February 27, 2010

400th Blog Madonna and Child Reliquary Giveaway

 

In celebration of my 400th blog posting I have created this Madonna and Child Reliquary for a Giveaway.

I have posted 399 blogs over the past three years...who knew I would have that much to share, I certainly didn't.  It's been a rewarding experience in so many ways,  the new friendships that I have made along the way are the most cherished and the discipline to strive to improve my skills as a photographer, story teller and artist has been priceless.
Here's what you need to do to be entered in the Giveaway...

1.  Become a follower of my blog.
2.  Post a link on your blog, feel free to use any of the images.
3.  Leave a comment.

This giveaway will be open until the first day of Spring, March 21st.  A name will be drawn randomly and a winner will be announced to celebrate the new Season.

This Reliquary mixed media collage is in honor of Saint Maria who continues to be a source of inspiration in my work.  She soothes me with her grace and motherly love that is sublime in all living things.  It's a mystical force -  the love of a mother for her children.  The Reliquary is three inches in length and one and a quarter inches wide.
 
The vintage lace bit was given to me by Esther from France.  I have attached a vintage pearl bead and red fired rhinestone to the top of the pendant with the vintage lace.  A crown at the top of the reliquary is made of vintage rhinestones, a large vintage luminescent Czech glass bead, and filigree leaf bead cap.

A primitive silver heart dangles from the bottom.


  
The back plate is a high polished brass with spirals stamped onto the surface to represent life and heavenly forces.  The image of Madonna and child is printed onto silk and mounted above the brass for a shadow effect.


 

A vintage tiny porcelain vase from Italy which is actually a piece of a vintage tea set that is handpainted with a deep orange flower filled with old velvet flowers from a vintage hat.   Along the right side and bottom I have added a beaded strand of pearls from a vintage necklace.

The outside of the reliquary has a primitive texture to give the piece a relic feel.


My fascination with reliquaries was the inspiration for this piece.  I wanted to create something meaningful that was a reflection of me, something personal...for this giveaway.  I love this piece that reflects my love of tiny things, feminine images, babies in their mother's embrace, flowers, lace, hearts, all in warm colors of the Italian countryside.

Reliquaries or shrines have been used for centuries to preserve sacred objects or relics that were enclosed in a container for safe keeping.  These artifacts were kept primarily in churches, vaults or held by members of the church or group until a safe place could be found to store them.  The contents could be pieces of fabric from a garment of a saint, a lock of hair or a valuable sculpture, etc.

Many different religious cultures practiced this art and wonderful examples can be found throughout history.  It's fascinating...the craftsmanship is amazing and often the reliquary was encased in another container to offer it even more protection.

It is my hope, with this Madonna and Child Reliquary that I have created in celebration of my 400th posting will bring happiness, and a sense of wonder to the winner of this giveaway.

71 comments:

TesoriTrovati said...

Yea!
Congratulations on this milestone!
That reliquary has so much love in it...someone will be very honored to receive it.

I am a follower!

I will post a link on my blog!

Thanks for sharing your beauty with the world. Enjoy the day! Erin

Sharon said...

What a meaningful and thoughtful way to celebrate your 400th blog. Anyone would be thrilled to wear this beautiful reliquary filled with sentimental and spiritual thoughts and wishes.

I am a follower, you are linked to my blog, and I hope I win! Congratulations on your blogging celebration!

Lori said...

Julie, i SO love this...it is just so beautiful...and all the detail, just lovely...i will post a link on my sidebar for your giveaway...i think those are better anyway, because they stay at the top of the page...a blog post gets covered up, when you do a new post...i hope that is ok{?}

Stacey Bruce said...

Julie, this is beautiful - with so many meaningful elements. Add that it was made with loving hand and you have a treasure. :-)

Esme said...

Am I first to leave a c omment-your artistry is quite pretty and unique. I am a follower

chocolate and croissants at yahoo dot com

Riki Schumacher said...

Hi Julie, congrats on the 400th post, wow. That is amazing. What a lovely necklace, just very touching. I'll put something on my blog about your giveaway. Have fun with it. Take care my friend. Riki

Doreen said...

What a beautiful and thoughtful piece of art you are giving away! Congratulations on your 400th post. I posted about your giveaway on my blog and I am following you :)

Unknown said...

Hope I have followed your instructions:) This is just so beautiful...would love to be able to wear it. I am a new delighted follower and have posted about your 400 milestone event:)

http://gardenology.blogspot.com/2010/02/400th-blog-madonna-and-child-reliquary.html

BellaLunaArts said...

I haven't been blogging too long. I think I have around 30 posts, my goodness to have 300 that's indeed a milestone. Your blog and work is lovely. I'd be honored to wear your gorgeous pendant filled with meaning. Thanks for the opportunity and inspiration of all beauty. Your new friend , Bridgette

Jodaeodesign said...

Such a lovely piece, what a way to honor your 400th posting.
1.I am a follower, that is how I found out about your giveaway.
2. I am working on a post- I want my followers to see you lovely work. (look for it in the next 24 hours)
3. leaving a comment on your blog
Congratulations! I look forward to reading more of your posts

BellaLunaArts said...

OOOH I'm a goofball! It's 400 postings!!!Even more impressive :) Have a great day. Peace and blessings, Bridgette

sharon said...

Julie, this is such a gorgeeeous piece! Your inner beauty shines through in this. I am a follower, and will post a link on my blog....

Congrat's on your 400th blogging post!!
Hugs

Sara said...

Es preciosa, me encanta felicidades, me sentiría afortunada de tener esta bella reliquia.

VS said...

I LOVE this beautiful necklace & am so excited by the chance of being able to win it!!! Thanks for entering me in your drawing & wish me luck!!! LOL
Smiles,
Susie

Tumbleweed Trails said...

What a beautiful, intricate and oh so detailed Reliquary you have created in celebration of your
400th post. These precious works of art always amaze me and leave me breathless and in a sense of aw and wonder. Thank you for creating such a little treasure and with bits and pieces from France and Italy,too. I would treasure this forever and ever if I were to be the lucky recipient.

I am so glad your blog has brught you so much over the years and you've blossomed from it as well.

I am a follower and have you linked up on my blog to help spread the word.

Jody

Barbara Lewis said...

Julie, This is such a very lovely piece ... I know it will be hard for you to part with it. Congratulations on your 400th post. Your entire blog is a work of art... the photography, the things you sell ... it's an entire package. Just beautiful! I'll blog about this.

elsie said...

this piece has such serene beauty and peaceful energy... "sigh" - Just became a follower and will post about your give-away sometime midweek here:

namaste-elsiee.blogspot.com/

namaste,
elsie

Kelli Russell Agodon - Book of Kells said...

So beautiful! I would love to win this giveaway. Please enter me in your generous giveaway.

Congratulations on your 400 post!

Very happy to have found your blog. Thank you.

Kelli Russell Agodon - Book of Kells said...

Oh and I became a follower (in the best way) ;-) so enter me 2x!

all best,
Kelli

Beauty Boss Agnes said...

Followed, linked and commented...truly inspiring....keep being so creative.

Anne, Bulles dorées said...

Wow your art is amazing !!
I speak about your giveaway on my blog
http://bullesdorees.blogspot.com/2010/02/prairie-thistle-giveway.html

Please count me in !!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Hi Julie. I just saw your beautiful necklace over at sharon's Live wire Jewelry. This is so gorgous. I'm just crazy about it.

Congratulations on 400 post. That's is so far from where I am. I look forward to following you, I'm a new follower, and getting to know you.

I've blogged about your giveaway here:

http://cottonpickincute.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-want-this-and-i-bet-you-will-too.html


Hugs...Tracy :)

DVArtist said...

This is a lovely piece of art. The detail is excellent. Very nice. Congrats on the 400th post.

Nicole/Beadwright

*jean* said...

sooo beautiful, julie! please count me in and thank you for the chance! 400 posts is really a milestone!

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

Congratulations on your 400th post. I just found your blog through Den Lille Lade's blog and am so glad I did. I'm a new follower of yours, I added your give away on my blog and linked it back to you. Please add my name to the pot. If only I could be so lucky to win! This pendant is gorgeous!!
Patricia :o)

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

Congrats on the 400th post! How could you ever part with something so beautiful? I am sure it will find it's way to the perfect new home. Your work on this piece is simply amazing.
I just became a follower and I will post on my blog this evening about your giveaway.
http://formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com/

Marelle said...

HI from Australia!
I am a follower of your glorious blog from today!!
I have put a link on my blog for your brill giveaway
hugs
Marelle
www.myscrapmusings.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

It is beautiful , thanks for the chance ! I posted on my blog and am following you !

http://misfitmomma.blogspot.com/2010/02/completely-unorganized.html

seksi_missy at hotmail dot com

By Beaded Story said...

Such a loving piece of a mother and child. Truly from the heart :)

Patricia
http://bybeadedstory.blogspot.com

peggy aplSEEDS said...

Congratulations on your 400th post! this is a beautiful piece and i would be thrilled to win it. thank you for the chance. your silver spoon bracelets and other pieces are great as well! i am following you and have added your giveaway to my sidebar.

Dorthe said...

Hi Julie,

this piece is absolutely beautifull, and shows the sweetness, and gentleness of yours,-it is a fantastic art piece, I will so love to be entered , sweet, --you are on my blog.

Hugs, Dorthe

Linda said...

What a gorgeous piece and such a generous giveaway...a bit of yourself! congratulations on your 400th post. I'm already a follower of your blog and I've posted your giveaway on mine.

Pretty Things said...

I'm a follower, and congratulations!!!!!

Diana Ferguson said...

Good morning, Julie. Glad to have found you. Love the beautiful piece you are graciously giving away. Count me in for sure!!

Lee Weber said...

Hey Julie- this piece is just lovely! She is so beautiful. I menitoned your giveaway on my blog. I hope to win! What a great addition to my wardrobe!

How's everthing? We're hanging in- everything is brown and muddy right now. I can't wait for spring. hugs- Lee

chicroses said...

Love,Love this sweet necklace.You are so talented. I would love to win it..my son and DIL are becoming in Catholic and Im so proud of them. I would love to give this to my DIL because of what they are doing. Now Im going back to see more of your blog. Sally

Regina said...

Hi Julie, what a lovely work of art, so beautiful! Congratulations on your 400th! I am a follower and I have posted a link to your posting in my blog. Best wishes.

Judy said...

This reliquary is beautiful! I would be foot stompin' happy to win this in your giveaway! Please count me in!

elsie said...

http://namaste-elsiee.blogspot.com/

here's my post!
namaste
elsie

Bitte said...

Hello Julie, I have tried to write two comments here, but it doesn't seem to work. Blogger is not working the way I want! ;-)

My comments were about joining your wonderful giveaway... :-).

Have a nice Thursday!

Many hugs
Beatrice

Oklahoma Granny said...

400 posts. Wow! Congratulations on this milestone.

The piece you created is truly lovely.

Lorna said...

Congratulations Julie, on writing your 400th post!!!!

I love that the Reliquary is a piece of you, Julie, and the heart at the bottom says it all. I have enjoyed our blogging friendship so much.

Will post a link on my blog. Have fun with the giveaway!!! Hugs.

Nancy said...

Love the necklace. Congratulations 400 blog post. That is great, I can't get past 1. Put me to win. Nancy P. nplyman@yahoo.com

she dreams big! said...

Oh Julie - can a new follower enter your giveaway? Anyone who can make such a lovely treasure such as this reliquary is someone I want to become friends with! And a fellow 'midwest farmer' to boot! I'll post a pic of your giveaway on my sidebar right now! Congrats on your 400th post! Thank you for the chance to win this thoughtful artpiece!

cinnibonbon said...

CONGRATS!!!! That's is just lovely--really perfect!
I'm doing well--thanks for asking and stopping in to check on me.
I hope everything is just peachy for you!!

Irma's Rose Cottage said...

What a gorgeous piece of jewelry! You are so talented.
Congrats on your 400 post.

Irma :)

http:/irmasrosecottage.blogspot.com

Raven's Rest Studio, Jennifer Conway said...

Such a beautiful piece. So glad to have met you! Please add my name into your draw! *smiles* ~Jen

Tami said...

Congratulations on your 400th blog posting!! I'm so glad I found your amazingly talented blog-it's been so much fun looking through your talented artwork. I would be thrilled to win your beautiful soldered Madonna & Child Reliquary and have posted on my blog and am a follower now-yea!
Hugs,
Tami

Megan Chamberlain said...

Congratulations on 400 posts, it is a lovely milestone. I love your Madonna and Child Reliquary, so much love and thought has gone into the making of it, I hope I am the lucky winner.

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Just found you this afternoon by accident and looking forward to being a follower. Love what you have made for a giveaway. Please put my name in the hat...I am going now to put you on my sidebar.
Hope to get to know you a lot better in the future and congrats on your milestone
Maggie

ShabbyChicShaz said...

400 blogs, wow! I can only imagine the 'journey' you have been on writing these posts. I'm relatively new to blogging and I feel I've grown so you must be 'huge'! Thanks for a chance to wear your beautiful art, it would be a privilege x

Hope said...

I am so pleased to find your blog. If some other artist had not linked to you I would be none the wiser. This a a marvelous piece and it is so generous of you to give it away - thanks

Susan Richards said...

What an accomplishment! Good on you. I love most the wee potted flower.

Electra said...

Congratulations on your 400th! This is a beautiful work of art. I've posted a link on my blog here.
Thanks for the chance to win!

SilvrPanthr said...

Very stunning! Your work is inspiring and meaningful. Please continue. I just found your blog. I have become a follower, posted a link, and now I'm commenting. Congratulations on making 400 posts as well. I've had a blog set up for several years now and have yet to really post on it at all! In my eyes, its' quite the accomplishment!

{oc cottage} said...

Just beautiful!

m ^..^

Anonymous said...

This is gorgeous I dont know how I missed it, Please count me in!~~Becky

Humble Burdock said...

I just stumbled upon this blog and I am so happy to be finding other artists in the country. Such beautiful and meaningful work!
Happy 400!

Anonymous said...

How beautiful....and during the holiday as well.....
My faerie window sent me over....glad I stopped by. I did just sign up to follow, I've been reader old posts and I love the blog.

Take care,
Donna

Hands To Work Studio said...

Congratulations- 400 posts!
This Blog is AWESOME! I am new to your blog and am now a follower. I posted a link on my blog.
Beautiful jewelry and photos.

Blessings-Marsha Albee
Hands To Work Studios

Birgit said...

Hi Julie,

What a lovely piece of art -- thanks for the chance to win something so beautiful! :)

I follow your blog and added a link to your giveaway on the sidebar of my blog.

Greetings from Munich,
Birgit

donna joy said...

Beautiful piece! I've mentioned you on my blog~and follow yours~
now time to peruse somemore!

Lesley Edmonds said...

This is such a beautiful and unique piece. Thank you for the chance of winning it.
I have such a lovely time browning your gorgeous blog.
Lesley

connie said...

your blog is beautiful!! great etsy shop, just purchased a few little birds. changing my decor to some what french w/ a little rustic, yes i'll be stopping by yourshop from time to time!

Brynwood Needleworks said...

I'm already a follower of your blog and usually stop in to visit without commenting. I love your reliquary. Congratulations on 400 posts!

I'll be back to post as soon as I add your button to my sidebar.

Thanks for the opportunity to win your lovely piece.

xoxo
Donna

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Hi Julie:
I just posted your giveaway on my blog.

Please stop by and visit as I'm celebrating my First Blog Birthday and am having a giveaway of my own. I'd love to have you participate!

xoxo
Donna

Pink Heather said...

The picture of your giveaway is on my blog sidebar and a link. Though I'm hoping I don't have too much competition for this beautiful piece of art. I love it. I want it. I've got my fingers crossed. And I'm following you :)

Kathy said...

Love the necklace! You are very talented. I am now following. Blessings! Kathy

Jann said...

This is quite beautiful--I am so happy to have discovered your wonderful blog, and have become a follower! Congratulations on your 400th post! Smiles, Jann

Lucid Moon Studio said...

Congrats on your 400th post! The reliquary is fabulous! I have been a follower of your blog for quite some time. Thanks for the giveaway!! I'm so happy spring is right around the corner!

Lisa

Anonymous said...

Prairie Thistle...I have just discovered you and I am ever so glad I did. I love your blog and I have linked you to mine as well as my friend's Angel at Rose Hall Inn. Lovely pieces. Pretty, pretty artwork. So happy to have found you Prairie Thistle. Blessings Eden