A very special Angel - Just the beginning
A little while back I was asked by the current director of the Pre-eclampsia Foundation if I would be willing to make a piece to be auctioned off for the annual fund raiser. I have fretted and stewed over this piece for many months. Not knowing which direction to go and yes, I have actually lost a little sleep for it as well.
Most of you that read my posts know that I have 3 children. Riley is 8 and Kate is 2. Those are the two that you hear about and will see pictures of from time to time. However, I do have a third, Kelsi. Kelsi was born at 24 weeks into my pregnancy with her because I developed severe pre-eclampsia, a life threatening disease that can happen during pregnancy. Kelsi was born weighing only 13 oz. Yup, less than a pound. She was only 8 1/2" long. Aside from a doll, she is the smallest baby I have ever seen in my life. You can read more about her if you would like on her website. Kelsi's Webiste : Kelsi lived for 2 1/2 days before she passed away in my hands. It was difficult, but we have had so many great experiences because of her short life. She continues to bless us and I honestly believe that she had a very large helping hand in this next piece.
Have you ever been working on something so hard, nothing comes to you at all, and then all of the sudden without knowing it, it is right there in front of you. Well, that is exactly what happened with this piece. I had my piece drawn out on paper and then I played with a combination of stones for about 2 hours, just laying stones on the drawing trying to figure out which would work best. All the proportions were wrong. Then for the longest time the angel looked like a butterfly. A butterfly would have been okay too since they are often associated with the death of a child also. But I really wanted an angel.
As I was putting the design wires into the wings I was inspired to change them a little and low and behold, I ended up with an Angel. I am so proud of this piece. It isn't finished yet. The stones haven't been set as I am still working out the bail and necklace that it will hang from. But I must say, I do believe this is my very best piece yet.

Most of you that read my posts know that I have 3 children. Riley is 8 and Kate is 2. Those are the two that you hear about and will see pictures of from time to time. However, I do have a third, Kelsi. Kelsi was born at 24 weeks into my pregnancy with her because I developed severe pre-eclampsia, a life threatening disease that can happen during pregnancy. Kelsi was born weighing only 13 oz. Yup, less than a pound. She was only 8 1/2" long. Aside from a doll, she is the smallest baby I have ever seen in my life. You can read more about her if you would like on her website. Kelsi's Webiste : Kelsi lived for 2 1/2 days before she passed away in my hands. It was difficult, but we have had so many great experiences because of her short life. She continues to bless us and I honestly believe that she had a very large helping hand in this next piece.
Have you ever been working on something so hard, nothing comes to you at all, and then all of the sudden without knowing it, it is right there in front of you. Well, that is exactly what happened with this piece. I had my piece drawn out on paper and then I played with a combination of stones for about 2 hours, just laying stones on the drawing trying to figure out which would work best. All the proportions were wrong. Then for the longest time the angel looked like a butterfly. A butterfly would have been okay too since they are often associated with the death of a child also. But I really wanted an angel.
As I was putting the design wires into the wings I was inspired to change them a little and low and behold, I ended up with an Angel. I am so proud of this piece. It isn't finished yet. The stones haven't been set as I am still working out the bail and necklace that it will hang from. But I must say, I do believe this is my very best piece yet.

It is indeed a really beautiful piece! It 'speaks' to me... Very inspiring!
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Thank you very much. I really appreciate your comment. I really do!
Melissa
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Lovely, lovely, lovely....my Michael was born on July 31 and we lost him on Aug 6, 1974. How fitting that you would design such a great piece and post it this week.
Congrats!
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Thank you so much Jeanne. I am so glad that it was good timing for you. I know how those little things can touch your heart like that. Sending you many hugs during this anniversary.
melissa
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Melissa,
She is absolutly beautiful!!! It was in you all of the time! BRaVO!!!
Cheryl
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Thank you Cheryl. I appreciate the little pushes.
*Smooch*
Melissa
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Simply amazing! Thank you so much.
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Thanks Nicole. It is good to see you again. I have missed chatting with you. I hope all is well.
Melissa
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I love her Melissa! She is one of your best pieces!
Kim G.
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Thank you so much Kim. I am really liking this piece. I can't wait until I get her finished.
Melissa
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Awesome, I can't wait to see it finished.
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And see it you shall. I am really looking forward to my trip. I can't wait to get to Virginia again. I have really missed you.
Melissa
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Beautiful work! I so wish you lived in New Zealand - there is so much to learn that it looks like you could teach!
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Well, if I can ever fit it into my budget perhaps I will just make a trip down there and play with you for a week or so. I think there is a LOT we could teach each other. That would be so much fun wouldn't it? Whoever makes it big as a jeweler first has to go and visit the other, sound good? HAHAHAHA
Melissa
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So beautiful....is this Moonstone..? My favourite stone....excellent work Melissa. 10/10 ;o)
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Debbie,
Yes this is moonstone. It has got to be one of the prettiest that I have seen. The quality on this one is amazing. Thank you very much for your feedback. I like getting 10 out of 10. It just doesn't get any better than that.
Melissa
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