Google+ peggy aplSEEDS: What's on Your Workdesk? Wednesday: Fish!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

What's on Your Workdesk? Wednesday: Fish!

Last weekend, I decided to make some jewelry.  I took out my tool box of beads and jewelry supplies and got to work. I haven't tidied up so this is what my desk looks like today...

Ooops, I caught sight of the ATCs I haven't sent out yet.  I was waiting for the address of my third giveaway winner and I don't think I have it yet (I should check my inbox again). To my giveaway winners, so sorry for the delay!  I will do it within the week, with or without that third address.
I collect fish charms.  Ever since I found out that the fish was used as a Christian symbol, I started collecting them.  This weekend, I put the fish charms in a bracelet. There are charms made of silver, glass, ceramic, and other metals.  I left some space in the bracelet for some other fish charms.


I also re-made a wooden fish necklace that I had.  The wooden fish pendant used to hang from some twine.  I put the pendant on a chain instead so that I can also hang the fish charm bracelet on the necklace for a different sort of necklace.

According to this website, the fish was used as a Christian religious symbol since sometime within the first three centuries AD.   So why would a fish be a Christian symbol you ask?
Ichthys 
is the Greek word for "fish."
It consists of five letters from the Greek alphabet:  I-ch-th-y-s
The five letters were used as initials for five words,
Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter 
This is an acrostic for 'Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior.'  

Wikipedia says that ichthys "refers to a symbol consisting of two intersecting arcs, the ends of the right side extending beyond the meeting point so as to resemble the profile of a fish, said to have been used by Early Christians as a secret symbol" of identification.  ( Did you notice that one of the charms on my fish bracelet is in this shape?)

When the early Christians were being persecuted by the Romans and the Jews, it became dangerous to be identified as a Christian.  And so it is said that when a Christian met a stranger and thought that maybe he was a fellow believers, the Christian would draw, on the ground, the upper half of the "ichthys" symbol.  If the stranger would recognize the symbol, the stranger would add a bottom curved line and complete the drawing of a fish, confirming that he was also a believer. If there was no sign of recognition, the Christian would just quickly erase the curved line he drew, without revealing himself as a Christian.  An interesting story don't you think?

If you would like to take a look at some other desks, or share about yours, go over to Julia's blog.

26 blog hugs:

itsamistry said...

Your desk is much neater than mine. I took some pics yesterday of what my art desk looks like while I am making ATCs.

cheryl said...

oh loveing all that jewellery,just beautiful,love your desk so much to look at really love your necklaces,love cheryl xxx

Helen said...

Love the desk, have had a great rummage, thank you!

Julia Dunnit said...

Oh great great way to use a collection; and I love the idea of it being either a bracelet or an extension of the necklace. You are blessed with patience, for sure!

Darcy Marshall said...

thats some gret jewellery, the fishies loook fab, really effective. Is that a turntable full of pen pots? what a gret way to keep them handy.

Mummylade said...

love your pen cups!

JoFY said...

NICE! and I had a lightbulb moment when I saw you mugs on what I assume is a rotating 'tray' - genius! ... I'm off to find a rotating thingy - I'm sure there's one in the back of one of the kitchen cupboards...... Thanks!

Unknown said...

Fabulous rummage today ... Thank you

Hels Sheridan said...

Loving your jewellry hun... fab desk :O))

Joey said...

Lovely desk Peggy, lots happening love all those charms, thankyou for the history on the fish symbol, I never knew all of that before and find it very intresting to read. Have a lovely day. Joey.xxx

Diane said...

That IS a very interesting story--you learn something new everyday :)
I love seeing you "work" at your work-table.
When I'm not as busy, I want to start participating in this--this is my favorite thing to do--peek in on everyone's art space.

Angie said...

I think it is great to collect something that can then be put to a creative use. LOVE the braclet

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Beautiful jewellery :) Love the little wooden box with pens and scissors in
Anne x

Milliesmarvels said...

Great desk, love the fish charm bracelet, it's gorgeous!
Jane
x

Spyder said...

oho does your thingy in the middle swivel round?? because if it does, what a good idea! I have one in the kitchen...me thinks it won't stay there too much longer! Have a crafty day!
((Lyn))

Lothian Crafts said...

The fish charms look great. Looks like you are going to be kept busy.
Cheers Elaine

Pam said...

Your jewellery looks fab. Hugs Pam x

Jennie -The Artistic Stamper said...

am an aficionado or lover of fishes of any kind, and adore your jewellery. Thank you for showing :)

Alix said...

i adore that wooden fish :0) and your space is great...very inspiring!

Diana said...

Lovely jewelry. And I learned something new today... that's always good.

Paper and Ribbons said...

Your bracelet is just lovely.

A Hovel to Home said...

Thanks for sharing, jewellery is looking great.

Hugs
Kay
Toodles and Binks

Suzanne B aka brookfies said...

That is a busy desk, but it does look organised. And yes it is interesting about the fish....thanks for sharing. Your jewellry looks lovely.

mckinkle said...

Your storage mugs look great! Love them!

Keryn :)

Lynn-Teacupstitches said...

Long distance greetings Peggy!

Thank you so much for your visit and entry in my giveaway! That automatically enters you in another one that ends Tomorrow!
I love your workspace! I would be hard NOT to be creative in such a space! I likey the idea of the turntable and how clever is that!!
Your fish charm jewelry is awesome!
Thanks for sharing yourself with us Peggy! I'll be back for sure!

Lynn

Kathy said...

this is amazing artwork! Love it! Thanks for stopping by
Kathy

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