Cymbals of Strength
Show your strength! Wesla Bay Weller’s jewelry & décor line features symbols from world cultures, made from broken drum cymbals.
Project Description
There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in. – Leonard Cohen, "Anthem"
Sometimes you want a reminder of how strong you are.
It can be your statement to the world, or your personal meditation.
Cymbals of StrengthTM is a new collection of jewelry and décor to express courage and inner power with symbols of strength from world cultures. Everything is made from bronze recycled drum cymbals.
I am inspired to work with cracked and broken cymbals to celebrate their resilient beauty and the stories they tell. In my pieces, their music plays on in a different form.
Which cultural symbols are featured?
The first four symbols in the collection are (left to right):
- The Lotus from Buddhist culture, representing beauty and strength
- Athena, goddess of wisdom and strength in Ancient Greek mythology; the owl is her symbol
- Dwennimmen, an Adrinka symbol from Ghana representing humility and strength
- The Triskelion from Celtic culture, representing perseverance and strength
The front of each pendant, the outside of each cuff, and each picture frame are engraved with artwork of a symbol. The back of each pendant, the inside of each cuff, and each picture frame are engraved with the attributes of its respective symbol.
I do all of the engraving and production work in-house.
Why an IFW campaign?
I need to raise funds to convert my garage into a functional workshop and buy equipment to produce Cymbals of Strength.
Supporters of this campaign will be the first people to own the Cymbals of Strength collection. I can't wait to make these pendants, cuffs, and photo frames for you! Please check out the rewards to see the range of work.
A Cymbals of Strength piece can be a meaningful gift for someone special in your life (including yourself).
About Wesla Bay Weller
I have been making jewelry and art objects from reclaimed and upcycled musical instrument parts for over 10 years. My customers are music lovers and the people who love them, as well as people who appreciate work made from recycled materials. It brings me great joy to help people connect with their love of music.
Giving Back to the Community
A vital part of my mission is supporting arts in schools and the community. For this project, I will donate 3% of proceeds (after campaign fees and taxes) to A Window Between Worlds. This organization helps survivors of trauma discover and explore their own strength through art.
Where Your Funds Will Go
Your pledges will go towards finishing my workshop space, purchasing equipment, fulfilling campaign rewards, paying fees and taxes, and the AWBW donation.
Thank you.
I appreciate your support to help me reach this goal.
There is strength in numbers.
IMPORTANT ORDERING INFO:
To select your choice of symbol, style, or size, as needed:
- Click on Select This Reward for your chosen reward level.
- On the page for that reward, find the "Message to the Entrepreneur" box.
- Enter the needed information in that box.
- If you miss that step, don't worry. At the end of the campaign I will contact you to get any information that I need to fulfill your reward.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
What type of metal are cymbals made out of?
Cymbals are made of B20 bronze, which is an alloy of 20% tin and 80% copper. Sometimes the alloy contains traces of silver, too. Every cymbal maker has their own formula, so cymbals vary widely in color and style. That's part of what makes each Cymbals of Strength piece unique.
Is there a protective sealant on the metal jewelry?
Yes. I protect all of the cymbal pieces with a coat of ProtectaClear, which not only protects the finish of the Cymbals of Strength piece, it also helps to protect your skin from the metal. This is especially notable if you have sensitive skin.
Will each Cymbals of Strength piece come with an explanation of the meaning of its symbol?
Yes. Each item will include a card with information about the materials used and the symbol depicted.
How do I select the symbol I want for one of the rewards?
On the checkout page, you will see a box in which you can enter your choice of size, style, and/or symbol, as needed.
What if I already completed my transaction and forgot to specify a size or a symbol choice?
No worries. When the campaign is completed, I will review all backer information. If I am missing any information from you, I will contact you and we'll work it out!
Are you a drummer, Wesla?
While I don't play the drums (I really wanted to learn when I was a kid), I do play the marimba, so I am a percussionist. I'm also learning to play the ukulele. I'm not particularly accomplished on either instrument, but I love to play!
- 1 Super Power Cuff - symbol of your choice from list
- 1 Power Pendant - your choice of beaded cord or gold filled chain; symbol of your choice from list
- magnets
*NOTE: While the Power Pendant on the gold filled chain is pictured here, you have your choice of either a chain-style pendant or a beaded cord-style pendant.
Select your Symbol:
- Lotus – strength + beauty
- Athena (Owl) – strength + wisdom
- Dwennimmen – strength + humility
- Triskelion – strength + perseverance
Just Because I Care
handwritten thank you note from Wesla
Set of three 2x2" Fridge magnets:
- Cymbals of Strength logo
- I Am A Cymbal of Strength
- You Are A Cymbal of Strength
Rock this black t-shirt (your choice of Unisex or Women's style) screenprinted with the Cymbals of Strength logo.
- Unisex style: 100% combed ringspun cotton fine jersey
- Women's style: 60% combed ringspun cotton/40% poly lightweight jersey
- Sizes S-2XL
Please indicate your choice of style and size at checkout.
The t-shirt brand (Next Level) is committed to social responsibility.
Also includes:
- set of 3 magnets
Honor your (s)hero!
Your choice of one photo frame for a 4x6" photo.
Specifications:
- matte black wood frame
- engraved cymbal medallion at top of frame
- engraved cymbal word plate at the bottom of frame
- easel back for tabletop display
- hanging hardware for wall display
- 5.75 x 7.75 x 0.5" outer dimensions
Select your Symbol:
- Lotus – strength + beauty
- Athena (Owl) – strength + wisdom
- Dwennimmen – strength + humility
- Triskelion – strength + perseverance
These cuffs, forged from 5/8" wide bronze strips cut from cymbals, are sure to deflect any bad vibes that the world can throw your way.
Each cuff has one of the four Cymbals of Strength engraved on the outside, and that symbol's two words engraved on the inside.
Two sizes of cuffs: One for larger wrists, one for smaller wrists.
Select your Symbol:
- Lotus – strength + beauty
- Athena (Owl) – strength + wisdom
- Dwennimmen – strength + humility
- Triskelion – strength + perseverance
Select your size:
Large or Small
One pendant, your choice of symbol, on an adjustable waxed cotton cord with the added symbolic protection of semi-precious stones.
You can easily adjust the double slip-knotted neck cord to find your perfect fit – anywhere from a 17" choker length to a 30" full-length necklace.
Select your Symbol:
- Lotus – strength + beauty
- Athena (Owl) – strength + wisdom
- Dwennimmen – strength + humility
- Triskelion – strength + perseverance
Lotus beads: Labradorite and coiled recycled guitar strings. Labradorite signifies transformation.
Athena Owl beads: Lapis Lazuli chips, Rainbow Moonstone, and coiled recycled guitar strings. The stone Lapis Lazuli represents wisdom. Rainbow Moonstone signifies vision, intuition, balance, and harmony.
Dwennimmen beads: Fossil Agate, Red Agate, and coiled recycled guitar strings. Fossil Agate is a grounding stone signifying earth and home, roots and ancestry. Red Agate is a protection stone against negative energy.
Triskelion beads: Tiger Eye and coiled recycled guitar strings. Tiger Eye signifies courage, confidence, and clarity of vision.
One pendant, your choice of symbol, on an 18" gold filled chain, with a gold filled handmade clasp.
Select your Symbol:
- Lotus – strength + beauty
- Athena (Owl) – strength + wisdom
- Dwennimmen – strength + humility
- Triskelion – strength + perseverance
A gift set containing each of the following:
- 1 Wear Your Strength
- 1 Super Power Cuff - symbol of your choice from list
- 1 Power Pendant (gold filled chain) - symbol of your choice from list
- 1 Power Pendant (beaded adjustable cord) - symbol of your choice from list
- 1 Visualize Strength 4x6 photo frame - symbol of your choice from list
- Set of 3 magnets
Select your Symbol (you can select a different symbol for each piece, if you want to):
- Lotus – strength + beauty
- Athena (Owl) – strength + wisdom
- Dwennimmen – strength + humility
- Triskelion – strength + perseverance
Rewards
- 1 Super Power Cuff - symbol of your choice from list
- 1 Power Pendant - your choice of beaded cord or gold filled chain; symbol of your choice from list
- magnets
*NOTE: While the Power Pendant on the gold filled chain is pictured here, you have your choice of either a chain-style pendant or a beaded cord-style pendant.
Select your Symbol:
- Lotus – strength + beauty
- Athena (Owl) – strength + wisdom
- Dwennimmen – strength + humility
- Triskelion – strength + perseverance
Just Because I Care
handwritten thank you note from Wesla
Set of three 2x2" Fridge magnets:
- Cymbals of Strength logo
- I Am A Cymbal of Strength
- You Are A Cymbal of Strength
Rock this black t-shirt (your choice of Unisex or Women's style) screenprinted with the Cymbals of Strength logo.
- Unisex style: 100% combed ringspun cotton fine jersey
- Women's style: 60% combed ringspun cotton/40% poly lightweight jersey
- Sizes S-2XL
Please indicate your choice of style and size at checkout.
The t-shirt brand (Next Level) is committed to social responsibility.
Also includes:
- set of 3 magnets
Honor your (s)hero!
Your choice of one photo frame for a 4x6" photo.
Specifications:
- matte black wood frame
- engraved cymbal medallion at top of frame
- engraved cymbal word plate at the bottom of frame
- easel back for tabletop display
- hanging hardware for wall display
- 5.75 x 7.75 x 0.5" outer dimensions
Select your Symbol:
- Lotus – strength + beauty
- Athena (Owl) – strength + wisdom
- Dwennimmen – strength + humility
- Triskelion – strength + perseverance
These cuffs, forged from 5/8" wide bronze strips cut from cymbals, are sure to deflect any bad vibes that the world can throw your way.
Each cuff has one of the four Cymbals of Strength engraved on the outside, and that symbol's two words engraved on the inside.
Two sizes of cuffs: One for larger wrists, one for smaller wrists.
Select your Symbol:
- Lotus – strength + beauty
- Athena (Owl) – strength + wisdom
- Dwennimmen – strength + humility
- Triskelion – strength + perseverance
Select your size:
Large or Small
One pendant, your choice of symbol, on an adjustable waxed cotton cord with the added symbolic protection of semi-precious stones.
You can easily adjust the double slip-knotted neck cord to find your perfect fit – anywhere from a 17" choker length to a 30" full-length necklace.
Select your Symbol:
- Lotus – strength + beauty
- Athena (Owl) – strength + wisdom
- Dwennimmen – strength + humility
- Triskelion – strength + perseverance
Lotus beads: Labradorite and coiled recycled guitar strings. Labradorite signifies transformation.
Athena Owl beads: Lapis Lazuli chips, Rainbow Moonstone, and coiled recycled guitar strings. The stone Lapis Lazuli represents wisdom. Rainbow Moonstone signifies vision, intuition, balance, and harmony.
Dwennimmen beads: Fossil Agate, Red Agate, and coiled recycled guitar strings. Fossil Agate is a grounding stone signifying earth and home, roots and ancestry. Red Agate is a protection stone against negative energy.
Triskelion beads: Tiger Eye and coiled recycled guitar strings. Tiger Eye signifies courage, confidence, and clarity of vision.
One pendant, your choice of symbol, on an 18" gold filled chain, with a gold filled handmade clasp.
Select your Symbol:
- Lotus – strength + beauty
- Athena (Owl) – strength + wisdom
- Dwennimmen – strength + humility
- Triskelion – strength + perseverance
A gift set containing each of the following:
- 1 Wear Your Strength
- 1 Super Power Cuff - symbol of your choice from list
- 1 Power Pendant (gold filled chain) - symbol of your choice from list
- 1 Power Pendant (beaded adjustable cord) - symbol of your choice from list
- 1 Visualize Strength 4x6 photo frame - symbol of your choice from list
- Set of 3 magnets
Select your Symbol (you can select a different symbol for each piece, if you want to):
- Lotus – strength + beauty
- Athena (Owl) – strength + wisdom
- Dwennimmen – strength + humility
- Triskelion – strength + perseverance