Mission: Jewelry

Fox Photographer Curt Schruth takes some video of Nancy.

Jewelry is not exactly my thing.  I don't wear a fancy watch, and aside from cuff links and a very basic wedding band, there is nary a bit of bling in my being.  But a couple of weeks ago when my wife Mary and I went to lunch at 2nd Helpings, I met Nancy Weekly, whose creations are well beyond bling.

Nancy was demonstrating how she makes the jewelry that's for sale in the cases.  A significant percentage of each sale goes to help the Rescue Mission.

It was intriguing to see how she took pieces of wire and created elaborate chains, or  transformed pieces of rock into shimmering mini-sculptures, which she then wrapped in gold or silver to create original, wearable pieces of art.

The daily report of good from the Mission's website.

And then there's the part of her that is called to ministry.  She makes jewelry not only to generate  a small amount of money to augment her retirement income, but because she believes in the value of the Roanoke Rescue Mission.

There wasn't a lot of time in the TV story to get into how Nancy learned about how to make the jewelry and how she became involved in the Mission, so I'll take a moment here.

Nancy was working with a local women's group looking for activities and tours.  She took a group to the Rescue Mission and she was hooked.  Now, she not only sells her jewelry exclusively for the Mission, but she also teaches jewelry making to people at shelter who need a distraction, a vocation or both.

18" Genuine Stone sets -- Normally $45, now $25.

She asked me to pass along the fact that during the months of March and April, the mission has a special offer on the necklace and earring sets in the photo.  They are half price, and a value even at full price.

You owe it to yourself to take a trip to 2nd Helpings, have lunch, check out the art on the walls -- and in the jewelry case.

Like I said I don't know much about jewelry, but I do know talent when I see it.