Ornament Thursday's Independence Day

It's almost the 4th of July. Red, white and blue, fireworks and picnics all in celebration of the independence of the United States. So, you're thinking, this Ornament Thursday is about red, white and blue and U.S. patriotism. That's the obvious path, right?

You should know by now, I don't take the obvious path.

So today isn't about red, white and blue but it is about the beads - afterall, I am an INDEPENDENT business woman - and it is about the independent spirit.

So, I've chosen to represent the independent spirit with a rainbow spiral. Crafted into a wind chime-like ornament, it reminds me of the glass wind chimes I collect. I have 10 - 15 artist made wind chimes made of glass, ceramic, metal and wood. Every summer growing up on the farm, my mother hung a set of wind chimes on our porch. There was always a strong breeze blowing across the pasture and the chimes made lovely wind-music.





The obvious metaphor is blowing in the wind, free and independent but do I need to remind you, I don't do obvious either. My Independence Day is about the spirit represented by chakra colors the rainbow represents, the life force in each of us.

I've added a simple word-charm "BE" - to remind us to let our spirits just be.

Let's see what the rest of the INDEPENDENT business women of Ornament Thursday are up to this month....

Alexa Westerfield aka Swell Designer
Craft some red, white, and blue drink charms from vintage wartime posters. They'll make a big bang at your 4th of July cookout!

Art Bead Scene
Field of Poppies bracelet project from Heather.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Celebrate the Independent Spirit

Joolz by Lisa
Lisa takes a shot at teeny tiny beads for a change

Linda at BeadStyle Magazine
Childhood memories of Independence Day's past inspired this necklace.

Michelle's Take on Independence
Over at http design, Michelle has scuplted a piece which gives a different perspective on independence.

Strands of Beads
Melissa sees stars this month while considering the meaning of independence

What is America to Me?
Michelle's favorite words on our country...