I have been woefully behind in posting about the extraordinary experience we had last month at Silver Bella.
One of the highlights of the weekend is always "swap night". Artists trade their work within the parameters of a theme. So many inspired creations, so much beauty in one room, it is truly hard to take it all in.
This is a swap that Shea participated in. The mandate was to create a charm that would "Display Your Faith".
She began with the tiniest glass vials, and worked her jewelry making magic on them. Glass glitter and pearls inside, along with itty-bitty paper wings and a printout of the dictionary definition of faith. Beautiful bead caps, crystals and a brass charm all add to the fairytale quality of these lovely pendants.
Strung onto sterling silver ball chain, they are just irresistible.
But, she wasn't finished yet. Packaging a Bella Swap is equally as important as the item itself, so the hunt was on for the perfect thing. The smallest hinged wooden boxes were magically transformed with silvery paint and German glass glitter.
Shredded tulle nestles the precious contents.
Always with a keen eye for detail, Shea personalized each one, creating a lasting keepsake for each recipient.
And fifteen boxes emerged, one for each person in the swap. And, of course she received fifteen back in return.
I am so happy that she was actually able to keep one for herself this time. We are usually running so close to the wire on these sorts of projects that we say we will make our own at a later time.... and then we never do.
But we started much earlier this time. And a good thing, too, because we still found ourselves pushing the time limit up to the very end!
Some things just never, ever change.... and our ability to bite off (almost) more than we can chew is certainly a prime example.
Somehow, we do manage to get it all finished, even if it is literally at the very last minute. Faith in action.
So, as the rapid countdown to Christmas continues, I hope that you are presented with many opportunities to "Display Your Faith". And that you manage to get everything finished. Even if it is just in the nick of time.
