All Shall Be Well.

I think the masculine side of this relationship "gets this" and his favorite expression...All Shall Be Well sums this up. I am grateful for this creative duo that passed through my life and gave me the gift of remembering that all things pass...in the circle of life. It made my Christmas holiday spent with my parent's so meaningful, I was really there enjoying every moment with them, knowing that all things pass and that this was a day to cherish. It made my holiday so special, the laughter of my little niece and nephew playing with their new toys, time spent talking with my Dad in front of a crackling fire in the fireplace, the look on my mother's face when she opened her gift from me - a special necklace in all her favorite colors... The hugs from every member of my family...we were together once again which only happens once or twice each year. An event that I usually miss, I get tangled up in the rush and bustle of Christmas... it can be overwhelming causing me to shut down, clinch my jaw and begin wishing it was all over. This year was different, I felt pure joy open my heart.

And...Here's my sweet Molly Girl snuggled up next to me as I share my life with you....what would I do without my sweet girl and you, my friends?

15 comments:

Lori said...

Julie, it sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas with your family...i love the necklace that you made, it is beautiful and perfectly masculine...your Molly girl is adorable, what a sweet little face she has!!!

*jean* said...

o julie - that necklace, the sentiment, the exquisite design...love it all...beautiful and meaningful....all that art should be...

happy new year!

Lee Weber said...

Oh Julie- what a really wonderful story and necklace!! I love all the metal work- did you do it? I love the story and it is a gentle reminder for me, at this stage of the game... xoxo

Julie Pishny said...

Thank you and yes I did the metalwork, I'm glad you like it. It was alot of fun to put together.

My parent's are getting older and I try to spend as much time with them as I possibly can - they are a gift to me.

Just remember - All Shall Be Well. xo

Sissy Sparrows said...

Hi Julie....I just love that necklace! The pendant is amazing....we have a love for crows or ravens in art...just love it!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I am SO glad you had a wonderful Christmas, Julie! That's as it should be. We need to stop and cherish each and every moment and soak it all up for the wonder it is. Sounds like you did just that!

And I love your little pal Molly who is helping you create. You two do a mighty good job. Your jewelry is lovely!

XO,


Sheila :-)

Sharon said...

What a wonderfully beautiful and meaningful necklace, and such a handsome messenger relaying those reassuring words!

Molly is a sweetie, I don't
know what I'd do without my furballs!

Riki Schumacher said...

I love it Julie, what a beauty! Everything about it is fabulous, right down to the toggle! Molly is a doll. Have a great New Year my friend. Riki

Esther said...

beautiful Julie!!

Daniela Cerri Art said...

oooohhhh my god!!! Your dog is wonderfull!!! Thank for your visite, and happy new year, sorry no speack english!!!

The Other Side of Me said...

Dearest Julie,

May you have a very Happy and Peaceful New Year. I love your post and it is so meaningful. The necklace is fantastic as always and so profound. Definitely words to live by.
Thank you for your friendship and I am so glad I got to meet you through blogging. Your words of encouragement and kindness are cherished. Have a blessed upcoming year.
Tammy

Deb said...

Your jewelry pieces are truly works of art & created from the heart! I have worn my beautiful Ava Maria necklace since it arrived ~ I absolutely adore it ♥
And Sweet Molly Girl is adorable!
Happy New Year Julie xo

Bitte said...

I really love the necklace you created and must say that you are such a talented and creative person! :-) I would love to buy a necklace or bracelet from you one day.

I also believe that our "Mollys" would have so much fun together, maybe they would finally find another being that doesn´t get tired of playing only after a few minutes :-).

Of course it would also be so much fun to meet you, I am sure that you would inspire me A LOT and through that, I would become more creative :-).

I wish you an amazing and Happy New Year!

Hugs
Beatrice

Marcella Lally said...

Julie,
my heart is full of joy knowing that your heart is full of joy.

All shall be well.

Happy New Year My Friend

looking forward to adventures with you in 2010!

Marcella!

Sharon said...

I love the unique look of this piece. The crow is such a great image to use. I often see them and think "what a striking looking creature."