Third Tri Mama Gift Idea

[JenInMpls]

While reading Birthing from Within, I came across an idea that I felt was very cool. While it feels strange to me to suggest it to my circle of friends here in town, it seemed to make sense to suggest it all to YOU. So here you go:

It's the idea of a birth bracelet. A woman's friends each give her one bead or a charm with one wish or thought for her birth. Mama strings this into a bracelet which she can wear or take to her birth to be reminded of the support of all of her friends.

Folks who wanted to take part in this would have to join the Yahoo! group and share their address in the database, but it would not have to be something that is really organized or moderated. The only logistical thing is that thank yous would probably have to be by PM or by e-mail in order to not hurt feelings of anyone who may not have received something from that person, or who chose to not share their address for one reason or another - and there are lots of good reasons.

I would suggest starting it in June, since some of us will already be hitting 28 weeks then!!! (ohmigosh!)

Thoughts on this idea?

:D Jen

[sistermama]

I love you Jen. At my Mother Blessing with Jack, my friends all brought me a special bead and strung them and kept them with me during my labor. I was thinking it would be cool to do it here, but couldn't think of a way to make it work - which you figured out perfectly I think. I would definitely like to do that.

Kind of off topic, but something I've been glad we did. For Jack's Blessing Ceremony, which was officiated by my best friend's mom, we had every person bring a bead and written blessing for Jack (written cause wanted to keep them). After the ceremony, we all sat in a circle and passed a blessing jar. Each person read their blessing and then dropped the bead in the jar. It was a really wonderful experience. Afterwards, I strung the beads in a long line on some hemp, added a couple more in including ones with his name. My idea is to work them into his nighttime routine now that he is a little older and what he does now is hold them and say who he loves and who loves hime. I'm thinking as he gets bigger that pick a couple beads for that night and come up with the number of blessings that he experienced during the day or some such thing.

[Mom2baldie]

Jen,

I think thats a great idea. I really liked that part in the book, but dont have any friends IRL that would share those feelings. I would LOVE to be a part of this with you girls. Tell me where to sign up!

Sarah,

You are so lucky you had a Mothers Blessing! They sound so special.
Thats really sweet about Jack and his beads. I should do something like that for Paityn.

[adventuregirl]

A great idea! My friends/family did this for me at a wedding blessing just before I got married. It was really sweet to have everyone's blessing and kind words. We strung them together and attached them to our Wedding Stick, which is a Native American tradition, its a beautiful piece of carved wood with bead work on each end. Its supposed to be used to commemorate achievements in your marriage by adding notches (babies are big ones) and to "hold counsel" during rough times, kind of as a talking stick, as well as a reminder of all that is blessed and good in your marriage.

So to get back on topic, I would love to do this as a baby blessing with all of you! I think we all share a pretty special bond in our journeys thru our current pregnancies.

[msrog]

I'm not really into blessing ceremonies, marriage sticks and beads on hemp.... but the idea of a smaller bracelet sounds nice, maybe like a silver charm bracelet? I've been eyeing them lately. Maybe the beads mentioned in that book are small, but I'm just envisioning these giant funky wooden and pottery and all types of mismatched beads, and I just cannot figure what I would do with such a thing. (I'm probably too practical for my own good!) On the other hand, I CAN figure out what to do with a regular charm bracelet!

Would someone explain the details of the beads you're thinking of, because I suppose charms or fancy beads would get expensive if we were sending one to everyone, but if they were simple little glass or metal beads, maybe not too expensive?

Obviously, I'm confused and in need of some clarifications... :)

[sistermama]

When people brought beads for Jack, they brought all different kinds - glass, ceramic, metal but they all look pretty next to each other. I'll post a picture on Monday of his blessing strand. Plus I think the cost would be pretty negligible, so even if you got a nice little sack of beads from say, Michaels or Joanns, it wouldn't matter it they were all the same or very similar since you would be sending them to different people.

[JenInMpls]

Yes, you know, being me, I'd go to the bead store and get everyone a hedgehog charm, but that's just Jen. You wouldn't have to spend money on fancy beads, you can get very lovely stone/semi-precious/glass beads for 30 - 75 cents apiece, and you wouldn't have to string them on hemp - you could using fishing line with an ordinary clasp at the end, like people who make jewelry use (you can get kits for that at Michael's or Joann fabrics, too).

And I'm hoping small, I don't go for huge jewelry - I was thinking beads that were no more than 1/3 inch in diameter at the biggest!!

j

[msrog]

Oh, good, those sound like what I would like... even the hedgehog, though I missed that joke. =O) Actually, a bracelet of small, varied beads would look great with my bright rainbow tie-dyed summer dress.

Have a happy Sunday,
Savannah

[JenInMpls]

Well, see, there you go. :) That's actually exactly what I would like, too, is a bracelet of many-colored small beads.

The hedgehog joke - there isn't one, I just love hedgehogs for no reason other than they're seriously cute, and I was stunned to find pewter hedgehog beads at the bead store. Amazing what you can find at the mall of america!

jen

[sistermama]

With Jack's beads, I bought little tiny spacer beads to between the ones he received, and it really ties them together, so they don't look mismatched.

[adventuregirl]

If it ends up not being your style, you would't have to WEAR it, you could just put it somewhere special, like in/on something of yours or baby's to remind you of the blessings. I think it would be a cool thing to have on hand at your birth for an object of focus.

[chrissy]

what a great idea!!

i'm in for sure.

[sistermama]

Sheryl - I love the idea of a marriage stick. I hadn't heard that before.

[banana girl]

Recently I've been daydreaming about making a "charm bracelet" and would love to receive beads from you wonderful women! I love the idea and fully endorse it!!!!!

That said... practicalities intrude. At my sister's blessing way we ran into the problem of very different bead hole diameters. Some of the beads were small enough to slide through the bigger holes in other beads. This was very frustrating when trying to string them up together. Also if anyone hasn't worked with beads before and signs up for this anyway, they may find it difficult to actually create the bracelet. Little clasps and other beading findings can be tricky... but i'm sure all us bright ladies can figure something out (especially with help from a bead store employee)

Also, how do we get the beads to each other? does this mean every one of us will have to send out like 15 little padded envelopes individually? (really small padded envelopes could probably go for .37 cents) Or do we want to send them all to one person, who then creates a packet of beads for each participant? But then would that person be footing the bill for shipping costs?

Anyway, practicalities aside, this is a wonderfull idea and I am excited to start bead hunting for you all!

Love, Anna Banana

[msrog]

I would think it would be simple and inexpensive to protect the bead in a small enough little package that it can slip right into a greeting card envelope. It would be fun to get a dozen cards and little beads...

[msrog]

So, did we decide to do this or not? I didn't see as much response on this thread as the first swap... Was it Caroline that organized the first? I can't remember. Whoever it was did a fantastic job, I nominate her!!! :)

[sistermama]

I say Jen should do it, since it was her idea!! ;) I think it is fine that it is not as many people. I would say, pick a size range for the beads and mail them out in normal envelopes with just a little something in there to pad the bead. Also, since not that many people have signed up (7 by my count) maybe we could each send each person two beads, its not as if they are that expensive. I would think you could do the whole thing, including shipping, for $10-$15. More input?

[banana girl]

Maybe we should just start something in the yahoo group... a database of who is interested and any color preferences. Our addresses are all available there so no one person needs to "organize" this. I'll go there next and see if i am computer savy enough to start it up!

anna banana

[banana girl]

O.K. I added a new database, lets start filling it up!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MDCseptmommies/

Anna Banana

[fourlittlebirds]

I love this idea, and it is definitely something I can handle!

[greenbeing]

Count me in too-love the idea!

[chrissy]

me too! i signed up on the database.

:)

[msrog]

Yes, thanks, Anna. Let's set a date by which everyone needs to sign on who's interested in participating... Then again, a date about two weeks later when the packages are mailed out. It needs to be early enough that we all have time to go get our bracelets finished off before the births begin!! I'm praying to go 40 weeks, but twins are considered "full term" at 37 weeks, which would be the end of August...

Maybe give another two weeks for us all to sign up on Anna's Yahoo database, and another two weeks to shop for beads? Or three weeks? We could send out our envelopes July 1??

[mum2tori]

Added my stuff to the database. I'll have to post some pics of my different beaded bracelets that I've gotten over the past year. To kind of give some ideas of what they can look like. :)

[banana girl]

O.k. so here goes....

The cut off date for signing up (via Yahoo group) is Friday June 18th. The mail out date is Thursday July 1st.
The concept: you purchase a bead for each mama signed up to exchange blessing beads. Beads can run any where from 15 cents a peice to a couple dollars a peice (semi precious, hand carved..etc) it is entirely up to you how much you spend on the beads. What matters is the spirit in which it is given, the blessing you pass to the other mama, the love you put into it!

you then mail the bead in an envelope to each of the other mamas. (Addresses at yahoo group) I suggest finding some way to protect the bead.... a padded envelope, a tiny box... I also suggest writing the words HAND PROCESS PLEASE in bold letters on the outside of each envelope. This will help the envelope stay out of big scary machines that could crush beads to a powder....

Once you receive your beads in the mail you will then string the beads together in any way you choose. Bracelets, anklet, a simple string of beads to save for the baby.... We'll all brainstorm and share ideas, feel free to ask for help or advice!

currently we have about 10 women signed up... anyone else interested? head on over to the Yahoo group and sign up! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MDCseptmommies/

Have fun bead shopping!
Anna Banana

[msrog]

Banana, remind us on the 18th to check for any new signups, OK? Thanks!

[hjohnson]

I am signed up now too :)

[greenbeing]

Mamas, I'm leaving for a little trip on the 19th, soooo, I'll have to get my beads out ahead of time (probably the 17th). I'm wondering if those of you who sign up after the 16th wouldn't mind a random bead, instead of a special preference one??? That way I can quickly pick one up on the 18th and get it out to you.
This sounds confusing I know. I just don't want to miss anyone!

Also, one more request: Could you guys wait until the 5th or 6th to send mine out???? I think we'll be back around the 8th or so.

Thanks :love

[JenInMpls]

I will be able to send out beads after I come back from camp, on the 5th of July if stores are open...

j

[adventuregirl]

Would it be a big deal to change the mail out date to the 5th-6th to accomodate Meredith and Jen?

[chrissy]

works for me!

[Mom2baldie]

thats fine with me, also. might be easier to mail them all in one day...

[fourlittlebirds]

yeah, let's do that!

[Lazuli]

Oh, I have to go sign up for this, what a neat idea. I really need to read and reply to more posts....

Lazuli

[sistermama]

I have an idea I'd like to run past you mamas, but for a reason you will soon understand, please go check it out on Yahoo.

[greenbeing]

That would be cool if we could wait until the 5th or 6th. Thanks ladies!

[msrog]

The later date works for me, too. Sarah, yes.

[banana girl]

Okay, okay the concensus is...... lets wait a little longer to mail out the beads!
originally we decided on Thursday july 1st. but now the plan is to mail out beads on MONDAY JULY 5TH or later if need be. This will work better for some of our "blessed mamas" so that's, that.

the cut off date for signing up remains the 18th which is this Friday! Boy has time flown by! so if there are any more takers, now's the time to sign up. If you are not yet signed up at the yahoo group check it out! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MDCseptmommies/

p.S. If you haven't checked out sistermama's really cool idea... please do so at Yahoo. good thinking sistermama! you rock!

Anna Banana

[banana girl]

Ok guys!
Tomorrow is the cut off date for signing up at Yahoo! Any takers?

Love to all
Anna Banana

[banana girl]

Hey check it out!
The countdown is on! If you haven't gone shopping for your beads yet, this is the week to do it. We are mailing out around the 5th-6th and I'm sure we are all SUPER busy over the 4th of July, right! So, let's get going!

te heeee! giddy drool, snort giggle!
Bead freak

[msrog]

Wow, what fun! I've never really played with beads... So many to choose from; it's overwhelming!

Today I went to our local bead store 15 minutes before closing, asking if she thought I could find 15 special beads in that time. She laughed in my face! :) Sure enough, 15 minutes later I had selected.... ONE! So I'm glad I didn't wait until SAturday to do this; I can tell I'll need at least two trips, since I don't usually have big blocks of time available.

And wow, it was hard finding the right beads for some gals; I kept selecting great ones, then the lady would tell me they were plastic. Grrr. I can't wait to see the pictures of all the finished bracelets! And to catch a glimpse of the bracelet on any labor/birth pictures we end up sharing...

[mum2tori]

Oh someone is trying to get together a co-op to order bali beads from a website. There needs to be a total of $100 order to get the wholesale price. These include spacers, clasps and lots of other neat stuff.

Here's the link to the co-op thread (http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=149414).

And this is the link to the bead website (http://www.ninadesigns.com/).

I need to go looking tomorrow at a couple of places to get a few more beads. :)

I'll try to get some clear pictures of my bracelets tomorrow too (for visible ideas). It's been raining and so overcast lately that my pictures aren't coming out very clear. :(

[banana girl]

Hey all!

Just a reminder that it is time to start mailing out beads!!! Yipee! It sure will be fun to start getting our little packages in the mail won't it?

However, if you haven't got yours ready to go... please don't fret! This is for fun, not stress, right? So, if you are ready to mail them, great! If not, well try to make it happen by the weekend.

Love to all
Anna Banana

[Mom2baldie]

I will be mailing ours out tomorrow - didnt make the mail in time today... :shy

Also, I have already recieved Merediths! That was fast!

[hjohnson]

I received Meredith's bead today as well. I am hoping to finish my bead shopping tonight if DH is in a good mood. S*** has been hitting the fan at work lately for him and he has been in a foul mood.

[JenInMpls]

I'm having a fnark of a time finding the padded mailers I've been looking for! But I hope to find them tomorrow...

:D jen

[fourlittlebirds]

I got Meredith's bead too! Meredith, you are on the ball. :D A pretty deep blue with gold speckling.

In case anybody missed it on the other thread, my beads are going to be late due to me not having a driver's license at the moment. Sorry about that. :(

[4under6]

WHY did I think we had until the 18th?

Alas, I will be bead shopping within the next day or two, so I will be a little late....but they will come!

[Lazuli]

I just got back from the post office, my beads are now in the mail! :D I got a bead from Meredith yesterday as well, thank you! It's sort of green an purple, it's nifty! Thank you. :)

[chrissy]

I got Meredith's yesterday too and I :love it! I've set up a little bead collecting dish so I can add them all as they come.

I've bought all my beads but I need to buy some packaging material and then pack them all up. Will get them out by the weekend I promise!

[msrog]

Meredith wins the prize for the fastest-arriving bead!! Mine is a pretty avocado green with black speckles. Thank you so much! And what a sweet card.

I mailed mine out today, so they should start arriving Friday. Enjoy! Ooooh, I can't wait to get started on my bracelet...

[JenInMpls]

Hey all,

I'm sending mine out today.

I have to warn all of you in advance that I bought the same bead for everyone. The name of the stone it is made from just seemed so darn appropriate coming from me. I don't think it clashes too strongly with anyone's wishes, so I hope you all like it...

:innocent jen

[adventuregirl]

Phew, I was thinking I'd be the only slacker! I'm putting them all together this morning and hoping I'll have them stamped and ready before I depart for work today. So they will go out this morning or tomorrow if I run into any snags.

I got Meredith's bead too, thanks! Its gorgeous, a silver with designs on it. Hard to explain, brain is not quite together this morning...

[banana girl]

slacker, slacker, slacker.... we are all such slackers!!! Except for Meredith of course, she rocks!!! te he heee!!!

I have mine almost ready to be mailed... hoping to finish during my lunch break!

Later
Anna Banana

[Kabes]

Maybe we should start a thank you thread. This one is getting pretty long.

Also, instead of writing an individual post to each person we could just edit our own post as we received beads. I think it would be cool if everyone was describing each bead they received as they got it on the same post. We would get a mental picture of how everyone's bracelet would turn out.
What do you think?

My bead from Meredith arrived - a small round lapis (royal blue) bead. Love it - Thanks!

[4under6]

Slackers???
HA!
I haven't shopped yet!

I am going tomorrow before my OB appointment, though, and will mail Saturday or Monday, I promise!

[hjohnson]

My beads should be going out tomorrow or Saturday at the latest. The bead I received from Meredith is a Kelly Green color but there is a slight problem. The hole doesn't go all the way through. :)

[greenbeing]

Heather, so sorry. I didn't even think to check that the hole went all the way through! I'll get another out to you soon!

I'm glad the beads found the rest of you. I thought I could just wrap the bead and send it in a regular envelope. But...I got to the post office and they said they all had to be in a padded envelope. I guess they didn't want to hand process all of them.

[adventuregirl]

Well, now I feel on the ball! Hahahaha.... Got them out yesterday and put them in regular envelopes with a little wrap, hope the PO takes care of it and doesn't send them back to me.

I don't think any of us are looking to deliver too early, so even with all of our slacking, I bet we all get the whole bracelet's worth before the first of us goes.

[chrissy]

I finally mailed my beads out this morning. Sorry it took me so long. :innocent