Sunday, September 7, 2014

Anchors Aweigh :: Finding True North

Back in July I saw a post from Rita over at Jewel School Friends for a blog hop. Boy has she been on a roll lately with some of the hottest hops of the summer! This one was featuring some cute little blue anchor beads from Diana of Suburban Girl Studio

So what do you call a hop about anchors? Anchors Aweigh of course. I was just a bit curious about the saying ... what exactly is to 'weigh' an anchor? 

Apparently it means to bring it aboard so that it is clear of the bottom of the sea. Therefore the ship is officially underway. I know, I know, I always get side tracked when I start looking for the history. But I'm just curious that way. The other thing I found was that it is commonly misspelled as 'anchors away' which actually means to drop anchor. So don't mix it up or you'll be stopping that ship short!

Ok, on with the hop. When I saw the post over at Rita's blog, I realized "oh hey, I have those beads in my stash!" Yes, I'd been hoarding them. Who wouldn't? I have an entire little chest of drawers full of artisan beads because, well I have a problem with buying every artisan bead I love. I personally don't see it so much as a problem, but my husband does. 

Since I already had the beads, I emailed Rita and asked if I could just join. She is so sweet. She is always expanding her hops to include more people. Love that about her. When I pulled out the beads they of course shouted out to be earrings. But that just didn't seem like much of a challenge for this hop. What I really wanted was to create a piece with a bit of a story .... some well, ahem ... history to it. Yeah, yeah I hear you all laughing.

I remembered these great wood focals that I had from Marie over at Skye Jewels. The ones I have are maps, but I was thinking wouldn't it be great to find a compass? Quick trip to her Etsy, and there it was, and in blue! Check, check! 

I went nautical with shells, pearls, anchors and my newly purchased compass focal. My anchors have a little sway to them. I suppose real anchors shouldn't 'swing' exactly .... but they are 'aweigh!' 

I decided to name my piece True North which depicts navigation through life. So many times we find uncertainty in our journey, but leaning on friends can help steady us when we need it most. The full definition goes like this: True north differs from magnetic north, which varies from place to place and over time due to local magnetic anomalies. A magnetic compass almost never shows true north. In fact over millions of years, magnetic north wanders considerable and occasionally reverses so that the magnetic north pole has been near the geographic south pole at some periods in the earth's history. In the arctic region, a magnetic compass is not very useful. To find true north from a magnetic compass you have to know the local magnetic variation and how it is varying over time. Hence the metaphor. In life's journey we are often uncertain where we stand, where we are going and what is the right path for us personally. Knowing our true north would enable us to follow the right path.

Rita told us to 'let nautical inspiration be your guide as you navigate the end of your summer journey.' That is exactly what I did with this piece. Now for the rest of the hoppers in this challenge:

Guest of Honor and Featured Artist: Diana Ptaszynski  
Diana's Shop: Suburban Girl Beads, Diana's Blogs: Suburban Girl Studio and Art Jewelry Elements


39 comments:

  1. True North. I did not know what that meant. I loved hearing about the research and history behind the name your beautiful piece. There is even a compass to help keep you from getting lost on your journey. The pearls, shells, well all of the components, especially together, are worthy of the journey--the name. Anchors Aweigh!! Fantastic!

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  2. I love your piece and all the information that goes with it, what a great blog post and such a beautifully designed necklace, oh and amazing photos!

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  3. The asymmetrical necklace looks fabulous! Those anchor beads are so cute :)

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  4. OK, this one is really gorgeous -- such an inspired design! Definitely something for the yacht, with champagne ;) I trust you are keeping well, dear friend *hugs*

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  5. Love your story, learned a lot! A beautiful combination of story and history. Love the asymmetric design of the necklace too, and the name, True North, so meaning full. Have a nice journey!

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  6. OMG Cynthia. I love everything about this. What a fantastic job and as always I love the history you include. I'm kinda glad my picture got deleted it was so lame. So much for being in a hurry and procrastinating. Back to your piece. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE!

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  7. Your post was so much fun to read. I too get side-tracked looking up the history and meaning of things. Your design, and the story it tells, are fabulous. Very original use of the charms.

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  8. Fabulous Cynthia! I love how you dangles the anchors. Interesting history. I had no idea anchors away was a misspelling. That shows how nautical I am! How great would this piece be to wear on a boat trip? Everyone would love it.

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  9. I just love this necklace, Cynthia! The style is so cool, I love the way the anchor beads hang free! This is a really cool necklace! I love your explanation of True North, too.

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  10. I love your necklace and the story behind it. Can you imagine that my husband has the same thoughts on beads as your! What is up with that?

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  11. I always know I am in for multiple treats whenever I visit, Cynthia, and today is no exception :) Historical research, inspirational quotes, top-rate photography and of course a marvelous design in your inimitable style :)

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  12. Love your necklace. The Skye Jewels tile is a great addition, and I love how you used your anchors!

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  13. Love this piece! And the history behind it too. Thanks for clearing up the away / aweigh conundrum!

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  14. beautiful piece and lots of info thank you

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  15. So beautiful! Love all the beads and that you used Marie's focal for this piece as well! And...your pun on "aweigh" made me giggle!

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  16. OMG! What an incredible necklace. I love how you mix in a dash of history, a bit of pearls and a lot of artisan love to always come up with such incredible designs.

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  17. A lovely piece and so fitting for this challenge and I love the asymmetrical design.

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  18. This is Beautiful Design! Just love it! The compass is inspired, and really brings the lovely anchors and the rest of the beads and the design together!! Have a Blessed Day!

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  19. You know what I just love about seeing what you create? I can never predict which way you will head! I absolutely LOVE this piece!! Your elements are timeless, and yet so contemporary. And I always appreciate the history you share!

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  20. What a fantastic design! I love what you did with the charms. Your work is amazing and original like always! <3

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  21. Hi Cynthia ,
    Your necklace is beautiful! The history and neat stories is what makes your blog so interesting, not to mention the beautiful pieces you create.
    Therese

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  22. Blue with black is so classic, then add the white pearls and the focal with the compass design and you created a one of a kind piece with a lot of interest, charm and movement. Amazing pictures as well and your blog is interesting and fun to read!

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  23. Cynthia your designs are always so unique and wonderful. I think it is great that you research the stories behind so many of your pieces. It gives them lots more meaning. I always enjoy reading your blog for that reason.

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  24. Yep, I was right when I expected your creation to be terrific. I saw your necklace, and my jaw hit the floor. What an incredible idea, and what an absolutely spectacular realization of it. I LOVE the compass tile, and the way you offset the anchor dangles is sublime. Just fantastic!

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  25. What a fabulous piece to celebrate the end of summer, Cynthia. Your design compass was pointing True North on this one!

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  26. Is really love everything about this necklace including your blog post. Love the compass and the swinging anchors!

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  27. I looked up the meaning of the word too in case I wasn't misspelling it. I am glad you joined the hop and I love your necklace. The addition of the map tile really makes it come together so well. Good job!

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  28. The compass focal is perfect with the anchor beads! And I love the addition of the pearls. You always know the right components to put together :)

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  29. I love that necklace, the compass bead is awesome and the perfect addition with the anchor beads, shells, and pearls.
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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  30. I love that necklace, the compass bead is awesome and the perfect addition with the anchor beads, shells, and pearls.
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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  31. Beautifully unique necklace! I am enjoying the different shapes as well as the asymmetric design.

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  32. Nice history!!! beautiful necklace!!
    Have a good week!!! and my g+ for you!!!:)))

    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

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  33. Thank you for all the information! Amazing!
    Your necklace is stunning! WOW! I love it!
    Hugs ;o)

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  34. I love nautical themed everything and this necklace is gorgeous!

    P.S. Your "barnacle stage" comment literally made me laugh out loud. That is the perfect description!

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  35. Great story about your piece! Asymmetry is always a challenge to pull off, and you did so beautifully!

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  36. So many components and the sync well together. I love how you left the anchors to dangle.

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  37. Cynthia your nautical necklace is breathtaking, absolutely gorgeous. It would feel right at home worn to lunch or dinner at the local yacht club. And I can tell you that some of those ritzy ladies would give their eye teeth to own it. :)
    I thoroughly enjoyed your historical side tracks. They were most interesting and it is always a good thing when one happens to acquire a bit of new knowledge. :)

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  38. Love the story and really love your necklace! I try asymmetrical things but my accountant brain rebels!

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  39. This is just so cool!! I've been meaning to stop by and tell you this, but time got away from me these last few weeks! I love this design - very original and super fun - just perfect!

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