Tuesday, March 2, 2010

A Bracelet for Villa

My sister-in-law, Villa, was diagnosed a year ago with leukemia. She lives with her husband in Washington state, a continent away from us. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy again to regain remission status but the ultimate prognosis is uncertain. So I cast about for a way to let her know that Douglas and I are thinking of her every day, that we send our positive energy and our love her way. I thought about making her a bracelet, something she could wear and think of us when we couldn't be there in person, something that might bring a smile to her face when things get tough.

As I was thinking of how I would do this, I remembered that this past summer I was invited to participate in a bracelet round-robin exchange with several talented designers, ultimately ending with a piece that I cherish more because of the wonderful energy in it and the generosity of the participants in giving of their time and talent than the monetary value of the finished item. So I thought of a way to kick that idea up a notch-- invite mostly total strangers to contribute a charm to make a bracelet for Villa.

Here's what I would like: Contribute a charm that is handmade by you-- that's the only stipulation. The charms can be anything, any theme, any color, any material, any technique but about 1” X 1/2” would be ideal. Send your creation to me and then I'll attach it to a nice chain that will become a charm bracelet with everybody's charm on it. The energy created in making the charm is what I'm after-- it doesn't have to be perfect, or expensive or elaborate. It could be resin, or metal or polymer clay or fiber or layered paper. My friends Cindy Wimmer and Barbara Lewis have already sent me their charms-- see the photos below for examples.

Charm by Barbara Lewis of Painting with Fire

Charm by Cindy Wimmer of Sweet Bead Studio

Now I really love the concept of the “random act of kindness” and I have a pretty good idea of the kind of people I'm writing to out there so I know that a carrot isn't necessary to encourage you to participate.

But I want to offer some items for a giveaway in gratitude for those of you who would like to contribute to the piece. I'll use a random number generator to pick the three winners.

Here's what I'm giving away to say “thank you” for helping me to make this piece really special for Villa.

Jane Eyre cuff

Metro earrings


Set of Bumblebeads, 15mm

The deadline for contributions is Monday, March 22, 2010. E-mail me at cdamm1@myfairpoint.net if you plan to send a charm and I'll e-mail you my address back as I'd rather not broadcast that over the Internet! If I receive more than 50 or so charms, I'll collect them and pass them on to someone who wants to do a similar “kindness” bracelet for a friend who needs one. If you have your own blog, it would be wonderful if you would tell your readers about this-- just a short note-- to direct them over here where they can find the information.

I will keep you all updated on the progress of the bracelet and post pictures of the completed piece when I get ready to send it off to Villa. I'll do the drawing for the gifts from me the first week of April and announce the winners in a blog post. Thanks, everyone!


23 comments:

  1. Oh gosh Christine, I'm in. If I could do one thing this year only, and if I can know that I at least tried to help someone, it would be this. You and your family are in my prayers and heart. I will spread the word.

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  2. You can count with me Christine, i totally agree with your concept of random act of kindness. And i am going to send you a charm for Vila. Let her know she is in my thoughts and prayers.
    I will send you an email.

    xox

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  3. i'm in ... will be emailing you... what incredible energy this piece will have...

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  4. This bracelet is sure to bring joy to Vila and I'm sure she will treasure it immensely. I'd love to participate...I'll email you.

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  5. What a wonderful and goodly thing to do! Bless her! I wikk see what I can dig up!

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  6. A wonderful thing to do! Bless her! I will dig something up and send it!! Many kind wishes and warmth out from me Janet in Texas ox

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  7. I have emailed you Christine and added a link to this post on my blog. What a wonderfully positive way to reflect your love.

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  8. This has touched me so much. I just sent you and email, I would love to contribute to this project.

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  9. Just found your blog thanks to Cindy Wimmer, and I'll be glad to send a charm - lot's of too personal reasons. My heart goes out to you and Vila.

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  10. so sweet of you to do that for her...I send my warmest wishes to her and your family

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  11. You can count me in too, Christine. What a wonderful idea...Vila will find so much comfort in this charm bracelet that was specially made for her...
    Jeanette

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  12. This is such a lovely thing to do. I do hope that you get lots of response, I will post a link from my blog. I wish her and all of your family all the best

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  13. This is a beautiful gesture Christine. I would love to send you something. My prayers are with you and your family.

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  14. Please count me in. I think that this is such a lovely act of support and kindness for Vila.

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  15. Just found this through Sharon's Jewelry Garden - what a lovely idea!...I've got a charm design in mind - count me in too! I'll send you an email.

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  16. What a wonderful thing to do. My hopes and prayers to the entire family.

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  17. What a thoughtful idea, Christine. Like a memory quilt. Warm wishes for Vila and her family.

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  18. I think that this is a wonderful idea and it will mean so much to her to have this bracelet on her wrist to give her strength as she goes through treatment. It's things like this that mean so much...I want to contribute to this worthwhile project...I'll send along an email so you can send me the address....blessings - you are a dear friend for doing this heartfelt gesture for your friend.

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  19. Just found this and was so touched at the idea of it. Please update to let us know if you got enough charms!

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