"Maria"

 My brother and sister- in- law are making arrangements to have their sweet little Maria christened in the upcoming month and asked my husband and I if we'd like to be her Godparents! Of course we would! I wanted to do something special for her. And thought about how my kids all were baptized with traditional christening medals on a chain that our kids' godparents brought back from trips to Canada. Yellow gold(which I love) very traditional and very Italian. I wanted my niece to also be christened with one. With the exception that I wanted it to be handmade, by me, her godmother.  I love rosaries, always have and am pretty sure my love of rosaries comes from my grandma. In fact, if my son would have been a girl, his name would have been Rosaria(a whole 'nother post entirely... my love of names, that is. In fact, if I could have 12 kids just to name them, I would. Oh, yes, a whole 'nother post. Forgot! ) Of course a rosary provided the inspiration I needed to make the necklace for Maria. I went along searching for the tiniest findings I had. I wanted to make it delicate, petite and ultra feminine. The tiniest connector (only fitting that it should be Mary since it's a necklace for Maria) from an old, broken single decade rosary and pearl and rhinestone bit. The necklace is long enough for her to wear as she grows. I hope it's something she will treasure and wear with pride. Here's the piece that inspired the necklace.  A huge rosary... not an antique, but it's been around forever, hanging on a wall in one of my bedrooms since I was quite little. In our room, it's hanging on a curtain rod. Supposedly a temporary spot, but has since become permanent. I took it down and laid it on a chair in our room so I could get a few good shots. The connector fills my palm and the crucifix comes well out and over my hand....  While I was in the bedroom, I took a look around and found plenty to inspire me in creating for Maria. My favorite Mary statue... timeless, isn't it? It was a wedding gift to my grandparents when they got married.My grandma gave it to me when my husband and I got engaged. I feel so honored to have it... I picked this little wall plaque up in Florence when I was there in eighth grade. A tiny little thing... only about three inches.  These are the "walkabout Marys" as they may be found in the bedroom one day, the craft room the next. All plastic or resin. The two in the back are from the eighth grade trip to Italy, as well. The one on the right is from Medjugorje and filled with sand. My grandparents brought one back for each of their grandchildren when they visited about 20 years ago. I think I'm the only one of the grandkids that still have it.  Another favorite... In the 1940's, these were given as fundraising prizes in Catholic schools.... A picture my parents brought back from Las Vegas for me, years ago. I wonder how many people go to Vegas and bring a Mary and baby Jesus  picture back as a souvenir? Makes me love it even more... These are something we had a lot of in our family, growing up. I am sure there is a better, more descriptive name. We've always called them tri-folds.... They are painted traditionally in the  Venetian or Florentine gilded manner. Well girls, that's it for tonight. I think I hear some ice cream calling my name...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Comments

[debi]

What a beautiful and precious gift for your niece. I'm sure she'll treasure it for life.

[Ellery]

the tiny rosary is beautiful! the last image is known as a triptych.....

[Robin Thomas]

Stunning and loving, they chose well with you as a Godmother. You will be a blessing to this baby.

[linda]

Oh What a beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful collections of our Blessed Mother. How blessed your niece is to have you as a Godmother.

[Tiffany]

beautiful!
xoxo, Tiffany

[gabrielle messina]

Thanks Tiffany!

The Dream Girls Weekend looked amazing! All the girls faces looked like they couldnt be any happier!

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter!

Are you going to SB this year? I can not believe the sign ups are already! And no Pam Garrison... the first year without her!

Talk to you soon! xo

[jeanne]

The necklace is so beautiful and what a perfect gift. What an honor to be chosen as god parents!!

[sadie]

so much beauty to look at! I LOVE the necklace for baby Maria, something for her to treasure. It's divine. In every way.

And your room looks like it's going to be utterly fabulous! Can't wait to see your finished project, anything made up of ruffly flowers has got to be stunning!
xx

[kate]

Very sweet necklace for your Godchild. She is going to treasure it! Lucky girl!

Also loved your lacy egg and I can't wait to see what you are doing with all those flowers!!!
Kate

[Valarie Kraft]

What a lucky little girl!! She is lucky to have you for a Godmother. Your creations are just so beautiful.
xxoo Valarie

[~Lori Baxter]

LOVE the rosaries! Beautiful!