Feature of the Day #52: Charmed Design

Greetings!

Luck and Protection Charm Necklace

Today's feature goes to Charmed Design, aka, Lori and her beautiful silk wrap bracelets.
Lori has always had a passion for design and creating, even during her career as a lawyer. After a series of life changing events, she decided that life is too short to not take the risk of putting her art into the world. Through this, she shares her love for life and joy of creations with every one of her customers. Her first bracelets came into being during the recovery from a sudden and life threatening illness. As she says, "Although I lost my job, home, and life as I knew it, surviving such a near death experience has made me feel and believe that I am indeed - CHARMED." Lori's silk wrap bracelets have been gifted to the cream of the crop in Hollywood, including the nominees and presenters at the Screen Actor's Guild Awards, the Oscar's, and the Kid's Choice Awards nominees.
One of the most popular charms Lori uses is called the 'Hamsa Hand' (seen on the far left of the charm, pictured above right). The origins and meaning of this symbol is deep and fascinating. This is what Lori says about it:
One of the most popular charms I use in my wrap bracelet designs is the 'Hamsa Hand'. This simple yet powerful symbol has roots all across the Middle East, and its symbolism is rich with meaning, power, and memory.

Silk Wrap Bracelet

One of the most ancient forms of the Hamsa Hand, called 'Khamsa' for 'five' in Arabic, is its presence in North Africa and Tunisia. In this area, the palm of the right hand symbolizes protection from on High, and it is worn and drawn to invoke protection wherever it is needed most. From jewelry and wall hangings to tattoos and drawings, the Khamsa Hand charm is embraced by peoples across the North Africa area as a reassurance that things will always remain under the hand of the Divine. 
Throughout the Islamic and Hebrew world, this same symbol is known as either the Hand of Miriam (sister of Moses) or the Hand of Fatima (daughter of Muhammed). In that area, it is worn as a symbol of protection, guidance, and providence. One of the most beautiful aspects to the Hamsa Hand symbol is that in a part of the world where cultures and the ideas are clashing in sometimes hurtful ways, a single symbol quietly unites and exists between them. 

Purple Braided Leather Bracelet

Throughout all of the Middle East and parts of Africa, the Hamsa Hand is known for protecting against the 'evil eye'. The evil eye happens when another person sees your happiness, success, health, or wealth and sends negativity towards you in the from of jealousy or anger. the evil eye may seem like an archaic superstition - but is it really? Many people believe that when other people hold negative space and you allow it to effect you, it really can cause problems. I think that having a symbol around you that reminds you to rise above the judgment, negativity, and anger that may come from other people really works!
For Lori, the Hamsa Hand speaks deeply about life, and just looking at it serves as a reminder that she is always protected and guided. She also loves how the symbol reminds her to rise about the 'evil eye' no matter what form it may take.

Wrap Bracelet with Japanese Chirimen Cord

Lori's bracelets vary greatly in colors and pattern. You can find muted earth tones, or vibrant patterns. The silk ribbons she uses are hand painted and are truly stunning. There is enough variety in her store to have a bracelet (or anklet, or necklace) for any event in any season. She also offers braided leather bracelets, and charm necklaces, plus a few other surprises.
What do sacred symbols mean to you? Do you have any symbols you believe in? Have you had experiences in your life dealing with the 'evil eye'? Leave your comments below!

Make sure to visit Lori's Etsy shop here:
www.etsy.com/shop/charmeddesign
Follow her on Facebook:
facebook.com/charmeddesign1012
Follow on Twitter:
twitter.com/charmed1012
Check up on her blog:
charmeddesign1012.blogspot.com
And check out her website here:
www.charmeddesign.com

Be Creative today!

~Squirrel Creek Creations

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