i've always found the notion of wearing a word as ornament to be an evocative concept, inviting the viewer - perhaps a stranger - to reach out and question the meaning of the words one wears wrapped around the wrist, or suspended at the throat, the heart. i'm not so keen on children's names embroidered on their clothing, on dogs' sporty little names engraved into a bone shaped shiny disc hung from a leather collar - better, i think, to leave those things up to the imagination, should they fall into questionable hands - and i'm not really all that taken with people wearing their own names as a fashionable form of identification. still, i've always cherished the petite little silver bracelet that my uncle gave my mother in her college days, my uncle bob who could not say elizabeth as a toddler, and his nickname of ebers has stuck with her family to this day. the bracelet has remained at my bedside for years and years, draped across the corner of a soft green metal filigree frame that holds a photograph of the boys and me when i was a very green 32 years old. 
i've been working all this week on a line of bracelets i call, for obvious reasons, identities; it's been a wonderful way to busy myself, thinking of words to stamp into silver that will invoke reflection, introspection. scattered now throughout this house, on dressers and table tops, hanging from hooks, draped across boxes, spilling out of sewing baskets stuffed 
with antique lace, are the latest efforts of my charged imagination. i think they speak of many things, other than the one word that marches across each curved silver bar; and, true to form, i've engraved additional thoughts across the back of each: "stitched", for instance, when flipped backwards, reads "i am a parcel of strivings tied together", a rough translation of a favorite passage from thoreau. i love the way these all rattle and clink as i try to set them up for photographs, love the way they overlap and innertwine, a playful tangle of thoughts and texture and dreams.
it is no easy feat to capture details here, when light is low and skies are grey and everything seems to visually meld into one grainy mass of bumped up light; it's not easy to show the finer details that drape to the side, out of sight.
so, here you are: souvenir snapshots of one woman's busy-ness, worked with love and aching fingers well into the darker night.... happy weekend, everyone... xo
(editor's note, january 2012: thanks to everyone who has come to visit. i do carry one of a kind bracelets similar to these in my etsy shop from time to time, so keep checking there for updates. thanks so much for your interest! to visit my shop, click here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ninabagley 
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I am a parcel of vain strivings tied
By a chance bond together,
Dangling this way and that, their links
Were made so loose and wide,
Methinks,
For milder weather.
A bunch of violets without their roots,
And sorrel intermixed,
Encircled by a wisp of straw
Once coiled about their shoots,
The law
By which I'm fixed.
A nosegay which Time clutched from out
Those fair Elysian fields,
With weeds and broken stems, in haste,
Doth make the rabble rout
That waste
The day he yields.
And here I bloom for a short hour unseen,
Drinking my juices up,
With no root in the land
To keep my branches green,
But stand
In a bare cup.
Some tender buds were left upon my stem
In mimicry of life,
But ah! the children will not know,
Till time has withered them,
The woe
With which they're rife.
But now I see I was not plucked for naught,
And after in life's vase
Of glass set while I might survive,
But by a kind hand brought
Alive
To a strange place.
That stock thus thinned will soon redeem its hours,
And by another year,
Such as God knows, with freer air,
More fruits and fairer flowers
Will bear,
While I droop here.
Henry David Thoreau
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I, too, love words as ornaments. I made a collaged pendant a few years ago with the words "secretly intoxicating" on the reverse -- every friend who has turned it over has asked for it. There's a lot of power in these secret words on your jewelry.
Posted by: Cindy Ericsson | March 13, 2009 at 12:00 PM
They become a shared story between you and the wearer.
Posted by: Cindy Ericsson | March 13, 2009 at 12:01 PM
To follow your creative arc is to be totally inspired; I love the flow of idea to musing to making to musing.. I understand why you are a "star" in this creative tribe. I want to go back into the studio and let loose. Thanks, Joan Tucker
Posted by: Joan Tucker | March 13, 2009 at 12:35 PM
i see your silence HAS been golden...what a bounty, straight from the treasure chest of your heart. they are truly breath-taking...some lucky ones will wrap your words around them, giggle with glee (i would!), and always remember. how perfectly precious! xx
Posted by: Tina in McLeansville | March 13, 2009 at 12:57 PM
I have a history of eagerly turning to Ornamental before I have properly located my eyeglasses for the morning, before I can really SEE, so I often misread the profound words you so uncannily select for your ornaments, which many times turn out to be like fortune cookies for my day. Immediately following the college shootings at my alma mater, NIU, you'd written "touch" on an ornament, which I misread to say "tough," and went around all day reflecting that indeed "tough" was a good word for me to contemplate as I considered the hardy and resilient souls who brave winters so brutal that I can recall a visiting history professor from Russia who walked out on us mid-February, unable to bear the relentless howling prairie wind for another day. "Touch" was just as good a word of course, once I realized my error, as old friends contacted one another just to, well, get in touch.
Today my blurry eyes misread "stitched" as "snitched," and I won't elaborate what mental meanderings that was about to lead me to when I took off my glasses, rubbed my eyes, and really looked: STITCHED. Ohhhh. Perfect. That word says so very much, especially for those of us fortunate to have sisters who share our love of the needle arts, if perhaps nothing else, so leave it to you to give it the importance it deserves, committed to metal, practically etched in stone. Lovely!
But I winced when you I read what you wrote about dog tags, because I'd just finished a sterling one (NOT bone-shaped, thank God) for my sister's new yellow lab puppy, whom she'd given the lovely name of River, in honor of the Susquehanna which runs by their house and along which they ramble every day. She'd asked me to make it and I did, which in itself represents a triumph comprehensible only perhaps to those who have a sister with whom they have not always been on the most cordial of terms. As I was wrapping it, the phone rang, and it was indeed this same sister, who chirpily told me along with a dozen other things that she and her husband had decided River was a pretentious name which didn't suit their lumbering rascal at all, and they were thinking maybe he'd be "Tater" from now on. "Tater is a nice name," I replied, lying through my teeth. I don't think I'll be stamping another dog tag anytime soon!
Posted by: jane | March 13, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Oh, stitched. I LOVE THAT! oh and awake, and dreamer, oh and grace! But totally love that stitched!
Posted by: Adrienne Berry | March 13, 2009 at 01:35 PM
And doesn't the Thoreau sentence "But by a kind hand brought alive" just speak of your artistry and creativity? Yes, yes and yes!
Posted by: Penny | March 13, 2009 at 02:23 PM
your ebers bracelet has made full circle...that chain is coming back ,this one in particular is very unusual.....and then your bracelets of course astound me again as you do over and over again, it was a fruitful winter. xxoo
Posted by: minnie | March 13, 2009 at 02:58 PM
Such gorgeous bracelets; cherish and dreamer are my favorites. You just never fail to amaze me with the bounty of your creativity.
And your photography is so luscious, almost like a decadent dessert.
Posted by: Mary | March 13, 2009 at 03:10 PM
What a perfect poem to go with such exquisite jewelry. Love the post. I know that Thoreau would be proud of his poems use here.
Posted by: Farmlady | March 13, 2009 at 04:16 PM
My younger brothers undergraduate degree was in linguistics. I remember how amazing it was to listen to what he was learning about and the history and power of words...something so seemingly simple and yet so powerful. Intonation, inflection can all make a difference and completely change a meaning. You can make a beautiful word ugly just by using a different tone.
I love your words Nina :)
Anji
Posted by: anji gallanos | March 13, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Such lovely thoughts to go with lovely jewelry. Your posts are a calming force in a whirlwind life. Have you been told that be others before? I always feel as if I am floating in the bay after reading your blog. Thank you for that.
Posted by: Karen Cannon | March 13, 2009 at 05:06 PM
I love your new line of bracelets - the idea of words has always been with me as a writer and to wear a single word around my neck or wrist is such a wonderful idea - especially after reading your thought process behind the work - thanks for sharing with us - Reva (Los Angeles)
Posted by: Reva S. (Los Angeles) | March 13, 2009 at 05:20 PM
I have a ring that I wear on my thumb every day. Stamped in silver is the word "Faith". It is one of my favorite pieces of jewelry to wear. Whenever I see it, I am reminded to 'keep the faith' and it makes me smile.
I love the bracelets you've made this week. They are so beautiful and evocative.
Have a wonderful weekend, Nina.
Love and Blessings
~*~
Posted by: Laura | March 13, 2009 at 06:21 PM
Ahhh...be still my heart.
Posted by: Nelda Ream | March 13, 2009 at 07:23 PM
your identities bracelets are beyond fabulous, nina - i LOVE them! see you soon.
xoxo
Posted by: katie | March 13, 2009 at 07:45 PM
OH MY Nina! I LOVE the new bracelets! Beauties loaded with all the trinkets that make my heart beat faster & my toes curl with joy and desire! For you to personally engrave a message on the back, really puts the 'Nina' on them... I would love to wrap one around my wrist, smiling as I watch it go 'round and 'round... will we have a chance to purchase?
Delicious work Babe, OX, Hol
Posted by: Hol | March 13, 2009 at 11:26 PM
Word weavers for your wrists. Beautiful work N, as always.
Posted by: herhimnbryn | March 14, 2009 at 08:01 AM
such a playful creations Nina!
<3,
Delila
Posted by: sepia art studio | March 14, 2009 at 08:18 AM
So beautiful. Everything you make has such a dreamy quality to it and of course your words are beautiful also.
Posted by: Cathy W. | March 14, 2009 at 08:32 AM
U are on a roll. I am so happy for you. Just love it when things flow so well and naturally. And naturally, I love this work of yours. Beautiful.
Posted by: rachelle | March 14, 2009 at 08:38 AM
never before have i wished you would do custom orders,
but i am thinking of some words,
some strong personal medicine...
Posted by: Erin Gergen Halls | March 14, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Nina,
You never cease to amaze me, I am so enjoying getting to know you, you are such a lovely lady...your light just shines thru your work and your way with words. I love these bracelets they are so you, earthy and real.
xo Cindy
Posted by: Cindy Forrester | March 14, 2009 at 01:23 PM
As usual, after reading your post I feel like Will Shakespeare's 'Bottom' waking from his dream! I love the juxtaposition of Andy Goldsworthy's book on your shelfari and your focus on etching words in silver ... not very impermanent at all, eh?
Posted by: Barbara | March 14, 2009 at 02:11 PM
Nina, I just want to let you know how much I LOVE the new direction of your work. There is something about it that really tugs at my heart and speaks to me.
I'll be at Artfest this year and can't wait to see them in person. I have several pieces of your older work, but your new work is simply....ME.
Posted by: Lorraine | March 14, 2009 at 03:01 PM
They may have been hard to photograph, but they are absolutely GORGEOUS; they make me want to cry with happiness at being allowed to see what you do, late into the night.
Posted by: Ann Somerset Miles | March 14, 2009 at 05:16 PM
FANTABULOUS!!!! I think my favorite of all the words is: HERE What a fantastic reminder to be present in each moment! I love the thoughts and messages these simple words evoke.
Posted by: Miss Sandy | March 14, 2009 at 06:45 PM
Reading your explanation for "ebers" on your mom's bracelet brought memories of my own efforts to pronounce my dear Aunt Ozella's name. As a toddler, I always called her "Wa Wa." Later, she became "Aunt Nip," and I only recently found out why when I learned that that was her dad's nickname for her. Your blog so often brings me sweet memories and reflections. Thank you.
Sherry in Little Rock
Posted by: Sherry Ford | March 14, 2009 at 08:07 PM
"Dream" is my all time favorite word for all the possibilities that it conveys.
Smiles your way, andra
Posted by: Andra | March 14, 2009 at 09:21 PM
I completely agree with you about the allure of words on jewelry. I don't know of anyone who creates more beautiful objects that epitomize this concept. I come back to your blog day after day knowing I will see something amazingly beautiful. Thank you so much for bringing so much beautiful into our world. :)
Melissa
http://eachdazzlingmoment.typepad.com/weblog/
Posted by: Lissa | March 15, 2009 at 04:29 AM
....sorry, I meant "bringing so much BEAUTY into our world."
doh.
Posted by: Lissa | March 15, 2009 at 04:30 AM
Here's my one word to describe these creations and this post "Splendid"
Posted by: Emily | March 15, 2009 at 11:40 AM
ooh i think i have really inspired you about "words" havent i? hehe!
I do think your idea of draping words across things is such a beautiful REMINDER!
We seriously forget and underappreciate things alot of the time! xx
Posted by: Holly - UK | March 15, 2009 at 01:58 PM
simple words~~~yet what emotion they evoke in us, i do so enjoy arriving to your blog, and feel myself emersed, then refreshed in this flow of art, lovely words and yes, muse..your sense of creativity appears everywhere, across your lines of poetry, photos and love how you play with the light..love love love it dear Nina! thank you so much for sharing~ ps, i did happen onto an old crochet hook, but no ball of thread yet..perhaps tomorrow the thread will join the hook...xoxo
Posted by: roZanne Hart | March 16, 2009 at 12:24 AM
I love that phrase, "Parcel of Strivings." Thank you so much, Nina, for recommending the book "Remembering the Bones." I am about 3/4 of the way through and I know I will be recommending it to my book club.
Posted by: Julie Fredericksen | March 16, 2009 at 09:37 PM
These are absolutely beautiful! I am always amazed at the creativity the spills from your hands, your imagination and your heart. I love checking your blog to see what you are up to. And.....I own a pair of fairy girl earrings and I LOVE them!!!!!
Posted by: Kristin | March 17, 2009 at 05:27 PM
Gray skies or not you take the most wonderful photographs. I love the new line of jewelry you are working on. Beautiful......
Posted by: Tess | March 17, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Have you thought of stamping into leather, Nina? I'll send you a photo from my "favourite box" post.
I love this post...and the poem... and the images are masterpieces.
Posted by: Robyn | March 17, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Wow , haven't checked in for awhile. I love how you keep changing and reinventing yourself, a true artist, I'll be hoping to see these & you @ artfest soon
steph b
Posted by: Stephanie Brockway | March 18, 2009 at 01:07 AM
Wow these pieces - your art - are just fantastic!!
Posted by: JenEve | March 18, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Nina, I love the new direction of your jewelry...they are so beautiful. I love how you shine thru your work. Thanks for sharing your words and creations with the rest of us.
Love,
Nellie
Posted by: Nellie | March 20, 2009 at 09:50 AM
What a wonderful line.
I haven't been around Ornamental in a while (life has gotten in the way of much lately), but dropping in this morning has given me much to see, much inspiration. :-)
Posted by: Carole | March 23, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Great series. We should all wear a word...a word that is constantly changing as our identities, our thoughts, our moods, our colors, and our feelings ebb and flow. But I guess you would have to work nonstop to make that many pieces!!
Posted by: Seth | March 23, 2009 at 08:56 PM
I so love these word bracelets! One word could change my whole day! Your wonderful work came to me through Pinterest and I have pinned it. Thanks for your inspiration and sharing your beautiful work.
Posted by: Barb Wibel | June 27, 2011 at 01:59 PM
have just found you on a day when life seems to be swallowing me up, your words and work are inspiring and stunning. thank you for sharing
Posted by: carolann | September 22, 2011 at 12:44 AM
Is there a way you can buy one of these?
Posted by: SydneyDunlap | October 29, 2011 at 11:23 PM
Will you be selling these on your etsy page? Or could someone order them from you?
Posted by: Emilee Taylor | November 11, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Is there any way to buy one of these?
Posted by: jaclyn | November 15, 2011 at 10:51 AM
I was thinking the same thing, if there was anyway to buy a few or, if you could teach us how to make them. I don't know how to get the word on the bracelet.
Posted by: Manda | November 30, 2011 at 02:00 PM
would love to buy one for a Christmas gift if possible. These are so beautiful!
Posted by: Nell | December 03, 2011 at 12:35 AM
Do you still carry these in your etsy shop? I'd love to buy one or know where to get one? please get back to me- noraspaulding@gmail.com
thanks! p.s they are BEAUTIFUL!:)
love them so much!
Posted by: Nora Spaulding | January 30, 2012 at 03:19 AM
Do you sell these?
Posted by: Paula Valenzuela | January 30, 2012 at 09:37 AM
These are beautiful and creative and soul filling.
Posted by: Mary Hitch | January 30, 2012 at 10:07 PM
I would LOVE to purchase one of those bracelets!
Posted by: Mady | January 30, 2012 at 10:42 PM
Are you still making these bracelets.? I do not see any on etsy.. Can you let me know.. thank you..:)
Posted by: jenifer | February 01, 2012 at 03:37 PM
I LOVE your bracelets! How can I get them? Info?
Thanks!
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly Rother | February 10, 2012 at 09:10 PM
Love your bracelets are they for sale? And if so, where can I buy them?
Posted by: tara mazzella | February 10, 2012 at 10:27 PM
I need a courage bracelet! With the turquoise! How do I get one? Looked on your etsy site, but there was only one bracelet listed. Please let me know.
Posted by: Julie | February 12, 2012 at 12:30 AM
How can we order these bracelets?
Thanks so much,
Posted by: Angie Raab | April 17, 2012 at 10:30 PM
Nina's work inspires me to move forward with my creations. I was stuck in a rut.
Thank you Nina.
Posted by: Dona Decker | April 22, 2012 at 10:09 AM
I want these! I love the wrap and the different colored ones.. Actually I love all of them. Let me know how to order, etc? :)
Posted by: Leah Casanave | May 02, 2012 at 09:33 PM