October 11, 2011

The Key to Happiness

Oh, I likey!  I took two floral skeleton keys from Vintaj and made them into curved bracelet components.  I punched holes in one end of each key to convert them into connectors.  The big leaf was from Ornamentea, it was raw brass that I antiqued with liver of sulphur - love that stuff.  I added a little pinch of navy blue ribbon to offset my branch disk bead in midnight blue.

The keys were hammered and buffed to bring out the silver under tones.

I picked up a whole new bag of tricks from the Vintaj 2-Day workshop that I attended last month.  Jess and her gang are so creative and inspiring!  I love how innovative they were with their decorivets line. They transformed them into charms and connectors.  I love being wowed and seeing something I would never have thought of - that's how you know it was a good class!  More on that later.

So let's talk about the key to happiness.  

It's something I've been thinking about a lot lately.

I am happy.

My happiness doesn't come from moving here to Michigan or being with my family.  Although that is awesome!

The key to my happiness is not letting outward things dictate my happiness.  

My happiness comes from a well deep within.

My happiness comes from ability to be thankful no matter the circumstance.

People can disappoint or fail me, but I still love them.

I weed out bitterness and never let that root take hold.

I accept the struggles as a chance to grow.

I find the good in each day and the more I look, the more good there is to find.

We all have struggles, but we are not alone.  Reach out when you need someone to help lighten the load.  I don't know of anything that makes my heart lighter than sharing with a friend and being able to find the humor in what seems unbearable at the moment.

Life passes by so quickly, if we only wait for those perfect moments or when things are going our way to find happiness we will miss out on all the good that is mixed in with the mess.  

And you thought I just made a pretty bracelet to share!  Jewelry is a way to share our stories.  They have different meanings for the maker and the wearer, what stories are you telling?

Sending hugs out to all those who need them today.

7 comments:

Marie Cramp said...

First of all, I LOVE the bracelet! It's fantastic! Second, you have a wise soul and I love reading the little things you share with all of us. Your kindness and genuine caring attitude shine through and make me smile every time! Thanks for all you do, you will always be an inspiration!!

Aquariart said...

Beautiful Heather. You always manage to create something with a totally unique flair. Love that giant leaf and the way you curved the key. And, your wise words settled in my heart. Thanks for the hug.

Jewels By Ine said...

WAUW, this is very special.. So unique..

lynsey said...

Thank you for this wonderful post Heather, you words speak to me, i've been blue lately, bitterness has settled in and made a home in my heart, Things are getting better slowly but surely

Silver Jewelry Jaipur said...

really amazing breslate i like it a lot i will buy this plzzzzzz tell me how i can

Unknown said...

You are a blessing Heather. Yesterday, I was in a very down and grumbly mood. Totally bummed out all day. When I read your post last night (through the Hive feed), it brought tears to my eyes (and I hate crying). It was exactly what I needed to hear at exactly the moment I needed it. Thank you so much. Oh and I love your nests and eggs, lovely!

Rebecca said...

Such a beautiful bracelet, I love it. The way you have used those keys os so clever and original!