When I was very little my mom would hold me in her lap and say, “Will you always be small enough to fit in my nest?” As I got older we both realized that while I would always be in her heart, my days of snuggling in her lap were numbered. It’s a phrase and idea I’ve carried into my own parenting and I treasure the days that all my little ones can still fit here in my nest. Some day these little birdies will fly the coop, but I hope they’ll always find their way back here when they need me.
So I was especially touched when I saw a friend post a link to a sweet necklace that looked like a nest with little eggs inside. I was even more impressed when I saw that the woman who created this necklace often donates a portion of her proceeds to families pursuing adoption. I had to know more.
I had so much fun poking around the Sawdust and Diamonds Facebook page and checking out the beautiful stuff she makes. I especially love that you can customize your necklace. Do you have three kids? Three little eggs can go in that nest. Do you have two kids with blue eyes and two kids with brown eyes? Two blue eggs and two brown eggs. More than four kids? A pea pod can accommodate that. I am also always on the lookout for gifts that would be appropriate to give when someone has lost a baby. I loved thinking about someone being able to wear a representation of that little baby that’s forever in their heart even if that child never made it to their arms.
For me, I was thrilled to be able to customize mine with four little eggs in shades that match the beautiful skin tones of my kids. As a multi-racial family, it is REALLY hard to find anything that represents what my family looks like. Remember when you wanted to buy a nameplate for the back of your bike and they never made them with your name? (Wait, maybe that’s just a problem for Maralees) It’s like that all the time for my family when it comes to finding how we look represented (which is also why I gave my kids names you’d be likely find on nameplates and pencils and Christmas ornaments). I really can’t tell you how excited the kids were when this came in the mail. They knew exactly which “egg” represented them as soon as they saw it. They love to point to each one and list off the kids in our family. It makes me so happy.
It’s been great to get to know Rachel’s work at Sawdust and Dimaonds, and it’s been fun to get know her as a person, too. You’re going to love this girl. So here’s what you need to know about Rachel Joy Watson of Sawdust and Diamonds:
Rachel is a high school English teacher in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She’s originally from Northern California and has been married to her husband Dan for the last three years. She’s a creative lady (NOT my strength), so I wanted to know how that process works for her and how she got started making jewelry. Here’s a little Q and A I did with her so you can learn from her experience.
How did you get started making jewelry?
I love to create. I always have. Whether it’s painting, molding clay, sewing, or making jewelry, creating is the way I de-stress and enjoy my free time. I took up beading a couple years ago and began receiving compliments on the necklaces I made for myself. After that, I decided to make more as presents for friends and family. When their friends and family began asking where they could buy them, I started Sawdust & Diamonds.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in whatever materials are in front of me at the time. Once I rescued a set of used children’s encyclopedias and cut out the pictures to create pendants and greeting cards. When my mom gave me a box of old material scraps, I cut them into shapes and sewed them onto canvas bags. I love experimenting with the things I find in thrift shops, craft stores, and garage sales.
Why have you decided to support adoptions with your jewelry?
When my friend Miriam decided to adopt her second child from Uganda, I wanted to be a part of the process, but didn’t have money to give. I realized I could give my time instead by making necklaces and donating part of the proceeds toward the adoption. I sold more necklaces during those two weeks than ever before. People loved knowing their purchases supported something important and I loved being able to play a part in bringing Miriam’s little girl home. Since then, I’ve also been able to donate necklaces to adoption auctions. Because my husband and I hope to one day adopt, I want to support those who are adopting now.
Any encouraging words for a woman looking to turn her hobby into a business?
Honestly, it feels funny to call what I have a “business” but I suppose that is what is has become! If I can do it, anyone can. My advice is to do your “product testing” family and friends (they certainly won’t mind the free gifts!) and to sell things you are proud of and would buy yourself.
So are you interested in something from Rachel? Here’s how to enter our giveaway:
1) Comment on this post with what kind of necklace you’d like to have: either a nest or a pea pod. (Both are adorable!)
2) Go to the Sawdust and Diamonds Facebook page and “like” it, then post on it that you were sent by A Musing Maralee.
Two ways to enter with a possibility of entering the drawing twice! Tomorrow (6/7/13) at noon (CST) we’ll close the giveaway and put your names in a hat. I’ll email the winner and get you connected with Rachel so you can customize your necklace- the most fun part of the process.
So just the other day I was carrying Danny (four years-old) to the bed. He’s really too big to be carried, but he had asked me so sweetly with his dark brown eyes and I just couldn’t say no. While I was laying him down I said to him, “Someday you’ll be too big to fit here in my nest.” and he said, “No, because I always in your nest necklace.” And so he is.
Enjoy!
(Photos by Rebecca Tredway Photography)
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