How Does Your Garden Grow?

“How does your garden grow?” My Aunt Mary asked this often during our visits. She was concerned about my plants. However, she was more interested in how the garden of my heart was faring, particularly in response to Jesus and the leadings of the Holy Spirit. I miss those deep watering conversations with her. Aunt Mary taught me how to prune, fertilize, and grow well. This series celebrates the careful tending of spiritual plots to produce good fruit.

 

The work to bring the series to life with intention was a labor of love and a start of something new at 10 Gables. Each brooch has meaning and contributes to the series celebrating my Aunt Mary in a unique way. I began with stone and metal selections for each brooch, then patiently sketched each drawing by hand. 

 

Then, one by one, I pierced each flower, bud, vine, and bird with a jeweler's saw. I've been making round 'garden' brooches the past couple of years for small batch releases, but really enjoyed adding birds onto the hand-sketched hearts to tell a deeper story. 

 

Lighthearted 

A gentle spirit soars above a fresh herb garden enjoying the simple pleasure of just being. Sterling silver and kingman turquoise summon feelings of happiness and relaxation. 

 

Tenderhearted 

A sweet friend brings a gift of kindness. Copper and vintage Tennessee pink mussel shell evoke serenity and graciousness. 

 

Openhearted 

A welcoming ally swoops into the garden with a pleasant presence. Bronze and variscite provoke thoughts of receptivity and love. 

 

Warmhearted 

A caring spirit has shared her hospitality to all she loved and is leaving the garden to journey onward and upward. Brass and rich red dinosaur gem bone radiate affection and cordiality. 

 

Thank You

Here's to you, Aunt Mary, and to the new gardens you are tending with Jesus! I envision more work coming out of this series and look foward to seeing where God leads me. 

 

With much love,

Chris Cravens, The Artist of 10 Gables 

 

P.S. If you like the brooches you see here, please visit currently available pins and necklaces here.