ROSA CRUZ (Pink Cross) COLLECTION

Last Christmas, Tita Olive had given me a huge bag of beads mostly arranged this way.

Not knowing what it was nor what it had meant, I re-used the beads for other arrangements.  On the last piece, I had then thought of checking  in google what this arrangement was  about.
 

courtesy of www.culturetaste.com

As described in wikipedia, Worry beads or Komboloi is a string of beads used   for relaxation or simply to pass time.  It serves as an amulet from bad luck as well.    Read more HERE. The thought of it since then would pop once in awhile.  So, I had made a mental note that I will refer to it or perhaps be inspired by it one day.  But not just yet.

 

I then went on a quick trip to Baguio with my parents and J. Bond. We enjoyed the cool weather and had photos taken with the participating floral floats of the Panagbenga Festival. 
 

 

Liliw and Paete with an aunt happened next. On top of shopping, my main purpose was to see color combination and patterns in the form of shoes, wood works or simply un-manicured nature.
 

 

While on these trips, I had carried along the thought of Komboloi Worry beads. Nothing transpired until the news of a Pink Party this Saturday came along.
 

 

 

A celebration in Pink is bound to happen this Saturday. I have never been fond of pink. Too girly, too sweet. In fact, it is one color I rarely use on my bead pieces unless a request comes along.  But this time, I accept pink for what it means. 

 

Over the weekend, I had finally worked on untouched pendants from long ago while deep in thought about  my PINK SCARE years ago and how it had recently entered and affected my dear friend's life.  I won't get into details for  now.  After the celebration, I will share and elaborate. 

 

The first batch is done but not for selling yet.  I am still in the mode of reflection, accepting and understanding what Pink is all about.  But today, I officially call this collection the ROSA CRUZ Collection... or rather the "Pink Cross".

 

     

Nothing is literally pink in this collection.  With Komboloi Worry Beads used finally as my inspiration, Rosa Cruz depicts what pink is all about.  Compassion, Nurturing, and Love.

 

   

Intuitive. Insightful.

 

     

Calming.

 

A sign of HOPE.

 



First Stop: LILIW LAGUNA

By Beaded Story has in some way led me to explore various places, discover interesting stuff and come across little surprises.  For example, a soap shopping spree visit to Ilog Maria in Silang, Cavite a few months back took a surprising turn when I noticed Casetta del Divino Zelo situated a few meters away. You may read and see more photos of Casetta del Divino Zelo HERE.

Quaint and surrounded by lush greens,  Casetta del Divino Zelo is ran and operated by the Daughters of Divine Zeal.  Though unplanned, I toured their grounds, had lunch, enjoyed the peacefulness of the place and came across  Rogate's banner.  In a matter of minutes, I found myself in Rogate and had purchased the medal of St. Joseph.

Travelling, either locally or in a foreign land, surely comes with lots of happy surprises.  Two days ago, J. Bond and a handful of family members tagged along Liliw and Paete, both in Laguna, as I went on another quest for By Beaded Story.  This time, I had four reasons:  1)  I needed another Neck and Body form for displaying my bead pieces, 2) To bring home a couple of Takas, 3) To see nature's color and how they contradict yet blend with each other, and 4) Inspiration, for it is when I feel inspired that By Beaded Story continues to exist :)

First stop, Liliw, Laguna for tsinelas (slippers) and shoes. I won't get into details on the next photos. Like what I said, I went on this trip for inspiration (and of course, shopping!).

A couple of kilometers away from Liliw, ahead of us were twelve kids happily on-board a tricycle.

Liliw's famous Gat Tayaw Street.  Lined-up along this street are countless shoe shops.
 

 As expected, I was drawn to beaded slippers.

 Floral patterns.

Cute colorful mice flats. 

 Badong is my source for beaded alfombra slippers.

A fully beaded alfombra slipper.

 

Huge slippers on display along Gat Tayaw Street.

St. John the Baptist Church, otherwise known as Liliw Church.

 

 Beautiful facade.

In love with the tile color and pattern.

 

The Altar.

 

Striking colors of the stained glass window.

 

Candle Boy.

Lovely candle colors.

 

Next stop:  Paete.  To be continued...