Darkest Before the Dawn

..."they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left." Luke 23:33

"There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews." Luke 23:38

"Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid." Luke 23: 50-53

Jewelry Reno: Broken Bracelet to Earrings, Necklace, & Pendant

Old jewelry found in studio reorganization - I think I'll try to do something with this broken bracelet.

Look at these cute earrings! Very Bo-ho Chic.

Bonus: they seem to cause a happy mood!

Pretty necklace

Pretty necklace shortened

Cross added to bracelet link that had a stone missing = cool pendant

Reconstructed Jewelry

Below is my latest story of jewelry redemption. It was satisfying and fun to redeem what was broken and on its way to being nothing but clutter. What do YOU own that is just waiting to be transformed into something fabulous? If nothing immediately springs to mind, go on a scavenger hunt around your house. Look for lone earrings, broken strands of beads, old buttons, snippets of chain. If you've saved it, I'll bet it elicits a happy memory. Maybe this fragment belonged to some one you love, or it's a souvenir from a memorable trip. Whatever its origin, I can guarantee that your little keepsake has more soul and personal history than anything you'll find at Kohl's or Macy's. Not that there is anything wrong with updating your accessories with something trendy - I like shiny, new stuff, too. But there's something about the worn, the"pre-loved" that gives an outfit originality and depth. Wearing pieces that have a history will elevate your ensemble from pretty and eye catching to meaningful and authentic. 

Whenever I wear something "inherited," I can't help but recall the amazing, complex women who owned the piece before me: my grandmothers. Margaret loved to shop, lunch and play bridge. Martha taught me to row across Spirit Lake and solve crossword puzzles. They came from such different worlds but they both loved me in life changing ways. And that's something I don't ever want to forget.

Grrrrrr.... I don't like it when stuff breaks!

Pearls, it's off to the bottom of my jewelry drawer, I guess.

Unretouched photo. At least my new reconstructed earrings are the bomb dot com!

Also, look at this ring made out of one of Auntie Mary's old coat buttons.