Sakura

I got myself together and finishing a nursing necklace. It is not easy when your baby is teething, has a cold and you walk like a zombie with 3 hours sleep a day. But hey ho! Life goes on. 

Good news is that I have found an inspiration for a nursing necklace. 

There it is - an astonishing photograph I have seen a couple of years ago in Kew Gardens. The main theme - cherry blossom and snow. I love its delicate flowers and light snow petals dancing in the air.

Kenrokuen gardens, Kanazawa, Japan by Claire Takacs 

I admire Japanese cherries. They are called Sakura in Japanese and have a significant place in Japanese culture.  First: people celebrate blossoming of cherry blossoms with a ceremonial reception called Hanami. They go out with friends and family and enjoy beauty of the blossoming trees. Is it not wonderful and romantic? A pure poetry!

 Secondly, Sakura have a strong symbolic notion.

Blossoming Cherries are a symbol of transience and are a reminder of our mortality. That is why Japanese Kamikazes painted cherry branches on theirs planes. Blossoming branches were lying on their graves. Stunning and quickly disappearing beauty. Like our life! 

Also, it is not surprisingly a symbol of power and feminine dominance, that comes from women's beauty.

It is also a symbol of hope and new beginning.*

Such a relevant motif for nursing necklace. 

There it comes: Sakura necklace. 

 *Understanding the symbolism of cherry blossoms by Kristina Dems (2011)

in this country that the blossoming of Cherry Blossoms is greeted with a euphoric ceremonial reception called Hanami where the Japanese go out with their friends or loved ones to simply enjoy the breathtaking pink-and-white splendor of Cherry Blossoms. - See more at: http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/69976-cherry-blossom-symbolism/#sthash.hi3cWB84.dpuf

Symbol of Transience

Although Cherry Blossoms can put up such a spectacular show, their existence is brief. This is the main reason why the Japanese people invests time and effort to vigilantly track down Cherry Blossoms so as not to miss a second of its passing time on earth. Cherry Blossoms therefore, are a reminder of our humanity - our mortality.
- See more at: http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/69976-cherry-blossom-symbolism/#sthash.hi3cWB84.dpuf

Symbol of Transience

Although Cherry Blossoms can put up such a spectacular show, their existence is brief. This is the main reason why the Japanese people invests time and effort to vigilantly track down Cherry Blossoms so as not to miss a second of its passing time on earth. Cherry Blossoms therefore, are a reminder of our humanity - our mortality.
- See more at: http://www.brighthubeducation.com/homework-help-literature/69976-cherry-blossom-symbolism/#sthash.hi3cWB84.dpuf

 

Celebrate pregnancy

I choose that title because I regret a bit... I regret how I approached my pregnancy time:)

And I actually started to think about it because of my last order.

I got a special commission for a necklace from a pregnant girl. 

She prepares herself very carefully for motherhood in all its aspects. And she even thought about mother's jewellery.  Though this necklace is going to be a nursing necklace.

I showed her plenty of colourful patterns: strawberries, owls, dots and more.
She grabbed the embroidered necklace and said: Well I like this it has a nice texture. 
It strikes me. She thought about a texture for a little hands to touch. I did not go in such a detail. I just carried on with my life, shouting around that I hate to be pregnant. What can be nice about it? All day sickness, limited mobility, different sex life, eating loads, people touching my bump all the time, tiredness......
I was wrong. So terribly wrong. And silly.

Celebrating your pregnancy is extremely important! I did not know. I did not feel that way. I wish I was fully aware about that when I was expecting.....

Maybe I would get myself to make hundreds of photos of my belly growing - despite of my silly thoughts that it was bigger and bigger only because I committed a sin of eating enormous amount of food.

Maybe I would make some little booties, crochet hats and vests, toys, socks et cetera.....

Maybe I would play Her more classical music and would tell more stories about Moomin's.

Or perhaps I would  sing to Her more often. Or I would find out more about birth to avoid medical intervention in a hospital. And I would have Little Bee at home. Maybe....

Do not get me wrong. I did think about that stuff and made an effort. Just from the  time  perspective it seems to be e bit foolish of me to not prepare better. Perhaps I did not find a right person to talk to and did not read the right book. 

I am just trying ti fix it now and cherish motherhood truly.

***

Anyway I am so keen to design this very unique piece. Let's start then.