Jewelry-Making Articles
Angels Among Us
by Kristal Wick, Author, Designer and Instructor, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
Recently, I found out one of my friends was diagnosed with breast cancer. I wanted to express my sympathy, support and love by creating a symbolic piece of jewelry to bring a smile whenever she gazed upon it. I perused the Gallery of Designs looking for inspiration and fell in love with the
Awareness Angel Earrings; so simple and pretty with a splash of pink bling, just like my friend. As I was pondering my friend's situation and what symbol to use in her creation, I immediately envisioned angels as a sign of strength and hope. Just gazing upon one gives my heart a gentle hug and I wished that for her!
The origin of angels began long ago and they've been depicted in great art work from Leonardo de Vinci in the 1400s and Raphael in the 1500s to the famous sculpture, David by Michelangelo who is quoted saying, "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." There is even an Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy where you can learn to paint angels like the masters.
What is behind this long-standing angel popularity? I wondered. Personally I have made charm bracelets that incorporate wings with other relevant items to symbolize pet angels, baby angels and adult angels. Each of us has our own interpretation and meaning of angels. Whether they're of a religious nature, healing or otherwise, we've long enjoyed the thought of angels flitting about!
Songs about angels are also part of our culture's angel intrigue. From Sarah McLachlan's famous song, Angel to Train's mega hit Calling All Angels; they're both perfect examples of modern interpretations of the meaning and importance of angels in our lives:
"I need a sign to let me know you're here. All of these lines are being crossed over the atmosphere. I need to know that things are gonna look up. 'Cause I feel us drowning in a sea spilled from a cup.
When there is no place safe and no safe place to put my head. When you feel the world shake from the words that are said.
I need a sign to let me know you're here, 'Cause my TV set just keeps it all from being clear. I want a reason for the way things have to be. I need a hand to help build up some kind of hope inside of me.
And I'm calling all angels. I'm calling all you angels."
"Calling All Angels" by Train
I believe angels give us hope, bring comfort and instill faith in those things unseen, yet deeply believed in. Whether it's a baby cherub angel or a guardian angel creating a physical symbol such as a piece of jewelry, bookmark or backpack dangle can be a meaningful reminder for a loved one experiencing a difficult path or for your little one getting on the school bus.
I invite you to start a "stitching bee." The concept for a stitching bee is similar to "quilting bees" in which a gathering of friends come together to work on creating a quilt, usually to commemorate a special event with significant meaning. A stitching bee could be done to commemorate an event or for when a friend needs a little support, such as mine did. To start your own bee, gather some beady friends and all take turns working on a design. Each of you can surround those tiny beads with wishes of joy and well being, bringing comfort to a dear one as well as a host of angels to their side.
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