Peridot and Sterling Wire Pendant - Compassion

I wanted to do something a little different. Instead of wrapping a stone, I made a simple design from 18 ga sterling silver wire and added 

4mm peridot beads as an accent. It is a real fun combination!

Very simple design: cut a length of wire, use a round nosed pliers and bend the wire around the base of the tine at the mid point of the wire. On one end of the wire, made a wire wrapped loop. On the other end of the wire, wrap it around the base of the wire wrapped loop one, and make a spiral out of the tail to lock it into place. Then hammer the wire to hold the shape of the pendant, and add wire wrapped peridot accents. Use any bead to accent this pendant.

Known as the stone of compassion, peridot is believed to bring good health, restful sleep and peace to relationships by balancing emotions and mind. This friendly bright green stone also has the uncanny ability to inspire eloquence and creativity; it also brings delight and good cheer. (1)

Did you know, one of only two gems (Diamond is the other) formed not in the Earth’s crust, but in molten rock of the upper mantle and brought to the surface by the tremendous forces of earthquakes and volcanoes.(2)

If you like what you see, this pendant and more of my jewelry creations are listed in my Etsy store! Stop by and save your favorites today!

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.

1. https://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/encyclobeadia/gem-notes/gmstnprprtsprdt

2. https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/peridot

Ruby in Zoisite Pendant

Ruby in zoisite such a sweet little stone. I got these square faceted top drilled beads from Fire Mountain Gems. 

Each bead is about 18mm square and when wrapped makes them just about an inch. 

The red or the ruby varies between each bead, some more than others and not always on both sides of the bead. Which is pretty cool for a pendant style, because you can wear it either way, and it can be more versatile!

I have paired these little beads with copper and sterling, both wire showcases the beautiful little stone.

Ruby in zoisite is the stone of happiness and abundance.  

 I know it makes my heart happy!!!

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.

"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!

Custom Pieces - Turquoise and Labradorite Set

One of my favorite things is working with someone who has an idea about a new piece of jewelry, and making it come to life for them. 

This is a recent work up, I didn't have all of the stones that I needed and I needed to place an order, right before Christmas. I couldn't guarantee delivery on the piece, and she was fine with that.   I ordered on 12/19/18 and it showed up on 12/22/18 - it was a Christmas miracle!! They were made and delivered on 12/23/18

Way to go Firemountain Gems!!! 

I can't speak well enough about Firemountain Gems. amazing!!!

She wanted a labradorite and turquoise multi layer necklace. Labradorite because it is the stone of magic and turquoise because it is a master healer and more. 

I had the turquoise, but not the labradorite. I honestly really wanted to wait for the local gem show so I could see it and pick the strands that had the most fire, but that wasn't going to happen until the end of Jan. 

Next best thing, I went to Firemountain Gems. 

I found out a long time ago, FMG doesn't play when it comes to quality and customer satisfaction.  I have also found, they are straight up when it comes to their descriptions of their product. They tell you what grade the stone, if it is heat treated, color enhanced, re constituted and more, so there is no guessing. 

I had no reservations shopping online for the labradorite, knowing I would get a beautiful product, and there would be that glorious flash that shows up in labradorite when it is good quality. 

I honestly can't thank Firemountain Gems enough for their speedy service and quality of product!

As a surprise, her mother asked to have a pair of earrings made, so she would have something to open on Christmas - but as it happens, she got both!!!

May your new year be all things you wanted it to be, 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!

Red Dyed Howlite Flower Earrings with Moonstone Accents

I got a strand of these cute little 15mm dyed howlite flower shaped beads from Fire Mountain Gems. The strand I got was multi colored with orange, white, yellow, green, hot pink and blue. 

(The multi color strand is no longer available, but they do have a light blue strand that is only $1.00!!)

These beads are light weight, and make the cutest earrings!

Howlite is the stone that helps to aid in self awareness and and improving ones emotional well being. It just seem perfect to  add a  faceted moonstone heishi cut beads to accent the design and for the metaphysical properties of encouraging hopes and dreams. 

I just love how they turned out!

Can't wait to show you my next creation!

Thanks for stopping by, be blessed and always remember to 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!

All The New Gadgets!! Loop Making Pliers

I am so out of the loop when it comes to specialty tools. I am so old school :)

I saw a video for these pliers on Firemountain Gems Facebook page this morning and WOW!!

It appears to be the tiniest bit of a learning curve to get the hang of these pliers.  For my taste, the loop is too far above the top bead, I would want a tighter design, that aside, I think this is genius. For a beginner that is having problems with learning to make a loop, this would be great. For someone like me, with arthritis starting to set in, it would be perfect. I can find so many reasons to use this tool.

What are your thoughts on these pliers? Have you used them?

By the way, I am not paid to review products by Firemountain Gems. I just thought this was really cool and wanted to share it with you!


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!

Pantone's Colors for Spring 2017

These are the top 10 colors for Spring 2017 according to Pantone, and I love them!

When I work on my designs, I use the metaphysical properties of the stones to relay an energy to the wearer, to offer healing to the soul. There is more to it as well, like the colors and patterns that are dictated each year to be the 'it' thing. I try to keep aware of what is going on in the fashion industry, as I work on my designs, because lets face it, I have to make sales as well. I try to find a happy medium of creating my healing jewelry and fitting in on the edges of fashion to be appealing to a broader audience. 

That being said, I peeked in on Pantone to see what was going on for spring this year. These colors are beautiful, and soothing. 

Then I set off for Firemountain Gems to see what they had ( no they don't pay me to name drop, it is just where I shop)

 I found these beautiful dyed agate beads

These colors are all over in the natural world, and some do have a little bit of help with some dye. This color pallet is also one that I love to work with. (it's orange )

Can't wait to see what I find at the trade show in March!!!!

Which is your favorite color? Which of these colors would you like to work with?

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!

"Charming" Carnelian And Copper Bracelet

Right before Christmas, my daughter informed me she had broken her carnelian bracelet. She is always wearing a single strand, simple, small carnelian bracelet. Carnelian and bloodstone are her favorite.  I didn't have any carnelian, so I went to my trusted Firemountain Gems and started poking around.  They had a great sale of a 'grab bag' bead mix of agate/carnelian strands. So I bit!

 How was I going to make a bracelet for Leigh for Christmas, if I didn't know what I was getting.  Not knowing was part of the fun, and added a challenge to the creative process.  While this is not the actual bracelet I made for her, I had to make another one similar for my shop :)

 When the order arrived, I was so thrilled to see these huge 10mm beads. It didn't take any time for the design to come together.

 The design grew into an awesome boho/hippie style, which fit her perfectly.

 I love a multi strand anything really. It has more flow, some bulk to get it noticed, so it can become a statement piece.  Tip of the day: Putting a seed bead between the beads gives the design flexibility. If the 10mm beads were butted up against each other, the design would be too stiff.

And then there is the carnelian. A beautiful agate full of courage and creativity. Deep color is warm and comfortable.

Do you like a creative challenge? I would love to hear about some of yours!

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!

I Am In Love With These Earrings!

I got these ceramic beads from FireMountain Gems a while back. While shopping I had to have them, and then when I got them, I wasn't sure what to do with them. They were big, 13 mm. If I would have left them all together, they would have made a great bracelet, but that wasn't really allowing myself to create.

So I pushed them off to the side and I waited. Months went by, and I would see them, I would move them around, putting other beads between them, trying to make something, and it still wasn't talking to me.

Months went by again!

Then one day, as I was shuffling around thru my beads, I noticed that there was a smaller bead sitting in the hole of the ceramic bead, and that was all it took! The ideas began to flow, and the earrings started to take shape. I am in Love with them!!! I need to keep a couple pair for myself. 

They are so bright! The colors are amazing, and make me happy to see them. They are surprisingly light, and fun to wear. Here in the middle of winter, they make me smile and think of summer, and music festivals and dancing.

Do they make you think of anything?

And as always, Be peaceful, Be kind. 

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

In Love with Lapis

I love to order assortments. It keeps me on my creative toes. I LOVE lapis and loved this assortment from Firemountain Gems

This Lapis Assortment came with a good amount of beads, and except for the smallest, no two were like. Which made it even more fun :)




Lapis Lazuli brings truthfulness, openness, inner power, intuition, creativity, virility and manifestation. It strengthens the mind and body as well as increasing awareness and spiritual connection/evolution. It can help organize daily life as well as organizing and quieting a busy or restless mind. Lapis Lazuli is also used to contact with guardian spirits. Who wouldn't want that in their life!

Lapis also makes me think of blue jeans, it is comfortable, goes with anything, can be dressed up or dressed down, so versatile. I wanted to make a design that could be both as well.  I wire wrapped each stone to a twisted copper link and finished it off with a simple black cord, with the clasp on the side. Leaving the long lapis piece for the focal.  I pared the lapis with smoky quartz. 

Smoky quartz is an excellent stone for removing negativity and negative energy of any kind and transforming them to positive energy. It is also a very protective and grounding stone. It brings physical, protection, psychic protection and protection from negative energy. It enhances survival instincts, and can help one reach personal and business goals, as well as assisting in making wishes come true.


They just go so well together dont' they?






*sigh* This is one I may have to keep for myself :)

Inexpensive Glamor

I got a mix bag of acrylic beads from Firemountain Gems a while back, and have had so much playing with them.
There is a great source of inspiration in this fun little mix.

This is my latest creation using those acrylic beads, and adding some chain, and black stone.

Simple, inexpensive and oh so glamorous!

Fun Finds from FireMountain

One of the perks to being published in Bead Trends magazine is the gift certs from FireMountain Gems.


I was having problems finding my creative vein a few weeks back and decided to add a few things to my inventory. I used couple of my gift certs i have had stashed and got this fun mess.



H202179CH 6x4 aluminum chain, gunmetal finish
H201805CH 22x15 twisted aluminum chain
H206489FY 8x4.5 copper bead cap
H206488FY 10x5 copper bead cap
H208804MB 12x6 copper bead cap

I can't wait to get stared!

Beading contests 2009/2010

I rounded up some of the beading contests for the remainder of this year and next year. I have posted this before, but have added more information so if you didn't see it before, there may be something new you want to try.

I got my fingers crossed!

Bead Dreams 2010
8 categories from jewelry to beaded items

8th Annual The Ugly Necklace Contest, 2010
Shopping spree's for first and second place.

Seed Beads Beading Contest
Firemountain Gems has six categories of great beading ideas. Win a shopping spree!

Your Designs Rock!
Rings & Things contest consists of five categories, with two chances to be entered into a raffel!

Firemountain Gems have expanded their contests to six times a year!! Next contest is Art Clay,Wire Work, Metal Beads and Chains- deadline January 12, 2010."

CARPE BEADUM Design Contest 2009
1 Stop Bead Shop has kits available including lampworked beads, crystals, tierracast spacers, and seed beads. Please choose your color - we have more than one colorway available. The kit is available for sale at $35.00 each starting NOW. - deadline is Nov. 15, 2009

Haute Couture Beading Contest
Choose from the supplied pictures and let it inspire you to create a piece, primarily of seed beads and submit it!! Deadline is Nov, 20, 2009

Not into contests?
These publications are always looking for submissions.

Beadwork's W.O.R.D ("What Our Readers Did")
Send photos of your projects to beadwork@interweave.com. Work inspired by projects published in previous issues of Beadwork magazine are especially welcome. Selected submissions may be published in Beadwork magazine on the "Letters" page.

Jewelry Artist Monthly Design Challenge
Each month Jewelry Arist challenges artists to sketch a specific design challenge. A selection of sketches are published in the "Your Turn" section of the magazine. Complete rules and entry information in every issue of Jewelry Artist. Deadline varies (generally the 30th of the month).

Step by Step Beads "Gallery of Reader Work"
Step by Step Beads editor Leslie Rogalski periodically calls for reader submissions on a certain theme. Selected submissions may be published in the magazine or on the website. Submission details inside Step by Step Beads magazine.

Step by Step Wire Jewelry "Wire Works" Reader Gallery
Please send images of your original wire designs to dpeck@interweave.com. Selected submissions may be published in Step by Step Wire Jewelry.

Bead Trends Magazine
Bead Trends is an international publication offering new categories each month for you to enter. Submissions accepted will be published.


Good luck to you all!!!

Struggling with an idea - Attempt 1

Before I get into today's post, I wanted to make an update to yesterday's beading contests for 2010 entry. I got an email from Diann Gilbertson of Firemountain Gems letting me know that their contests have expanded to six times a year!! Diann says, "We just closed the CRYSTALLIZED- Swarovski ElementsContest and received some beautiful designs. Our next contest is Art Clay,Wire Work, Metal Beads and Chains- deadline January 12, 2010."

So get your thinkin' caps on kids and get those creatives juices flowing!

_________________________








Here is my collection I got at ArtBeads.com. I based this selection on the picture of this gore-juss flower. I used the picture as a guide for the colors, and I also wanted the necklace to have a floral feel, and I wanted it to flow. Now let's mix it up some, I wanted it bulky, and I wanted it to move. Like when breezes blow, and the whole plant, leaves and bloom sway and dance.

It is in my head, I can see it, but my fingers can't feel it. Yesterday was attempt 1. I am not happy with the way it turned out, and I will most likely re purpose it this weekend. Just because I don't like it, doesn't mean that I shouldn't share it. To grow as an artist, you need feedback - good or bad from your peers and mentors. That being sed - here is what I did:



I played around with a couple different ideas for the way I wanted it to look.



Added some of my findings from my supplies to try for yet again a different look.



Then I thought, "flowers" - I should add wooden beads as well.



First I used copper wire and did a basic wire wrapped loop connecting one bead to the copper loop and the other bead to the copper loop and to the filigree. I did this first so I would have an anchor as I built my strands.



I added a fun and 'sloppy' wrap to the Donut Rust Ripple pendant out of copper wire, to give it a bit of texture.



When I made the wire wrapped loops, I made them larger, because I am attaching three strands to it. I need the room.



Three strands of Green Spider Jasper Cubes later, attached to a brass toggle and 'braided', they are all attached to the filigree link.



Both sides done



I attached the rainbow carnelian squares to the outside links of the filgree and strung the pendant as a center focal.



On the inside links of the filgree I used the 8mm Topaz Druk beads alternating with wood.



It is nice, and long, it may even be pretty, but I see something else in my head.


I am welcome to any suggestions!

Looking Ahead - Beading Contest 2010

Welp, here it is nearing the end of September, and I am already thinking about next year!

I rounded up some of the beading contests for next year so you would have plenty of time to come up with a winning creation.

I got my fingers crossed!

Bead Dreams 2010
8 categories from jewelry to beaded items

8th Annual The Ugly Necklace Contest, 2010
Shopping spree's for first and second place.

Seed Beads Beading Contest
Firemountain Gems has six categories of great beading ideas. Win a shopping spree!

Your Designs Rock!
Rings & Things contest consists of five categories, with two chances to be entered into a raffel!

Not into contests?
These publications are always looking for submissions.

Beadwork's W.O.R.D ("What Our Readers Did")
Send photos of your projects to beadwork@interweave.com. Work inspired by projects published in previous issues of Beadwork magazine are especially welcome. Selected submissions may be published in Beadwork magazine on the "Letters" page.

Jewelry Artist Monthly Design Challenge
Each month Jewelry Arist challenges artists to sketch a specific design challenge. A selection of sketches are published in the "Your Turn" section of the magazine. Complete rules and entry information in every issue of Jewelry Artist. Deadline varies (generally the 30th of the month).

Step by Step Beads "Gallery of Reader Work"
Step by Step Beads editor Leslie Rogalski periodically calls for reader submissions on a certain theme. Selected submissions may be published in the magazine or on the website. Submission details inside Step by Step Beads magazine.

Step by Step Wire Jewelry "Wire Works" Reader Gallery
Please send images of your original wire designs to dpeck@interweave.com. Selected submissions may be published in Step by Step Wire Jewelry.

Bead Trends Magazine
Bead Trends is an international publication offering new categories each month for you to enter. Submissions accepted will be published.

Want a chance to be a designer?

Apply to become a 2010 Creative Artist Team member
EK Success Brands is looking for a potential 2010 Creative Artist Team member.

Good luck to you all!!!

It's like christmas! Great things in my mail box!

Like a double whammy, but in a good way - I go to my mailbox and there I have not only my selections for the Sept. Rings & Things blogger challenge, but I have the necklace that I ordered from Dawno.

I squealed and danced in the street in front of my mailbox when I saw this wonderful double bounty.

Here is what came from Rings & Things -



4- Sterling silver rope design "S" clasps.
1 - Strand of 10 x 10 faceted fan beads - multistone.
1 - Sterling silver leaf face charm
1 - Sterling silver key charm
1 - 100 ct. India dancing bells
1 - Ocean jasper T-Drop pendant
1 - Moss agate T-Drop pendant

I grossly misjudged the size of the pendants, but I am not disappointed at all - They are Beautiful!! I can't wait to work with them. The faceted fans are brilliant. The bells made my heart happy - so many uses for this little gems. I had the design in my head when I ordered the pieces. Now all I have to do is sit down and build them. I will get started tonite.

Dawno had blogged about a necklace she made a month or so back. I fell in love with the hand made pendant and the necklace design. I began to pester her, asking when will I be seeing it on her ArtFire store so I can buy it. Come to find out - she had made it, and intended to keep it for herslelf. :( Dawno was so gracious as to order a focal pendant and create another one for me!

I love this necklace. It is fun and bright, and honestly will go with anything. I dont' want to limit it to just spring and summer wear. It is so lovely and the beautiful spring flowers are sure to lighten any winter duldrum!

Dawno was kind enuff to share with me where she got all the componets to make the necklace so I can share them with you.

The pendant is a beautiful. It is a Patti Stoll creation.



The blue beads are vintage Lucite - Sapphire moonglow rice ovals 9x15mm, from The Beadin' Path and the opaque yellow glass are 6mm Czech Druk beads from Fire Mountain Gems.


Now look at this craftsmanship - brilliant, sturdy, and beautiful! What a combination.



The scrimps are from Rings & Things. They cost a bit more, but are worth the investment. They add a polished touch to the design, very professional. The benefit to the scrimp is if the design needs to be re worked, you do not damage the beading wire by removing them. Just a turn of a little screw and you can do what you need to re work or even repair the piece. Not like crimp tubes, which require being cut off just so, as to not ruin the coating on the beading wire and cause fraying.

Now look at the Wire Guardians - cable thimbles. This keeps the beading wire safe from fray and crimping by threading the wire thru the 'stay' and then around the jump ring or the connector ring to the clasp. It prevents the wire from mashing or the protective coating from being damaged and causing the wire to fray. That can be uncomfortable and prickly!



And of course I am wearing it :)

My Matisse

A couple of days ago I posted about the pendant I had received as part of the blogger group outreach from ArtBeads. I had been given several jewelry supply categories to choose from, and when I saw this bead, I knew what I had to do. The bead I had chosen was the 30x40mm Rectangle Black Onyx Matisse - Blue Nude from the Artist Masterpiece Pendants - Russian Pendant collection. When I got home from work last nite I sat down and got to work.

I already had the design in my head, all I needed to do was put it together.

Here is what I used.

30x40mm Rectangle Black Onyx Matisse - Blue Nude - ArtBeads
White jade roundells - Sedona Stones
Faceted black crystal roundells - Firemountain Gems
Lapis roundells - O'Mega Gems
6mm blackstone - Firemountain Gems
Silver plated Oval Link Chain - ArtBeads
Silver plated 3 Strand + 3 Link Chain - ArtBeads

The pendant is stunning, I can't stress enough how wonderful it is.

The 3 strand +3 Link chain however beautiful it is, will work your patience. The three small strands between the triple links has a tendency to bunch up and knot. I have now dubbed it the diva chain. It is beautiful and knows it, and will make you work for it.

The oval link chain, I have to admit, I am a bit disappointed in. It doesn't have that beautiful finish like on the diva chain. It is not as smooth and shiney as I had hoped. It almost has an 'orange peel' appearance to it. Will it stop me from buying it again? I doubt it.

And here she is kids - My Matisse!

I love working with multi-strands. I love the busy look. I think I captured a fun multilayer look w/o taking away from the focal.




I changed up the 3 link + 3 strand chain a bit at the focal. I snipped out the middle link and added a triple stack of the faceted crystals on a hand wound link.







I do love her!