Thursday, September 15, 2011

Making Beads for Beads of Courage

Arts in Medicine for Children with Serious Illnesses
If you've read this blog over the years,
you will know that I am a big supporter of Beads of Courage.
You will also know that there are many other bead artists who give to this cause.
I am very proud to be associated with this cause,
especially since my adult daughter, Jenny, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma just over a year ago.
This, alone, has inspired me to work and make more beads for children with serious illnesses.
I have a rule that each time I torch I make 
two
butterflies
and 
two
purple hearts.
It's amazing how quickly the beads add up!

The purple hearts are given to children when they complete their treatment plan.
I try to make each one different and unique.
I also try to get some "boy" hearts in there, too.
As much as I love flowers and poke - e -dots,
I'm not so sure the guys do!
 I make sculptural butterflies.
A butterfly is given to a parent who has lost a child.
My hope is that these parents receive a bit of comfort from these butterflies.
Each one is unique.
Rarely are there two alike.
Beads are welcome from artists.
Acts of Courage beads are special beads given to children to remind them of their bravery in treatment.

There are many ways to give to this program.  
Please check out the website for more information.
Go Team Beads of Courage!

3 comments:

Shirley said...

What a great way to give encouragement! I'm sure they are thrilled to receive their hearts, and I'm sure the parents are touched at the caring invested in the butterflies.

rosebud101 said...

Shirley, it's a wonderful program, and I am proud to be a supporter!

Laney said...

I didn't know about the butterflies. The programme has now started in the UK, I have sent two lots of beads already, I love looking through my stash and wondering who is going to get them and hope they bring the smallest of smiles to a face. I will make some butterflies for my next batch.