I recently bought a new comfortable mattress that I love. No more waking up with back pain! The only downside seems to be that I'm now waking up at 5 a.m. feeling perfectly refreshed and rested. One of the odd side effects of my new routine is that my mind loves to put seemingly unrelated items together in these early hours. This morning these two facts collided in my brain:
- It's estimated that more than 40% of eligible U.S. voters did not vote in the last election in 2016.
- Jewelry is a uniquely portable artistic expression that can be equally at home at a grocery store, a formal gala, ... or a get-out-the-vote drive.
What Is Voting-Inspired Jewelry?
What kind of jewelry would you wear to remind and/or encourage yourself (and others) to vote in the upcoming November 6, 2018 election?
I find this idea fascinating ... and extremely challenging.
My first thoughts include historical suffragette-themed jewelry, traditional patriotic pieces with flags or other Americana, or sleek modern pieces with clever slogans. I can also envision bolder jewelry designs with a stronger, more pointed stance on specific issues or candidates. The tone of your handmade jewelry is up to you: inspiring, thoughtful, funny, whimsical, patriotic, edgy ... Of course, the voting connection does not have to be overt. Perhaps you have an idea for a more subtle, personal jewelry design that reflects your inner ideas about democracy and elections.
I'd love to share your handmade voting-inspired jewelry designs in an upcoming blog post. This post will go up by September 30 (or slightly sooner) so that it can be seen before the deadlines to register to vote in most states. (Vote.org has a list of the voter registration deadlines for every state.)
Would You Like To Participate?
- Send me ONE link to a photo of ONE of your handmade voting-inspired jewelry pieces. The link can be to any kind of social media account (Twitter, Instagram, etc.), blog, website, or online shop where your photo resides. Do not send me any photos. Links only!
- The jewelry piece does not have to be a new one, nor does it need to be for sale. The only criteria is that it relates somehow to VOTING and that it is HANDMADE by YOU.
- Optional: Include a short description (1-3 sentences) about the piece and/or your inspiration. (I may edit for length, spelling, and/or grammar.)
- While my focus is on the upcoming U.S. election, international submissions are welcome.
- Links must be sent via my comment form and received by the end of Wednesday, September 26, 2018.
- I'll share the finished blog post with everyone's jewelry links via my own social media accounts. (You can follow me on Twitter @beadsandbooks and on Instagram @michelle.mach.) You are welcome (but not required) to promote the blog post yourself.
- There are no prizes, but I am happy to send anyone who participates a cute voting-related postcard that I made. It has a funny dog photo on the front.