Jewelry to the Rescue

We all know how therapeutic beading can be. Creating things, working with color, and even the act of stringing or weaving itself can have great benefits for our mood and even physical health. Sometimes, being able to turn beads into wearable art can also give us the opportunity to help others in need, or just bring a smile to someone’s face. Projects like 7000 Bracelets for Hope, Caring House, Beads of Courage and Soul of Somanya are just a few examples.

But jewelry making can help on a small scale, too. Tara of Waterwaif on Etsy is currently using her handmade jewelry to raise funds for an injured cat that she recently adopted. He is affectionately called Gimpy, because he was found with a piece of rope tied so tightly around his leg, that it had to be removed by a veterinarian. Despite continued treatment to restore health to his injured leg, Gimpy is now facing amputation.

Fortunately, Tara has a lot of experience caring for animals, and a well stocked jewelry shop, which can hopefully raise the funds needed to cover Gimpy’s treatments and surgery. I asked Tara to share a little about her designs, and her new friend.

Inspirational Beading: How did you first get into jewelry making?

Tara: I've been a jewelry lover and wearer for a long, long time but I could never find exactly what I wanted anywhere. I'd see a piece that was pretty cool but man, I wish it had...

I am self-taught and I started by taking pieces in my own jewelry collection and modifying them to make me happier with them.

Inspirational Beading: What is your all time favorite material to create with?

Tara: Anything teal, to tell the truth. But specifically, probably teal quartz. As for metals, I love them all. I love the simplicity of sterling silver, the organic feel of copper, and the vintage look to antiqued copper.

Inspirational Beading: Tell us a little about Gimpy. What’s he like?

Tara: Gimpy is totally awesome. He's got more heart and courage in his little foot than a lot of us ever have in our whole bodies. He's got tons of spunk for such a little guy, too, and you'd never know he was in pain and danger of losing his leg once you sit down and play with him.

Inspirational Beading: Do you find that animal friends have an influence on your work and inspiration?

Tara: For sure, mother nature is my biggest inspiration. For the longest time it was the ocean and its inhabitants that I worked with the most, but I've been branching out lately to include a lot more of nature and the animal kingdom.

Inspirational Beading: What is your favorite design in your shop right now.

Tara: My favorite right now, I think, are these peacock hoops earrings. My favorite color, of course, is the deep teal, but with the sparkling silver crystals and set on hoops like they are, they really pop. I had to make myself a pair of them I loved them so much!

All proceeds from Waterwaif jewelry are going to Gimpy’s vet bills. You can learn more about Gimpy and get updates about his brave battle on Facebook and Twitter, and on Tara’s blog, Waterwaif. You can also show your support on Gimpy’s Facebook page!

Copyright 2011 Inspirational Beading and Waterwaif
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