JustATish Designs: 2020

Corner Burst Tie Dye Tutorial - DIY

12 Color Spiral Tie Dye Tutorial

Although I do live a lifestyle that is richly enhanced with healing crystals, crystal energy, and universal energies, some do not, and that being said, I must say - Crystal meanings, metaphysical and spiritual healing lore is lore for inspiration, folklore, reference, and entertainment only. Crystal and spiritual healing lore is not a prescription, diagnosis or healthcare information. See a doctor or other healthcare practitioner for all health issues. By using this site and associated materials, and accessing this metaphysical and healing lore information, you acknowledge and agree that you personally assume responsibility for your use or misuse of this lore.

Lapis Wire Wrapped in Yellow Brass Pendant

I love lapis.

Do I love it because blue is my favorite color, and lapis is that beautiful, bold, cobalty blue? Maybe the energy behind the color blue itself is what draws me. Does Lapis share any of the energies with the color? Do I love lapis because of it's metaphysical properties?

What is it!!??

I find this very interesting.....

Blue: the color of communication, peace, protection and clarity

Throat chakra: the color blue, for communication

Lapis: the stone of truth, deep communication, friendship and harmony

and I can go on and on and on.

How awesome is the correlation between the color, the chakra and the stone.

Once I started to make the connection it made it so much easier to study and relate to the properties of stones, and I just wanted to share that with you today.

It is all about learning and evolving!

May your journey to enlightenment be filled with those wonderful Ah Ha! moments that keep you energized and fueled for the next chapter.

I send you love!!

Copper Wire Wrapped Cuff with Dragon Blood Jasper

I stumbled on a new shop on Etsy, JL Dreamworks with stones I have never heard of before. This is now one of my favorite places to shop for stone beads.

Here I found dragon blood jasper (also called blood jasper). It is a beautiful stone. If unakite and bloodstone had a baby, it would be dragon blood jasper.

It has the green and red/brown spots like a blood stone, but the mottling of unakite if that makes sense.

It is just dreamy to me!

A little about the stone:

The dragon blood jasper is a powerful healing and protective stone. Healing in all aspects of your life, emotional, spiritual, mental and physical as well as keeping negativity from you.

It is a green stone, which connects it to the heart chakra. This helps to keep depression and loneliness at bay, and helps to keep your moods high.

It is said to help bring courage, strength, vitality and grounding. It’ll also help you in setting fresh, new goals, as well as in attaining them.

It is also a stone that will bring you joy, love and forgiveness.

What a little beauty this is. I love this stone so much.

Would dragon blood jasper be a good fit for your life right now? Let me know in the comments!

Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Crock Pot Soup!

Fall isn't here yet in the south, but my mind is telling me it is. With that I wanted to make some butternut squash soup.

I am a huge fan of crock pot cooking and for that I am grateful because we spent this summer with no AC.

In the south.

Grilling and crock pot cooking saved me from heating up the house even more to try and make some decent food. This girl cannot live on pbj's all summer, I need a hot meal once in a while.

So lets talk about this beautiful soup!!

I got two beautiful butternut squash from my garden and wanted to make soup. They were a bit on the small side, so on the fly I added some sweet potatoes. Thus the name of the soup :)

Here's what you need:

Makes 4 servings

7 - 8 cups of butternut squash (if you don't have enough, throw in some sweet potatoes)

2 stalks of celery

1/2 onion

1/2 c carrots

3 cloves garlic

3 cups broth

olive oil

herbs of your choice

salt/pepper

sour cream

crispy fried bacon.

Let's break it down!

Chop onions, celery, carrots and garlic and saute them in a small amount of olive oil until tender and add salt and pepper. While this is simmering, start the impossible job of peeling the butternut squash. Now that I found out I can buy them at the store already cubed...Never again.

As stated earlier, I didn't have enough squash, so I made up the difference with sweet potatoes.

Now chuck it all into your crock pot - raw!

Add the sauted veggies and 3 cups of stock. I used veggie stock because I am 3/4 vegan. Chicken stock is great, but beef seems to over power the taste for some reason - IMHO

Now herb it up the way you want!

I used thyme and red pepper flakes for this batch.

I have used sage, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon and I have even added a couple of apples, IT WAS SO GOOD!!!!

Set it to high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. You judge the time by your cooker :)

You can also simmer this on the stove in a lidded pot, or in a slow oven of about 325 degrees in a dutch oven.

Bottom line - simmer slowly until everything is super tender.

Now that this has simmered all day, and the house smells amazing, hit this mess with an immersion blender.

If you don't have an immersion blender, try a drink blender, food processor, ninja, or even a hand mixer for this soup. Get creative!!!

Speaking of creative, here, if you want, you can add in a bit of butter, or some heavy cream. Trust me, if I could tolerate the cream, I would be adding 1/2 c heavy cream in this mess.

Note: If you are going to add cream, just cut back the same amount of broth so it doesn't get too runny.

You want it nice and smooth.

My mouth is watering writing this post!!!

This soup is my husbands favorite.

It really is a no fuss no muss kinda soup.

Honestly I think it took longer to peel, clean and cube the squash than it did to simmer in the crock pot!

Big Daddy likes a blop of sour cream and crumbled bacon on the top of his. I eat mine plain - remember I am 3/4 vegan :)

Here it is, super easy amazing hearty soup for fall, or any time. I hope you like it!!

Leave a comment below if you made the soup, and if you made any changes to the recipe to fit your tastes!!

More crock pot recipes coming!!!

Tutorial - Wire Wrapped Pendant and Link Connectors for Necklace - How To

Quick and simple wire wrap pendant how to :)

Getting Ready for Fall - Crocheting Granny Squares

I have to keep busy, call it a curse, call it a super power but because of it, I am always making something. And in turn, I have now taken over two rooms of our house. One for tie dye, jewelry, painting and storage of festival gear, and the other for all of my material, sewing machine, mailing supplies, yarn, work desk, computer and printer.

I am craft hoarder elite!

I get distracted easily, and sometimes I may have more than one project going at a time.

Sometimes I can get frustrated with myself, as I compare myself to other artists out there, that their color combos on their tie dye are more brilliant than mine, their wire wraps are more intricate than mine.

Once I am done throwing around the confetti of my pity party, and I have had my last bit of dejection cake, I understand, it is because they picked one thing and did it right, where I have to do it all!

And because I have to do it all, it is crocheting season!

It is one thing I do love to do. It is a project that I can do, while sitting in the living room in front of the television and pretending to be watching a movie with my husband.

I myself personally could spend all of my waking ours in my office or studio working on projects, but I do have to find a balance. So when the weather cools off and there is not so much to do, television is the go to entertainment for my husband. He just wants to know I am in the same room with him, and if he wants to make a conversation, then I am there to join in.

I started a new project that I am absolutely excited about, and part of the project is granny squares. What I love about granny squares is the versatility of the pattern. Even the versatility of the basic granny square itself. You are basically making a tiny mosaic tile to piece together into a beautiful work of art.

After I had gotten started on my squares, I realized I needed extra bulk for this project. I do love the crispness of the single strand yarn granny squares. You can see the detail.

But I wasn't looking for detail. I was looking for comfort and snuggly. I used two strands of worsted weight yarn and made my squares again. What a difference. The extra color gave more texture. The extra strand of yarn gave the squares a soft, cushy, comfortable feel. Perfect for what I am working on.

I am using a mixture of scrap yarn and Big Twist 100% acrylic yarn. Middle of the road yarn, super soft, doesn't unravel, and affordable - especially when bought at JoAnns with a coupon. I bought it because I wanted to try something other than RedHeart SuperSaver. Red Heart SuperSaver is a great affordable yarn, especially as a beginner, but it is just too scratchy.

I am just in the beginning of this project, and have to figure out a couple more things.

I can't wait to show it to you!

What do you like to work on during the cooler months??

Long Necklaces Are The Trend!

Doing an online search as I do three or four times a year to find out what the newest jewelry trends are. I was thrilled to see these long over the head necklaces are making a comeback!

The style is simple. A long chain, 32" or so, that will go over your head without the need of a clasp, and a pendant or a statement focal of several beads at approx 4" - 7 ".

SO CUTE!!

These necklaces are a great way to use your one off beads or your larger beads that just don't quite fit into a design.

What a great way to de stash and add beautiful jewelry to your inventory!!

Tie Dye Tuesday! - Spiral Tie Dye How To

Labradorite Stacks with Antiqued Copper Charm Earrings - Transformation - Jewelry with Meaning

I found the most awesome little shop on Etsy!

Bead Clearance Depot has everything you need to make awesome beautiful jewely!

I am not a 'charm' person when it comes to my style in making jewelry. Bead Clearance Depot changed all that for me!

The selection is amazing, and the quality superior. I really look forward to ordering with this shop, because I can't wait to receive the product.

I have had so much fun making earrings and necklaces with the charms I have bought from them, and so have my customers! They sell so fast!

These little earrings are made with faceted roundel labradorite beads, wire wrapped on copper and then accented with the antiqued copper charm. Super light and flirty, especially when the light hits the labradorite and you can see that flash!

Labradorite is the stone of change and transformation. Although we know deep in our hearts that change is the one thing we can count on, it still don't make it easy to have to deal with. Labradorite helps through those times of change and transformation. Making it easier to deal with and less stressful. Labradorite is also the stone of magic, and believing in yourself IS magic!!

The Color Green and It's Many Meanings

Green is the color of nature, it is all around us and one of the easiest colors for our eyes to see.

Green is a secondary color, meaning it is a mixture of two other colors.

In this case - blue and yellow.

With green being born from two other colors, it carries the energy or magic lets say of those two colors and then it has its own.

Let's talk about those energies :)

Green has a foundation in happiness, mental clarity and optimism from yellow and calm, tranquility, communication and truth from blue. That is a proper foundation!

Green itself has its own magic of harmony and balance - think of it green is everywhere! Green is also the heart, the center of our body therefore it promotes promotes love. Love of nature, of family, of pets. . Green represents growth. Look outside at all the green around you, nature is a great representation of growth with all the green.

Green is hope. For me it is easy to see, especially during the winter when there is no green around, there is anticipation of hope for the spring to come.

Have you every heard green with envy? That may come from property of green that makes us feel we need to possess things. We need material objects to make us happy.

Color is all around us and can affect our moods and thinking. Because of this,

color is used in advertising and psychology because of the impact color can have on us.

Why do you have a favorite color. What do you feel when you see that color. Is it green? Are you a nature lover? Are you loyal to your family and friends? Are you the one that is always looking on the bright side?

Ever wonder?

Let's Talk About Copper - How to Clean Copper Jewelry!

All of my jewelry creations are based on the metaphysical properties of the stones or the colors that are incorporated. Jewelry should be a window to our soul, a protector of our emotions and a companion to our spirit. All of my other creations come directly from my heart in hopes they touch yours as well. Celebrate yourself with healing jewelry, and other gift ideas made with love!

Although I do live a lifestyle that is richly enhanced with healing crystals, crystal energy, and universal energies, some do not, and that being said, I must say - Crystal meanings, metaphysical and spiritual healing lore is lore for inspiration, folklore, reference, and entertainment only. Crystal and spiritual healing lore is not a prescription, diagnosis or healthcare information. See a doctor or other healthcare practitioner for all health issues. By using this site and associated materials, and accessing this metaphysical and healing lore information, you acknowledge and agree that you personally assume responsibility for your use or misuse of this lore.

Beautiful Super Clear Quartz Pendant Wire Wrapped in Copper - Jewelry with Meaning - Amplified Energy

Quartz is life!

Quartz the most abundant mineral and is found all over the world, and you can find it growing in other crystals and minerals!

Quartz has a hardness of 7 making it very useful in the making of glass and electronic components.

Quartz is a master healer, a stone of power and a stone that amplifies the energy of others stones and you! So if you are happy that is amplified, but be warned if you are in a bad mood, that can be amplified as well! It is said to absorb, store, release and regulate energy.

I chose copper wire to wrap this stone because copper is also a conductor of energy. It seemed to be the perfect wire with its properties to accent the properties of the quartz.

I love this little stone, it is one of the clearest quartz I have ever seen. There is an indention in the front of the pendant, where this crystal may have had a another crystal growing across it and it got knocked out. So this little quartz crystal has a missing friend.

Isis Phantom Quartz Tower with Chlorite Inclusions

A thousand years ago (10 or 11 actually) I bought a crystal business from the vendors I used to set up next to on the weekends at the flea market. We had known each other for years, I actually had been one of their customers for years, until I started making jewelry and selling along side them. We had permanent spots next to each other for two seasons when they decided they had been doing it long enough, and was I interested in buying their inventory.

Don't have to ask me twice!

After buying the inventory, I had several shows lined up, and along with the help of James, we had some fun for a season.

But working a 40 hour week, Monday thru Friday and then setting up every weekend to sell at the flea market or other venues got to be too much, and I packed everything up.

Recently I have started to go back through my collection to see exactly what I have. It is like going thru the inventory for the first time again. I am having so much fun!

I am going to start sharing them with you!!

This beauty is a quartz point tower. Finished on the bottom so it is a stand alone piece. There is no need for a stand.

The chevron stripes are made up of chlorite. At the bottom of the stripes you can see a 'shadow' of a line, that is the phantom crystal that was going in the middle of the formation. It looks like a little pyramid going in there!

Isis is the five sided face, that may or may not be symmetrical.

There is so much about this specimen that I adore.

Let's talk about quartz. Quartz is a master healer, and amplifier of energy and intention. Probably so because it is found everywhere - EVERYWHERE!

Isis quartz is a gentle nurturer. Helping to overcome hurt and distress. It helps to open up your empathy, allowing you to feel what others are feeling, but not get caught up in their turmoil.

Phantom quartz is a reminder that we should not give up. It allows us to let go of the ego, and heal from within. To see that it probably wasn't as bad as we thought it was to begin with. It pulls us out of our rut and allows us to grow from our experiences, as a victor, never a victim.

This little beauty has it all. I do adore it so much!

Spring Equinox!!

What exactly is the spring equinox?

On the equinoxes the Sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night is nearly equal – but not quite. The March equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator – the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator – from south to north and vice versa in September.

What stones/crystals are the stones of spring equinox?

Moonstone - fertility - Spring is the time to start your seeds and get the ground ready for planting.
Ocean Jasper - Positivity. Ocean Jasper gently brings into focus the positive aspects of your life, so that you can practice gratefulness. New season, new outlook.
Sunstone - This stone can shine the light on any situation. With more sunlight during the day, and warmer weather, it is encouraging to drop the covers of winter and allow the sun to warm your spirit, and help you to maintain a positive outlook!
Moss Agate - promotes growth, abundance, steady progress in all areas of life. Just like those first days of spring, when the air is warming and the sun is shining, you can see the earths abundance grow right before you!

It's Festival Season Ya'All!!!

Festival season kicks off for me on April 18, 2020 at Bond Brothers in Cary!!

My calendar is quickly filling up, and I will have links to the right, where you can find me locally, so you can stop by and say hey!!!

I am busy in the studio, organizing and getting ready to churn out some new awesome designs!

You can't miss my booth, full of so much color, and don't the world need more color!!

Hope to see you soon!!!

Chrysocolla and Brass Coin Earrings - Jewelry with Meaning - Communication

I found a listing on Facebook, someone had several strands of gemstones they bought to make jewelry and decided they didn't want to do it anymore.

I got some beautiful strands

One of them was chrysocolla.

At first I wasn't for sure what to do with them. Then one day digging thru my stash, and organizing I found these fun brass coins.

It all fell into place after that!!

Chyrsocolla is first and foremost a Stone of Communication. Its very essence is devoted to expression, empowerment and teaching. The serenity of its turquoise-blue color discharges negative energies, calms, and allows truth and inner wisdom to surface and be heard.

If you like these earrings, see what else I have at my Etsy Shop!!

Tanzanite Pendant - Jewelry with Purpose - Transformation

At Bonnaroo every year, one of my favorite places to stop and shop is Twisted Bliss Designs.

This year I got a fairy quartz (top) and a tanzanite! (bottom)

I was so excited about this purchase. That tanzanite was the perfect shape to wrap for a pendant.

Tanzanite is a stone of transformation, dissolves old patterns of karma, which allows you to move on and get off that karma wheel!

Considered to be a very valuable metaphysical crystal for spiritual exploration. Allows one to live from a compassionate heart and metaphysical mind.

Takes the heat out of conversations

so you can talk about things from the heart.

Relieves stress and tension.

Generates energy of happiness and relieves worry.

Allows insight on emotional issues without dwelling.

Overcomes fear in crisis

and allows one to trust again.

WOW!! WHAT AN AWESOME STONE!

This piece is mine, and I wear it most everyday!

I talk about tanzanite and other stones on my Youtube channel!

Here's a link to my metaphysical playlist!
Stop by and check me out!!

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