Love, hearts, pink and pretty

Tags

art charm, Charity Auction, earrings, heart, love, necklace, pink, polymer clay

I have been horrified watching the events unfold at Grenfell Tower. I felt the need to make something pink and fluffy as a distraction from the dark thoughts in my mind. I kept thinking about the charms made by Brooke Bock that I received in the 2016 Art Charm Swap. In fact this gave me the idea to run a Charity Auction to benefit the British Red Cross.

Charms by Brooke Bock

Here’s the necklace I made specifically for the auction. I paired Brooke’s pendant with some salmon/pink/magenta seed pod beads that I made myself from polymer clay. They are on a baby pink cotton cord with even more pink beads.

Heart necklace by Cate van Alphen

For the Love charm I decided to keep things simple. I added a trigger clasp so it could be used as a handbag charm. I added a dangle of green dyed lava beads. I liked the colour contrast and I thought it was fitting because they have come from fire.

Love charm by Cate van Alphen

I also decided to include these lava bead and wire earrings. They were sitting on my desk waiting for new photos to be taken and I thought since the beads matched they should go too.

Lava bead earrings by Cate van Alphen

Since I couldn’t get enough pink and pretty I added these bead earrings. They are made using very fine vintage beads with tiny rosebud flowers. They are dainty and sugary sweet.

Pink earrings by Cate van Alphen

I do hope you are tempted to bid. The auction ends on Sunday 9th July 2017. Until then, please also share the link.

Thanks!

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Peace Poppy

Tags

love, peace, polymer clay, ring, white poppy

I have been distressed by the latest attacks in Paris. I don’t know what the solution is, but I know it is NOT more hatred, vengeance or bombs. I have made myself a polymer clay ring featuring the white poppy, a symbol of peace.

White poppy ring by Cate van Alphen

It is a reminder to me to pray for forgiveness, understanding and love.

White poppy ring by Cate van Alphen

It’s pretty chunky, but that is okay because it means it reminds me often during the day. 🙂

Polymer clay ring by Cate van Alphen

I know I can’t change the minds* of the terrible minority with their fingers on deadly buttons, but perhaps it will help me to transform my own fear into something more positive.

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* Especially since I believe trying to force other people to change their minds is part of the problem.