The Color of Faith, Hope and Joy

Sometimes I think my life was much easier before I learned to read. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting we have an illiterate nation - so get your panties out of a wad. I am thinking of how fun life was when my life was centered around color, textures and imaginative play.

For example, Pre-K Sunday School rocks! When I was young (back in the dark ages), the songs had hand movements - "This little light of mine". The hour was filled with great stories and arts and crafts. One of the best tools our Sunday School teacher gave us was a small book of colors. I remember looking through this little book, page by page when I had to be quiet and sit in 'big church'.

There were just four colors in the book: Black, Red, White and Gold. They represented the story of salvation: Black = sorrow/our sin; Red = Blood of Christ; White = Cleansing/Baptism; Gold = Heaven/Glory of God. So very simple and so very, very effective.

Expanding on this idea, I have started making Salvation/Prayer Bracelets with beautiful Swarovski Crystals. I have one featured on my Etsy shop - CreateJoy.Etsy.com . I am developing more designs that incorporate gold or silver beads as well as wood (representing The Cross).

I want to give a big shout out to all the Sunday School teachers out there. You are making a difference and have an impact on your students lives. While I can not recall the name of my Sunday School teacher that gave me my little book, I would love to tell them how much they blessed me and I still carry them in my heart.

Blessings to you all ~ Create Joy!

Boxers, Snow and Faith

I awoke this morning to complete and utter silence. A rarity in a house with two boxers and hardwood floors! I quickly realized that Daisy and Max were snuggled up, keeping each other warm. It was snowing lightly and my whimpy boxers wanted nothing to do with the cold, wet flakes drifting around the backyard.

I LOVE SNOW! I love to spend the day cocooned and cozy in the house. I love the way snow insulates and muffles sounds. I love to wear warm wool socks and sweats all day. I LOVE SNOW!

With the quiet snowy morning, I gave myself permission to sit in the recliner all morning and work on art. I designed a card to include with my prayer bracelets. I titled it "Faith" and pray those that receive the prayer bracelets and card are blessed by them both.

I will be working on two additional prayer bracelet designs today. I am very focused on creating my jewelry and getting each piece posted on my etsy shop - check it out at: CreateJoy.etsy.com

It has stopped snowing, but I think I will indulge in another cup of coffee and snuggle up with a couple of warm boxers a little longer

Blessings to you ~ Create Joy!

Thanksgiving Survived!

Well, I survived Thanksgiving!

Cooking the holiday meal for my family is truly a joy ... seriously ... however by the end of the day, I am ready for the family to go home so I can crash in front of the TV and just 'veg out'.

I have used my week of vacation to create some new pieces and got them posted on my Etsy shop -- check it out! http://CreateJoy.etsy.com . I have been busy, busy, busy. I am very pleased with the new pieces - including this little jewel -- "Strawberry Bling". The faceted quartz remind me of strawberries -- just starting to ripen. The sterling beads give it a very 'rich' look and it is just fun to wear!

Now, I am working on some new designs for my "Prayer Bracelets". I have just a basic design listed on the Etsy shop -- but have some great ideas I need to make. I really love the "Prayer Bracelet" basic design - the beautiful Swarovski Crystals really make it even more special to wear.

My mom has arthritis in her hands and I am designing several bracelets that are stretch - so my clients do not have to fumble with a clasp. So many of the stretch bracelets are quiet simply 'cheap' looking - so it is very important that my designs still have the high quality stones and metals and look just as 'rich' as a bracelet with a clasp.

Well -- better get back to the design desk so I can get these ideas out of my head and onto paper.

Blessings to you all ~~