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?

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.

New Bracelets in the Shop!

Been busy bulking up my inventory, have several shows lined up for this summer, and one is a 3 day-er! I am really excited and feeling really creative.

This one looks like a party to me! Glass coins, re purposed acrylic beads, fun textured wood beads, vintage lucite from The Beadin Path, and swarovski crystals on copper. It has some heft and makes a great clacking sound. I may have to keep this one :)

I love asymmetrical designs too. It is like telling a story, it starts; with one thing, then there is a plot twist and then the best finish! This is vintage lucite beads from The Beadin Path, faceted glass and dichoric glass focal bead.

Then there is the great spring time hodge podge of left over beads. They all come together to make the best collection! I love this one, it is so happy to me.


I love when the ideas just flow and I can really get a grasp on the image in my head!!!

Dangle Bracelets and Skulls!

I got these awesome dyed magnesite skulls a few years ago from The Rings & Things Road Show that comes thru here every June. I bought them because there were on sale, and they are cute :)

I had no idea what I would do with them, so I tucked them away til the inspiration hit. Good thing there is no expiration date on these little beauties :)

I played with a few earring designs, but they were too heavy. I tried working them into necklaces, but they didn't lay right. Then one day working on a dangle bracelet, I spied one of the skulls.

Hrm

I wrapped one up quick and slid it into the mix.

IT WORKED!!!

What I love about the design is the skulls don't have to be goth, or angry, or militant - they can be cute. And that's where it's at :)

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?

Adventures in Acrylic Paint

I suffer from the "I want to do it alls" and I dabble in many different forms of expressions. Painting has become a real passion as of late.

I paint in layers, so it takes several days to complete a painting. A real test in patience!

What I love about the layers, is as each one drys, that gives me time to really meditate on what I am doing, really get lost in the project, and express something from very deep inside.

Sometimes as in the project, I may never know when to stop. I keep going with the layers. This one actually started out as a patch of flowers on a grassy hillside by a rock overlooking the ocean. Well, it still is, but the image is not as obvious :)

Jo Challenge - Necklace

Yesterdays post was the beads from Jo's challenge


I added copper chain, copper bead caps, chalcedony, swarovski crystals and copper daisy spacers to her choices and came up with this:



It screams summer to me. I can't wait to wear it!

Come on Spring!! Lampwork Necklace

I am really eager for spring to be here. It is March - finally - and spring does hit hear early.

I am trying to change up my styles and give a broader selection to my necklaces as opposed to always the bulky trendy pieces.


I had a handful of lamp work beads that I used to make this asymmetrical design. The way I wrapped the focal, it is very similar on either side, so you will never wear the piece backwards.

I love buying bulk lamp work beads from Sedona Stones. They offer them by the kilo, and you buy them sight unseen. It is a lot of fun to receive a grab bag of goodies to stimulate your creativity.

Are you ramping up your inventory with new spring designs?

ArtBeads Colors of Fall Design Partner Challenge!

ArtBeads did a great design partner challenge this go around using the 2010 Fall color pallet as the guide. Choose components that co ordinate with the color pallet as your challenge. Great colors for fall this year:




Fall is a beautiful time of year, especially in the south. Coming out of those long hot dog days of summer into the clear crisp fall days is such a treat. Fall lasts longer here, mixing with the final hues of summer, the colors are amazing. As the summer fades, you still see scants of green hanging from tree branches heading into their winter slumber.

You ever smell grapes in the fall - right after a frost?? OMG - the best smell in the world. The leaves turn brown and the little vine "curly Q's" come peaking out, and there are just a couple little green grapes left. That was the inspiration for these earrings. Using the Fire-Polished Bead 8mm Opaque Turqoise Picasso beads (FPS-PI-OTU8) to represent the grapes, and hung them from copper curls - they look like little grapes don't they?? :)



Then you have all of those wonderful fall colors, warm and bright. Picasso glass from Art Beads, (white and turquoise) along with mookite make fun clusters at the bottom of this necklace.


This is a fun, almost beachy style necklace. Leather thong with copper coils to hold it together in a faux bolo style. The grouping of beads hanging from the ends look like groups of leaves hanging low on branches. There is a hint of sparkle from the Swarovski crystals, like that sparkle of dew in the mornings.


It has a fun and off center style.



Have you seen the colors on fire during the autumn sunset? Love the horizon during the fall. The sun is most spectacular during the fall.


There are more great designs to come using great supplies from Art Beads!!

Stay tuned!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

Building a Design - When is Enuff - Enuff?

My friend Jessie gave me several glass pendants she picked up at a street fair awhile back, and last nite I sat down to make something with them.

It all started simple enuff - a single strand of seed beads and aventurine beads. A group of seed beads separated by the aventurine. I didn't measure between or count beads - I call it my sorta symmetry :)


I can't leave well enuff alone - I always have to build and build. I have a problem with symmetry, (even sorta symmetry) it makes me yawn at times. I have to have things be busy - I'll chalk that up to my ADD - it has been a life long curse.

I added a second strand - keeping the idea similar, a group of seed beads and the quartz and crystal pattern.




But it didn't stop there. Oh no! I added a third strand. This strand is completely random. Aventurine chips and disks, copper, lapis, jade, quartz, seed beads and mookite. I wove (is that a word?) the third strand thru the design and sat back and smiled.


I love all of the color. I know we are going into fall but I can dream about spring already, can't I?

How do you build your designs? Can you stop? Do you have to keep adding? I would love to know!

It even looks better on - now I have to do something with my hair - the pink stripes are just not getting it :)

Summer Fun

I am not ready to let go of summer :)

I had that little focal for a while. Just a little plastic textured star with a tiny purple flaw. Embrace the flaw I say, and use it to bring the design together.





4 separate strands -
One of random beads from the Designer collection (this was a close out deal, but you should see their bead assortments!! ) at Rings & Things
One of seed bead - peridot - from Michaels
One of seed beads - lilac (Michales), with added dyed crazy lace agate coins from Sedona Stones
And the last of light blue seed beads and the strand woven thru the design to give it a floating feel.

This piece thrills me - It is so fun to wear, and a real mood lifter!

Spring Fling bracelet - Art Beads Blog Partner

This is one idea that came to my mind and I immediately set down to work.
At first I wanted to group all the pink drops on the center brass link, but the wire wasn't long enuff, and I didn't feel they would be secure. I haven't quite figured out how to work with the pink drops, they remind me of something that would be used in a floral design.

I purposely turned the brass ovals opposite of each other so you can see both sides of the link, and not have to worry if the bracelet is put on upside down or turns on your wrist and shows the underside of the link. I didn't have any brass wire, so I used the brass as part of the focal and used the copper wire to bring it all together. I love mix and match :)

It is fun with a nice drape and the dangles make me happy.


These items I got from Art Beads -
PBA-LX021 Antique Vintage Brass-Plated Pewter Abstract Oval Link *
CR-RL207 5x4mm Emerald/Wasabi Mix Roundelle Strand *
VIN-0041 Pink Glass Teardrop Vintage Patina Copper Head Pin *

From my inventory -
Copper131 Copper rings - Sedona Stones
47-408-SP 20 ga copper wire - Rings & Things
47-402-SP 14 ga copper wire - Rings & Things

Soon I am going to learn how to work my camera and have the whole picture in focus - but that is another day and another cup of coffee.

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

Spring furnace glass fun with Art Beads!

Gumdrops and Easter, jonquils and daffodils, this is a celebration of spring from Art Beads!!
I kept the design simple wanting the cluster of furnace glass to get all of the attention. And you know how I am about that furnace glass!!!


Here are the components from ArtBeads.com that went into this necklace -
PBA-LX003 Antique Vintage Brass-Plated Pewter Clover Shape Heart Link *
PBA-LX021 Antique Vintage Brass-Plated Pewter Abstract Oval Link *
BBACH08 Antique Brass-Plated Figaro Chain *
CR-RL207 5x4mm Emerald/Wasabi Mix Roundelle Strand *
FD-SPRING SPRING MIX Fire Designs Hand Blown Furnace Glass Approx 1oz *
VIN-0041 Pink Glass Teardrop Vintage Patina Copper Head Pin *
BBA-HP15 1.5-inch Antique Brass-Plated 23 Gauge Head Pin 24 *


The holes in the furnace glass beads are large, so I used the green glass and seed beads as 'stoppers' and it was also a nice addition to the dangles. Gave it a bit more depth.

Bam! In your face colors of Spring!!


It explodes from your neck with bright springtime colors



Am starting to put away my sweaters and break out my short sleeve shirts. Can't wait to wear this!

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Art Beads were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Blogging for Beaders Program. These items are for review or design purposes.

Shoulda Coulda - Peridot necklace

I wanted to submit this piece to Bead Trends for August 2010 issue. Being peridot is the birthstone, I thought it would be an appropriate submission. But too many things got in the way and I didn't get it finished til this morning.

2 strands of peridot chips
1 strand of white and green seed beads
1 strand of copper hand wound links, lamp work, swarovski crystals and seed beads
1 strand peridot, green quartz, rose quartz, and seed beads


Here is a close up -



The color choices of the necklace are brought out by the lampwork beads, the stone combination is a no brainer.

Peridot is the stone of compassion. It has a friendly energy and is excellent for healing. It assists in rebirth and renewal of all kinds. Peridot also bring abundance and prosperity. It enhances the healing and harmony of relationships of all kinds, but particularly marriage. Peridot can lessen stress in relationships, anger and jealousy.

Rose quartz is the stone of unconditional love. The elevated energy of quartz gives rose quartz a property of enhancing love in virtually any situation. It also brings gentleness, forgiveness, and tolerance.

Even tho I had intended it for August to celebrate the birthstone, the stone combination's brings love and forgiveness all year long, that is way better than just one month :)

January's Birthstone - Garnet

No wonder the saying 'slower than molasses in January' is so true. You ever try and pour cold molasses? When I think January, I think cold, then I think garnets!

Garnet is January's birthstone as we all know, but did you know that garnets come in a range of colors? Here are examples of some. I found examples of all of these different garnets online. Click on the picture and it will take you to the site for more gemstone information.

Almandine - Deep, dark, rich red to purplish red to orange red (probably the most common)



Demantoid - Medium green to slightly yellowish green



Hessonite - Brilliant yellow to yellowish brown (one of my favorites)



Pyrope - Deep, dark, rich red to slightly purple red



Rhodolite - Shades of pink through reddish lavender (absolutely stunning)



Spessartite - Medium orange to reddish orange (sometimes called mandarin garnet and makes me stupid happy)



Tsavorite - Medium, intense green to slightly yellowish green (now ya know why emeralds are the alternate birthstone for January)



Uvarovite - Bright green (most of the examples I found for this garnet were all druzy's)




Now I know you are all wondering "Where can I get garnets?"

Rings & Things
Faceted Fan, Tip Drilled (Rhodolite Garnet)




ArtBeads
Green Grossular Garnet Roundelles




Beadin Path
Garnet Graduated Faceted Marquis Briolettes



I know you have ideas running thru your head right now. Not only is garnet the birthstone for January, but garnets also represent romantic love and passion, making them perfect for your valentine!!

Going crazy with vintage lucite from Beadin Path

Yesterday, home from work, bored with sleeping and disgusted with t.v. I tried reading. My mind kept wandering to my work table and what I could be doing. I put the book down and sat at my work table.

Nothing.

I pushed some beads around on the table with my finger and hummed a ditty to myself.

Nothing.

I have some compartmentalized storage boxes I have been putting my beads and supplies in, so I picked up on that project to see if I ran across anything that would get me going. I sat in the floor with baggies all around me, sorting and piling and pushing things around. My cat, who loves plastic baggies and to play fetch, trotted in with a baggie in his mouth. He dropped it in front of me, mewed to get my attention and pushed up against me, his way of saying, 'Mom, throw it!' I picked up the baggie and noticed it was my lucite beads from Beadin Path. That pesky cat!

Oh wait, that glorious cat! I got an idea as soon as I touched that bag. My daughter had been on me about making too many necklaces, and challenged me to step out and try making bracelets and earrings. I did just that!

I have talked about the memory wire bracelets before. How they are a great alternative to elastic, especially if you are knot challenged like I am. They are also great bracelets for people who have a difficult time with clasps due to arthritis, or who may have larger wrists and have trouble finding something to fit. The other thing too about memory wire, it is a great unisex option, open up that customer base!

Vintage lucite beads are light, so you can bulk up a design and not have to worry about the weight. The colors are so vivid, whereas you are limited by natural stone. The lucite is so sturdy, it can take the wear on your wrist for a worry free fashion accessory.

So, memory wire bracelets -



LUC3737OR Twist Tube Beads 10 x 12mm Orange Moonglow *

Glass pearls

Sterling disks






LUC646GR - Vintage Lucite Matte Marbled Moss Green - 10 mm rounds *
Glass pearls




But don't stop there - how about memory wire earrings? These are great fun wire loop earrings packed with lucite. Lucite beads are so light weight you can wear some really daring designs and combinations and not have to worry about them being uncomfortable.





LUC4869OR Transparent Hyacinth Barrel Bead 12 x 14 mm *
Glass pearls







LUC461YL Opaque Jonquil Round 8 mm *
LUC4458YL Pale Jonquil Round beads 16mm *
LUC4759RD - Vintage Italian Lucie Marbled Red w/ White - 12mm rounds *
Seed beads
(My favorite)







LUC646GR - Vintage Lucite Matte Marbled Moss Green - 10 mm rounds *
Glass pearls





There are so many things to do with memory wire and vintage lucite, what about wine glass charms? What else do you make with memory wire?

*FTC compliance disclosure: the '*' items mentioned in this post credited to Beadin Path were provided as a promotional gift as part of the Beadin Path Design Partners. These items are for review or design purposes.

Carnelian and vintage lucite, with a dash of pearls, Recipie for a fun holiday necklace

It's Thanksgiving, you just bought a new sweater to wear to Aunt Sarahs for dinner and you want a new necklace to go with it.

That is what was running through my head as I was making this piece. I got caught up in the memories of watching my mom when I was little, getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner with family and wearing her new outfit and fussing about her appearance. It was important to her, and to her family to be their best on the holidays. Family would come in from all over the country for a long weekend of catching up, eating, sleeping, eating again and facing the Black Friday crowds at the local department stores to kick off the holiday shopping.

Loaded with fall colors, warm and inviting, the carnelian rectangles definitely make me hungry. They look sweet, like butterscotch candies, or pumpkin pie.

Your shopping list:
Carnelian rectangles - Sedona Stones
Vintage lucite Dark Rust Moonglow Heishi Rondells 4 x 8mm - Beadin Path
Citrine coins - Sedona Stones
Vintage lucite Cube Beads 10mm Smoky Quartz - Beadin Path
22-gauge Copper wire - Rings & Things
Fresh water pearls - Sedona Stones
Faceted red agate - Sedona Stones



Wrap seven carnelian rectangles with the copper wire.
Add copper links with vintage lucite beads - set aside.



String a pattern of pearls, vintage lucite, citrine and red agate and work into the design.
Add a clasp



Polish off the fingerprints (this step I forgot)
Wear with a smile.



Perfect recipe for a great holiday necklace