Ever since I began making jewelry it became exceeding clear to me that each piece had a story.
In some, the story was intentional...I planted the seeds, I encouraged it. I watched it grow.
In others, the stories evolved on their own, woven in the metal and stones.
In others, the stories evolved on their own, woven in the metal and stones.
And then there are your stories. The stories that are created when a piece of my jewelry becomes your own. It has its own journey. Its own path.
Those are my favorites.
My Hebrew ring, has my story. But the many stories you have told me about WHY you choose to purchase that ring have made that ring even more precious to me.
A mother's necklace. It has an obvious path, but each one is unique to the wearer and with that uniqueness comes a story.
The Breast Cancer Awareness bracelet has my story of WHY I created it....but for each woman who purchases it, she has HER story of why she wants to wear it. Priceless.
A love token...the journey they take I will never know...but imagining it gives me such a thrill! This one is for a groom on their wedding day - SO sweet!
What about a monogram necklace. I've made this design as an anniversary gift. As a girlfriend gift. Again, just imagine the story behind the "gifting"!
A poetry bracelet. Each quote unique, hand chosen. I smile when I stamp them!
Most recently I created these rings for a friend. To me, they were just rings. To her, there is an intrinsic story waiting to be told. And she tells it...beautifully.
Jewelry. It has a story. It has meaning. I love that. Sometimes I "wonder" at what stories a piece of my jewelry may carry to the next generation. Is that too bold? Am I thinking to highly of my own creations? I hope not. I do hope the stories carry on from mother to daughter. From friend to friend.At the very least I allow that dream to carry me as I create. It helps fuel the process. It keeps me "wondering".
What's your story?
Does a piece of my jewelry speak to you?
Even if it just says "buy me". LOL. Tell me.
Tell me and you will be entered to receive a $50 gift certificate to my shop where you can choose a piece of jewelry that has meaning to you.
One entry per person. Winner chosen on Sunday, the 9th at midnight.
Why?
Because I appreciate you.
Because I love to hear your stories.
Because I had 2000 people "like" me on Facebook and that is reason to celebrate.
Because it gives me great pleasure to do this!
And don't forget....
BE creative!
~ lisa
I have a necklace that I found at a conference in town two years ago that has a mother hugging her child and even though it wasn't a present from my son, I had to buy it to symbolize my love my for my son. He loves it when I wear it.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many of your pieces that touch my heart because I know that the motivation behind them is so genuine and thoughtful, but there is one that speaks more than any other.
ReplyDeleteIt is one that I wear every day. Inside the ring is the word "undeserved" with a Scripture reference to a verse that says "And so the party began". It is a constant reminder that even though I have messed so many things in my life up, and continue to, God still runs out to meet me every time I come home. Not because of what I have done to correct things, but because of Jesus I get the grace that is undeserved.
Thank you for that reminder, Lisa, it is special, and your gift of creating meaningful pieces is special.
God bless
DLee
my husband lost his wedding ring the other day and he has been saddened by this ever since. i have been wanting to replace it with one of your wedding rings. in a society that does not place much emphasis on the institution of marriage, i am proud that my husband finds so much meaning in the outward symbol of our marriage. for so many, marriage represents the end of "the good life" as a single person. but God has used my marriage to draw me closer to Him, my husband, my children, and others. marriage is one of the best decisions i ever made. i would love to surprise my husband with the gift of a new wedding ring!
ReplyDeletei have a necklace -- it's a cheer megaphone (from brighton). the varsity cheerleaders at our local high school (my daughter is one) have them. i'm very involved with the cheer team as a mom (and the official team photographer) ... and my daughter bought me one of the "varsity" necklaces for my birthday 2 years ago. to me, it represents the idea that she appreciates my involvement in her cheer world. it's a special connection between the two of us. now that she's a senior in high school and preparing to fly from the nest, it's even more precious as a reminder of our bond. i never take it off.
ReplyDeleteYour Hebrew ring is my favorite, and I have added it to my wish list ever since I first discovered you and your amazing creations. As a Christian, I love this simple reminder that I can wear on my finger reminding me whose child I am. I need that reminder daily as I fall on my face trying to do it all on my own. So thankful for His amazing grace, love, and mercy!
ReplyDeleteWell, you know I LOVE all your pieces because I wear at least three every day! ;) But the one that is speaking to me RIGHT NOW is the leather and silver wrap bracelet. Do you customize those? I also love the suede wrap bracelet because it speaks to me and tells me how stylish I'd be wearing it. ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/79626495/leather-wrap-bracelet-with-hand-stamped
ReplyDeleteThis bracelet speaks to me - I have it in brown. I wear it when I am down and when I'm happy. It reminds me that Jesus is enough. I do not need to do more, I do not need to be more, Jesus is enough so that I can be me and all I need is Him.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/71340844/swirl-copper-earring-perfect-for-your
Makes me feel beautiful, sexy, attractive. I love how they dangle and flash around my face.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61054106/suede-wrap-bracelet-or-necklace-in-black - my maybe someday - I love these & at this point its not offered, but I can see them with my sons initials or mine and my DH initials stamped on the small discs one the ends... why? because I'm mom and I love my DH & boys with all my heart.
I love the Hebrew ring - my favorite Hebrew phrase is "hesed", which carries the connotations of covenant love, mercy, sacrifice, and so much more, in one little phrase. Someday I want a ring or a bracelet that says "hesed!"
ReplyDeleteAlso love the poetry bracelet. So many phrases I could put on it; the difficulty would be choosing just one!
Everything here is beautiful but I am head over heels for the Hebrew ring. :)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I don't have any sentimental pieces (except for my wedding ring), since my husband's not much for buying jewelry and my siblings got the pieces handed down from my parents (ahh, the life of a middle child, lol).
ReplyDeleteI always swoon over the "mother" necklaces though because of the sweet reminder it would be to have my 5 "babies" all close to my heart.....literally as well as figuratively. Yours are simply beautiful Lisa!
~ Mara
There was once a knight who knew a queen of a kingdom. Her name was Queen Danielle. She knew the Grand Magician of another kingdom - the one of iron and gems and art.
ReplyDeleteThe Queen issued a royal decree - requesting all in her kingdom to visit the empire of iron, gems, and art. And so he did.
And indeed magic was being performed - but knights have little need for baubles - so he waited. Then it was time, for the Knight needed a symbol of who he was and the cause of ℒℴvℯ for which he fought.
He petitioned the Magician, scribbling down the idea for her to see. She performed magic.
Then the Magician and the Knight were in the City of Music - and were sitting at tables near one another. A moonbeam as her chariot - she glided over gracefully to where the Knight sat. She bestowed upon him his charmed Cross of ℒℴvℯ - and he treasured it. He wears it around his neck to this day as the only "bauble" he wears.
So he is thankful for knowing Queen Danielle, and the Great Magician. God bless and keep them both - and each of their kingdoms. (you said, "be creative" (ˆ◡ˆ)
When my husband was on a 6-month deployment in Bahrain (in the Persian Gulf) in 2000, he bought me a gorgeous opal and diamond necklace. Now every time I wear it, I remember that long separation, the fact that some of his shipmates didn't come home, and I'm thankful that he did. And it reminds me to pray for those who are still serving, protecting our freedom around the world.
ReplyDeleteMy husband had a medical condition on August 18th that has changed our lives. At first they thought it was MS showing itself, but tests show that it was not. They now believe it was either a stroke or brain aneurysm but are not sure because of the extent of blood on his brain that blocks them from seeing anything on their tests.
ReplyDeleteSo my favorite pieces and their stories have dramatically changed. I love this silver bar bracelet... http://www.etsy.com/listing/45565690/silver-bar-bracelet-for-the-artist-with and how you so kindly stamped the words "live your faith" on the inside to remind me "Who I am" and "Whose I am" as we go through this difficult life transition. And when dealing with my frustrated, discouraged husband who frustrates and discourages me in the process! :)
My other favorite that my husband keeps with him constantly--especially whenever he has to take another test, go to therapy or dr. appt. is this token... http://www.etsy.com/listing/62859611/message-token-in-sterling-silver-i-love
The next "story" piece I'd like to have is something that you make in blue--perhaps this... http://www.etsy.com/listing/44614209/silver-gemstone-cuff-bracelet-with-wire or this... http://www.etsy.com/listing/79626495/leather-wrap-bracelet-with-hand-stamped because of the Beth Moore study I did "Believing God" http://setyourhearttoseekgod.blogspot.com/search?q=my+blue+bracelet and although I always wear a blue, corded bracelet...I would love to have something prettier.
Oh...and just because I've always wanted it and I'm sure a story would come from it, this piece... http://www.etsy.com/listing/61054106/suede-wrap-bracelet-or-necklace-in-black
Love and appreciate you and all your gifts to us, Lisa. I cannot tell you how precious you've become to me just because I feel the artwork you create for me to wear has been created with love, attention and friendship!
Thank you so much,
Robin
I am the odd one! I wear a medical I'd bracelet that I absolutely love! It is made of pounded silver...and has the various charms on it-in addition to my medical Id- this is the first medical bracelet I have ever had that didn't embarrass me!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to be able to feel good about myself, and feel safe. I know I will keep it on!
Rebecca Robinson
Epilepsy, adult onset
I've considered buying your leather cuff bracelet, inscribed with the phrase "God is big enough". My former church (which I adore and miss so incredibly much) started passing out wristbands last Christmas in conjunction with an upcoming message series. It's a simple blue rubber band, with the words "God is big enough" written on it. They were available for people to take and wear as a reminder that no matter how bad the circumstances, God is big enough to take care of it.
ReplyDeleteThey first ordered 5,000. The following week, they ordered 10,000 more because the first 5,000 were gone. In the months that followed, the campaign spread. Hundreds of thousands of wristbands have been given out across Texas, across the nation, across the world. They have touched so many lives. To read the stories of how the wristbands have brought people together, and brought people to God, is incredible.
I've wanted one, too, because sometimes it's hard for my dinky human brain to remember that yes, God IS big enough to handle my problems.
I'd get one of the wristbands for myself, except that I'm allergic to them. But I think that having words like these etched in metal is more appropriate. The words would be forever, and I hope, forever on my heart.
I have a fortune cookie necklace. It's quirky, full of wisdom, and reminds me of my mother's, and also my, Chinese heritage.
ReplyDeleteMy sister gave me a pin that has the silhouette of 4 women. We were four sisters. When we got together we would say that we are four sisters from four timezones. This sister died 13 years ago from Breast Cancer. I loved her dearly and love my sisters so much. When I see it I am reminded of our times together!
ReplyDeleteI found myself moved to tears when my eyes landed on your “I will follow you into the dark” ring.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been long afraid to start the business I want, to invest money in myself, to bet that I will succeed. I nearly joined a mastermind/business coaching group last November but a combination of health problems and fear kept me away.
I finally signed up for that program in the last couple of days and am mailing the investment funds in TODAY. And I am still afraid. Afraid of failing and losing the money I invest in myself, afraid that my ideas are stupid and no one will want them. Afraid of finally rising up and shining. Afraid of . . .walking into the dark alone, I guess.
Which is why your ring moved me to tears. I saw it and thought “My courageous self can walk with my scared self into the dark. I am never alone.”
Thank you for the inspiration, Lisa. xo!
after my son was born, my mom had a charm from my bracelet made for me. it's a tear drop with Oliver's name stamped on it. it has a pearl (oliver's birthstone), a topaz (my birthstone) and a aquamarine (my mom's birth stone) dangling from it. everytime i see it, i know just how much my mom loves me... it's the same love i have for my son. i can honestly say there is nothing like a mother's love.
ReplyDeletethere are several pieces in your shop that 'speak' to me... one of my favorites is your copper cuff bracelet. everytime i see it, it reminds me of life... the highs and lows, the ups and downs, the paths we walk... i love that it's made from a single piece of copper. like ourselves, we are one person and it's the walks we take in life that make us who we are.
lisa, thank you for being you. browing your shop and reading your blog brings me so much inspiration.
I love the recycled ring you made me for my wedding band. After all the trials God has brought my marriage through I'd love for my husband to have the matching recycled band. Because boy did God recycle and clean up our marriage!
ReplyDeleteI love the monogrammed necklace. I would love to have something like that with my husband and my initials on it!
ReplyDeleteof course the mother's necklace speaks to me as I have a 2 year old little boy right now with another little boy on the way due in Nov. What better way to celebrate and honor your children than a necklace with their names on them for the world to see!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOne day I will have that Hebrew ring! :-). In low points, I can see myself rubbing it gently as a reminder that He is indeed with me and that this won't last forever. In times when I'm in a good place, I will look at it and be glad that He has always helped me and it will remind me to help those who are at their low point.
ReplyDeleteA Mother's Necklace....how awesome!! I have never had a "mothers" piece of jewelry because having 4 kids, most jewelry looks tacky trying to add so many charms etc, I absolutely love this necklace though, so very very cool!!
ReplyDeletegusgirl33@hotmail.com
So many of your pieces have meant a lot to me, but I have not taken off my Hebrew ring since I got it - nor do I plan to. Not only is it an ever present reminder of who I am in Christ, it is even more special knowing the story behind its creation. As a bonus, it is also a tiny little connection to you that I have with me every day. Miss you!
ReplyDeleteAll your work is fabulous! I firt discovered you @ the Spectrum Health Market Craftshow and then was so happy to run into you again thru our mutual friend! I've got many pieces of your work in my mind and your last picture is MY favorite! You created my 3 silver and one gold rings. To me they represent the most important people in my life. They are with me every second, every minute and every hour each day. Wrapped around my finger is the loves of my life.....My Gold~Husband, and my silvers~my three children. I love these rings.....thank you Lisa! Can't wait to continues on to the next item on my list...... ;)
ReplyDeleteWell, I just found Lisa as she joined the Michigan Silversmiths Guild (Im am secretary/membership chair), so I'm going to speak of a first for me in my journey to become a metalsmith/jeweler. I had a piece of dichroic glass that seemed to 'beam.' I thought it needed to beam from the man in the moon, and so I began to sketch (no art training) what might work as an outline of the half moon. I had never done chasing and repousse work, and this piece was done with no assistance from a instructor. I remain very proud of this, and have now made 2 versions and sold one already. While this is more my sister's style, I will always have a special place in my heart for what it represents to my journey. www.DanielleBlanchardJewelry.com
ReplyDeleteI have my favorite quote on a circular sterling pendant, "Live the life you have imagined." It is a constant reminder to always dream.
ReplyDeleteSadly I don't have any of your jewelry... yet. The Hebrew ring is first on my long list. I love that I can say I am a child of God and what a great way to be reminded throughout the day. "I AM a daughter of the King. He created me. He cares for me. Even if NO ONE else does."
ReplyDeleteThe last couple of weeks of my mother's life, we had numerous butterfly encounters. Several people visited her in the hospital bearing gifts with butterflies as a theme. One afternoon as my brother sat by her bed, she began grasping at the air. When my brother asked her what she was doing, she said, "I see butterflies." After she died, her best friend and her family brought us a butterfly bush to plant in Mom's flower garden with favorite memories tied to the branches with ribbon. So it's no wonder that your butterfly necklace didn't just "speak" to me...it screamed my name. I rarely take it off and I've gotten more compliments on it than any other piece of jewelry I own. This makes me happy because it's the piece that is closest to my heart.
ReplyDeleteI do not have any of your jewelry, but I am saving for a piece. I LOVE the family necklace piece. I love how both the parents and all the children's name would be close to my heart.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Sours
soursuc@frontier.com
I had the pleasure of meeting Kim Carson face-to-face a couple of weeks ago! I had my 'Mother's' bracelet on (with my 4 children's names on it) that you made for me last Mother's Day. I also had the 'Compassion' braclet on (with 'Pray' on the underside) that you made.
ReplyDeleteKim had her 'Child of God' ring. We both agreed that knowing the artist and having a story behind our jewelry was preferable to any jewelry that could be purchased at an over-priced jewelry store in the mall!
Thank you Lisa!
If I had a piece of yours it would speak volumes. Every time I wore it it would not only remind me that God loves me through the beauty of the piece, but that I have a friend all the way in Michigan that loves me with the love of the Lord. If I win or not....your friendship has been one of the best gifts I have been given in a long time. Lisa~
ReplyDeleteLisa, it's not just the jewelry that inspires me, it is the artist behind the work. The love and care taken in the creation of each piece is so clearly evident...and comes through so beautifully in your photographs.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite piece is a very simple piece, the twisted cuff bracelet. But what I find is that just looking at your blog inspires my mind. I hear "oh, oh, and if she could" for a piece of jewelry. Your gift brings out my joy and enthusiasm for creating...and for connecting. So thank you!
I love the Men's Cuff leather bracelet... not for my husband but for me. I would put the phrase that I say to my two toddlers all the time. I tell them,"I love you as big as the moon!" The moon has a lot of meaning to our little family. My little boy took his first steps when I asked him if he wanted to see the moon. He is turning four next week, my daughter will turn 3 in March. They know the phases of the moon, and we love to look for it every time we are outside at night.
ReplyDeleteMostly I want that phrase, because one time I told my little by that, and he replied, I love you as big as a tractor!" That is some serious love to a three year old.