Hello

I am so happy that you stopped by!   This is a LONG post, so please get comfy with a cup of coffee or cocoa.   I have so much to share with you today: talk about blogs, jewelry, FRIENDS,a publication and give aways!  {And you just might want to read to the end.}   I have been waiting for so long to share these details with you;  events that have taken place well over a year ago to the present.  Today is the day I’m finally going to tell you all about one of the most significant experiences I’ve had since I started making jewelry….

In early Fall 2009, I was crazy about making jewelry and visiting a bunch of my favorite blogs (as I am today).  There were several of us that were getting  to know one another after “meeting” on our blogs.  Leaving comments on each other’s blogs soon led to personal emails and friendships started to develop.  Soon an idea developed, one that could be an outward sign, an extension of our friendship.  Following suit of the then-recent book, “A Charming Exchange“, we decided to jump in and start a collaborative project, a Round Robin.  You’ve heard of quilting bees from years ago, well this would be a modern day bee – spanning the U.S. to Europe.  Our Round Robin group included these amazing jewelry designers, ladies who have become my good friends:  Sharon (USA) of Livewire Jewelry, Veronique (France) of Narrative Jewelry , Renate  (Germany) of Put a Little Magic in Your Life,andEsther (France) of Mes illusions Baroques.

After some discussion, we decided on a fantastic way to carry out our collaboration.  Each of us would start  ONE  necklace so that in the end, each participant would have their own keepsake – all touched by the hands of their faraway friends.  We each decided upon a theme or color scheme for our necklaces, and shared the details in an art journal.  Yes, before long it was decided that a journal should accompany each necklace to help tell the story of how our necklaces came to be….  A journal ?!  I’ll admit this did cause a bit of panic for me.  I was in the company, afterall, of some incredible mixed media artists.  I had only used gesso once or twice – really.  So I spent many a night researching and reading through my favorite Stampington magazines, and got to work.   The above picture is taken from the first page in my journal.  Making the journal started as a challenge for me, but was so much fun!  I could see keeping the paints, gel medium, and stamps and inks out permanently.  If only I had more time.  Opening the journals and seeing the pages made by my friends before me was like opening a present each time.   I’ll show you a few in just a bit.

Here is how it went down:   We each started a section of our own necklace.  We knew that in the end, it would be a long necklace with no set “front”, so any side could be featured.  We then sent our necklace sections in a jewelry pouch, along with the journal, to the next Round Robin sister.  I sent my piece to Sharon, then it went to Veronique, Renate, Esther, and then finally back to me.  Our necklaces traveled through the holidays and passed through our hands while so much was going on in our lives.  There were birthdays, house moves, good times and trying times.  We were flexible and tried to time our packages around the same time.  Some of us worked with lightning speed, others needed more time because life so frequently took center stage.  The packages were often filled with goodies and special surprises.  I know each time a package came from Esther, an incredible piece of her art would be found inside.  The anticipation was great….how would each piece transform as it traveled on its way?  And guess what?  There was no peeking!  We considered blogging about the project, but decided to keep it one BIG secret so that we were each surprised when the Round Robin finally landed home.  The project ended in late Spring of this year, and I think we were each a bit sad to see it finally come to an end. 

For my necklace, I chose a “Sentimental Journey” theme.   I love old, and worn sentimental keepsakes.  A necklace full of treasures from the past, or components that represent special occasions was just the look I was hoping for.  Using pale and muted tones, and tarnished metals, I invited my friends to take a sentimental journey with me.  My favorite component is the Madonna and child pillow bead.  This was my first time trying a photo transfer. The pillow was stuffed with felt from my son’s First Communion banner.  I remember Esther scanning a handwritten sketch and emailing it to me, explaining the ways of pillow bead construction.  We all learned from each other along the way.

 After many months, my necklace returned.  I remember it was the kids last day of school and I brought the box with me in the packed car.  We were leaving for the beach and the mailman had just dropped off the special delivery.  I’ll always remember that feeling of awe and excitement when I opened the box and saw my finished necklace for the first time!   At long last  I present  to you (and thank you for being so patient), the journal pages and necklace sections made by my dear Round Robin sisters.  Sharon was the first to receive my necklace, back in October of 2009.  Sharon added elements that she knew were my favorites – a beautiful neutral-colored Czech glass bead framed in an ornate link.  She added a vintage clasp that reminded her of our friendship.  She added her favorite element, a pearl, stating that it was a “lovely natural beauty”.  A dangling amber looking glass was added to watch over me.  Her words were handwritten on incredibly rich and layered journal pages (I have long admired Sharon’s work with stamps and paint).  A detailed crucifix and AB finish crystal prism were added to my journal with a sari silk ribbon.

My necklace  traveled all the way to France next!    Veronique created  journal pages full of pretty things that begged to be touched – flowers, old mother of pearl buttons, and lace.   Vero added several sentimental components to my necklace:  a vintage filigree link that belonged to her brother’s Mother-in-Law, a souvenir button from Paris, and link made from 5 faceted stones – one to represent each of  us.

The Round Robin package was in flight again, this time to Germany.  Oh how I loved reading Renate’s journal narrative describing her additions to the Sentimental Journey necklace.  If you follow her blog, you’ll know Renate frequents the flea market every Sunday.  When she found a rhinestone buckle, she knew it would just “the thing”, and added her signature resin.  She wrote that her muse was “strangely silent after that.  It was only after I decided to use the vintage resin rose that everything came together.”  Five moonstone rondelles were added and finished with a vintage mother of pearl button.  Renate created a clever section that could be worn alone as a bracelet, or added to the long necklace.  Renate kept us on track throughout the journey, always providing gentle encouragement and words of support.

My necklace flew once again to France, in to Esther’s talented hands.  Esther is a master with paint and collage, and was recently an instructor at a large workshop near Paris.  I was in awe when I poured over the many pages she created in my journal.  Her work could easily grace the pages of any Stampington publication.  Esther added wonderful sentimental pieces to the necklace:  a pearl and wire-wrapped pillow bead featuring her favorite Cleo de Merode, sparkly Swarovski crystals, and the best touch of all – a beaded link wrapped in vintage fabric from a wedding dress.

I’m sending a Merci Beaucoup to my Round Robin sisters (Bisous and Romizous!).  Here in its final glory, my prized Round Robin necklace  – a true treasure made by friends……. 

 

Thank you for making it this far.  This will be the longest blog post you’ll ever see on this blog.  You know me, I am normally short and sweet, but how could I possibly condense something that spanned countries, time and friendship?  I had a hard time editing out pictures as it was.  As a little thank you to YOU, I am offering a special little give away.  I’ve put together a sweet selection for the winner – maybe you can start down the path of your own sentimental journey.  You’ll find a chubby baby girl with a curl, vintage mother of pearl  beads and buttons (the butterflies are new but fit the vignette nicely),  a chandelier crystal, and other worn and loved notions.

Please simply leave a comment to be entered in the give away.  A winner will be announced this Thursday.

We have a special announcement, and couldn’t be more thrilled.  You’ll find a full article about the Around the World Necklace Round Robin in the brand new Winter 2011 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry, available now.  We thank Christen Olivarez for this opportunity to share our story.  I think you’re going to love this issue….many talented friends are featured in this gorgeous issue!

The Round Robin sisters have special blog posts planned for you all week.  Visit the remaining sister’s blogs over the next several days for more personal stories, pictures, and surprises!   Next up, please visit Sharon’s blog (Livewire Jewelry) on Monday.  On Tuesday, please be sure to stop by Renate’s blog (Put a Little Magic in Your Life), and Wednesday, please visit Esther’s blog (Mes illusions Baroques). Before I go, here’s a sneak peak – of a page in Sharon’s journal…..

Thank you for your visit and sticking with me til the end!  Anyone inspired to start their own Round Robin? 🙂