Saturday, April 16, 2011

7000 Bracelets of Hope

Hope,
the feeling that what you want can be had,
that something you look forward to with great desire.
You place trust in it,
and it is connected to faith and love.
And when hope does spring eternal
it brings with it the anticipation of new beginnings.



7000 diseases are classified as rare, affecting 250 million people, most of which are children. So one community of millions was started in hope there would be more value in one large group. In January 2010 they started a grass roots organization called The Global Genes Project to unify, support, and build awareness.

So The Global Genes Project volunteer team is collecting bracelets with a denim/blue jean theme for their campaign, "7000 Bracelets of hope." These bracelets will be collected and distributed as a show of support to families with children of rare disease or disorder.

I chose to do this project for many reasons, but mostly because I too am a face of a rare disorder. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with a localized scleroderma and have also battled with Restless Legs Syndrome for years. RLS is a sleep disorder and at times extremely difficult to live with. I am very fortunate to have it mostly under control right now, except for the occasional flare-ups.

I knew I wanted to put just a touch of color in my bracelet, but stay very much in keeping with the blue jean theme. So just on Wednesday of this week at my metals class, I made a torch-enameled flower that I sawed out of 20 Ga copper sheet. I chose a flower shape because flowers remind me of Spring and Spring brings with it the hope of renewal.


I also wanted to do something asymmetrical as there are always two sides of disease.
The ebb and flow.
I had just the right length of viking knit that was left from another project - bonus!



And added some flower dangles and blue daggers as leaves.



If you look closely on the left, after the blue daggers you'll see three floating silver twisted rings.
They represent Hope, Love, and Faith,
and the Holy Trinity.

This is also a blog hop and there are many other artists/jewelry designers and crafters participating.
You can go here to see what everyone else has made - see ya there!

I wish you a weekend of hope fulfilled!

Love, Kim
XO

49 comments:

Ellen said...

Wow, Kim, this is such a beautiful piece of jewelry. The work is exquisite, which of course, is typical for your creations, but this one is extra special, because of its purpose. I love the symbolism you've included in your design. Wonderful, my friend!

Christine Altmiller said...

WOW! my jaw dropped...this is beautiful. i am very drawn to fringe and movement.

Beetique said...

Yes it's a wonderful bracelet.

Honey from the Bee said...

Very beautiful, Kim. Was it cathartic to work on due to your diagnosis? I'm imagining it would've been. Take care my friend.

Coming Abstractions said...

What a lovely bracelet -- love the Viking Knit. Good luck with your health journey and thank you for participating in such a worthy project!!

Stacey said...

Really a gorgeous piece Kim!

Tracy Statler said...

Really beautiful!

Dee said...

absolutely beautiful design...I love it!! I love the though process that went into your finished product. Much luck to you with your own health and I'm very certain that whomever receives this with your message for hope will love it as much as I do!

m.e. said...

Everything about this is AWESOME !
Your enamel flower is soooooooooo lovely !
the meaning of the components in this creation makes it truly special!
m.e. :)

CraftyHope said...

What a lovely bracelet! It will make someone's day to receive it for sure.

Unknown said...

This is so stunning and I hope that all goes well with your health. I just loved the thought you put into your bracelet and I know you will be blessed back.

Pretty Things said...

That is gorgeous! And my husband has RLS, too - it makes my already difficult sleep even more of a challenge -- interestingly, he can sleep soundly. I'm glad for that.

Thanks so much for participating!

Eileen The Artful Crafter said...

Gorgeous! The enamel flower with just a touch of color is outstanding. I'm sure it will bring smiles to the recipient.

Unknown said...

Very gorgeous!

Judy said...

Kim, your bracelet is amazing! I love the enamel flower you made and the viking knit chain...just perfect!!

The Last Day One said...

It's beautiful - love the torch fired enamel flower!

Brandi Hussey said...

Oh, this is perfect. The two sides/asymmetrical design, the focal, the sparkly dangles - perfect. The recipient is going to be thrilled!

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Love the Viking Knit and the enameled flower you used to create the bracelet! Fabulous work!

AFlyOnTheWall said...

Each bracelet I see is amazing...WOW! It is an honor to participate in this which all you talented Artisans...

Robyn Hawk

Bobbie said...

This is really beautiful, from the viking knit to the flowers -- it's a wonderfully unique piece that the recipient will love!

windrock studio said...

Hey Kim, I love looking at your bracelet, it is so soft and so beautiful. And I loved also that you shared so much about yourself and how you created this piece ... thank you and all the best to you and your family.
SusanMarie

Lutka And Co. said...

Wow, so much thought and meaning in this bracelet - it's just wonderful!

Unknown said...

this is total awesomesauce!I love the enameled flower, the dangles,the knit...ok you get the idea

rosebud101 said...

That is a beautiful piece of jewelry! What a lovely bracelet for someone who needs to be lifted up!

Marian Hertzog said...

Prayers for you... this is a beautiful bracelet and will make someone smile for sure! I love the meaning behind it!

Holly said...

Kim, oh goodness, this bracelet just blows me away. It's gorgeous!

Francy said...

beautiful!

stacilouise said...

I really love this! The contrast of the chunky chain and the delicate flower, the colors and metal, everything comes together and it is soooo pretty!!! Someone is going to love this.

Maggie said...

What a beautiful mix of wonderful components! I'd love to wear this bracelet and know it will bring the recipient hope and love.

Kim Stevens said...

Thank you all so very much for stopping by and for all the wonderful comments!! I still have half the list to finish - I was at my son's five, yes five touch football games for 8 hours today. They did take 2nd in state though! Can't wait to visit all the rest tomorrow.

Lupe Meter said...

Beautiful design! The Viking knit adds a nice touch to the design of the bracelet. Love it!

Cindy said...

Oh WOW!!!! What an incredibly gorgeous bracelet. I love how you focused on the meaning behind your choices in your design - like the (amazing) enameled flower and the two different sides to the bracelet. I've enjoyed visiting your older blog posts as well just to see your awesome photography! You have so many talents!

Shyme said...

REally beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I'm making my way through all 112 participants of this blog hop. I've truly enjoyed all the blogs that joined in. Your bracelet is stunning, I would love to have it. :) I'm now a follower of your blog. #48

Kate said...

Gorgeous work. I especially like the focal!

Aquariart said...

Very beautiful bracelet, love your enamel flower and the dangles next to it. Also I really like the viking knit in copper. Great choices lovely results!!

WTF Store said...

A beautiful design! I'm sure it will be well loved.

Cory said...

This is a WOW bracelet...love it.

Shirley said...

I am just blown away by the beauty of this bracelet. I love that it has special meaning for you, thru your own struggles. I am frankly jealous that you got to create that awesome flower for it! Love that talent! I am sure the lovely mom who receives it will feel very special wearing this jewel.

elisabeth said...

Your flower focal is stunning - great bracelet!

hello gorgeous said...

oh this is SOOOO pretty Kim! fabulous! ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous and the thought you put into it's meaning is awesome. Well done!

L said...

Hi Kim, love your bracelet

Elysian Studios said...

This is one of my very favorite pieces, Kim (if not my favorite!) I love everything about it, down to that sweet little orange enameled dot in the flower. Thank you for sharing your story- I have been so touched to see so many participants share personal stories that relate to this cause.

Serena Trent said...

AWESOME BRACELET!!! I love the design very pretty!

Rebekah said...

Beautiful! All of your elements and the story behind them are so precious! Thanks for sharing. My heart goes out to all who struggle with rare diseases and I am so happy to think that all of our bracelets will bring a little shining spot of hope to 7000 families in need.

Diane said...

It is beautiful Kim! You did a great job =)...and I just love how you added the viking knit. Have only done it once, and would love to do it again, and teach it in a project!
Once again, this is a beautiful bracelet for a great cause. You should be so proud!
xoxo

Susan said...

Your work is just incredible. Just like your photography.

My son battles with Restless Leg too. He's also a brain tumor survivor.

What an amazing cause!!

Barbara Lewis said...

This is a very cool bracelet!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...