Some of the most poetic, comforting words in the Bible can be found in the Book of Psalms and the most familiar is Psalm 23. The image of a gentle shepherd, green pastures, still waters, we yearn for such peace and reassurance. If you are looking to be inspired, it doesn’t get any better than this.

I came across a project for children designed to teach even the youngest Sunday School student the joy of the 23rd Psalm. Different colored beads are strung together to make a bracelet, with each bead representing an image from the verses. White signifies sheep, Green is for the pasture, Blue is for still waters, etc. The finished project looks something like this:

Loving this idea, I wanted to translate the bracelet into a more sophisticated version. Czech glass beads came to mind, since they come in so many shapes and colors. Sigh. I love every one of these.

With such beautiful jewel tones and crystal like qualities, I searched for just the right glass beads to work with, something that would be both elegant and durable. When I came upon these turbine shaped beads, I knew they would be perfect.

Here is the order and meaning of each of the colored beads. Some of them are translucent and some are opaque, but the consistency of size and shape of each bead unifies the bracelet design.

I chose a bronze clasp that is easy to latch and the lovely curves of the metal echo the oval beads. A bracelet of beads only is lovely but I included a space where a optional religious charm can be added, a Cross, Crucifix or Star of David, to correspond with the line “You set a table before me in the presence of my enemies”. The brown bead preceding it stands for the rod and staff but could represent a wooden table as well, if no charm is desired.

Wearing this daily has been a comfort because the words of the Psalm are always with me. The beads have a nice weight to them and I am constantly reminded of His tender care for all of us.

To order this bracelet, please visit my etsy shop maryclareart.etsy.com.