Hello Fabulous
Many of my readers and followers know that I am on a mission to ensure everyone feels as fabulous as they are. This comes in different formats but I believe that jewellery has the power to make us feel better. Just something tiny can make us feel stronger, beautiful and more confident.
The term ‘Normal’ for me is a misnomer. We are all different and fabulous, why should we be compared to what others think we should be. This is a quick way of making everyone feel bad about themselves. It can be pretty hard to go in to a shop and not find anything that fits you and your needs, especially when you are already dealing with illness and disability which can already make you feel pretty down.
I created a jewellery collection called Sensations which is an inclusive collection; it is made to fit all needs. I use felt that can be infused with scent for memory sensation and relaxation. It also feels nice to go from the smooth metal to the fuzziness of the felt. I also invented an open ring style that would slip over enlarged and arthritic knuckles and give room to swelling fingers.
Braille is a ‘written’ language for the visually impaired. Each set of bumps creates a letter and in turn a word. Some people have tried to do this by hammering a few dots. However in my investigation, I discovered the height and spacing is precise and needs special equipment to create readable words.
I wanted the words I used to bring joy, comfort or inspire; as I have noticed that words felt by touch inspire the mind to do. So I made ‘Ha Ha’ and ‘Be Me’ earrings, pendants saying ‘Fabulous,’ ‘Fortitude,’ ‘Beautiful,’ ‘Love’ and ‘Strength.’ A secret message to carry with you and stroke when needed to empower you.
For some people, what seems simple to others, can be a challenge. For example, speaking in public, leaving the house, interviews, speaking on the phone, using an escalator etc. If you have something that empowers you, isn’t it wonderful. Small things, big change.
On this same line I created pendants that have diamonds and smooth sterling silver. The look is elegant and the diamonds sparkle. What these pendants mean is a secret between you and I. The 3 diamonds are a reminder to say 3 nice things about yourself a day or 3 things you are grateful for or make you happy. This simple measure can help, I feel, fights the beast that is depression, anxiety and feelings of low worth. A reminder of the good and fabulous.
Sometimes it is the simplest things that can make us feel good. One of my favourites is my jewellery with magnetic clasps. These bracelets and be put on one-handed so no need need to ask for help. When you need help all the time, it’s nice to be independent, even in the little things. Magnets are great for necklaces too. Why in this day and age should we have to live with someone to help us put jewellery on. Yay to independence.
Of course it’s not just about the clasp. We all have different wrist sizes and neck sizes. The mainstream say you must fit in to these sizes, well I say ‘No.’ I will make whatever size you want, fashion fits to you, not the other way around.
A smile is powerful, in my opinion. It makes us and others feel good. In my ‘Made with Love’ collection, I created lips. Not just any lips, these lips have been designed to echo that smile, you know the one, when you are thinking of something funny and can’t help smiling to yourself; that smile when you catch someone’s eye and you both find the same thing fun. Carry a smile with you, isn’t that lovely.
My Fabulous mission is relatively new, only 3 / 4 years old. However I realised that my love and celebration of the individual goes back a long way. As a part of Arts Council / Big Dance funding, I created live installations celebrating the individual. I created T-shirts (bags, badges) saying ‘I’m an Individual Don’t Compare Me. I echoed this by all the words being a different font. This statement seems truer now than ever and needs to be a message shouted out. While writing this blog it has inspired me to revive the I’m an Individual work, so keep an eye out for updates.
I wanted to leave you with this. Life can be hard, it can be painful and sad but
YOU ARE FABULOUS
