Mousecapades!

Bianca, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry): fine silver

Anyone else nutty over a small furry creature that has a habit of twitching their nose? I think they're irresistible and so does Etsy shop owner Morumoto! Be sure to dash over to Morumoto's blog to check out a bunch of cute mice found on Etsy, including a scrumptious ceramic tile by one of my favorite Detroit artists Gretchen Kramp.

Thanks Morumoto for featuring Bianca on your blog and showing me how to make a mouse from characters! <:3 )~

Waiting

Turtle Mother Charms, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry): fine silver

Recently some friends and I were discussing the concept of choice, and how frustrating it can be when faced with making a difficult decision based on the model of choosing either "yes" or "no." I've found it especially difficult when the two choices presented either put you in the camp of social misfits or force you to ignore your well-being. This is the mouse trap of black and white thinking.

On the surface it appears this trap could cause a lot of suffering, but lately I've realized that this place of social pressure can be an opportunity for liberating a thinking pattern. If in its most natural state the world always offers multiplicity, then what are our other options besides "yes" or "no?"

One idea occurred to me as I sat between "yes" and "no" is that we have waiting? Gosh, YES! Waiting feels pretty good to me!! I'm noticing that amazing things happen when you invite waiting into your world. I say this with a cheeky grin, because anyone close to me knows that I am by instinct an impatient person :)

Nevertheless, I've been trying waiting on for size over the last several years. Waiting three times as long as I normally would for a response from a student. Waiting for my husband to find the words to explain something important. Waiting for coworkers to sort out a computer problem on their own before diving in and fixing it for them. Waiting for my cat to make the decision if he wants to stay in or go out. And waiting for the perfect design to come to me at the right moment...as slow and effortless as a turtle...just patiently waiting to be named, written about and posted in Etsy.

I'm sure there are hundreds of choices between "yes" and "no." Have you found a way of multiplying the choices available to you? Have you experienced anything wondrous by waiting?

Beehive: Friendship & Belonging

Belonging, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry): fine silver beehive charm

Alive with the buzz of an exuberant community, beehives spin golden, sticky honey that makes life a little bit sweeter. Hives foster a fragile harmony so as to nurture a rich and intricate shelter -- a home and a place of belonging. The symbol of a beehive celebrates the essence of steadfast friendships, where faithfulness, intimacy and trust create intangible moments that feel like coming home.

Wear a Beehive to celebrate the enduring bonds of friendship, closeness and belonging.

NighBluey

Aqua and Lemon Lime, NighBluey: freshwater pearls and copper

NighBluey just said the sweetest thing about Hint on her blog..."whisper and walk softly"

I'm tickled by the idea that Hint could be like quiet oasis out on this wild ride called the Internet, and giggling inside because wouldn't you know I'm always running off to Etsy shops like NighBluey for that exciting punch of color. I mean who isn't smacking their lips when they see this juicy pair of earrings called Aqua and Lemon Lime? It's pure energizing refreshment for the eyes.

Blue Candy, NighBluey: glass, metal

Nigh Bluey has a quiet side too; hence, the tag line "jewelry for your ever changing moods." Boy, do I like that because what girl isn't fluctuating day to day, hour to hour, and minute by minute!!

Fire Red, NighBluey: glass and sterling silver

Lastly, I'm sure you've all been stewing a bit inside, "hmmmm NighBluey, what an interesting name...wonder what it means?" Well, be sure to run over to NighBluey to find out and end this nagging mystery :)

Many thanks to NighBluey for brightening my day and featuring my shop on your blog!!

Love Bug

Okay, so I haven't done any research on this, but I've been wondering if Volkswagen's Beetle design had its origins in ancient Egyptian scarabs. Anyone know for sure? Well, if not, this is an amazing example of how universal symbols unconsciously crop up in our lives and tie us together.

Strangely, the Beetle's history is intertwined with Hitler's desire to create an affordable car for his version of the everyday person. Originally called the KdF-Wagen (Kraft durch Freude "Strength through Joy"), the Beetle took flight after World War II to become the world's best-selling car design.

What am I digging about the story of the Volkswagen Beetle? Well first off, my curiosity is always peaked when a genuine concept for creating ease and accessibility, though slightly twisted, comes from an unsavory source, and then does a one eighty into something we seem to all adore and affectionately call the Love Bug.

Believe, Beth Hemmila: fluorite, fine and sterling silver

I like to think it means that any symbol tarnished by context always has the ability to be reborn into something new. A symbol is without a doubt universal, and its original meaning exists inside of us completely untouched by circumstance. Hence, the beetle is an ancient symbol that will continue to weave its way in and out through our collective unconscious.

I've never been gaga over beetles though I do remember having a Love Bug fixation at one point, so it makes sense that Egyptian scarabs (beetles) are oh so appealing to my design aesthetic. These tiny scarabs are just so....something...cute, round, compact, strong, sturdy, industrious, enduring, indestructible??

I don't know. They just make me smile :)

Believe, Beth Hemmila: fluorite, fine and sterling silver

The ancient Egyptians were consummate symbolists and knew how to elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary. They were able to see the immense strength and ingenuity in the dung beetles' livelihood and raise it to the level of awareness that allows us to believe our own ability to make something magnificent from seemingly nothing in our every day existence.

P.S. If you want a giggle be sure to watch this dung beetle video!

Pleasure in Paint

My friend Catherine sent me this video from The Asian Elephant Art Conservation Project (AEACP). This fascinating non-profit organization raises funds to improve the welfare of currently domesticated Asian elephants and also aims to support projects that protect wild elephant populations.

The unique concept behind this project is centered around the creating and selling of art produced by elephants. I'm not judging our strange desire to value creatures that learn to mimic our actions, but rather in this video I was drawn to that inexplicable connection between the act of painting and an elemental force that may exist in all beings.

When I watched this video for the first time, I was immediately transported back to a conversation in college about an esoteric art theory that has stuck with me. Could the act of painting be our body's remembering? A re-inscribing of that initial nurturing relationship between mother and infant?

When was the last time you really picked up a paint brush and became intimately aware of the pull to press an extension into a surface and pull down? Oh I hope you'll try it soon! Be sure to take a moment and capture that feeling between the impulse and the action, and I guarantee that you will find yourself awakened to something completely new.

I use to enjoy watching my kitty bite into her stuffed bear and knead its belly with her paws. I read somewhere that my cat may have been returning to a comforting memory of nursing as a kitten. What if our desire to paint is no different then returning to a comforting memory of nurturance long past like the action of my cat kneading? And how are we connected to an elephant that is willing to be trained to paint? Could they perhaps feel that same same impulse to return to a place of fundamental origin? Watching this video you can't help but wonder that the elephants and ourselves may share in that moment of sheer pleasure applying paint to a surface without any expectation of originality, but rather just because it feels good.

Story Necklaces

Mattison, Beth Hemmila: peridot, carnelian, amethyst, sterling and fine silver

My new custom listing called Your Story has be seeing a lot of action lately. It's been fun watching designs emerge from hearts of other people. Here are a few of the story necklaces that women have been asking me to create. Can you guess the stories?

Merryn (Breathe), Beth Hemmila: aquamarine, freshwater pearl, sterling and fine silver

Christina, Beth Hemmila: lapis, jasper, rose quartz, moonstone,
lemon topaz, sterling and fine silver

Traces

Sometimes people ask me if the word "hint" has significance, and I wish that my verbal somersaults did more then diminish its meaning.

Hints, traces, remembrances, things left behind...all these concepts intrigue me and are a core theme throughout all my artwork. One of my favorite contemporary artists, Ana Mendieta, seemed to understand this idea on a profound level when she left imprints of her body in mud as a way of examining our emotional and spiritual connection to land.

My thought is that she was playing with the idea of matter and the tension between knowing we are transitory but yearning for a tangible mark to prove our existence. Marking is one of the most primal instincts. From a pet scratching your couch to carving your initials in a bench, all creatures have the urge to leave traces of themselves on the world.

Moreover, the marks we have on our body are some of the most intimate and decorative parts of ourselves. The body's art is something we take for granted and rarely spend time exploring its emotional connection. Like the tiny wrinkles around your eyes a mark may speak of all the amazing things you've seen.



Or like tattoos drawn on your skin, a mark may communicate the power of naming your place in this world.



When I moved from doing sculpture that was untouchable and out there, to creating art that was next to my skin, distance disappeared. Jewelry is unmistakably intimate, and adornment may be the only compassionate touch someone receives throughout the day.

My wedding ring is jewelry that stays with me. I love being claimed by my commitment and honored by that ring. I appreciate the mark it leaves behind on my finger, so that even without its presence I still have a remembrance.



Sometimes we chose intentional decoration or adornment, and other times markings occur by an emotional choice. Labor. My favorite new body art are these two small bruises that are slowly turning into hardened calluses from constant kneeling on my yoga mat. A callus contains a long, intimate story and is the body's marking of pure devotion.

Wanting to connect with the fullest expression of ourselves is universal. Wanting to be close to something deeply meaningful in every moment is natural. Jewelry only hints at what we chose to ignore on the surface of ourselves. It calls for our focused attention to love our bodies, care for our spirits, respect our stories, and honor our traces.

May you enjoy the story of your body and its magnificent unfolding!

Can they live together?

Lately a couple of my dog charms have been featured in animal themed Treasuries on Etsy. Here's the latest by Mandy Bee Creations called Can they live together?

Too cute! I love the spunky, orange knitted kitty and the animal portraits. Thanks so much for including my work Mandy Bee :)

Lakshmi Lotus: Prosperity & Beauty

Lakshmi Lotus, Beth Hemmila: fine silver lotus blossom charm

Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity, generosity, and courage, sits on a beautiful lotus blossom, bestowing gifts of good fortune. A favored household deity for women, Lakshmi promises wealth and beauty to all her devotees. Inspired by my friend Kyra and her courageous journey towards manifesting prosperity, Lakshmi lotus will aid in all matters related to wealth.

Wear Lakshmi Lotus to empower your spirit and invite prosperity into your life!

Like Water for Chocolate

Chocolate, Beth Hemmila: garnet, gold filled, sterling and fine silver

This little necklace came about after re-reading Like Water for Chocolate. Of course any movie or novel that deals with chocolate or any other beloved food tends to become my best friend.


I kept this piece simple, using a tiny flaming heart milagro from my shop and then spicing it up with a couple passionate garnets. I've been playing with gold-filled wire and the mix of metals with the deep red seemed to give it a Mexican feel.


With my focus on telling stories through jewelry, I've had fun translating some of my favorite reads into wearable mementos. Anyone else using books as a jumping off point for their creative process? I'd love to hear what you're reading or what stories I've been missing :)

Finding Your Stillpoint

Wassily Kandinsky’s Farbstudie Quadrate (Color Study of Squares)


I am a letting go -- an absolute still point of divine existence.
(Beth Hemmila)

Lately I’ve been playing with stillness. What does inner stillness feel like? Can I access stillness in every moment no matter the situation?

This quote about stillness is from a book I wrote over the last year. My book of inspirational phrases – teabag therapy if you will – has yet to see the light of day. I am deeply anxious to produce this book so it has an outward voice, but I have all these unanswered questions that are holding up the publication process.

This is where I’m learning to rely more on stillness and letting go. I have come to accept that my little book has its own time and space already decided. I’m sure it will let me know when its ready to greet the world, so in the meantime I will continue on my merry, creative way and focus on seemingly concrete reality…

Stillness, Beth Hemmila: garnet, peridot, amethyst,
carnelian, gold-filled chain/wire, and fine silver

Like this necklace inspired by Art Bead Scene’s June Monthly Challenge: Wassily Kandinsky's painting Farbstudie Quadrate (Color Study of Squares). The colors say vibrant movement and passionate energy, but I wanted to know if one could feel stillness in the middle of this visual excitement. I edited Kandinsky’s beautiful cascade of color into little dabbles of elegance.

Stillness, Beth Hemmila: garnet, peridot, amethyst,
carnelian, gold-filled chain/wire, and fine silver

Are you feeling the stillness? :)

Men

Courage, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry):
fine silver lion charm

Who are my Hint Jewelry men? What do they look like? Are they surfers, bikers, yogis, rockers, club goers, college guys, businessmen, primary caretakers, or athletes? This question has been on my mind lately. As Father's Day quickly approaches, I realize that I haven't been spending a whole lot of time designing for my inner masculine voice, and I'm ready to take the leap and discover my other side.

No doubt, one of my strongest masculine images is this Courage charm. Bless his heart, my husband wears this lion charm on a leather cord every day. This symbol celebrates his fiery Leo personality: strength, intelligence, determination, and courage to be himself in every moment.

Protector, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry):
fine silver egyptian Anubis jackal dog charm

Whenever I see a man buy a charm from my shop, I have this incredible urge to get nosy. Does this happen to you? Are they buying a gift? Are they making jewelry for themselves or a friend? Why are they drawn to this symbol? Alas, I keep my questions to myself, but maybe you have have some ideas about my mystery man.

The power and clarity in Egyptian design feels masculine to me. So the Protector charm, symbolizing the Egyptian god Anubis, reminds me of a poker chip. In fact, my husband told me that poker players often use a coin-like card protector. This made me giggle to think my charms might help some lucky soul hit the big one playing Texas hold 'em!!

Another idea for Protector was shared by a friend who created a charm necklace for her police officer sister to wear under her bullet proof vest. I thought her idea was so amazing. Can you see a whole police force wearing Protector under their uniforms -- a reminder to act from a place of compassion and understanding both towards themselves and others?

Love Dog, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry):
fine silver greyhound whippet dog charm

Need I say more? Man's best friend? I definitely created this Love Dog while thinking about the joyful exuberance that is a consistent characteristic of the men in my life. The men I know seem to easily understand the carefree and playful nature of a dog, and this silly quality always brings me back to center when I find myself getting too serious.

Om, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry):
fine silver om charm

One of my deepest connections with men is through spirituality. Being a seeker, that fellowship has taken on many religious guises, but consistently I have always found deep awareness in the spiritual company of men. No wonder my Om charm is one of the best sellers among my male friends on Etsy.

Peace, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry):
fine silver peace charm

Lastly, I have always bonded with men through my solid foundation in humanitarianism. This bold peace sign represents my core value of compassionate care for the suffering of others.

What about you? Do you design for men? Do you seek inside yourself for that creative masculine voice that connects with the various men in your life? What surprises you about the men you design for? I'd love to hear about your experiences with a male audience.

Mouse: Vitality & Charm

Bianca, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry): fine silver mouse or rat charm

Miss Bianca from The Rescuers was always the adventurous and sophisticated type, who would fly off to unknown destinations on a moments notice to help anyone in need. Didn't you just love her spunk and glamour?! Do you also revel in being organized and diligent? Caring for friends in need? Well by gosh, that's what mice are for, and this teeny, tiny mouse is perfect for when you need to call upon your strength to make it through another hectic day. Mice and rats are smart, nimble, and enterprising spirits who know how to achieve big dreams by working step by step on the small details. No wonder people born during the Year of the Rat in the Chinese Zodiac are consider the harbingers of prosperity!

Wear Bianca and draw upon the wisdom, vitality, and charm of a mouse to bring your dreams to life!

What are you about right now?

My friend Catherine Witherell at Happy Day Art tagged me for her question "What are you about right now?" I love this question because I'm asking it of myself at least once a day to my husband's dismay!! :)

So lickety split, I made a list of ideas and then had the best time using Catherine's suggestion Wordle.net to produce my word cloud pictured above. Font, colors, layouts...you could happily lose yourself in a word cloud for at least a half an hour.

I'm going to use passive tagging and ask that if anyone who visits this post wants to play, just simply leave me a comment, and I'll run over and gaze at your own word cloud.

Birdhouse Pendant, Catherine Witherell (Happy Day Art):
tourmaline, garnet, pearl, fine and sterling silver

Thanks to Catherine for sharing her creative energy and this fun word program with me! Be sure to visit Catherine's shop on Etsy for the some of the most fabulously intricate metal clay birdhouse pendants I've ever seen.

Kat's Creations

Urban Chic Labradorite Necklace, Kathryn Ernst (Kat's Creations):
labradorite and sterling silver

Is anyone else out there just nutty over labradorite gemstones? Every time I walk into a bead shop, I have to hold myself back from buying more and adding to the ever growing stash in my studio! So it's no wonder that for a substitute fix, I love stopping by Kathryn Ernst's shop Kat's Creations and perusing her beautiful jewelry designs featuring gorgeous labradorite gemstones.

Diversity Necklace, Kathryn Ernst (Kat's Creations):
pearls and sterling silver

By the time I get through with the labradorite jewelry, I'm fully drawn in and soaking up her wonderful way of creating simplicity with semi-precious stones and metal. Don't you just adore the thought of mixing different pearls and calling it Diversity?! It's so clever and heartwarming all at the same time.

Quartz Necklace with Prehnite and Sterling, Kathryn Ernst (Kat's Creations):
green tourmaleted quartz, prehnite, and sterling silver

This beauty is another one of my favorites. I'm thinking that a few of my tribal belly dancing gals would love to wear this gorgeous prehnite and quartz necklace in a performance. The pattern Kathyrn creates with the stones is so dynamic, and that delicious milky, green color reminds me of a refreshing summer drink I can't put my finger on, but I get thirsty just looking at it :)

There is something for everyone at Kat's Creations, so make sure you stop by for summer shopping!

Zen Lotus: Purity & Awakening

Zen Lotus, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry): fine silver lotus blossom charm

In every moment, your heart longs to rise up through muddy water and open like a magnificent lotus blossom. Just like a lotus moving from darkness into glistening sunlight, you have the awesome potential to grow and acquire deep inner wisdom that connects your soul to divine consciousness, authenticity, and peace. Draw on the healing power of a lotus blossom to strengthen the purity of your heart for the journey ahead.

Wear Zen Lotus to inspire your heart’s spiritual awakening!

Cynthia Thornton is Magic!

Monkey King, Cynthia Thornton (Green Girl Studios): pewter bead

My own little monkey king! Isn't he the most precious thing you've ever seen? My plan had been to add him to a good luck charm for my bedroom doorknob, but now I just want to carry him around in my pocket and feel his exuberance. How can you not be drawn in by his happy-go-lucky expression that was created by the fantastic Cynthia Thornton of Green Girl Studios!

Aqua Cat, Cynthia Thornton (Green Girl Studios): pewter bead

As an artist, Cynthia can take the simplest of concepts and make them magical. Like with Aqua Cat, how did she know that two of my favorite things -- mermaids and kittys -- belong together? Because of Cynthia's charming vision of the world, I'm starting to believe there are more mermaid-cat ladies out there just waiting to be discovered!

Preliminary Sketch for Time and Memory Necklace, Cynthia Thornton

What tickles me the most is Cynthia's endlessly spiraling creativity that goes way beyond her sculpting talent. Lucky for all of us, through her new book Enchanted Adornments: Creating Mixed-Media Jewelry with Metal Clay, Wire, Resin & More we are about to get a glimpse into her creative heart through stories, journaling, design sketches, watercolor illustrations, and 20 unique jewelry projects.

How often do we get to discover the wandering path an artist from the beginning of an idea to the birth of the answer? It's like getting a chance look into Leonardo da Vinci's sketchbook.

Enchanted Adornments, Cynthia Thornton

Cynthia's new book is one special moment in time that you don't want to miss, so be sure to sign up for pre-orders on Amazon. If you want to be a part of the fun leading up to book publication, join the Facebook page for Enchanted Adornments, where you can participate in Green Girl Studio bead giveaways.

I hope you join me in celebrating the magic of stories, creativity, and jewelry though the amazing spirit of Cynthia Thornton!

Got Tomatoes?

Disclaimer: Welcome to my blog series on copyright! This is the final installment in a four part series in which I am exploring the spiritual and emotional context of copyright. I am in no way minimizing the legal and practical issues surrounding this complex topic, but would like to offer space to muse about questions and feelings that arise. To catch up on the whole series and read insightful comments by fellow bloggers, click here.

What I am about to suggest seems to be the core issue that erupts when our hearts are mindfully dancing around copyright...

Deep underneath our uncomfortable and guarded feelings about copyright there exists a fundamental concern for our basic survival needs. I could just flat out say "money," but down deeper in the rabbit hole is one of our primal fears -- do I have sufficient means to survive? Life and death stuff. That's what gets our hearts all in a dither over copyright. Sufficiency. Do I have enough money to feed, cloth and shelter my family?

What if we were able to conceive that there is always enough of everything we need? Would we begin to see money as a beautiful metaphor? Like the gigantic flow of resources that come through our lives in every moment (e.g., light, air, water, matter, etc.)?

Got Tomatoes?

Everything I'm about to propose has all been digested and reconstituted from two of my favorite resources:

The Soul of Money: Transforming Your Relationship to Money and Life, Lynne Twist

Unveiling the Heart of Your Business, Mark Silver

In my neighborhood, we have a farmer's market on Saturdays. I'm constantly amazed that in one small city block at least four or five vendors are all selling exactly the same produce. If you want tomatoes, what wonderful local farmer do you choose? The one with the most appealing name? The one with the longest line because they must have the tastiest? The one with the shortest line because you're in a rush? The one with the friendliest employees, shouting out funny jokes? Or the one that you've been going to for the last ten years because you've built a relationship with the owner?

My point is that you can have very similar products all competing with each other and still be successful because ultimately each buyer will have a different reason for choosing the tomato that best fits them. How cool is that?!


"People are physically moved towards the person who is vulnerable enough to make visible the deep essence quality of what their heart is giving." - Mark Silver


The basis of Mark Silver's business concept is that if you share your purest gift, then you will automatically create resonance with the right people -- the people who want to be drawn into your establishment of giving and receiving. Moreover, the best part is that you are not suppose to serve everyone in your business, because they are meant to be helped by someone else.

By letting go of needing to have everyone or everything in your business, then you begin to see a pattern of wholeness in the world. This primal knowledge that there is enough of everything can become our natural state of conscious sufficiency. When I am able to live from this place of wholeness, then my basic needs for nourishment are always met and fears that may arise from this question of copyright seem to diminish as I see a design greater then myself.

Bollywood & Beads

In the middle of a dreary January, I received this cheerful beaded necklace from one of my nieces for my birthday. A spunky ladybug and some bright colors transported me instantly to spring and summer!



Simultaneously, I had been watching a quirky Hollywood Bollywood movie called Marigold that sizzles with color, dance, and music. In making art, I love that inspiration can come from anywhere. Most often it arrives when I least expect it. However, I know when it has come knocking because it feels like drinking the most energizing glass of orange juice -- incredibly alive and connected.

Using my niece's colorful beaded necklace and the spirit of Bollywood as a jumping off point, I decided to add some punch to my spring and summer jewelry collection. Here are a few necklaces where I paired little bits of color with tiny creatures. Thanks so much to my niece for inspiring me to shake up my color palette!

Eva, Beth Hemmila: garnet, peridot, amethyst, fine and sterling silver

Floria, Beth Hemmila: garnet, peridot, iolite, fine and sterling silver

Mimi, Beth Hemmila: carnelian, peridot, amethyst, fine and sterling silver

Firebird: Transformation

Firebird, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry): fine silver firebird or phoenix charm

How many people are ready for the movie version of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? This was my favorite book in the whole series, so I can't wait to see it come to life through film!! Only one more month of twiddling my thumbs, but until then enjoy one of my favorite mythogical creatures found in Harry Potter...

The Phoenix (aka The Firebird)

Through the magnificent aging process, we gradually learn to appreciate the beauty of birth and death that exists within each transition. These powerful emotional, mental, and physical changes can feel as if you are on fire. Healing a life-threatening illness, ending a meaningful relationship, starting a vocation, graduating from school, or choosing to retire, whatever change comes, you are sitting on a precipice of self-discovery, leading to the most perfect transformation. A universal symbol of rebirth, the phoenix is a sacred firebird from ancient mythology. Setting a perfumed nest ablaze, the phoenix is reborn from its ashes to live anew. Originally inspired by my husband’s fiery nature and his journey to learn flamenco guitar, this firebird will offer strength and resilience to any new challenge.

Wear firebird to embrace a life of self-discovery and transformation!

Mauve

Mauve - Curated by Swept From the Sea

I was poking around on Etsy tonight, thinking I might put a Treasury together when I found this lovely collection including my Full Blossom charm and curated by Swept From the Sea. Love, love, love the color plum so I was instantly infatuated. My little flower charm was inspired by the Greek goddess Aphrodite and her ability to awaken every living thing just by walking past, and this Treasury is definitely beauty unfolding :)

Many thanks to Swept From the Sea for including me in your lovely Treasury!

Lilla Jizo

Katarina, Lilla Jizo: acrylic, wood, pencil

Meet Katarina! The newest edition to my family!! Don't you just love the wisdom in her eyes? I adopted Katarina last week from the home of one of the most loveliest Etsy souls -- Lilla Jizo.



Petra, the artist behind Lilla Jizo, was introduced to me by LeAnn at Summer Studios. The moment I saw her shop and read her blog, I couldn't help but be drawn in by her devotion to Buddhism and her serene outlook on life.

Petra's generous spirit spilled out of my package in the shape of all sorts of little goodies to make Katarina feel at home. I now have two deliciously smelling beeswax candles that were made at an Orthodox Catholic monastery in Finland (Petra found out I was part Finnish!).



Look at this amazing gift! My husband tells me this nut may be a buckeye, a symbol of good luck. What a surprise to find the face of Jizo Bodhisattva (special protector of children, women, and travelers) smiling up at me from this seed of hope.



Lastly, Petra enclosed a precious card with her empheral painting of Jizo. I am so grateful for all my new treasures, a friend in Sweden, and a blessed kitty to add to my altar. Thank you for sharing your light with me, Peta!