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Cellini Spiral with Superduos

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Cellini peyote is one of the bead-weaving stitches I love the most. This past year I joined the Cellini Peyote Freaks group on Facebook. I enjoyed sharing pictures of things I made and learning from patterns that others shared with the group. For Christmas 2018 I decided to give my pattern for Cellini Spiral with Superduos to the group as a gift. I have enjoyed seeing photos of the pieces people have made using my pattern. It is a blessing to be able to share knowledge with others. This year as I was desperately trying to figure out how I was going to jump-start my blog, I decided to start by giving away the pattern I gave to the Cellini group. You will find a link to the Cellini Spiral with Superduos at the bottom of this post. Superduo beads are  manufactured by the Matubo bead company. I hope you enjoy using the pattern to create your own masterpieces! The only thing I ask in return is credit for the original design and pattern and that you not sell my pa
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This should be a day of celebration. 37 years ago today my son Michael was born. It was the happiest day of my life. He was such a blessing in every way. I remember counting every finger and toe, listening to him breathe and treasuring every moment I spent with him. I miss his laughter, his wit, his kindness and so much more. Our lives were forever changed the day he died. Never let anyone bully you or tell you that you are not good enough. The very people he loved and truste d made him believe he was not good enough and the world would be better off without him. Sadly in his hours of grief he believed those lies. If you are in that situation, talk to someone. Never let anyone tell you that you are not good enough. Michael Cunningham 9-3-80 to 4-4-16 Always in our hearts   <3 For whoever needs help right now, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741-741, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (talk)
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I lost my son to suicide I am not sure where the last 12 months went but the pain feels like it was only yesterday that Michael committed suicide. I love you Michael and miss you so very much. Michael's death has changed me in the most profound ways. It literally demolished me, forcing me to figure out who I am without him in my life. I am learning how to find joy in the depth of darkness. There are days of darkness that consume me and take my breath away. If I can out live my child, my strength will have no limits. Finding that strength to move forward is hard. Every day since his death is another day that I’ve survived. I learned that so many things are out of my control. His death has taught me it is possible to live with only half a heart as part of my heart remains with Michael. I am learning that laughter is meant to be heard and tears are meant to fall. I have learned that nothing can change the pain of losing a child. Until April 4, 2016, I didn't know what

Cellini Spiral

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It has been difficult getting back into doing things I enjoy. This is my latest piece. This is a 20" Cellini Spiral necklace made with Miyuki & Toho seed beads and Czech fire polished crystals. I was happy to finish it prior to having my right hand carpal tunnel surgery.
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This is one of the most difficult things I have ever written. I never expected to hear the words, "I'm so sorry you son has passed away". What was even more difficult to digest were the words "it was a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound". We all missed the signs. His contagious smile and determination to get through any obstacle in his life left us all with so many questions to which we may never get answers. We all struggle to awake each day and just breathe. Yes there were problems in his marriage. Apparently it became more than he could bear. He left behind a huge number of grieving relatives, friends and children trying to grasp what caused him to decide he could not take another breath without pain. Michael Aaron (Mike) Cunningham, 35 of Unity Township passed away, Monday, April 4, 2016 at home of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was born September 3, 1980 in Willoughby Ohio and was the son of Michael E. Cunningham and wife Susan Cunningham
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It has been too long since I have updated my blog. There have been too many illnesses, deaths and surgeries that have managed to keep me from doing what I love best. This hand-wrapped piece is special to me because it is the first wire-work piece I was able to complete since they removed a tumor from my wrist and performed carpal tunnel surgery. It has been a long road that was speckled by issues from a non-related condition as well. It is easy to take things for granted until you are no longer able to enjoy them. This piece includes gemstones that include amethyst, snowflake obsidian, rose quartz, amazonite, carnelian, lapis, serpentine, jade jasper and agate. It is a continuous 8 foot long piece which allows the wearer to wrap it several times around the neck or across the neck, chest and waist. I look forward to sharing more work in the next few weeks and catching up from my absence here.

Kiss The Moon Gems

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I would like to introduce you to a dear jewelry designer friend of mine. She just started her first blog! http://kissthemoongems.blogspot.com/ Cathy Voss makes amazing Chainmaille along with various other styles of jewelry. She has a great eye for design and uses only the best materials. She is a genuine artist! She also has a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KisstheMoonGems You will want to make sure to "like" her page as she has monthly drawings! If you are looking for a gift and surfing Etsy wondering if it is handmade or something made overseas by people working in factories for pennies, look no further! Cathy is the real deal and everything is made completely by her! You will not be disappointed! Welcome to Blogspot Cathy!