Relieve stress with Do not worry beads

The idea of chanting using hymns and rosaries to aid prayer and meditation is nearly universal. Knotted bead rosaries whether it is Tulsi mala or a Chalcedony rosary can be found across the globe. Typically, round beads which are smooth or those of the same material/texture are knotted together. They may or may not end with a tassel. These are called prayer beads, rosaries, komboloi, japa mala or mala beads. I will do a detailed post on them soon. Apart from the religious aspect, these beaded chains have another role to play. They engage with bodily functions of touch, of picking up and rolling objects with our fingertips thereby activating the nerve endings. Therefore they can also be used as Worry beads.

What are Worry Beads

Worry Beads are strands of knotted, strung or looped beads (not necessarily a circlet) that relieve stress as you play with them. As these are tactile in nature, looking at the various components and rubbing them increases sensorial perception. They help reduce physical and metal tension and promote well being. As Rosantia writes in the comments, they will make great Christmas presents as well.

The fundamental idea of creating a worry bead strand is to transform worries into (hopefully) positive thoughts that can propel action. You can use beads or other tangible bead like forms and charge them with happy memories. Once charged they become reminders or symbols of the happy times in your life. Therefore, whenever you look at them, they remind you that happiness is not far fetched and relief will come. Or this is my take on it, you can think of other positive affirmations too! The rubbing/playing also keeps your hands occupied and helps the negative energy from your body to the beads. If a strand of worry beads no longer give you joy, recharge it with memories and positive thoughts. If it still doesn’t work, cut the cord, find beads that excite you at the point (or keep the old ones) and knot them to make a new strand.

DIY: Do not worry beads

I remember stringing together do objects and beads ever since I was a child “to play with them.” I would gaze at them for hours and smile. However, at that point in time I did not know what they were called and if there was a particular method of making them. All I knew was that they had to be colourful and textural. Fast forward to the present and my idea still hasn’t changed. In this post, I share with you all my take on the worry beads – The Do not worry beads with process photos on how I made them.

Materials

Beads and bead like components of different colours and textures. A cord or embroidery floss to string and knot. It must be thick enough to match the hole of your beads. Scissors and fabric glue to finish the knotting.

Method

Line up all the beads that you want to use and measure 2-4 times the length for your stringing material (It may vary based on the thickness of the cord). To create the do not worry beads, knot the first end of your cord to a tassel/tassel like object. Use a needle if you use fibre based components; I removed my needle after I strung the pompom. Add beads and knot them as you go. Finish by knotting the other end to another tassel or hanging. Add a ring or disc component instead of the tassel on one end if you want to hand the piece on a nail. Enjoy your Do not worry beads after charging them with positive thoughts and happy memories.

Tips on Choosing beads

• Choose beads in rich, strong colours that speak to you. You can add your neutrals and soft pastels for a soothing and calming feeling as well.
• Choose a variety of textures and materials based on your personality. I picked even polar opposites for that is how I am. I have both natural and synthetic, a soft slinky tassel that is quite sturdy and a strong looking pinecone that is actually delicate. These are reminders of who I am and how others perceive me.
• Some materials that I recommend are faux fur or a silk tassel to help you relax and smile and a rough seed or textured metal bead to make your alert.

Let’s discuss Do not worry beads

I created an IGTV video to go with this post and you can find it on my Instagram handle as well as below.

 

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Worry beads at NYCJW

Several contemporary makers have explored worry beads. Curated by former Metalsmith editor Suzanne Ramljak, a few such pieces will be showcased in an forthcoming NYCJW exhibition, “Finger This: Contemporary Worry Beads,” . There is also a complimenting workshop on making your own worry beads by jeweller Brooke Marks-Swanson. Unfortunately for me, it is at an unearthly hour so I am going to miss it. NYC Jewelry week (16th-22nd November 2020) is virtual this year and I am learning so much everyday. From history sessions to trend reports it is almost like attending an year of jewellery school.

This year’s theme is mindful adornment which is so close to my heart. I have been talking about the spiritual and religious side of jewellery both on the blog and at College for a while now. It feels so great to see a major Jewellery week talk about it as well. I highly recommend attending NYCJW. Even if you have missed the live panels sessions, you can still watch/visit several exhibitions, fairs and video in the durational category most of which are open till December.

I hope you found it interesting
Cheers