My youngest daughter Gabrielle is a published poet! She's had two poems that she wrote in high school published in separate student anthologies through creative writing competitions. She has also written several lovely poems about her brother that we've published as In Memoriams on either his birthday or anniversary. I had thought to create a piece based on one of her poems but time (lack of) got in the way and I didn't have time to create the components I wanted for the piece.
So, I created a piece (it's not quite finished, there's a bit I'd like to add to it) that I had started quite some time ago while thinking about my oldest daughter Caitlin. She has an affinity for ladybugs. In all cultures ladybugs are considered lucky and when she was younger Cait used a combination of ladybug and luck as her ID for a social networking site (and yes, Caiti, there is a ladybug bracelet in your future but not this one!). I've made this piece using gold-filled chain, headpins and clasp; the individual charms are vintage German glass pendants that I picked up years ago at The Beadin' Path. I've painted designs on some of them and a few of them have either heart shaped beads or rhinestones glued to them with painted portions to resemble ladybugs. So, without further ado: Ladybug, Ladybug
Now, the poem/nursery rhyme Ladybug, Ladybug is a bit morbid! I remember chanting the first line as a child when a ladybug would land on me. I certainly didn't know the remaining lines and didn't realize there was more to it until looking for a piece to relate to the bracelet. I couldn't find a ladybug poem that I really liked (I'll have to speak with Gabi about that!), and The Ladybug's Picnic (which I prefer) is a children's song (maybe I should have saved this for the next Challenge of Music?). There are quite a few variations of the rhyme, and while they end slightly different, they all begin the same:
"Ladybug, ladybug fly away home
Your house is on fire and your children will burn.
Except little Nan,
Who sits in a pan,
Weaving gold laces as fast as she can!"
A darling charm bracelet! I'm sure your daughter is excited that you chose her favorite good luck charm as your theme.
ReplyDeleteI used to recite that first line of that ditty too, as my mother and grandfather were always saying it during my youth. Like you, I never knew the rest. Funny how the first part sounds so cheerful, and the rest is plain horror.
This is so darling and wonderful and thoughtful!!! I love this bracelet and the charms are fantastic!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis brought back some memories of watching Sesame Street with my daughter. We loved "Ladybug Picnic"! Your bracelet is delightful, especially with the vintage glass pendants, something a girl of any age would have fun with!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely bracelet. I just adore how you painted on the ladybugs.
ReplyDeleteVery cute! Love the adorable charms!
ReplyDeleteHi Lori,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bracelet, I love all the little ladybug charms. It is funny how the first line of this little ditty is all anyone can remember. I was shocked when I read the rest of the lines.
Therese
Ooohh, how fun and what a great summer bracelet. I remember singing (chanting?) a variation on that, too, as a kid. Wonderful job.
ReplyDeleteLori that bracelet is just so sweet! I am not familiar with that song, but you are right, it is rather morbid lol. Ladybugs are so sweet, I do hope if your daughter writes a ladybug poem you will share with us :)
ReplyDeleteI remember singing that song and I love the little charms
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling charm bracelet! I'm not familiar with that song... we tried to catch ladybugs at my house. ^_^
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet bracelet! I love ladybugs too. And is that a pansy I spy? That is my favorite flower! Thank you so much for playing with me in this Challenge! Enjoy the day. Erin
ReplyDeleteYour painted charms are... charming, and whimsical. What materials did you use? Do you have to seal them so the designs won't chip off? It is a cute bracelet!
ReplyDeleteI love ladybugs! What a cute charm bracelet. I remembered the first line also, and was surprised to see where the ditty went from there.
ReplyDeleteHow charming! Oh damn, that's not really punning I was go for but truly those little ladies are so sweet. When I exPlained ring around the rosy to my French Canadian husband he was horrified!
ReplyDeleteSweet little bracelet, I love ladybugs (or ladybirds as they are known down here in Australia).
ReplyDeleteAwesome summery bracelet - love the painted ladybugs!
ReplyDeleteThe bracelet is adorable, I love ladybugs too. I never knew the rest of the song, I used to say the first line though just like you did.
ReplyDelete