I Love Labradorite. The Stone of Magic and Transformation

My love affair with labradorite is recent, 10 years or so. I love labradorite, who am I kidding I love them all, equally, with a few favorites :)

I have always had a collection of stones, it started with picking up rocks as a kid. I had a huge Readers Digest World Atlas and in the back was a chart of minerals from around the world. I would pull rocks from my pocket and compare them to the pictures on the chart and wonder which mineral I had.  That book has long since fallen apart, but I still have those 2 pages :)

When I found out that I could actually buy those minerals/stones/crystals and not have to travel to Brazil or Madagascar, my collection began. These stones spoke to me, drew me in. There would be days when I would have to have a particular one in my pocket, and I didn't know why.  Then I found out that the stones have properties, meanings and it all became so clear to me why I was so drawn to stones.

When I started making jewelry, my intent was to use crystals and stone and work with the metaphysical properties of the stones. I didn't just want fashion, I wanted soul support.

My friend Mushi was obsessed with labradorite like I was moonstone. I would be buying moonstone beads, and she was buying labradorite beads. The flash, that fire that came from the stone when the light hit it was amazing. Even the low quality labs had a fire that the moonstone didn't. I do love the fire of a feldspar!

Now that you have my backstory, let's talk about labradorite - the magic stone.

Labradorite brings your magic to the surface, opening up intuition, communication with spirits and more. It brings strength during times of change or conflict. It is a congenial stone, encouraging courtesy. Reduces depression and negativity. It brings hope to the hopeless. It is a strong protection.

Called the temple of stars - it is a connection to energy from other worlds.

It is a great creative stone and helps with writers block.

To me, this is one of those must have stones for any collection. I never go anywhere without one!

Thanks for stopping by, be blessed and always remember, be peaceful, be kind and find time 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!

Keychains!

I like to offer a variety, cuz, well not everyone is into jewelry.

These are fun keychains made with stone donuts with stone, crystal and glass accents.

Jasper, amethyst, amazonite and crystals


Agate with glass pearl and lampwork sugar skull! Just in time for El Dia de Muertos!

Picture jasper and coral


Rhodonite and lamp work flower and awareness beads

Trying something new

I don't know which retail chain I was in when I saw the necklace, all I know is it made me stop in my tracks. It wasn't the most beautiful but it was very interesting. It was earthy and chunky, very casual, but at the same time, I know me, I would wear it to black tie event just cuz I could :) It was beautiful gemstones of greens and browns with tiny copper charms worked in. Glorious!

The cord was knotted between each bead, I am guessing mebbe a silk cord, that looked like tiny rope, that is the best way I can describe it. it looked like it has a nice flow to it, not stiff at all.

So I decided to play around with this look. I really like it. It does justice to summer I think. I didn't have any soft cord, but I did have some hemp.

The hemp although was great to learn with - is scratchy!! OMG! I took it for a test drive, no no no no no, not on bare skin, just saying kids. Am looking for something softer. Also - I have to find new beads. Beads with bigger holes. But that is not a bad thing - new beads :)

Here is the first try - my daughter has laid claim to this one, naturally. It is a heat treated agate focal, with tiger eye, faceted carnelian, copper, and big rutilated quartz puffed ovals. I put tiny heishi cut turquoise in there for a splash of color and a bit of flirt.





I stopped by the LampworkDiva's blog and she has been playing with the bronze metal clay - the PERFECT material for this necklace. Her little charms are awesome!

This next one, I wanted something crazy busy and over the top. I had a box of mixed lampwork beads from Michaels, so I picked out all the beads that had the biggest holes and went to town. I took 6 different lengths of the hemp and knotted the beads randomly on each strand. I can honestly say, I wish I had used 12 strands. I need more. I wore this to work and got several compliments on it, which surpised me. It just goes to show, just cuz I am not happy with it, don't mean that it will not please someone else.



Now off to poke around for some interesting beads and see if I can find that silky cord stuff.

Do you already have some of these items in your inventory? Did you buy them from Rings & Things? From now till the end of July, they are having a contest for Product Review! It's easy, just go to www.rings-things.com and post a review of your favorite product.


Oh, and if I squint I can see the weekend! I am ready!

Rusty's Reindeer

I was approached to create a piece for a birthday present. They wanted something bold, something orange, and something on a chain. I had recently gotten an order from FireMountainGems and used my new items to try and come up with something new.

From FireMountain I used:
H20-1780CH Chain, antiqued brass steel, 5x3mm twisted cable links.

H20-1093AS Mix, plated-findings, gold- and silver-plated over brass, copper and steel base metal. Sold per 1/2-pound pkg. (I LOVE THIS MIX!)

From Sedona Stones I used: (it appears that they have changed their inventory numbers so i can't link back to them -sorry)

L831 ONE Red Agate Kite Pendant, Top Drilled Front to Back, approx 14x59mm

KiloCarnelian2 One Kilo Assorted Carnelian Nuggets, Tumbled, approx 8-18mm 15-16 inch strands

Kilo_LampworkOne Kilo Assorted Handmade Lampwork Beads, approx 8-28mm (Love this!)

530104LCTOAB Swarovski Crystal Bicone, Light Colorado Topaz AB, 4mm 72 pcs(1/2 GROSS)/bag

530104CR Swarovski Crystal Bicone, Crystal, 4mm




This is the finished piece.

March Issue!

The March issue of Bead Trends is out, and I am thrilled to be in this issue! This is the sixth consecutive issue I have had a presence in. The Bead Trends staff is so personable and such a delight. The make themselves available for questions and concerns, making you feel like you are part of something.

Here is a peek inside!

Bead Trends March 2009 Cover


No Distance Too Far - agate and sterling necklace

Peaceful Thursday - amethyst, crystal and jasper necklace

Final touches

I am doing just that. Putting the final touches on a few things to get things ready to take to the arts council tomorrow.

I have no fingernails, my stomach is in knots, and i think, yes - I have a pimple on my chin.....*sigh*

I'll leave you with this -

I haven't named it yet.

Gallery countdown

The Arts Counsil show is soon, too soon

The jitters are setting in -

Do I have the right pieces
Are they set right
Are they good enuff
Will they be secure
Am I really doing the right thing

More and more questions and doubt run thru my mind.

We hang on Saturday, the pieces will display for a month and then life goes on.

This is a peek at what will be on display:

Mojave Sunset - Turquoise, coral, carnelian, rose quartz, sterling, amethyst



Luck Be a Lady - Vintage lead crystal (repurposed from my Grandmas necklace), Czech crystal, pearls, chalcedony,



Evenings Inspiration - Tourmalated quartz



Enchantment Song - beach glass and sterling

The 'Key' to that extra bead

Oh how I love the extra large beads. Creating a piece with all large beads however beautiful it may be, is not always practical. It can be heavy, uncomfortable, bulky, may not lay correctly - these are from my experiences.

Still I buy the strands of the large beads and incorporate them into my designs as focals and accents. After the designs are done, I may have one or two left over - what do I do with them? - put them in my random pile and wait for inspiration.

Here is some fun I have had with my 'stray' beads.