Teacher gifts! :)
I really hadn't given much of a thought to teacher gifts this year. Last year I gave bars of handmade soap from DeShawn Marie.
This year I wasn't sure what I was going to do.
Then I started getting some orders for some really nice teachers gifts. Nicer than anything I've given teachers in the past.
And I started thinking. And then I started feeling like a cheapskate. I mean, these ladies give a lot to my children. I really wanted to do something special to show my appreciation for everything they do throughout the year.
Rounds of sterling silver, richly textured by a hand stamped pattern. Stone beads securely wire wrapped to each. Brushed by hand for a matte finish.
About that hand stamped pattern....I sat down with my metal stamps and a piece of copper. I began stamping, and this pattern is the first that came out. I tried some other things, but nothing came as quickly or as easily as this one did.
So I went with it.
A distinct Mexican, Southwest American vibe. And as I sat sanding each patterned round, I realized that they reminded me of something.
Conchos? So I looked up Concho Jewelry, and sure enough....Very similar concept.
I know it sounds crazy. But sometimes a design comes from your soul, and this one came from mine.
We recently had a challenge with the Aspiring Metalsmiths. It was to make something that represented where you came from.
At the time I read it, I remember wondering what in the heck I was going to make that represented me, and where I had come from.
My Mother is Mexican. My Father always called himself a mutt, and my Grandma said, English, Irish, and German Jew. And I know my Grandpa had a Native American Great Grandmother somewhere in the family tree.
My people are from California, Nevada and New Mexico. I am from the American West. I grew up influenced by the Mexican culture, and it continues to influence my life today.
So when I made these, at a time when I just sat down intending to make some teachers gifts I came out with much more.
Just sitting down and creating. No pre planned designs in mind. I am so satisfied at what I created. I am really proud to give these gifts to some wonderful ladies this Christmas season.
