Teachers are the Best!

These past few weeks I've had the pleasure of making some meaningful jewelry for a special group of ladies at our elementary school in Temecula.  It all started with this wonderful third grade teacher right here:

This picture was taken last November when Zalea was given the "Student of the Month" award.  You know how a little bit of positive reinforcement goes a long way?  Well,  it worked for my little Z.  Her whole third grade experience was transformed because of Mrs. Souza's positive energy (and a little bit of yoga!)  Below is a photo of the mother's necklace I made as a gift for Mrs. Souza at the end of the year.

Well, this necklace started a chain reaction as other teachers and staff members have placed their orders with me.  I have never had so much fun making jewelry!  I've decided it is so fulfilling to make jewelry for people you know and love.  Here's a look at some of the fun projects we've put together:

What do you get for the baby who has everything?  A keepsake necklace for his mommy!  Paula had a few baby showers to attend and wanted to do something special for the mommies.  Here's one for Olivia and Jake's wonderful grandma:

 

 For Ada, we chose December's birthstone crystal:

Michele wanted a mother's necklace for a special friend. This is a layered name pendant topped with a silver heart:

 

And one for Michele with her mantra "believe - hope - dream"

Below is a birthday present for Sandy's sister who practices Kundalini Yoga.  "Sat Nam" is a mantra frequently repeated three times at the end of a yoga session.  It means, loosely translated, "truth is my identity."  The stone is olive jade.

Here is an initial pendant necklace for Valerie's mom.  The nine initials represent each of her children and grand-children.  The pink crystal represents October's birth stone crystal, tourmaline.

This is a special necklace for Karen.  The front of the circle pendant has each of her children's names, and two dangling discs that read "together forever."

 The back says: "FAMILY - our love is not bound by time."

And here is the finished necklace with Karen's drawing.  I LOVE collaborating on a project to get exactly what someone wants in a special gift.  This is an heirloom piece and I hope it is treasured for years to come!