Handmade for Life: Mother, Activist, Artist

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Mother, Activist, Artist

An artist's life is a life of passion looking for expression. The creation of beautiful things cannot come from a soul that is bored and dull. All of our artists here at Handmade for Life are witnesses to this and Jess at New Vintage is a particularly striking example of this truth.

She is a 24-year old homeschooling mother of two little ones, including one with cerebral palsy . So she knows about life-giving love. She is a musician with a degree in piano pedagogy and teaches children the joy of musical expression. So she knows how to express passion with beauty. She is a jewelry artist who designs for pleasure, profit and as a way to communicate and educate about the value of Life. And 30% of the profits from her pro-life creations is donated to the Right to Life cause. So she knows how to use her gifts for a greater purpose.

I asked Jess to tell me more about the work that she does for Life and this is a little of what she shared:

My day is consumed with homemaking and training up my kids each moment; so conveniently, God has given me two gifts I can use to bless others even while at home. I have an degree in piano pedagogy and design jewelry! I have always liked to research the pro-life battle and thought there was a void that needed filling; awareness needs to be raised to this problem that always seems to be pushed under the table.

I love making something stylish and statement-making that people will ask about because I can give them a personal defense of the value of each life. I have a piano student with downs syndrome and she is part of the lucky 10% of children with Down's that gets to breath his or her first breath; and my son (having cp himself) is part of this vulnerable special needs group so often put out of their parent's misery to save them time, cost, and supposed hassle. The most shocking thing I've come to learn about the abortion industry are the blatant lies told and the misconceptions people have as a result about the physical and mental harms to both women, children, whole families, clinic workers, and even our economy.

There is no good whatsoever that comes from "getting rid of the evidence" of a trying time in life, no matter the situation. It won't heal any hurt. Someday, I would like to do more, but for now I can offer these bracelets as a reminder (and conversation starter) to people everywhere that little ones are dying; the number of children who die every day from abortion-on-demand equals the total number of deaths from the Iraq war. Perhaps a few would be saved if I could use that conversation to deliver a few special facts that opened someone's mind to more logical and eternal thinking.

If that isn't enough to draw you to Jess's shop , then a peek at her jewelry will have you hooked. I have had the great pleasure of seeing and touching her work and I give you my word that her pieces are quality and absolutely gorgeous. Earlier this year, she donated this Vibrant Carnelian Pro-Life Charm Bracelet to my local pro-life fundraiser....even though she lives in another state. I am grateful to Jess for her gift of spontaneous generosity. She is an inspiration to me and a blessing to the pro-life movement.