That Proud Feeling

This isn't going to be a very long post, as I'm not feeling so well today. I had a hellish night, thanks to a raging Interstitial Cystitis flare, so I am in need of a nap.

Things have been difficult since my grandparents passed in May. I felt so much grief and disconnected. From everything. I still saw beauty in things, but I could not bring myself to sit and design jewelry like I used to. The spark wasn't there. It actually started last year at this time, when Pap was taken away. I had surgery the same month. All these traumatic life events happening at the same time, and took my creativity.

It's hard to do anything creative when your mind is somewhere else. Equally as hard when the Endometriosis, i.c, and fibromyalgia, flare all at once from all the stress. Slowly but surely, I feel like I am making progress and coming around.

With all that in mind, I decided to design bracelets in memory of Vietnam Veterans. My father is a Vet, and I member and official writer for the Children of Vietnam Veteran's Health Alliance. I have been making and selling three styles of bracelets for less than a year, but just recently got a message that really touched my heart.





That right there. THAT'S why I choose to keep designing.

If you are the child of a Vietnam Vet, or know of one, please direct them to covvha (dot) net for support and information.
Below are the three styles I designed on sale at my etsy store.



If you are interested in the essays I wrote, just search for Willow on the site!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Bracelet by Chandini Gems

I worked for a looong time the other day, trying to get this right. I was in a great deal of pain, the medications only do so much. It makes it difficult to concentrate, and I felt like quitting more than once. But still, I wanted to create something for Breast Cancer Awareness that I could add to my Etsy Shop. I think I designed something quite beautiful and easy to wear. Here is a preview of it, before I list it on Etsy. I made it from elastic, as opposed to a clasp end. It's is made for all sizes.

What do you think? Have you worn the color pink yet in support of Breast Cancer Awareness?? You still have a few weeks left to show your love!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It's October again. Here in my neck of the woods, it means cooling temperatures, leaves changing, hoodies, bonfires, and the approach of Samhain/Halloween. But, it also means Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
   I, like many others, have been personally effected by Breast Cancer through loved ones. I wanted to honor them in my own special way, so I created a bracelet using the pink ribbon charms. I took me a few tries to get it the way I wanted; it had to be unique and beautiful, just like those souls that passed. As well as the survivors and their family and friends.
 I am working on some more one of a kind Pink Ribbon Bracelets today, but am having a hard time. I was diagnosed with a number of chronic illnesses about fifteen years ago, and having a serious flare today. Sometimes, when I try creating something when I feel this awful, it doesn't turn out so great. I usually end up taking it apart. But, I really want to power through and make something amazing. We shall see.

     This one of a kind is on sale in my Etsy store now. You can scroll through my Etsy Shop at the top, and click the link, or follow it here....
               

https://www.etsy.com/listing/104455849/handmade-breast-cancer-awareness-pink?