Skip to main content

Blue Willow Broken China Charm Bracelet

This is a bracelet I made inspired by Lisa. She bought me this charm made from broken china. So, I could not wait to get that Blue Willow bowl I bought at the garage sale and break it. I also discovered a new flux that is not greasy or sticky and it just made the soldering much neater and smoother. Anyway, here is the outcome and I really think I want more charms on it. What do you think? Do you know the story of the Blue Willow Design? Though there are several different versions, I found this one to share with you. Each charm on this bracelet is relative to the story. I want some doves and some other things though.

Long ago, in the days when China was ruled by emperors, a Chinese manderin, Tso Ling, lived in the magnificent pagoda under the branches of the apple tree on the right of the bridge, over which droops the famous willow tree, and in front of which is seen the graceful lines of the fence. Tso Ling was the father of a beautiful girl, Kwang-se, who was the promised bride of an old but wealthy merchant. The girl, however, fell in love with Chang, her father’s clerk. The lovers eloped across the sea to the cottage on the island. The mandarin pursued and caught the lovers and was about to have them killed when the gods transformed them into a pair of turtle doves. These are seen gazing into each other’s eyes at the top of the design.


Comments

Amber said…
Your bracelet is really beautiful.
Susan said…
Oh, I just love Willow Ware, what a wonderful bracelet. Thanks for sharing.
Susan
Lisa said…
les, the bracelet is beautiful! can't wait to see in person. i was going to post my jewelry pictures tonight but my camera battery is dead. maybe it will charge enough later. heather is so cute-i know she was ecstatic about her winnings. the box is beautiful. lunch friday. we have to see the one and only bracelet or any jewelry renea made! she's done with that - hee hee
Anonymous said…
Lesley, this is really beautiful! I think it would look great as a necklace too! You have really outdone yourself this time....I love it! Love you, Rhea
Cyndi Garcia said…
hi. love your bracelet! very beautiful, as all ur work appears to be. i was wondering if u could tell me what that mystery flux u used is called. i'm starting to solder and i like the idea of a clean flux. n e way. beautiful work and i love the story about the blue willow design.

cyndi garcia
What a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing that with us!

Popular posts from this blog

Paper Flowers and Fabric Flowers

Well, I'm kind of in a creative funk again. I hate it when this happens! I'm so glad that next weekend I am going to Fredricksberg, TX again to the trade days. I know it will inspire me in all kinds of directions. Meanwhile, while I am trying to get my groove back........I have been making a lot of little short term projects in the paper department. I made this little posey pin from faux vintage post/letters etc papers from the scrapbooking department. I actually wore it yesterday on my jacket. Then I spotted this book on Fabric Flowers by Elizabeth Helene Searle at the fabric store and I had to get it. I used her instructions to make this first fabric flower. I want to try several of her other flowers instructions. Now, what will I do with them? Who knows? Does it really matter if I am enjoying myself? Probably everyone will get fabric or paper flowers for Christmas! Heehee Have a great day.

Melon Burst Pantone Quilt Challenge 2023

I entered my first quilt challenge this year! I was inspired by a friend of mine that had entered this challenge so I decided I would give it a try. The challenge is called Pantone Quilt Challenge 2023 and you can check out all the yummy shades of magenta at #pantonequiltchallenge2023 on Instagram. This challenge is hosted by  Sarah Ruiz of https://saroy.net/ and Elizabeth Ray of https://www.instagram.com/elizabethkray/?hl=en When I learned about the challenge, I headed over to Missouri Star Quilt Company online and purchased the Kona Crush for this piece. I was not sure what I wanted to pair it with for several days until I finally decided on several tones of greens.  So I started out with these pieces. I had always wanted to see how to make the flying geese in a curve. I managed to figure out a way by using wedged pieces in between each "goose"? I have since learned that there is another way by using Foundation Paper Piecing. All the things we learn with each quilt, right

Funky and Proud

Just wanted to say a big thanks to all who responded to the last post. You are all so smart and insightful. I think after much thought and several good conversations with my friends, I feel better about this whole idea. My conclusion, I do many different things that fall under the "mixed media" category...even the jewelry. I have this never ending curiosity and desire to learn new techniques. Whatever I am working on at the moment is satisfying my creative cravings...if not, I don't do it. If I don't enjoy something....I don't do it. It is that simple. The "Funky Art Queen" thing? It occured to me that the people that would be put off by my d.b.a. would be those that most likely would not be drawn to my art in the first place. Thanks again. I just love every one of you. Next blog......not all about me I promise. HUGS