Jennifer's Gift

I am going to share with you a beautiful and sacred gift that I received. I have mentioned Jennifer Stumpf before, and this gift came to me from her creative hands.

Jennifer is a talented jewelry artist who has a blog, and sells some of her work on her etsy site. She found my blog some time ago, and very kindly and generously offered to make a rosary for me. I have posted photos of my little prayer space before, and this beautiful rosary is now part of it.

I am not Catholic, though I have a deep respect for the teachings (and the spiritual and historical importance) of the Catholic church. I am better acquainted with the Anglican Rosary than the Catholic one, so Jennifer made an Anglican rosary for me. Here is part of what she wrote when she sent it:

"The cross, Invitatory polymer bead and sterling spacer beads above and below the polymer bead are handmade by me. The faceted green stones that are the Weeks beads are Russian Amazonite. Like jade, they are emblems of heaven and earth. The round Cruciform beads are Moonstone, which symbolizes the protection of women and children. The polymer bead has a double unity symbol, which indicates the bond between you and your beloved daughter. The ladder indicates the progress not only of Katie's heavenly journey, but that of yours in the living world. The tiny triple circles indicate the Holy Trinity as well as your family circle of yourself, your husband and your son."

I wish that my photographs would do justice to the colors in the polymer bead, the glow of the gold and greens, and the intricacy of the design. I wish you could feel its comfortable smoothness in your hands. The moonstones are luminous. The handmade spacers each have the look of a sunburst. The handmade cross is both a very delicate and powerful symbol. It is a beautiful, heartfelt gift. Thank you again, Jennifer.

If any one of you would like more information, or would like to order handmade beads, a rosary or jewelry by Jennifer, please click on the links to her blog or her etsy site.