First Signs of Spring

"The wood is decked in light green leaf.
The swallow twitters in delight.
The lonely vine sheds joyous tears
Of interwoven dew and light.

Spring weaves a gown of green to clad
The mountain height and wide-spread field.
O when wilt thou, my native land,
In all thy glory stand revealed?"
-  Ilia Chavchavadze, Spring

I am longing for spring. For the bright green bursts of buds to liven up the trees and the landscape to be infused with color and life. While I find a quiet beauty in winter, I am sick of the stark contrast of this vista. I long for sunshine and warm breezes, new life pushing through the dank dark mounds of earth, for the birds to begin their chorus of trilling happiness.

I created this bracelet called "First Signs of Spring" inspired by the cheery cherry blossoms and little birdies of the woodblock print for the Art Bead Scene February challenge Heijinja by Toshi Yoshida.

I sculpted a bird's nest box clasp in polymer clay and painted a turquoise patina on a little brass birdie in a copper love knot nest. The blooms are silver plated and Czech glass, Swarovski crystal and coils of balled headpins along with intricately detailed polymer clay blossoms from the lovely Miss Elaine of TooAquarius.

Tomorrow is the reveal of the February monthly blog tour that I curate from all the entries in this month's Flickr pool. I hope you will join me at the Art Bead Scene tomorrow!