Hi Tina - the gratitude brtacelet workshop I do asks people to consider what what they are grateful for in their lives, and then to pick beads to represent each of those. I use a variation on the "S' link bracelet that Connie Fox (and others) does, and the finished product ususally looks pretty nice , like a charm bracelet with lots of things to look at and lots of movement. I'm just finishing a "greatful hearts" necklace using the same approach - with about 12 large lampwork heart beads and matching lampwork, all in hot colours, with a touch of turquoise scrollwork decoration here and there - it's for a fundraiser for $$ to provide a well in a Nicaraguan village, and will be auctioned off at a Hot Salsa party at the Unitarian church I sometimes attend.
I'm really drawn to doing more of this work after reading some research articles coming from positive psychology (Marty Selgiman and his coilleagues) that talk about the powerful effect of consciously "counting one's blessings" for people who are prone to depression. So this project is my way of linking my artist and therapist sides, while doing something that has deep personal meaning for me.
I like the idea of what you did in the workshop, beads representing new thoughts/discoveries.
I'm always up for discussions of art as therapy, self-exporation, opportunity for joy. Thanks for telling me about the workshop.
Susan B. in CA