I knew from the start that I wanted to create a piece of jewellery to honour the memory of my mother, whom I lost much too early in life. One of my greatest sorrows is that I never had a chance to really know her as a person; as an individual with all her idiosyncracies. She was always just 'mummy' to me. She checked my homework, she attended my school's Sports Days, she took me shopping.
This much, however, I do know. My mother took pride in her appearance and until she got too sick, almost always wore a slick of lipstick whenever she went out - even if it was just to the corner shop. She loved her sweets. I remember her making coconut candy and, towards the end, she always had a roll of Werther's Butterscotch candies with her. She also loved to read, especially paperback Mills & Boon romances. More than anything else, though, she loved the movies. Old Hollywood films and classic MGM musicals were her favourites. I suspect she enjoyed the glamour and spectacle that were common in movies of that period (I say this because she was also fascinated by the English royal family).
Nothing says Old Hollywood to me more than the colours black and white, even though the movies my mother watched were usually in Technicolor. So when it came to making my jewellery piece, I turned to several polka-dotted black & white vintage beads I picked up on my last holiday. I didn't have enough beads for a necklace so I made a bracelet instead, closing it with a pretty heart toggle.
And because my mother thought Rock Hudson was da bomb (I often wonder what she would have made of the fact that he was, as it turned out, gay), I made a double-sided charm with images of Rock on one side and the movie Giant on the other. I was in a rush when I made the charm, so it's decidedly wonky. The paper images are raggedy and the resin is smeared on one side. But since I made it removable, I can always replace it later.
So there you have it: my Black & White Bracelet.
Thank you for staying the course and reading through my post. My thanks also to the fabulous Lori for coordinating this Hop. And it goes without saying that I am forever and always thankful to my mother. For handing down to me her love of books and movies (both of which have given me much pleasure over the years), for teaching me that being helpful, kind and hardworking is more important than being an A-student (although that's a bonus!) and - in the short time she had with me - for helping me to be the the person I am today.
The other participants of this special Hop are listed below. I hope you'll find some time to visit each one of these awesome individuals.
Hostess, Lori Anderson Pretty Things
Adlinah Kamsir Dream Struck Designs
Aimee Biondolillo Aimee's Jewelry Treasures
Alicia Marinache All the Pretty Things
Andra Marasteanu Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank Heaven Lane Creations
April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Andra Marasteanu Handmade by Indra Marasteanu
Andrea Trank Heaven Lane Creations
April Grinaway Brooklyn Bead Goddess
Barb Solem Vivi Magoo Presents
Becky Pancake Becky Pancake Bead Designs
Beth Emery Stories by Indigo Heart
Bonnie Coursolle Jasper's Gems
Cassi Paslick Beads: Rolling Downhill
Catherine King Catherine's Musings
Cece Cormier The Beading Yogini
Chandra Leitz Juniper Goods
Christina Hickman Vintage Treasures Jewelry
Chrizette Bayman Bead Soup Mix
Cindy Wilson It's My Sea of Dreams
CJ Bauschka 4 His Glory Creations by CJ
Crystal Thain Here Bead Dragons
Cyndi Lavin Beading Arts
Debbie Rasmussen A little of this, a little of that
Diane Hawkey diane hawkey
Dita Basu ankarshilpa
Donetta Farrington Simply Gorgeous
Dyanne Everett-Cantrell Deeliteful Jewelry Creations
Emma Todd A Polymer Penchant
Erin Kenny beadiful therapy
Erin Prais-Hintz Treasures Found
Gina Hockett Freestyle Elements
Gloria Allen Innovative Dreams Jewelry
Heather Marston CSW Designs
Inge von Roos Inge's Blog
Iveth Caruso Creative Atelier
Jacqueline Marchant Fiddledeedee Jewelry
Jami Shipp Celebrating Life!
Jean Yates Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Do!
Jessica Murray Whimsical Monkey
Joan Williams lilruby jewelry
Jo-Ann Woolverton It's a Beadiful Creation
Joanne Browne josjewels1
Jodie Marshall Jodie Marshall Lampwork Beads Wearable Art
JuLee Wolfe The Polymer Penguin
Julie Bean Blue Pig Blog
Karen Mitchell Over the Moon Designs
Kelly Hosford Patterson The Traveling SideShow
Kim Ballor Vitamin C ... A Daily Does of Creativity
Kim Dworak CianciBlue
Laren Dee Barton Laren Dee Designs
Lea Avroch LA Jewelry Designs
Leanne Loftus First Impression Design
Liddy McLaughlin Liddy McLaughlin Art
Linda Florian Lily's of the Valley Jewelry & Creative Creations
Linda Inhelder Must-Haves Jewelry
Lori Bowring Michaud Artfully Ornamental
Lori Poppe Adventures in Creativity with Lorillijean
LouAnn Elwell Southpass Beads
Mandi Effron Craft-o-licious
Marcia DeCoster MadDesigns
Marcia Dunne The Alternative Foundry
Marie Covert Creating Interest
Marjorie Savill Linthwaite bennubirdrising
Marlene Cupo Amazing Designs by Marlene
Martha Aleo Ornamento
Marti Conrad Marti's Buttons -n- Beads
Mary Ellen Parker BeeTree by m.e.
Mary Govaars MLH Jewelry Designs
Mary Lindell Mary Lindell Artisan Jewelry
Maureen Connolly Mrs Beadsley's Workshop
Maybeline Tay The Jewelry Larder
Melissa Elgin The Addicted Beader
Melissa Mesara one-eared pig beads
Menka Gupta Menka's Jewelry
Michaela Pabeschitz la mar de bonita
Mischelle Fanucchi Micheladas Musings
Mona Rae Baroody Who Does She Bead She Is?
Nan Emmett Spirit Rattles -- Spirited Earth
Nancy Pedersen Something Heartfelt by Nancy
Pam Farren re-maker
Pam, the Crazier Sister The Crazy Creative Corner
Rebecca Sirevaag Becca's Place
Robin Kae Reed Artistry HCBD
Rochelle Brisson a creative chelle
Rosa Maria Cuevas Helena de Troya
Sabine Dittrich perlendschungel
Sandi Volpe Sandi Volpe
Sandra McGriff Creative Chaos
Serena Trent All Things Made Jewelry
Sharyl McMillian-Nelson Sharyl's Jewelry & Reflections
Sheila Davis Stone Designs
Shelley Graham Turner Fabric of My Life
Sherri Stokey Knot Just Macrame
Sherry Baun Unicorns Jewels
Skylar Bre'z Brising Beads
Stephanie Haussler Pixybug Designs
Tania Spivey Moobie Grace Designs
Terri G. Blooming Ideas
Terry Carter Tapping Flamingo
Terry Matuszyk Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
Tracy Martin Nutkitten's Jewelry
Zia Parks Anzi~Panzi's Work Shoppe
Zoe Marcin Beads, Tea and Sweets
Beautiful post and I got to know your mum a wee bit more. I already know you are very much like her (loving books and movies) and today I got a glimpse of the girly things you did together (shopping!). Her legacy lives on in you and in the things you do. As a mother reading this, I do hope Anya would want day remember me this fondly... I am touched.
ReplyDeleteLovely bracelet Adlinah!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, loving words and a lovely, thoughtfully designed bracelet. Sorry you had the pain of losing a mother way too soon.
ReplyDeleteI love your design in every way!!! and your mother, although so sadly she left too soon, was a WONDERFUL superstar mom! jean!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely bracelet and great to hear about the fond memories you have of your mother
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and poignant story. I love the Rock Hudson charm and I also think of black and white for that period of history! Great job!
ReplyDeleteHeartwarming post full of the love you shared with your mother.
ReplyDeleteI love the bracelet, and the story!
ReplyDeleteLovely bracelet in memory your Mother. My mother was the same, never left the house without being dressed properly.
ReplyDeleteCstherine of Catherines Musings
What a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your bracelet. I think that it's ok for your resin piece to be wonky because life is sometimes wonky.
ReplyDeleteLovely bracelet and a wonderful tribute to you mom.
ReplyDeleteBlack and white are very on trend for the current Hollywood stars. I am sure you mother would have worn this pride!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to your mother. The bracelet is adorable!
ReplyDeleteLove your classic design. It would have been equally at home on the wrist of Elizabeth Taylor or Audrey Hepburn...and your Mom would have loved it. How cool that you chose vintage beads!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely tribute to your mother. I love the old Hollywood glamor! Enjoy the day. Erin
ReplyDeleteTruly a classic color combo. Your black and white bracelet turned out beautifully. A wonderful tribute to your mom. Enjoy the hop.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Terri G.
Beautiful post and I love your bracelet. It's very elegant.
ReplyDeleteSurely you captured the essence of your Mom in the bracelet. I bet she would have treasured it.
ReplyDeleteYour creativity and talent has surely made your mom proud as she watches over you. I love how your bracelet shows your mom's favorite actor, really cool!
ReplyDeleteI really like your bracelet! The beads are really fun and your charm is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the story of your mom. It's nice to have sweet memories.
Charming design and so old Hollywood! A lovely tribute and a pleasure to read. Thank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteI got tears in my eyes while reading your blog post. You've created a very special piece of your heart. Love it.
ReplyDeleteBrooklyn Bead Goddess
What a lovely bracelet! I love the images of Rock Hudson, wonky and all - the imperfections make it perfect!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bracelet, heart moving story and my Mom was the same, had to have that bit of lipstick on.
ReplyDelete~cryssT
What a beautiful bracelet, and a perfect representation of the black-and-white glamour your mother loved so much (and I don't think she would have believed that Rock Hudson was gay; my mother NEVER believed it, and thought it was all scurrilous Hollywood gossip, even after the truth was revealed by his physicians). Lovely work, Adlinah!
ReplyDeleteThat is a perfect tribute to your mother.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome tribute to your mother. I loved reading about your memories of her.
ReplyDeleteVery well written and emotionally expressed Adlinah. I love the bracelet you have designed.
ReplyDeleteA Beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteLove that Rock Hudson charm
m.e. :)
It was really nice to read the story about your mom, and I think the piece you made truly reflects what your mom loved.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bracelet and a beautiful tribute to your mom. I am sure she is looking down on you with great pride.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to your mother...I love that you created the design around a theme she loved!
ReplyDeleteOh what a lovely bracelet, I'm really loving that toggle. Wonderful way to remember your mom. I'm sorry for your loss <3
ReplyDeleteYour mom sounds like such a classy lady. I love what you made, with the special personal photo touch. Red lipstick and that bracelet and you can't go wrong!
ReplyDeleteA fitting tribute to a lady of her time. I know she was not the only one with a "crush" on Rock H. and would have loved that bracelet very much.
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming and unique design to honour your Mum's love of movies, Adlinah!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and commenting! I really appreciate it.
DeleteI think the Rock Hudson Charm is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you did not get to know your mother as an adult. But your story about her never going out without lipstick on reminded me of my Father's third wife, who put herself together until the few days before she died from breast cancer. I never leave the house without putting on my face and especially my lipstick to honor her. Your black and white bracelet is a great representation of that period. Rock Hudson, well its a good thing she did not know he was gay.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting Andrea! I'm sorry about your dad's 3rd wife. It's great that you can do something every day that honours her.
DeleteThank you for sharing such great memories of your mother. It makes me even more grateful for my own mom. I love those beads and your handcrafted charm is a great accent to add character and charm!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories you have of your mother! I love your tribute piece, very nicely done!
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful that you have fond memories of your mother. I think having this bracelet will enhance the connection and help you through the hard times... I love the black and white beads and the incorpaoration of the movie star charm - using the mood of romance and the "Big Screen" is a perfect tribute, to embody the treasured memories you spoke of.
ReplyDeletebeautiful tribute to your mom..i love the black and white
ReplyDeleteLovely! the charm was a great idea and really adds a nostalgic feel that completes the bracelet nicely :) I have don't much with resin, and haven't attempted resin vs paper at all yet>.< lol I doubt she'd have minding him being gay... it's not like the reality of something would ever interfere with fantasy anyhow ;)A good looking guy from a movie is still a good looking guy from a movie no matter what the reality of away form that movie might entail;)
ReplyDeleteOh wow, this is going to be a tear jerker going through the posts! Your bracelet is so fun and a fitting reminder of the lady your Mom was. Rock was still Rock and a great actor! There is nothing like the ol' movies anymore. I think you got the best parts of your Mom, and you knew her better than you think. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI like it. =) Thank you for sharing about your mom. I like the fact that the charm isn't perfect personally; however, I suspect that your mom would have wanted it to be very elegant. Which the rest of the piece totally is. Good work.
ReplyDeleteLovely classic colour combination. I'm sure your mother would have loved it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for comments, Karen. I appreciate it more than you know.
DeleteI love seeing what everyone made! Congrats on the blog hop and I can't wait to see what new designs you bring out!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Tara! Come again soon :-)
DeleteThe bracelet is sweet, and I love your Rock Hudson charm, Wonky or not!!! It's a nice way to remember your mom
ReplyDeleteDear Adlinah (what a beautiful name you have!!!), I just love your story, the way you describe your mother it shows a lot of emotions, a lot of love and gratitude! I am sure, even if you didn't had the chance to get to know her better, you have a lot of her in you and that's a wonderful thing since from what you are describing, she was a wonderful classy lady, with open heart and joyful spirit! I love your bracelet, it's just perfect match for your memories and the photo - charm, shows how important movies were and are for both of you!
ReplyDelete