Worthy Cause

I have discovered through MetalsmithsUnite! 2.0, which is a jeweler's group I belong to on facebook, that there is a program called Made By Survivors. This program's aim is to help women and children who are victims of sex trafficking, learn a trade. This is also a place where they may begin to heal and no longer just survive but thrive. Here is a link to a wonderful post made by Dianna at the request of MetalsmithsUnite! http://metalsmithsunite.blogspot.com/2011/07/working-with-made-by-survivors.html   I hope you take the time to read.

The director, Dianna Badalament is now conducting her Third Jewelry Tool Drive. She has published a list of the needed tools which you can access here http://www.madebysurvivors.com/content/third-tool-drive. I plan to do my part to help by donating some tools from her list, it's the LEAST I can do.

Meditation Mandala

This is one of my recent mandalas. I've been hunkered down at my bench a lot lately and I needed to give myself a break. This is inspired by my morning meditation and my on-going interest in Buddhism and mantras.

MEMENTO VITAE : Remembering a Life

Avideo I made of my Memento Vitae

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94Dh5BVMjQk

The "Memento Vitae" is my answer to our human need to keep who or what we love close to us. Each "Memento Vitae" has a decorative screw head that can be removed to add dry flower petals, ashes of the beloved or beach sand from a honeymoon.

A drop of glue on the threads seals a moment forever. 

Each of these is entirely hand-made by me from various combinations of 22k gold, silver, keum-boo, or brass. Particular gems such as birth stones may be requested or gems of your own can be incorporated. Like our own memories, each vessel is unique.               www.vwdjewelry.com