Val's Winning Necklace

Quick post, here. This is necklace I made for Val, who had the winning entry in the Name-My-Necklaces contest :-) Her entry of "Weads" was just the quirky one I was looking for. I'll be putting this in the mail to her as soon as I can make it to the post office - this week has been busy at work (shoot - what week isn't!). At least I have a job, and I can be thankful for that these days!
A bit of a close-up:And the ribbon bag:I would like to say that I try to include at least one "special" bead in each necklace. In Val's, it is the green round bead with the gold and white spots near the top. These beads are made by at-risk youth in a wonderful program called "Hilltop Artists in Residence of Tacoma" or HART.
Excerpted from the Website: "In 1994, Tacoma's Hilltop area had a reputation as a gang and crack area. HART was established with a $20,000 City of Tacoma grant. That first summer, 15 students had the opportunity to create sculptures, silk-screens, and fused glass art. In the fall of 1994, we added glassblowing component as well and 60 students signed up. Students chose the heat and the personal danger of glassblowing over the risks they were taking on the streets. As the program attracted interest, gang members in colors would drift in and watch. Police officers would stop by to check on the situation. The program gained a reputation for neutrality and success with disadvantaged youth." I have been to many of their events and have the utmost respect for the program. The youth are so jazzed about the program and it had literally saved lives. In addition to the many blown glass vases and other objects they create, they make and sell the beads I use in my Weads necklaces and for that, I'm grateful!