Purpose Pendant - Amber

I got a custom order for a purpose pendant, needing a meaning of good health, balance and after talking to her a bit, needing to overcome some fears. The customer gave me free creative rein over the project, saying "I trust your judgement"

These are the hardest custom orders. I always wonder in the back of my mind if they will like it.

Here is what I did:


I chose amber as the focal stone due to its healing properties.
Amber, according to mystical lore is beneficial for purifying the body, and general healing purposes. It is reputed to cleanse its environment by drawing out negativity, and to relieve physical pain the same way. It is used mystically to bring the energies of patience, protection, psychic shielding, romantic love, sensuality, purification, balance, healing and calmness to those who wear or carry it. It is considered a good luck charm for marriage.

Calcite increases and amplifies energy. All calcites are helpful in lessening of fear and reducing stress. Calcite is a protecting, purifying, grounding and centering stone, and can help bring inner peace. Calcite is also a stone of spirituality, wisdom and reconciliation.

Citrine is known as a "success" stone because it is said in folklore to promote success and abundance, especially in business and commerce. Its lore also says that it enhances mental clarity, confidence, happiness and will power. Citrine is purported to bring good fortune, sometimes in very unexpected ways. Citrine is also a good general protection stone according to crystal healing lore. It is said to alleviate depression and self-doubt, and diminish irrational mood swings due to the effect of mental clarity it has.


Sunstone is a powerful stone for dispelling fears and phobias of all kinds. In addition to dispelling fears and phobias, sunstone also decreases stress and lifts depression. Sunstone also brings good luck and abundance. This stone increases personal power and will, as well as life force energy.

Pearls attune the wearer to ebb and flow of life. They are calming and centering. They give purity and promote faith, charity, and integrity, truth and loyalty. They especially enhance personal integrity.

Then added the color blue for peace.

It makes for a stunning combination - the warmth of the yellows and the 'pop' of the blue. I would compliment most any outfit, and serves a purpose at the same time!

Autumn inspired necklace

ArtBeads is doing a "What inspires you?" beading contest for great prizes


It got me to thinking - everything around me is an inspiration. I think it is fun to do an abstract interpretation of the things around me, and see if it will turn into some fun jewelry.

One of my favorite things in life is an autumn sky. More than likely because of where I grew up . The summers were brutal and humid. There was always a haze in the air, and the sky was always dull due to it. The winters were gray and wet, and I swear, those blue skies snow birded down to Florida. But fall - omg, glorious fall. The humidity was gone, the air was crisp and cool, and the colors - those life changing, memory making beautiful blasts of fall colors, oh how I adore you :)

So I wanted to make a necklace that showed those golden leaves rustling in the cool breeze and the blue skies peaking thru them.

I found this image and it took my breath away.


I wanted to capture the bits of sky that you see when you look up thru the leaves, so I added faceted blue crystals in the amber strand.




Every so often there is a swarovski crystal to catch the light and give a glint like sunlight thru the leaves.



What inspires you?

Wednesday quickie - R&T June Challenge part 2

Man I am running behind today. Woke up this morning to a destroyed couch, and the carpet and the pad beneath were pulled off of the landing, and my dogs were quietly slumbering outside my bedroom door as if nothing had happened.

*sigh*

James and Kel had cleaned last nite, while I was at work, in anticipation of our daughters arrival, only to have it all destroyed, and I did a do-over this morning.

*sigh*

Leigh is coming home tonite for a long weekend and will be welcomed by a pack of happy dappy dawgs, and a dirty house! Oh the glories of going home.

I am not as prepared as I wanted to be with a piece, so I am just going to show you what I made as my second installment of the Rings & Things June Challenge.

I wanted to use the Mirage bead as a focal. I am really thrilled with these beads. I have one concern, and that is the finish. The gloss is brilliant, and I hope it can withstand being a focal, and not dull or scratch. Time will tell.

I was looking at the pattern on the bead, and in an abstract way, reminded me of a garden fence. Thinking gardens, wisteria was the first thing that popped into my mind. I love wisteria. Love it. So, I went with it.

Wisteria



Wisteria under Summer Sky





And I am taking it for a test drive today. I will be wearing it to pick up my daughter from the airport after work. I am sure by the time we get to the truck she will have taken it off of me and will be wearing it :)

I'll try not to be too MIA over the weekend.

Later Kids!