Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Surprise Accomplished - Now I can tell you the story of the HOPE Beaded Brooch

Can I tell you how much I love to help surprise people?  Custom orders are always so much fun when the client gives me creative freedom.  In this particular case, a son-in-law came to me asking me to make something really special for his Mother-in-Law's 70th birthday.  Since it was a surprise, I couldn't share the story ... until now. 
Custom Beaded Brooch

Here was my "instructions" - she doesn't wear jewelry, but she's a breast cancer survivor and very proudly sports the pink ribbon whenever she can.  Maybe something like a pin would be perfect!

I mulled this over for some time... because when inspiration strikes, magic happens when I'm designing custom made jewelry.  When this design struck.... it was the perfect idea, at the perfect time.  Here's the note I sent with the beaded brooch to give to the MIL after she opened her gift:

"When I was commissioned to create your birthday present, I was also taking care of our oldest dog, Cody who was aging and injured at the same time.  Since I have no children, my dogs are my babies and they are truly treated as such.  So while taking care of Cody, I had worked on a few design ideas for your gift, but the “perfect” design just hadn’t come to me. 

While Cody’s health deteriorated, and my heart broke, it came to the day we had tosay our final goodbyes.  I was beside myself because I couldn’t do anything more to help him.  That morning I was cleaning and organizing like a wild woman.  I just didn’t know what else to do.  While I was organizing my desk and studio, I came across a pendant that sparkled so much I just knew I had to have it over a year ago.  At that time I had no idea why I needed it, but I just did.  Inspiration struck in that moment and the colors and sparkle said Gloria!  The perfect design idea came to me like a bolt of lightening.

From there I let the stones and crystals do all the talking.  The design came together like a mini work of art that I hope you truly enjoy.  It’s beautiful, made with love and shares the message of Hope!  I think my final gift from Cody was the inspiration to create the One-of-a-Kind gift for you.  I couldn’t be happier that it goes to someone who I’m told shines despite adversity and   continues to be the light of the family. 

Happy Birthday Gloria!  I hope this year brings you all the dreams and wishes you ask for and that you are surrounded more love than you could ever imagine!  I feel so very blessed to be able to share in your special day!"

And can I tell you, the e-mail I received after the party was nothing short of wonderful.  Honestly, I feel so lucky to have added such a special moment to such a special 70th birthday for this special woman.

"Hi Dear,
Here is a pic of Gloria in all her glory!!! It was an absolutely fabulous evening and the brooch you made her was perfect!! She loves it and has already received complements from people as she walks by them!! The letter you included was simply icing on a perfect cake....she will tell your story a million times....every time she wears the brooch..... Thank you Thank you Thank you for making such a unique gift for her......she'll always remember turning 70 with fondness....
 
Thanks to for your thoughtfulness in sending something for Jan.....you're truely a special lady....Chris is one lucky fella!!! Make sure he never forgets it!!! ;0)"
The Birthday Girl - 70 years young & glowing!
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If you would like to have a piece of custom made jewelry from Designs by Dawn Marie, contact Dawn to discuss your dream style.  Each piece of artistic jewelry is OOAK and made to order just for the recipient!  For handcrafted beaded jewelry that is ready to ship, visit Dawn's online store!
 

4 comments:

moonlitfantaseas said...

what a wonderful story Dawn! The brooch is beautiful and sharing the story of your inspiration in creating it made it even more special for the lady that recieved it!

Lisa said...

Beautiful, memorable piece of jewelry and it's so special because of the love, tenderness, and memories you put into it! I have two children and they are certainly 'my life', but I also had very special pets all my life and we still do now. Absolutely do not think I could be 'animal-less' at my house! So sorry about your Cody. I know how hard that was for you, believe me, I have been there many, many times. Before long, you will be able to smile and talk about him with fondest of memories! Love and prayers for you!

Sarah Sequins said...

Dawn,

This was a lovely post, with a lovely piece of jewelry. You did an amazing job with the broach and with the letter.

I'm sorry to hear about Cody passing. I lost my Harry to cancer going on two years ago, so I know how heartbreaking it is to lose an animal friend.

One thing that helps me is to share stories about Harry with friends. It makes me happy to talk about the crazy things he did -- like the time he stole my bed when I got up to get a drink. To this day, I don't know how one dog could stretch to fill a king-sized bed! I think as long as we remember and share the ones we love, they never truly disappear.

-- Sarah

Dawn Doucette said...

Thank you all! It was really special to create this piece.

Sarah... our Cody could fill a king-sized bed too. LOL It's seems they grow when we sneak off to the bathroom! Never the less, they are so precious!

Hope you all have a terrific week!
{Hugs!}

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