
The Global Genes Project exists to unify, support, build awareness and raise much needed funds for those affected by rare disease.
"Rare Disease affects over 250 million people worldwide, and the largest percentage are children. There are over 7,000 rare diseases that have been identified all with very unique needs, but many with little to no support.
In order to really help this community they need to be viewed as One. One community of millions, impacted by disease. Rare disease is not so rare, and the community is much more likely to garner the support, attention, and resources it needs if it is viewed as one." -The Global Genes Project
Lori Anderson, who authors "Pretty Things," took the initiative to organize the beading community to create bracelets for the 7000 Bracelets of Hope campaign.
"To help raise awareness we’re asking 7,000 jewelry designers, volunteers from the craft community and various artists to donate one bracelet to this campaign to show their support for kids living with rare disease, disorders or conditions. These bracelets will then be distributed to participating families in December 2011." - The Global Genes Project
I have made this bracelet, on behalf of Elysian Studios, to support this campaign. I hope it shares love and support with a family that is caring for a child with a rare disease, and will be praying for it's recipient.

This bracelet is composed of elements that have a symbolic meaning:
Handmade Denim and Blue Satin cord: Represents the unifying symbol of denim that is a trademark of the Global Genes Project. This denim was up-cycled from a pair of my son's jeans. This fabric has seen many active, play-filled days, and I want the bracelet to carry a prayer with it for that joy.
Copper chain and findings: Copper has a history of being known for its healing properties. Not only is this metal soothing to look at, but it is said to have medicinal and healing effects on one who wears it. Copper chain, hand-coiled and spiraled wire, clasp and charms have been included in this design.

Watercolor Patchwork: A small circle of an original painting from my watercolor journal has been snipped and covered with resin in a copper bezel for the focal of the bracelet. The painting was a simple patchwork of colors. This represents the many people involved in the rare disease community. Patients, families, doctors,research institutes, and pharmaceutical companies all play essential roles in discovering treatment and cures.
Heart (Love): Love is an essential component to the cure for any disease. Knowing you are a part of a community, prayed for and loved is vital to the well-being of everyone, especially those facing the difficulties of illness.
Feather (Virtue): Courage is a virtue, and one that is greatly needed by those suffering from an illness. I pray that the children, families, doctors and researchers have great courage to stand together and combat these diseases.

Tree of Life (Family Tree): More than anything, a family unit is critical for surviving the difficulties of a rare disease. It is my prayer for the recipient of this bracelet that they have a strong family of loved ones, doctors and friends to assist them through the challenges of illness.
I have signed up, and will be mailing this bracelet off to a very deserving member of the Global Genes Project family!
Wanna see something cool? Check out all of the other artisans participating in 7000 Bracelets!
1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle
3. Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym
4. Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365
5. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
6. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
7. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry
8. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
9. Amy Severino, Amy's Beads
10. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride
11. Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions
12. Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio
13. Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading
14. Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl
15. Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design
16. Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae
17. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
18. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
19. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!
20. Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef
21. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
23. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
24. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
25. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
26. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
27. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
28. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
29. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
30. Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs
31. Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux
32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
33. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread
34. Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde
35. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
36. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
37. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
38. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
39. CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations
40. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash
41. Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
42. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs
43. Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn
44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
45. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio
46. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
47. Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads
48. Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral
49. Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel
Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry
52. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
53. Andrea Robinson, Madame Magpie's Shiny Things
54. John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry
55. Breana Fry, Vault 31
56. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
57. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie
59. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
60. Heather Pyle, Aquariart
61. Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs
62. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs
63. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
64. Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings
65. Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
66. Norma Agron, Norma's Clay
67. Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos
68. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
69. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
70. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
71. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
72. Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads
73. Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life
74. Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
75. Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass
76. Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee
77. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
78. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design
79. Sally Russick, WireWorked
80. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
81. KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads
82. Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana
83. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love
84. Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy
85. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
86. Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures
87. Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats
88. Deb Beechy, Beetique
89. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
90. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts
91. Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
92. Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio
93. Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Studios (you are here)
94. Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
95. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
96. Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations
97. Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter
98. Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
99. Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio
100. Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores
101. Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets
102. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
103. Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies
104. Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof
105. Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals
106. Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry
107. Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry
108. Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks
109. Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading
110. Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne
111. Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra
112. Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.
2. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle
3. Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym
4. Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365
5. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
6. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
7. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry
8. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
9. Amy Severino, Amy's Beads
10. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride
11. Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions
12. Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio
13. Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading
14. Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl
15. Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design
16. Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae
17. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
18. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
19. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!
20. Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef
21. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
23. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
24. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
25. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
26. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
27. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
28. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
29. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
30. Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs
31. Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux
32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
33. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread
34. Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde
35. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
36. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
37. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
38. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
39. CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations
40. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash
41. Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
42. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs
43. Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn
44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
45. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio
46. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
47. Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads
48. Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral
49. Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel
Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry
52. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
53. Andrea Robinson, Madame Magpie's Shiny Things
54. John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry
55. Breana Fry, Vault 31
56. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
57. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie
59. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
60. Heather Pyle, Aquariart
61. Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs
62. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs
63. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
64. Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings
65. Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
66. Norma Agron, Norma's Clay
67. Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos
68. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
69. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
70. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
71. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
72. Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads
73. Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life
74. Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
75. Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass
76. Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee
77. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
78. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design
79. Sally Russick, WireWorked
80. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter
81. KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads
82. Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana
83. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love
84. Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy
85. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
86. Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures
87. Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats
88. Deb Beechy, Beetique
89. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
90. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts
91. Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
92. Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio
93. Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Studios (you are here)
94. Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
95. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
96. Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations
97. Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter
98. Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
99. Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio
100. Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores
101. Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets
102. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
103. Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies
104. Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof
105. Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals
106. Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry
107. Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry
108. Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks
109. Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading
110. Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne
111. Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra
112. Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.
Love this!!! You put such thought into everything my friend!!! A great cause and a lovely bracelet! XOXO
ReplyDeletefabulous!! I loved reading the symbolism behind your design and I'm certain the family receiving it will also. fantastic job!!
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to paraphrase My Life Under the Bus because I thought the same thing:
ReplyDeleteYou put a lot of thought into this bracelet.
I really enjoyed reading about the symbolism of the charms.
I am sure this will become the recipients "go to" bracelet.
Beautiful bracelet! And yes you put a lot of thought into each and every part of it. Love it!
ReplyDeleteSo awesome - all your thought - every little detail - it all will mean so much to the family that will receives it - beautiful piece!
ReplyDeleteLove the use of actual denim in your bracelet. Really cool!
ReplyDeleteThis is a FABULOUS bracelet. I adore how you were able to work in the denim (something I couldn't figure out how to do.)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the time and thought you put into this piece will be obvious to the family. . .and your hope for them will be appreciated greatly.
What a WONDERFUL inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteThe only thing more beautiful than your bracelet, is the love you put into creating it !
AWESOME in the true sense of the word!!!
m.e. :)
Really pretty, very unique, and lots of thought went into this!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for participating!
Wow, this is absolutely stunning! I love the meaning behind the design, and how you've worked actual denim into your bracelet. What a lovely symbol of hope and love!
ReplyDeleteThe symbolism in your beautiful bracelet is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it will bring smiles to the recipient.
Fabulous bracelet and I love the different elements and meaning you have incorporated into this gorgeous bracelet!
ReplyDeleteLove the bracelet and all the thoughtful things put into it. It has a lot of power within.
ReplyDeleteLove the meanings and the denim and fiber you used.
ReplyDeleteI am in love with blue and copper as a pair too. Nice bracelet- takes casual to a new level!!
Thank you all for your kind comments! I greatly appreciate them!
ReplyDeleteNot only your bracelet is beautiful but when I read the meaning of all the elements... is wonderful. Great job!
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful bracelet - Nice!
ReplyDeletebeautiful post, there isn't anything I don't love about this piece
ReplyDeleteYou made a wonderful bracelet!
ReplyDeleteWho would have thought to actually incorporate denim! Seriously - I Love it - really creative and very cool.
ReplyDeleteI just love what you created!
ReplyDeleteYour bracelet is so lovely and meaningful. I love the charm that you made from your watercolor journal. The symbolism is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove your design!
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow!! I just love your bracelet and the many thoughts that went into it! There is a very lucky someone that will be very touched by your bracelet
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and thoughtful design. I love how everything flows together quite nicely and the meaning behind your design...awesome! Someone will really enjoy your bracelet!
ReplyDeleteI just love the way you incorporated all the different design elements into this stunning creation. Someone is going to be very, very happy!!
ReplyDeleteI love every little thing about this piece but the handmade upcycled denim is outta this world awesome. You rock!
ReplyDeleteOh Erin, Your bracelet is so fantastic. I am so happy I found it. I love the blue jeans and copper together. They are perfect. Thanks for visiting my blog with such kind words.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful bracelet friend! Thank you for sharing your creativity & hope for this very worthy cause!!
ReplyDeleteSmiles,
Susie
I'm making my way through all 112 participants of this blog hop. I've truly enjoyed all the blogs that joined in. I'm now a follower of your blog. #48 Your bracelet is outstanding. I love your creativity. I would love to wear it. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful design! I love all of the elements together, and the meaning behind each. Fabulous job!
ReplyDeletebeautiful and sooo full of meaning.
ReplyDeleteLove all the thought and care you put into this bracelet. The design is wonderful. I love the copper wraps, and the resin pendant.
ReplyDeleteI love all the materials you combined - beautiful and unique!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutly love this one! Great design!
ReplyDeletehey gorgeous, cute design....real denim plus a tree of life... awesome! ;o)
ReplyDeletehugs
hello gorgeous xxx
Lovely! I love the use of the fabic, really awesome!
ReplyDeleteWow- I am so thankful for all of your kind comments! I am still enjoying the hop myself, and amazed at all of the talented designers!
ReplyDeleteVery, very beautiful
ReplyDeleteFantastic design, Erin! I love the combination of denim and copper and the symbolism for this cause. Thanks for sharing this story!
ReplyDeleteThis is so meaningful and beautiful! Very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh,Erin! This is just fantastic. I love the rustic and playful quality and the mix of textures. But then to read the thought behind it all...that is really priceless! Enjoy the day!
ReplyDeleteErin
Erin,
ReplyDeleteI just love this! That bracelet is amazing!!! So gorgeous!
Beautiful bracelet (one of my favs so far)...i love all the thoughtfullness and care you put into it, someone will be very happy!
ReplyDeletei am in love with the casual beauty of this bracelet. so much thought and symbolism and talent! just a perfectly wonderful bracelet :-)
ReplyDeletewow, I like the thought behind all the elements that you put into the bracelet. that is really gorgeous and heartfelt. well done!
ReplyDeleteErin, I'm a fiber freak, and I just love how you've incorporated the denim into your bracelet. Made with love, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteI love it! I could wear it all day ... and all night long! Love the rustic, blue jeans look. It is overflowing with love!
ReplyDeleteWow tu brazalete esta hermoso y sobre todo hecho con mucho entusiasmo, esmero y dedicación. Casa componente tiene un significado especial! Hermosa idea!
ReplyDeleteYour bracelets are wonderful, especially the "tree of life" one! I shared them on Pinterest :) We are also doing our part to help The Global Genes Project by donating a portion of our proceeds this month! Visit Roozt.com or mydenimdevil.com to help us do so!
ReplyDelete