Friday, August 28, 2009

My Therapy

Immediately after losing Sophia & Ellie I wanted so badly to have a piece of jewelry to represent them. Two days after delivering them I was home alone for a short time. I went into my craft room, stamped their names on a disc, and after a couple revisions, I came up with this:

It is a necklace made from a silver disc with their names' stamped around the bottom. I have since purchased angel wings to stamp in the center, but I haven't had the courage to do it yet in fear of ruining it. I wear this necklace often and when I do I feel closer to my girls. For me it is something tangible; something I can see and touch; I think of it as a way for me to wear the love I have for my babies.

Since then, I have designed a few other pieces with their initials, and I wear one of the three necklaces nearly everyday. After making my first piece I decided I wanted to make my jewelry available to others; to other bereaved parents like me, and also to parents who do not know my pain; our pain.

A couple months ago I began selling my designs on etsy. I do not want it to seem as if I am trying to solicit my merchandise to anyone, but I think others like me may maybe interested in a piece. If you are, you can check it out at http://www.mamamiatina.etsy.com/. If not, that is okay too (I could never make a living in sales :) this has just become a very big part of my life because it is something I truly enjoy. It brings me peace and comfort and every time I make one, I think of my beautiful girls. I tell everyone it is my therapy.

I hope I have not offended anyone in this post. It is something I have thought about writing for quite some time, but was afraid I would turn some people off because they might think I am trying to make money from their loss. I wish I could send every babylost mama out there a piece of my jewelry to represent their babies, however that is not financially feasible; once I win the lottery though, that is what I will do!!

17 comments:

  1. i have so been looking for something like this since loosing Charlie.
    They are beautiful!

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  2. Your jewellery is lovely!

    I felt exactly the same as you, I had to have something with George's name so I made something for me and now I sell a few items. It's so nice to make something that you know will be cherished.

    xxx

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  3. Those are beautiful. I think it is awesome you are letting us know about your etsy site through your blog. I will go favorite you. I have an Etsy site too. I bought a necklace from Barb, and it is especially meaningful because she is also a babylost mama. With much love.

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  4. Your post is so timely for me. I immediately wanted a piece of jewlery to remember my girls by, and have been looking for just the right thing. I love your pieces! I just made myself a bracelet last night. Just some beads, with a butterfly on each strand. Two strands, one for Bridgitte, one for Ashlyn. It felt cathartic, for some reason. Good luck with your business, you never know!

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  5. I LOVE this. Expect an order from me soon!

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  6. Absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing- I look forward to checking out all of your amazing creations! Not only are you a talent- but a blessing to others!
    Hugs-
    Laura

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  7. That's beautiful and wonderful that you want to share it. *hugs*

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  8. What a wonderful way to remember our angel children. When I lost Akul, a friend of mine who designs jewellery wanted to buy me a little wooden doll in a box as a symbol of Akul. I had so many of Akul's things in a box andf did not need to add another one. I asked her to make me a pendant instead which represents Akul. That would be something I could wear close to my heart ...a place where Akul will live forever.

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  9. I hope your jewelry takes off! It is lovely that you are doing what you love in honor of your babies. I hope and pray God just blesses it. xx

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  10. I think that your jewelry is just beautiful. I especially like the disc one.

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  11. Tina--I love stamped jewelry and have been looking at it for a long time. I had even looked into making my own but I just don't know what to buy for stamps. I started making jewelry a few years ago and something that started out so inexpensive quickly turned into an expensive "addiction". I call it an "asset" though my huz does not necessarily agree. I made a piece immediately after Chase died for me and for Patric. Mine had a charm that said Miracles and I put the initials of all of my kids around it. I wanted something that had all of them on it. I love your jewelry and will definitely check out your etsy site. I, too, bought a piece from Barbara and can't wait to get it in. Please don't feel bad about the post, as with many things, several of us feel the same as you. Thanks for sharing...
    xxoo

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  12. Tina,
    I love your work. I actually have been wanting to get some handstamped jewelry because I love the look. How awesome that this post came at the time I was looking for it! Coincidence? I think not! I will definitely check it out.... Ok I just did and you do a great job! I have a question. Do you have charms (besides the gemstones) that you can put on the necklaces? Another one. Can I put a link to your shop on in my Helpful Links?

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  13. Holly, yes I can add a charm, just let me know what you are looking for. And I would love for you to put a link to my shop. Thank you!

    Thank you ALL for your kind and encouraging comments.
    xx,
    Tina

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  14. Check out my blog--I nominated you for Honest Scrap Award!

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  15. *Absolutely* beautiful. I love that they're so clean and classic. So talented :)

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  16. Tina - Your jewelry is so beautiful! I think it is a wonderful thing you are doing! I only wish I had known back in June when I ordered Mr.K's! And Thanks for the nomination...I'm going to try and do it today!

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  17. Your work is beautiful. I'm not a babyloss mama, but have been looking for a birthday gift for my niece. Just purchased a necklace from your Etsy site after talking to her, and she is excited about a "Big Cousin" necklace. So pleased to buy her gift from a member of the ALI community. Thanks!

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