12/22/2025
Artist’s Note:
I haven’t picked up my beads in months. Since before October. In our ways, you're not supposed to create when you're sad —and these past months have been heavy with loss on all sides of my family.
Grief has a way of quieting the hands.
Today, I cleaned my house and opened my tin of beads. These colors came straight to me and reminded me of my mom. Red was her favorite—fierce, strong, protective. Just like her. With coral, onyx, and lava stone, these earrings carry those same qualities: grounding, strength, and love that doesn’t fade.
These have taken me a long time to make.
Each time the sadness crept in, I stepped away. They’re a gift, so I keep returning when I can—slowly, carefully, honoring where I’m at.
I love my family so deeply, no matter how devastating the losses have been. I haven't cried this hard in ages. Being from the families I come from is one of my greatest blessings, even when it breaks my heart.
I’m grateful to be sitting with my beads again. Creating always brings me back to myself. Today, I needed this.
❤️