Wire Wrapped Copper Cuff with Amethyst and Fluorite Chips - Jewelry with Meaning - Peacefully Brings Order to Chaos

These bracelets are fun and easy to make.

Use a heavy copper ga. like a 14 ga. If you have a bracelet mandrel, form the wire around the mandrel at the size you want, leaving extra length on the end to coil. If you don't have a mandrel, free form the wire into a cuff form, leaving extra length on the ends to coil.

Coil the ends, using a round nose pliers. Hammer the form on an anvil to give it tinsel strength. Now you have a vague cuff shape to work with.

Using 24 ga copper wire, begin at the base of the coiled end, and wrap the 24 ga wire around the cuff form, spiraling up the form as you go. Keep the wraps tight!

When you are about 1/3 of the way up, start adding your stone chips to the wire, and wrap 3 times in between each stone. Do this across the top of the bracelet about a 1/3 of the way. Now stop adding the stones, and wire wrap the cuff form, down to the base of the opposite coil, so that the whole cuff, excluding the coils has been wrapped in copper.

Now you can free form and shape the cuff to the size you are wanting, or to your wrist!!!

Choose any type of stone chip, swarovski crystal or mix and match!!

What is your favorite stone?

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.

Treasures of the Earth Gem Show Haul!!!!

"Citrine" Earring and Necklace Set - Abundance and Success

Big debate, is it really citrine or is it heat treated amethyst. If you are buying it as beads and you are getting a great deal, most likely it is heat treated amethyst. 

These little faceted briolettes were sold to me from Firemountain Gems as citrine (heat treated) and that is why I am a huge fan of their site. They know their product, and they share all information with their buyers. Plus the deals there are awesome!

These little beauties made the cutest little earring/necklace set. Tiny little faceted briolettes, wire wrapped with sterling wire, on a sterling loop. They are the perfect dainty length, and have just enough swing to them to be a bit sassy!

Beautifully uniform so it was easy to just pick two to make the earring set, and add one for the pendant.

Citrine is the stone of abundance and prosperity. It repels negative energy.

Thanks Firemountain Gems for making this set so easy to create!

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!

Amethyst - Peace and Calm

Amethyst is the stone of peace and calm, creativity, all healing, an artists stone, it keeps your head in the game, balance and temperance and more. 

It is the birthstone of February, and the sobriety stone

I have quite the collection of amethyst beads in tear drops, faceted brioletes, faceted roundels, chips, coin, natural points and various sizes of rounds. 

While putting together some amethyst pieces to post for February, I came across this little heart shaped amethyst focal bead. 

I didn't want to take away from the heart by wrapping it too ornately, so I kept it simple. A bale, and a tiny spiral. Done.

The heart shape and smoothness of the stone, really resonated the peace and calm that is associated with this stone. 

This little one is spoken for, and will be going on a cruise this week. :)

Is amethyst your birthstone or just one of your favorite stones?

Inquiring minds want to know :)

and remember, be peaceful, and be kind, it's important!!

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!

Amethyst - The Stone of February

Amethyst is February's birthstone - that's a given.
Amethyst is more than purple and shiney and faceted in a pretty setting.
Amethyst is the stone of peace

Amethyst is in the quartz family and can be found all over the world, and with great abundance in Brazil and Zambia. It's color can range from lightest to darkest purple. Some so dark they almost look black when in the middle of cluster.

When heated, amethyst can turn yellow to dark orange, to resemble citrine. But unlike citrine, if exposed to direct sunlight over time, those colors will fade out and the stone will be clear like quartz.

As mentioned earlier, amethyst is the stone of peace. It is the stone for travelers, used to control evil thoughts and much more. I keep amethyst in my car at all times for all of these reasons :)

I use amethyst often in my work because of it's peaceful properties. It is a great addition to any stone combination :)

Until next time

And as always, Be peaceful, Be kind. 

Remember to explore, create, dream, imagine and discover!

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!

Sizzling Hot Summer Sale!!!!

I am having a hot summer sale!!!

Save 30% on your order of $25 or more from my Etsy Store.

80 items and more on the way this weekend!

All items are one of a kind, no duplicates. Don't miss out!

Use check out code SIZZLE to take advantage of the great savings. Earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets and more. Free shipping on jewelry.

Sale ends 6/27/14

Let's Shop Locals Artisan of the Week - Just A Tish Designs!

I was thrilled when Anne of Let's Shop Local asked me to be the next artisan of the week. Here is the newsletter!

 Artisan of the Week

We are very happy to introduce you to our
'Artisan of the Week' Just A Tish.
Tish McDermott, owner, sells her unique items online
through her Etsy shop, in locally owned boutiques, and
through local craft shows.
We have been very honored to have her participation
in all of our 'Let's Shop Local' events, and will welcome her again to our event this May!




 Where did you get the inspiration for your business name?
  Just A Tish was all my daughters fault.
When I first started making jewelry, she was
and still is my biggest fan. She would wear my
designs every day to work or school. When someone asked her what
was she wearing, or where did she get it, she would answer, This?
This is just a Tish Design :)

 What do you create/make?
   I make jewelry, one of a kinds. I don't like to duplicate.
I want each piece to be it's only little piece of art, that you can wear.
I make jewelry using the metaphysical properties of the stones,
to convey a healing and peace to the buyer/wearer of the piece.
A little bit of love goes into each creation.


 What is your favorite item to make?
Bracelets, the wire wrapped bangle bracelets. They are so tactile, intricate and colorful

Why is buying local important to you?
The internet, allows local to become global,
which is mind blowing. Local on a global scale, is different than say,
a franchise, which is still a local business,
but it has lost it's hands on, personal touch.
So, I think what local does is give a sense of pride and
community, and a bit of elitism. When someone asks me where I bought something
I have or i am wearing, it feels so good to tell them it is local,
like I am in on the best kept secret of what all the cool kids are doing.

What are your business goals for 2014?

I am working this year for more exposure and with Let's Shop Local, I have done it :).
I have taken a few years off due to work load, and this year,
I am making time for me and for my craft. There is a whole world out there that
needs to see my creations and I am going to show it to them :)



Just A Tish
www.justatish.com
www.etsy.com/shop/justatishdesigns


As always, we ask that you forward this
to all your local friends & family to help
us spread the word about our local artisans here
in North Carolina!




We invite you to 'follow' us socially.
Find us on:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Thank you for your support of our event and
for supporting our local artisans as we build
this event in the Triangle.

Best regards - Let's Shop Local
Locally Handmade. Local Artisans.
http://letsshoplocal.weebly.com

http://trianglehandmade.weebly.com

Finding Treasures

I love going away for a few days, it recharges me, and gives me an appreciation for the uniqueness of where I am visiting and re kindles the love affair of where I live. I love to go, but I am always very happy to come home :)

This past weekend, my husband and I went for a little trip to visit family. First stop was with my daughter and son in law. We puttered all around her cute little town, taking in the sites and stopping by little stores. Good food, fun stores, and better yet, great friends to share it all with.

Next stop my parents. It isn't much different there, with the exception that I grew up there. I know my way around. It is always fun to take my husband around and tell him stories of growing up in that area, and throwin in a bit of history.

Whether at my daughters or my parents, one of our favorite things to do is to hit up thrift stores and flea markets. Never know what you may find. I always have my eye out for that perfect trinket, antique necklace or just flat out good deal that I can't pass up to add to my home or to my inventory. This trip offered that :)

At the flea market, I found a little table with these awesome skull bracelets. She wanted $1 each....

*blink* *blink*

I will take them all thank you :) I couldn't pass it up. Let's break it down. Even online where I shop, I can find some good deals, but to find these little beauties for .11 each, I can't. Makes perfect sense.

Now there is this beauty. I have been looking for this for quite a while now. I could have bought it online, but what is the fun in that :) I wanted a quest, a quest for the amethyst chicken :) It is a candy dish, but I am going to use it as a butter dish. The colors go great in my kitchen. I remember my grandmother having one, but in 'amber' or what ever the brown color is. Is this considered carnival glass?

\

While walking thru the flea market, I nearly fell over when I saw this little treasure on a table. I quickly grabbed it up and held it over my head in victory, and proclaimed to all around me - I HAVE WON THE CHICKEN!!!! Made for a great moment, and made people laugh.

Next on my list - Jadeite coffee mugs.

What are your adventures?

Host a Jewelry Party - Get Free Jewelry - Even Online!

So yeah, you heard me right!

Do you love jewelry, or love collecting tumbled stones and crystal formations? Do you love it when it is free? I thought so :)

You can host a jewelry/crystal party, even if you don't live in the area. It is super easy. Create an event on Facebook, and invite all of your friends. The event can last a maximum of 3 weeks. Post links from my Etsy store and some back to my Facebook page and let the shopping begin! I will issue you a special comment code for your friends to used when placing an order on Etsy. That way I know the sales came from your party.

You and your friends have ample time to shop, and chat about items, even message me or comment on my fan page about custom orders you would like to have. Remember, all items are one of a kind, I don't intentionally duplicate pieces, If there is a  piece you are looking, don't wait too long, when it is gone, it is gone. Orders ship to the buyer immediately, no need to wait til all orders are in! When the event is over, I will tally up all of the sales, and 10% of the sales, goes back to the hostess/host of the event in free jewelry/crystals!!!!!

$1000 in sales, $100 worth of free jewelry/crystals*!!!!

And it doesn't stop there!

If the event does $2000 or more in sales, the hostess/host of the event gets a LIFETIME 30% off coupon code to use in my shop anytime.

What is stopping you!!! Create your shopping event today and message me for your comment code!

Happy shopping!!!!


*Due to the weight of some crystals, there is shipping costs that will have to be added to the order for any tumbled stones/crystals that are purchased.

It's Purple Day! What would you wear?

It's Purple Day! What would you wear to celebrate? Would you wear purple clothes and accent with a different color jewelry, or just go all out and wear all purple!!!!! Let me know - better yet, post pictures!!!!!

Celebrate February with Amethyst!

As most of us know - amethyst is February's birthstone. The colors range from a light, almost clear purple, to some that are so dark, they look indigo. It is a beautiful member of the quartz family.

Did you know there is more to amethyst than just it's beautiful color and February? It is said that amethyst is the 'sobriety stone'. It was crushed into a powder and added to liquid to protect against drunkenness.  The word amethyst comes from the Greek meaning "without drunkenness" and amethyst is believed to protect one from poison.

It is a bringer of peace, and worn by some to repel guilty and fearful feelings. It has been worn as protection from self-deception, see where the peace comes in. :)




Click the picture to go to my Etsy.com store to see more amethyst jewelry and formations!!!

I love amethyst whether set in jewelry, tumbled and in my pocket, or as a formation on my mantle, don't you :)







This has always been one of my favorites, and I am not even a February baby....hrm, I am an October baby, let's see...count back 9 mo....OMG! in a way, I am a February baby :)

Faceted Fancy Jasper in a New Autumn Necklace

The weather has been glorious the past few days. Really putting me in the mood for fall.

I grabbed that fall muse by the hand and ran down the path of creativity giggling all the way. I have been very happy with myself the past few days, being able  to find time to create more jewelry and get it posted online.

This one is really a favorite of what I have been doing. These stones together have a beautiful offering of peace and gentleness. TTiny faceted fancy jasper beads are the accent to the piece, with a rose colored ceramic pendant. I added the tree agate, because summer is not yet over, and there is still plenty of green to be had. It is a nice splash of color, just like what is in my yard, and the fancy jasper is the leaves that have just started to fall, and are scattered around.

Notice how there are three seed beads between each of the stones, expect for in one spot. I do this intentionally. It is a signature so to speak. Yes there is a pattern, but everyonceinawhile, I like to mess it up, to remind myself, I am not perfect. I still have so much to learn and so much to do - if I was perfect, what else would there be?

Do you have a signature or message that you put into your designs, something that is a little bit of you?

"Karma Clusters" Keeping the Design Simple

While I do like my jewerly to make a statement all on its own, I am finding a new appreciation for the simplicity of a design as well.

I love these small clusters on a simple chain. They don't over do it, and the colors I am using are not bold. This is the versatile choice - perfect for dressing up, to the office, or everyday.

This one is made up of rhodonite, amethyst, fluorite, rose quartz and coral. Peace and Love - who wouldn't want this with them everyday!

Tree Agate Bracelet

I love this little bracelet. It is full of spring and summer fun.

It all started out with that copper pendant.  I had an idea for earrings, but there was only one.  What was I going to do with it. Then the idea hit me. Make it a clasp.

It wasn't hard to put the design together. These beads were all leftovers from another project or three. They were laying about the work table, just begging to be put together.  Agate for harmony, and amethyst for peace.
The rest kinda explains itself :)

Peace and Love - Messages from a stone necklace

I love being inspired by one component of a design and starting the build from there. The glass heart pendant started this design. The green in the glass was a perfect compliment to the sandy colors of the jasper beads. Jasper is the stone of gentleness and nurturing. It is said to bring joy. Why not pair it up with that heart, and wear your heart out for all to see and bring joy to those around you!

The little brass clasp with the peace symbol - didn't take much to push me in that direction :) Amethyst, fluorite, apatite and tourmalated rose quartz. Coupled with the lampwork heart - all speak peace.

I added the blue shell that I found on the beach as a personal touch, and now I am a bit torn about it... Should I change it up? Does it need a different focal? Should I stop over analyzing it?

Bracelet Inspiration - Mom's Charm Bracelet

Growin' up one of my fond memories was of my mom's charm bracelet. I remember laying in her lap at church and busying myself looking at each of the charms, remembering where they came from, and making up stories about them. She wore it every time she stepped out the door.


I remember we would go on vacation or for christmas gifts she would get a new charm to mark the occasion. She would have to take the bracelet to a jeweler to have them attach the charm, sometimes it would be gone for a few weeks. There is one sterling charm in there amongst the gold from when we went to Arizona to visit my aunt. One of Oral Roberts University from when we went to visit my brother in Tulsa. An anchor for my dad - being in the Navy. So many more memories. Mom gave this to me a couple of years ago along with her first wedding ring. I cherish them both so much - and never wear them. I am afraid of loosing them.


This bracelet was inspired by my mom's charm bracelet. There is a hodgepodge of dangles, some with rhyme, some with reason only the wearer will know.

Do you have memories that have inspired you to create something? I would love to hear about them!

February is Amethyst!

February's birthstone is amethyst. You may be familiar with small amethyst pendants or rings but have you ever thought about the stone itself?

What if you are not into jewelry and you still want a piece of amethyst because it is a nice memento of you your birthday?

Amethyst is not just for jewelry!

You may want a sphere or a pocket stone or a beautiful amethyst formation -


From Galleries.com
"Amethyst is a varity of quartz and mined all over the world. Amethyst can occur as long prismatic crystals that have a six sided pyramid at either end or can form as druzes that are crystalline crusts that only show the pointed terminations. As a mineral specimen, amethyst is popular for its color and nice crystal shapes that produce a handsome, purple, sparkling cluster.

However, amethyst is not the same everywhere. Different localities can produce a unique amethyst to that particular region or even to that particular mine. Experts can often identify the source mine that a particular amethyst came from. The key to this is the specimen's color, shape of crystal, inclusions, associations and character of formation. "



Some examples -
North Carolina, USA -- Druzy clusters that have a bluish-violet tint.

Uruguay -- crystals are dark to medium and form in druzy crusts that line the inside of volcanic vugs that have a gray or brown exterior. The crystals are usually colored throughout, unlike the Brazilian crystals, and form with a multicolored agate that often contains reds, yellows and oranges. Often amethyst- coated stalactites and other unusual formations occur inside these vugs.

Maraba, Brazil -- large crystals with unattractive surfaces that are of a pale to medium color and often carved or cut into slices.


Did you know - the ancient Greeks and Romans wore amethyst and made drinking vessels of it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.

Stop by my site Just A Tish for more amethyst choices!

Remember I am donating 20% of all sales for the month of February to Dames for Danes!!!

What is in a necklace

This was a custom order I made for a friend of mine for his special lady. I thought alot about what she is and brought this stone combination together.

It is asymmetrical because she is so wonderfully unpredictable.

Kyanite brings loyalty, honesty and tranquility, and diminishes anger and confusion. Kyanite does not retain negative energy and never needs energetic cleansing. - She is a mother of two, who doesn't need a little kyanite :)

Citrine enhances mental clarity, confidence, happiness and will power. Citrine is purported to bring good fortune, sometimes in very unexpected ways. - She has brought a joy to my friends heart, when I didn't know if anyone could. That is good fortune.

Turquoise can help promote honest and clear communication from the heart. - I tied the turquoise with the citrine for obvious reasons

Amethyst brings energies in mystical realms of stability, peace, calm, balance, courage and inner strength. - This he wanted to add as the focal. Bringing his balance and courage into the relationship

Labradorite is a stone of transformation.It is purported to help provide clarity and insight into your destiny, as well as attract success. - The love these two have has transformed them both, from wary and suspicious to wildly passionate and giddy

Moonstone can help calm responses and avoid overreaction; enhances feminine energies, sensitivity and intuition. This is for her, so she knows that it is real and not a passing fancy. She can be grounded in her love and faith in her mate.

Rings & Things Blogger Challenge - BooYa!!!!

I will remember last night for quite a while. It all came together. The image I had in my head actually came out of my fingers and I have an exact copy in front of me from what I saw in my minds eye.

Amazing.

I am so pleased - I can't stop smiling.

My blogger package came from Rings & Things, such an amazing selection this month. That wood chain had me at hello - and I had to get my hands on it.

Here is what I used -

From Rings & Things

Wood Chain, Disk and Loop (Ebony)*

Chain, Footage, Oval Curb, 10.5mm (Antiqued Copper Plated)*

Bead, Gemstone, 18x25mm Puffed Oval (Blue-Green Turquoise Magnesite)*

Bead, Filigree, 10mm Round (Antiqued Copper Plated)

Bead, Gemstone, Round, 6mm, AB-B Grade (Amethyst)

Artistic Wire™, 22g, 15yd (Natural Copper)

Jump Ring, Round, 5mm (Antiqued Copper Plated)

From Sedona Stones
One strand solid copper soldered jump rings, 10 mm

I threaded the copper chain through the links of the wooden chain, leaving about 2 1/2 inches or so of the copper chain at either end. I opened one of the links of the copper chain and attached it to the last wooden link so the wooden chain would not 'gather' in the middle of the necklace. That is the beauty of those copper links. They have a seam, and you can adjust the chain without having to cut away a link and waste it.

I secured the ends of the chain with a jump ring and attached a toggle to it. I added embellishments of copper links, amethyst, copper filigree beads, magnesite and carnelian to the copper chain to add some color and to keep your eyes moving. This piece is busy!

And here she is boys and girls -






This has been the BEST blogger challenge selection ever! Stop by Rings & Things blog and check out the links to other blog partners to see what they are doing with their packages. The inspiration is endless!!

Thanks Rings & Things and thank you Dave for your support and fabulous blogging community outreach!



*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Rings & Things were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blog Partner Program. These items are for review or design purposes. Find out more about the Rings & Things Blog Partner Program

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!