Friday, November 30, 2012

The Journey - Challenge of Color 2012

Welcome to the Challenge of Color Blog Hop.  I first want to thank Erin Prais-Hintz for her wonderful organization of this event and the encouragement to all of the participants that signed up.  Erin, this challenge always inspires me, but I had no idea just where this would take me when I signed up this year.

This year, Erin partnered with Brandi Hussey to create some amazing color palettes using the theme Earth as Art.  Each of us were assigned two and we can choose whichever one we pleased.  I revealed my two color palettes earlier this month but wasn't going to tell you which one I picked.

While I love purple, eat, sleep and breathe purple... I actually chose the second palette, Empty Quarter featuring shades of grey (not quite fifty) & burgundy.  Can I tell you, when the student is ready the teacher will appear.  In this case Erin was a teacher (literally and figuratively) in my life.  I can't even put into words how grateful I am for that.  This is how I tell the story...

 At the time of sign-up we had just discovered 3 brain tumors in my baby brother (28).  The color of the Brain Tumor Awareness ribbon is Grey.  Secondarily, in September we found out my grandma whom I'm very close with was diagnosed as having Multiple Myeloma - a blood cancer.  She's currently undergoing treatments for that as well.  Is it a coincidence that the Multiple Myeloma Awareness ribbon is Burgandy?

I've been living at my brother's home this month taking him to daily treatments.  What I've been able to help him with, he's given me back in laughter and love.  We're still undergoing treatments and on this journey together.

Therefore... since the journey continues as does my piece.  It's not finished, but I see in my soul the big picture of what it's going to be.

The necklace is featuring many bead embroidered components.  It may be a bib-style necklace when all is said and done or it could morph into a full-blown collar.  The cabochons feature photos of my brother Greg and my grandparents as well as one that says family (those need to be finished).  Both photos were taken at our September birthday party before we knew Greg's brain tumor had returned.
Awareness Ribbon color was added with nail polish!

I've added additional components that also bring in the grey and burgundy/red theme.  I've added some bling and sparkle around various cabochons using sequins (I know my friend Sarah of Saturday Sequins will love that) and a crystal link chain. 

None of the components have been edged or backed yet... so you'll see string and such in the photos.  I also didn't have my usual photo set up (doesn't work when your digital camera USB cable is at home and you're on the road) so my photos have been taken with my phone.

So as this journey continues, my beaded art necklace which was a challenge in color will continue to grow and become more beautiful with each piece of the puzzle in place.

The Journey - bringing awareness to people that have been touched by brain tumors or multiple myeloma!  We all travel The Journey together - arm in arm, heart to heart!

To see all of the rest of the participants, please do visit Erin's blog.  See her inspired designs and the other artisans that are participating in the challenge.  Allow yourself to grow and let YOUR creativity tell your story! 

As we continue treatments with Greg, just know he's in great spirits and takes great pride in making me laugh every day!  It's the best way to fight a tough fight!

Peace & love to you,
{Hugs!}
Dawn

38 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow Dawn this post was very moving! I am in awe of your love for your brother and his courage as he fights this battle. Cherish every minute together - but I don't need to tell you that! Your pieces are beautiful and especially because of the love included in each one. BLESSINGS!

Unknown said...

Oh sweetie. I just don't have words. This is going to be a very special necklace, for so many reasons. It's funny, but when you said it may morph into a collar, my mind immediately said a collar of family, surrounded and protected by love, and memories.
Thank you for sharing this story, and please keep us updated on them both. Much love, Shirley

Juli Cannon said...

I'm holding you in my heart, sis. Your courage, strength and LOVE are amazing. I'm praying for successful healing treatments and for peace through this journey. I'm a phone call away night or day. Love you!

Courtney Breul said...

Your strength is amazing! I love the palette you chose, for all the right reasons. I can't wait to see what you create!

Be good to you and sending you hugs.

DVArtist said...

You know Dawn I have been right where you are with my baby brother just two short year ago, so if any one knows what you and your brother are sharing it is me. My love to both of you. I am still burning a candle daily for you.
Hugs and cheek kisses
Nicole/Beadwright

balanced. said...

what a sweet and memorable piece it will be. :)

Cece Cormier said...

I'm certain that piece will be both very comforting and healing for you and your family. Take care of each other.

Unknown said...

That is what I love about you. You are strong yes you have courage yes but you have the biggest most generous heart on the planet. Your love of those around you is felt everywhere and I have been sending all that I can to you during this time. Yes a special piece but most important it is made with pure and true love!

Tanya said...

I am so sorry for everything your family is going through. I love that you can honor your loved ones with hand made pendants and I know your finished piece will be amazing in many different ways.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful that you are able to express your love for your brother through your creation, and what a wonderful testimony to family and love this piece will be! I'm sure that this work will help sustain you throughout your journey. Blessings to you and your family.

Aimee Moisa said...

Weren't the Challenge of Color palettes just beautiful? I was so happy with the ones I got. You made such gorgeous pieces with yours! And so touching to remember your loved ones. You did a fantastic job on this challenge!

Cynthia said...

Hugs to you and your family! I will keep your brother and grandma in my prayers.
Good job with your palette so far. I look forward to seeing the finished grey and burgundy piece!

Anonymous said...

It just came to my mind that the complete name of Erin's blog is: Treasures Found - Inspirations is everywhere. It's amazing how you found in your and your brother strength the inspiration for this challenge. These are really special pieces. Hugs.

The Crazy Creative Corner said...

Amazing. I'm sorry this has happened to those you hold dear, but I'm glad that there's still laughter in the midst of all this. Laughter, truly, is the best medicine. It shows that hope and determination are still strong. Your tribute and work so far are lovely.

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

Wow, I really have no words for what you are going through. Blessings and I find making jewelry to be an integral part in my healing path. I see you do too. Beautiful work.
Blessings

Brandi Hussey said...

Oh, Dawn. Thank you first for sharing your story. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now. I gather a sense of determination and hope within your post, and I'm floored and amazed and hopeful for your brother and your grandmother!

I also have to say that the pieces of your overall design is absolutely amazing. What an incredible way to show your love!

Becky Pancake said...

Thanx for sharing your story with all of us. Your piece is going to be amazing. It has such a powerful sentiment that you put in it. You will be in my thoughts. I wish your brother & grandmother the best. Beads are indeed therapeutic. With all of this going on in your life you are still able to bead, that's wonderful. You did a great job with your color palette.

Bobbie said...

What a wonderful testament to your family, your love for them, and the healing power of laughter and creativity. Prayers for healing and comfort to your family, and thank you for sharing them and your vision with us.

lynsey said...

Oh I'm so sorry to hear of all your heartache, your piece is going to be stunning, it is wonderful that you are raising awareness

Amy S. said...

Dawn - this is such a heartbreaking, and inspiring post. I have lost two family members to multiple myeloma - and when my grandmother was diagnosed, she was given 6 mo to live, but she lived another 10 years! And gosh - 28, is just too damn young to be discovering brain tumors. Your cabochons are really a wonderful tribute. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

JLYNNJEWELS said...

Sending you many good thought and prayers - and what a beautiful start on your jewelry journey as well. I think it is so meaningful and therapeutic to be able to design something that brings you comfort and peace, all the while telling a story (and as you said ironically allowing you to pick the perfect palette). Your beadwork is simply gorgeous and I look forward to seeing the finished pieces <3 ~JLynn

Patti Vanderbloemen said...

I am so terribly sorry that you, your brother, and the rest of your family have to endure such pain. You are a wonderful person to be there for him! Your components to date are AMAZING, as I am sure the finished piece will be. I will keep you all in my prayers.

TesoriTrovati said...

Miss Dawn, I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. Not sadness but joy. You have such a wonderful light around you. You are exuding a sense of calm and awareness and determination. To know that your loved ones are sick would leave most turning away from creativity but you are embracing it and allowing your God given talents to shine. In sharing this you are letting others into your fight and allowing us to send positive thoughts and prayers your way. I look forward to seeing the finished project...but it is more about the road you travel and your companions along the way, isn't it? Enjoy the day, Miss Dawn. Erin

Caron Michelle said...

This really touched the heart, beautiful sentiment Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ

Eva Maria Keiser said...

Sending light and love to you and your loved ones. You have a beautiful heart :)

-Eva Maria

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Dawn - sending healing thoughts to you and your family! Your piece will be extradionary when it is completed! Thank you for sharing your story! Hugs!

Monique (A Half-Baked Notion) said...

Your deeply meaningful creations are sure to have amazing energy and beauty, Dawn. Please know we are all praying and wishing the best for the return to health of your dear brother and grandma!

Sarah Sequins said...

Dawn, *super huge hugs.*

What a beautiful and meaningful project! I appreciate the sequins and the shout-out, too.

My thoughts are with your brother and grandmother. I'm glad your little bro is keeping his sense of humor. He sounds like a great kid. <3

SoulsFireDesigns said...

Dawn, you and your brother are so inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing your story behind the piece. ((HUGS)) Sending warm thoughts to you and your family.

Michelle Tucker said...

Hugs and prayers being sent your way! Your pieces are truly inspired.

Therese's Treasures said...

Hi Dawn,
You are an amazingly beautiful giving person. It saddens my heart to hear that you are going through so much right now with your dear Grandmother and Brother. It is so nice that you are still able to laugh and have a great time with your Brother through this trying time. I love the idea of making your project an awarness piece filled with love and memories. Shirley put it the best make it a collar, so their love is always surrounding you.
Much love and prayers to you my friend,
Therese

A Polymer Penchant said...

Thank you for sharing Dawn. This creation, will be beautiful beyond words with all this meaning behind it. I'm happy it came to you as a source of strength and purpose during this time. I'll be keeping your family in my thoughts, healing thoughts for you all

Donetta said...

What a beautiful tribute to people you love dearly...your artistic talent is being used to share their stories with all of us. Your work is simply amazing, and we will all be waiting to see the final results, and for updates on your family. XXXX!

lamplight crafts said...

Hugs back.

KayzKreationz said...

So sorry to hear about your family, but it sounds like you're doing well with being able to help him and your piece. It will be beautiful when it's finished and a wonderful remembrance for you and your family.

Karla Hartzog said...

What a beautiful and moving tribute to your loved ones. My mom has lung cancer, and this is her third bout with the disease. You have inspired me to try and design something special for her! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry that your family is going through such pain, but I'm also glad that you are able to create such beauty in spite of it. Best wishes to your brother and Grandma!

Cheri said...

Hi Dawn, I see you do love purple and the green on your page reminds me of my necklace. I see your life is taking you on a journey with your brother's brain tumors. Sometimes I think life is so unfair and I do not understand what is going on. My daughter and her boyfriend were murdered by her ex-husband two days after Christmas 2009. There were days I just wanted to give up, but this past year God has shown me a different path where I can make a difference and perhaps help others. I donate clothes and household items to Domestic Violence, I also started my business so that I could donate 10% of my profits to Domestic Violence. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and I am so looking forward to seeing your beautiful work of art!
XOXO Cheri

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