Click here to see the complete collection: Better Tomorrow Collection

JDRF works to support research toward finding a cure for type 1 diabetes, also called T1D. Their goal is to make daily life better and healthier for those people who have this disease. 

When I started researching the design of a new collection to support this organization, I went first to their website to have a look at their logo and the colors they used - general information that could help me find a vision to work from for this collection. What I found was wonderful information to use as I starting planning the collection.  

That lead me to question how to incorporate blue in the designs. Although most of my jewelry is sterling silver, I do love gemstones and have used them from time to time in my designs. The stone that came to mind was lapis lazuli, a beautiful rich blue stone with gold or sometimes tiny white flecks of quartz.

On to the next question - does the gemstone lapis lazuli have an association with something? Back to the internet to research this beautiful stone and it's symbolism across time and cultures. I didn't have to look far to find what I wanted - lapis is associated with inner power and courage, two traits that are undeniably associated with people diagnosed with T1D. 

So, I had the color and the gemstone I would use for the collection. I knew that I couldn't make an endless number of pieces for the collection so I had to narrow it down in some reasonable way. I will tell you about that process next time! 

Til then, click here to see the entire collection: ​Better Tomorrow Complete Collection for T1D

As I was considering which of so many wonderful charities to support with my jewelry business, several came to mind right away: finding homes for the abandoned animals in our community, cancer research, and Type 1 Diabetes research. Each possibility was so worthy and does such excellent work. How to decide? 

My decision ultimately came down to a very personal experience. Several years ago, a beloved family member was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at Christmas time at a very young age. To say the hospital stay was an unhappy time is understating the obvious. The family member, by the time she was released from the hospital, had learned to inject herself with the insulin which was now necessary. Over the intervening years, many finger sticks and injections later, there is still no cure for this disease. Those who are diagnosed with T1D battle the disease every single day of their lives. In the end, for me, I simply felt that I had to support, with my handmade jewelry, the wonderful organization that provides funds for research for Type 1 Diabetes. Go here if you would like more information about this disease.

On Tuesday, June 13th the collection was launched and the jewelry is now on my website. Click here to see the complete collection: ​http://www.laurateague.com/store/c39/Type-1-diabetes-better-tomorrow

I began slowly to narrow down my focus - I did like the idea of helping the abandoned animals in our city and the need is so great; I admire those who give so selflessly of their time and resources to help find these animals a home. A little closer to home, cancer research was a huge interest, primarily because I watched both my mother and two cousins succumb to cancer not too many years ago (all within one year but that is another story). Finally, diabetes research was on my radar because of another family member's struggle with that disease. In the next post, I will let you know how I finally decided where to focus and how I decided how to accomplish the next step. 

Be well. 
Laura