Growing Up Sikh: Faith in the Background of Everyday Life

Growing up Sikh in my family was quite simple. On Sundays, we’d sometimes have shabhads and kirtan (prayers and hymns) playing softly in the background, while me and my twin fought over who got to walk around the house with the incense sticks, not realising at the time that we were actually cleansing the space.

In our living room, there was a large, beautiful statement picture of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, with his White Hawk, riding his horse. It felt powerful. In our bedrooms, we had pictures of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Our faith was always present. Not forced, not overwhelming, just there. Something I was proud of. Something that felt like home.

A New Chapter, A New Home

Fast forward a few years. Just before moving into our home, we found out I was pregnant. Things weren’t easy, both pre and post pregnancy (I’ve shared more about that in my other blog). Because of that, making our house feel like ours had to take a back seat for a while.

When we finally settled in, I knew I wanted something different when it came to art and faith. I wanted something powerful yet simple. Elegant. Subtle. I didn’t want just décor or another picture on the wall – I wanted presence.

The Lightbulb Moment: Ik Onkar

Then it hit me.

I used to make beaded, light-up shadow box frames with names on them, and I thought ‘why don’t I create an Ik Onkar?’

Ik Onkar is the first word in the Guru Granth Sahib (our Holy Book). It represents oneness, one Truth. But for me, it carries even more depth. It symbolises the journey from Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the strength of the Khalsa, and the very foundation of Sikhi itself.

That meaning deserved something beautiful, yet understated.

So I channelled my creative side and handmade a piece designed to feel peaceful, grounding and spiritually powerful. The soft illumination adds a calming warmth, not overpowering, just quietly present.

Designed to Be Simple, Yet Powerful

I created it in silver, white and gold, with a customisation option to make it even more personal.

It’s for those who want:

• Minimal Sikh home décor
• A meaningful, faith-inspired gift
• A peaceful reminder of oneness
• Handmade sentiment over mass production

It works beautifully in modern, rustic or cosy interiors, while still carrying deep spiritual meaning.

Because sometimes faith doesn’t need to be loud. It just needs to be felt.

More Than decor

When it lights up in the evening, it changes the room.

It becomes a quiet reminder.

A soft glow of faith.

A symbol of strength and inner peace.

I created it for our home first.

Now, I create it for yours.

Thank You!

Thank you for reading my blog, I hope this resonates with you, as much as it does me.

Please follow Along – Join me on @thebeadidea on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook

Kind regards and Sparkles,

Billie x X x

The post Faith & Home – The meaning behind my Ik Onkar piece appeared first on The Bead Idea | Hand Made Jewellery & Accessories.

How it All Began…

It’s funny how some ideas come about. For me, it all started with a Christmas present from my sister, a beginner bead kit. I started making jewellery and experimenting with different designs just for fun. One thing led to another (and probably a glass or two of wine around the table with my family!) and before I knew it, The Bead Idea was born!

Another Hard Year

Fast forward to 2023, and life had taken a very different turn. I’d experienced two miscarriages and was on my third pregnancy, which was high risk. At 29 weeks my waters broke, and I found myself in and out of hospital (that’s a whole other story for another time!)

Eventually, I had to have an emergency C-section, and my baby boy arrived seven weeks premature. What should have been the happiest moment of my life was instead filled with trauma. The hospital stay, the birth, and everything afterwards left me with postnatal depression and PTSD.

I felt so lost and isolated, trying to be strong and put on this front. I didn’t know anyone who had been through what I had, let alone how to navigate life with a premature baby. I kept getting full term baby advice and no one understood how different it is (I’ve been around a lot of full term babies so I had an idea)

Finding Support Through Miracle Moon & The Smallest Things

Somehow, I don’t even remember how exactly, I came across @Miracle Moon on Instagram. Everything just clicked! Their posts seemed to put into words everything I couldn’t express myself. I felt validated and heard in a way I hadn’t before. The free health anxiety book, the resources, and the signposting made such a difference. I resonated with so much. I even ended up accessing EMDR therapy through the NHS, something I discovered because of them.

My sister signposted me to @Bliss Charity and I used it like my go-to guide when I had questions about breastfeeding, expressing, etc., and it always offered clear, reassuring advice. The information and community made me feel less alone and gave me the confidence I needed during a really challenging time.

Not long after, I came across @The Smallest Things Charity. Again, I saw my own feelings and experiences reflected in so many of the stories. Their support and the way they openly shared the reality of life after NICU was refreshing and healing.

I was also very lucky to have an amazing Health Visitor, Hannah, who was honestly a godsend! She had been a NICU nurse previously so completely understood and with all the questions and anxiety I constantly had, she was so helpful and nurturing. She helped me to get the help I needed via NHS and to this day, I will always be grateful for having Hannah in our lives.

From Wreaths to Giving Back

Last year, I started making my wreaths, though I was still processing so much of what I’d been through. This year, however, I feel more supported, more connected, and part of an amazing NICU and premature baby community. Because of that, I thought, why not give something back?

That’s why I’ve decided to give back! £1 from every wreath sold will be equally split between Miracle Moon and The Smallest Things Charity. It’s my way of saying thank you to both for the incredible impact they’ve had on my journey and helped me through some of the hardest moments of my life.

How You Can Support

Purchase a Wreath – Every wreath sold gives £1 back to the organisations who support premature baby and NICU families like me.

Share My Story – You never know who might need to read this today. Sharing is caring!

Follow Along – Join me on @thebeadidea to see new wreaths and updates on this journey.

Thank You!

Thank you for reading my story, for sharing it, and for supporting these incredible causes.

When you buy one of my wreaths, you’re not just getting something beautifully handmade for your home, you’re helping other families on difficult journeys to find the support they need, just like I did.

Kind regards and Sparkles,

Billie x X x

The post Why I Decided to Donate and Contribute to These Causes appeared first on The Bead Idea | Hand Made Jewellery & Accessories.