Each year, Ruby-Throated hummingbirds embark on two migrations, one heading north in spring and the other heading south in late summer. These migratory journeys can span up to 2000 miles one way and require immense preparation, energy, endurance, and heart, especially for such a tiny bird. I’ve always been fascinated and astounded at this incredible feat.
We all have our own journeys through life— love and loss, joy and pain. Two of my own life journeys have inspired Golden Hummingbird Designs.
Motherhood
They say everything changes when you become a mom, and they’re right. Your heart expands to sizes and depths you never knew possible. At the same time, it is one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life, especially breastfeeding. I know I am not alone in this sentiment!
Many moms find it extremely sentimental and meaningful to preserve a small amount of breastmilk in a piece of jewelry as a keepsake. Breastmilk jewelry is symbolic of the closeness and intimacy of the breastfeeding bond between mother and child, and a celebration of the incredible accomplishment you have achieved.
My goal is to create unique and personal pieces, beautiful symbols of a journey that you will have and cherish for the rest of your life.
Pet Loss
In March 2024, I lost my soul dog, Shandy. My husband Pat and I had her for 13.5 years, since she was a tiny little Golden Retriever puppy at 8 weeks old. She was there through everything— several moves, jobs, our engagement, marriage, buying a house, having two babies. She was our family. My Golden girl.
I was beyond crushed, to say the least. In the weeks that passed I yearned to find something physical I could make that would be comforting to me and keep her close to me. The existing options for cremation keepsakes were little urns, lockets or bottles to put the ashes directly in. Not that there’s anything wrong with those options! But, I decided I wanted something a little more subtle, so I could carry her with me and no one else would have to know— just me and her.
I got the idea to make a pendant with resin mixed with a small amount of her ashes. Subtle, understated, and dainty. And the rest is history.
After sharing our story, I quickly realized there are so many people that can relate to losing a beloved pet and the feeling of wanting to keep them close after they pass.
And, as an added bonus, my Golden girl carries on her legacy through us.
Here’s my own keepsake piece that I made for myself, so I can keep my Shandy always close to my heart.
