Heirloom Jewelry & Stories

Clasp Necklace and Bracelet Wrap, Nina Bagley: porcelain, pearls,
resin, paper, sterling silver, and leather

For me the inner narrative of any object is its essence. Perhaps this why I have a fascination with jewelry because the act of wearing something is spinning an object's story into being for it is imbued with each moment and feeling of one's life. Pictured above is a wonderful bracelet created by jewelry designer Nina Bagley. What draws me to her work is this feeling that the object has a past story, and it is meant to enter the life of a wearer in order to fabricate more narrative. I have a sense that her jewelry is meant to be passed on like a chain letter through generations of women who will interweave their own stories into this love object.

One of the gifts women share is to be the keepers and tellers of stories, to find heirlooms or symbols that embody our shared values and pass them on to others, and Nina Bagley does this all too well!

Annie

Annie, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry):
green opal, carnelian, sterling silver chain, and fine silver tree of life charm

Last year I read the book Cowgirl Smarts: How to Rope a Kick-Ass Life by Ellen Reid Smith. I couldn't resist such chapters entitled "Buck the Rules," "Dream as Big as Texas," and "Attack Life like It's a 1000 lb. Steer." I mean don't you just want to be a cowgirl now?

Maybe it started with my childhood love for Lincoln Logs and a fascination with the American pioneer spirit, but I've always dreamed of being a cowgirl, roaming the range, camping under the stars, and roping cattle -- free, independent, and feisty with some spicy chili on the side :)

Tree of Life (fine silver charm)

I designed this bracelet Annie to honor all the amazing women who have found themselves adventuring out West. When I wear this bracelet, the dark green opals and fiery orange carnelians remind me of the red rock, pine, cactus, and sage brush landscapes. Also featured is Tree of Life charm symbolizing our love of the land and a desire to be more deeply connected to our environment.

Bluebell Breeze

We've had a streak of sunny, spring-like days in Portland, so I couldn't resist putting together an Etsy Treasury that reminded me of bluebells. Be sure to check out the amazing Blossom Branch earrings by designed by Lake and the photos by Jen's Every Day Moments. Cheers to spring breezes!

Beginner's Mind @ 40

Today I turned 40 and am enjoying a sacred formula:

4 + 0 = 4

How amazing that I am actually turning both 40 and 4 all at the same time! Over the weekend I had an opportunity to be out in nature rethinking what it is to age and how every day is an opportunity to return to this idea of "Beginner's Mind" -- everything is fresh and can be seen in a new light. To reach the pureness of 4 -- a number that signifies sacred wholeness -- on January 22nd (2+2=4) is truly one of my favorite life moments to savor.

I hope you enjoy the pure beauty in these photos as I saw the Oregon woods with a Beginner's Mind!

Red Velvet Cupcake

Next week I'm turning 40 and will be celebrating with some red velvet cupcakes. I curated this Red Velvet Cupcake Treasury to put me in the mood for baking up some of these scrumptious treats :)

One of my favorite finds is the painting of the dark haired girl by Christina's Treasures. Her simplicity and stillness remind me of some of my favorite Renaissance painters.

Cassandra

Cassandra, Beth Hemmila: aquamarine, fine and sterling silver

One of my favorite women from Greek myth is the mysterious Cassandra. She was able to see into the future and predict outcomes, but alas her prophecies were never believed. To be a woman with so much insight yet to live with the helplessness of never being heard is something I'm sure a lot of people feel at times.

In this necklace, Cassandra is as ephemeral and free as a horse, surrendering to an inner stillness and relinquishing her desire for action. She wanders mountain landscapes, finding respite in azure waters and gentle winds.

A lark shimmers
against a transparent sky.
Wind rustles a mountain lake.

Secret Love on the Front Page!

This lovely Etsy Treasury called Fetish curated by jewelry designer Kira Ferrer landed on the Front Page today, and I was lucky enough to score a spot with my Secret Love charm. Thanks Kira for including my heart in your collection!

Te Amo

Secret Love, Beth Hemmila: fine silver

Upon waking, a little blurry eyed, I realized a little cup of "te amo" might perk me right up. Oh how wonderful to savor the simple deliciousness of your sweetheart saying the words "I love you" in Spanish.

Here are a few of my favorite charms that delight in spreading the language of love. I hope you enjoy every sip!

Flutter, Beth Hemmila: fine silver

Flaming Heart Milagro, Beth Hemmila: fine silver

Home Sweet Home, Beth Hemmila: fine silver

Art Bead Scene $10 Tuesday

Woodland Necklace, Heather Powers: brass, ceramic, polymer clay, and fine silver

Heather Powers at Art Bead Scene included one of my hummingbird charms as a way of enhancing a $10 project. What fun to see my Messenger charm next to some of my favorite bead artists: ceramic leaf (Every Heart Crafts) and disk bead (Humblebeads).

Plumsicle

I posted a Treasury on Etsy this week called Plumsicle, tying together some deliciously plum colored finds. When asked what color and flavor is reminescent of January my synthesia can think of no better answer then vivaciously plum!

P.S. For some fuzzy plums to keep you warm check out the Purple Paws by Sara Laglace :)

Hope

Hope, Beth Hemmila: fine silver

Last year a lovely Etsy friend asked me to make an acorn charm. This tiny seed was languishing in my drawing stack as I watched the Fall season quickly leave me in the dust. Nevertheless, as I launch my acorn charm in the merry month of January, I realize that now couldn't be a more perfect time. There is a delirious feeling of hope in the air, and as the presidential inauguration fast approaches, I can't help but think that at one time true statesmanship was a tiny acorn that is now ready to grow into a mighty oak.

A Fanciful Twist

Reclaiming My Life, Vanessa Valencia: digital print

Recently I became enchanted with a blog called A Fanciful Twist. Each week I can't wait to see what magical universe artist Vanessa Valencia has created for me on her blog. It's like being transported to a land of yummy pink cupcakes and silver sprinkles.

Luckily for all of us, she spins her magic into prints and dolls, which are available for purchase on Etsy. Her print Reclaiming my Life, makes me giggle on so many levels and seems to be the perfect image for starting off the New Year!