Hello friends

Today I’m participating in a fun little blog hop hosted by Bonnie Coursolle of Jasper’s Gems.  I have really enjoyed all of the absolutely creative swap, hop, and challenge ideas that this community is dreaming up!  I wish I could participate in more, but this is the last for a while….well, until the Button Swap Blog Hop in one week! 🙂

 

Bonnie’s Vocal Focal swap was fun and easy.  In the Vocal Focal Swap, Bonnie put a spotlight on what is very often the heart of a jewelry design.   We were paired up and set off to send our partners a focal bead.  The great part about this swap was sending something pretty to someone I didn’t know, and receiving a surprise in the mail in return.   No challenge to create anything with out focal beads,  just to enjoy the trade.

 

My partner was Ginger Bishop who happens to be overseas in Japan.  It turns out I have a lot in common with Ginger, being born in Japan myself, and she’s also a Mom of a little boy.  Ginger sent me a beautiful dragon focal that she purchased locally. I thought it was the perfect focal to receive from Okinawa!   I’m planning to create a necklace on leather for one of my son’s upcoming birthday.

 

Ginger sent me a sweet little wooden Kokeshi doll along with my package.  I have a few already and now I see a collection starting….  You can learn  a little about the background of these dolls here.  Thank you so much, Ginger!

 

It must have been serendipity that my focal partner happened to be in Japan, as today happens to be a Japanese holiday: Children’s Day or Kodomo no Hi!  The 5th day of the 5th month was traditionally the Boy’s Day festival but now it is for all children, celebrating their health, growth, and happiness.

 

Carp streamers (koinobori) made from paper and cloth are used for decorations, and can be seen “swimming” in the wind throughout Japan.  A black carp is flown for the father, red for the mother, and each son in the family – ranging in size from oldest to youngest.   Now I would sure have a colorful porch if I did this…maybe next year!

I have read that carp symbolizes strength, coming from Japanese folklore.  A carp that swims upstream, demonstrating perserverance, becomes a dragon (my focal comes in to play!).

 

One of my aunts in Japan happened to send me this picture she found on the web this week – this is Tsuetate hot springs, where the carp festival originated. She has traveled here several times.  I would love to see the sight of thousands of streamers in the springtime as well!

 

Happy Children’s Day to our kids, whether they are teeny tiny or all grown up.

 

Here are the Vocal Focal participants – let’s see the focals that have found their way to new homes!

Cindy Wimmer    sweet bead studio
Ginger Bishop    Lilmummy Likes

Bonnie Coursolle       Jasper’s Gems
Andra Weber     Andra’s Joyful Journey

Renetha Stanziano     Lamplight Crafts
Lori Finney     Using My Beads

Shirley Moore     Beads and Bread
Kashmira Patel    Sadulfee…..always in Bloom!

Maybeline Tay     The Jewelry Larder 
Dee Torcherer Elgie      Cherry Obsidia

Bonnie Coursolle       Jasper’s Gems
Rhonda Baird   Design and Conquer