Lori Anderson And Heather Millican had this idea to ask artists to join together in creating a piece of art to help raise awareness to a personal cause. And so it was born. We were each asked to pick a word that meant something to us and a color that represented the cause. Heather then made each of us our own personal bead to create with and stamped it with an awareness ribbon
This is my piece for The Art of Awareness Bloghop.
The green is for Mental Health Awareness. This issue is very close to my heart. My family suffers from Mental Health Illnesses. Many with mental illness suffer in quiet and do not get the help that is desperately needed. My family is one of the fortunate ones.
I learned a very important lesson from a very wise therapist, Barbara Altman. She told me when problems arise I often "swallow them" and hold my breath and stay silent. It creates a sadness and desperation and so much more. I was taught that when I encountered a problem to exhale and breathe in and exhale. During this process I was to clear my head, think about the problem and learn to discuss it.
It seems like such a little thing and may come natural to others, but for me it was life changing. I continue to remind myself to just breathe.
This is based on a pattern from Liisa Turunen. I loved the simplicity of the right angle weave finished off with a little peyote stitch.
Swarovski crystals are my favorites to bead with. I have always been attracted to sparkle, twinkle and shine!
There is something so mesmerizing about a crystal. They always make me stop and pause. And now, breathe!
This is reversible! The foil backs are just as pretty!
Enjoy and be well. And never forget to breathe!
