Isis Phantom Quartz Tower with Chlorite Inclusions

A thousand years ago (10 or 11 actually) I bought a crystal business from the vendors I used to set up next to on the weekends at the flea market. We had known each other for years, I actually had been one of their customers for years, until I started making jewelry and selling along side them. We had permanent spots next to each other for two seasons when they decided they had been doing it long enough, and was I interested in buying their inventory. 

Don't have to ask me twice!

After buying the inventory, I had several shows lined up, and along with the help of James, we had some fun for a season. 

But working a 40 hour week, Monday thru Friday and then setting up every weekend to sell at the flea market or other venues got to be too much, and I packed everything up. 

Recently I have started to go back through my collection to see exactly what I have. It is like going thru the inventory for the first time again. I am having so much fun!

I am going to start sharing them with you!!

This beauty is a quartz point tower. Finished on the bottom so it is a stand alone piece. There is no need for a stand. 

The chevron stripes are made up of chlorite. At the bottom of the stripes you can see a 'shadow' of a line, that is the phantom crystal that was going in the middle of the formation. It looks like a little pyramid going in there!

 Isis is the five sided face, that may or may not be symmetrical. 

There is so much about this specimen that I adore. 

Let's talk about quartz. Quartz is a master healer, and amplifier of energy and intention. Probably so because it is found everywhere - EVERYWHERE!

Isis quartz is a gentle nurturer. Helping to overcome hurt and distress. It helps to open up your empathy, allowing you to feel what others are feeling, but not get caught up in their turmoil. 

Phantom quartz is a reminder that we should not give up. It allows us to let go of the ego, and heal from within. To see that it probably wasn't as bad as we thought it was to begin with. It  pulls us out of our rut and allows us to grow from our experiences, as a victor, never a victim. 

This little beauty has it all. I do adore it so much!

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. 

Agate and Quartz Copper Wire Wrapped Pendant - Jewelry With Purpose - Harmony and Balance

This is a beautiful specimen of how agate and quartz form together, and probably a little chalcedony as well.  This little high dome cabochon has an outside rim of agate, and the inside is quartz.  I love the pattern of the lines of agate, and the intricacy of the quartz center.

Agate is a stone of balance and harmony. It improves concentration, and soothes anger and tension. It brings a feeling of security and safety. 

Quartz is a master healer, and an amplifier of energy. 

This is an awesome combination, and it happened naturally over millions of years. 

Lots of love here :)

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.

Titanium Coated Quartz Point Pendant

I got several drilled quartz points that were titanium coated, to give them this awesome rainbow finish. I can't remember where I got these from!!!

So easy to do just a quick wrap with sterling wire on the top to create the bale and a shabby chic design with the wire. I wanted the quartz point to be the focal, not the wire. 

I really am surprised at the weight of the pendant. It hangs beautifully from the sterling chain.

The light hits the quartz just right, and all the colors show up!

So much fun, and so versatile. Wear it alone or stack it with other necklaces to make your own look!


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!

Dyed Quartz Point with AB Finish Pendant

One of the most common crystals in the world, but that doesn't make it ordinary :)

I love quartz!!!

This quartz point has been dyed light blue, with an AB finish.  I did a quick hippie wrap of sterling silver on the top. I didn't want to take away from the stone with an ornate wrap. 

Quartz is an amplifier of energy. Because it is an amplifier of energy, it is also a master healer. 

Blue is the color of healing and happiness. 

What a great combination of color and crystal these are!!!

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

Bringin' the 90's Forward - Repurposed Necklace

 My brother and sister in law are two of my biggest fans. They oooh and ahhhh over all of my creations, I make jewelry for both of them, and they excitedly wear it and pass under the nose of everyone they meet. Too cute :) Lonnie was 'purging' her jewelry collection, so my brother thought it would be awesome to send the whole kit and kabodle to me. And what a pleasant mess it was :) One of my finds was these earrings. Lets all say it together - "The 90's called and they want their earrings back!" These are very light weight, clip on earrings that hang over 5 1/2"! I really never thought anything could be more over the top than most of the 80's styles, but the 90's did give them a run for their money :)

I have had these earrings set aside for some time, looking for inspiration. This last few weeks I have been gearing up for a gallery display, and the creative juices were flowing. I finally tackled this project, and think I came up with a necklace design, that is just as over the top as the earrings :)

 

 

Dyed quartz, porcelain, coral, mookaite, stoneware and garnet. It was a labor of love, it was a loving gift from my sister in law, it has hearts in the design, so I chose the stones and the colors that would compliment all of the love that went into the making of this design. 

Garnet is a stone of romantic love and passion,  It is said to bring positive thoughts and be excellent for manifestation and bringing abundance.

 Mookaite is a jasper, and jasper is a stone of gentleness and relaxation. It enhances one's ability to relax and brings tranquility, comforting, wholeness, healing, and gentle endings.

Coral attracts love and prosperity, particularly red coral, which is a stone of passion. Creativity and optimism are also qualities that coral brings out. Emotionally, coral brings inner peace, strength, and understanding of purpose.

Yellow is the color of confidence, joy, cheerfulness. Which I find fitting, because you would have to possess confidence to wear the earrings, and pulling that element of the design forward, you need confidence to wear this necklace! Get it Girl!

New Copper Pendants!

Found some time to make a couple pendants yesterday, thought I would share em here.


African bloodstone bead


This is a quartz - what kind I am not for sure. It is a top drilled pendant, so I just made a huge wrap at the top and added a swirl and seed beads for accent.

This one is a basket weave for lack of better words. I don't know what this style is called. This one is surprisingly easy, but time consuming. I thought I would try and break it down for you.



Create your loop or bale at the top of the wire, and then measure it around the cab. Lay the cab on your table, and measure the wire around the cab, slightly above where it is touching the surface. Make a wrap with the tail to secure it to the bale.

Turn the cab over. Make a loop at the end of the wire, and now measure the wire around the inside edge of the cab, and make a loop on the other end of the wire.



Use wire to connect the loops, to stabilize the base wire. (1) Wrap some wire around the base to stabilize the bottom of pendant (2) You will remove these as you work thru the piece


Start on one side (1) and begin your wrap. Wrap several times around the loop on the wire back then bring it over the top wire, and then back under the bottom wire - making a figure 8. You can do single wraps or make additional wraps on the top wire to space out the figure 8. EX. Two wraps on the top wire, down and under the bottom wire, two wraps, up and over the top wire, two wraps and so forth. Make several wraps to stabilize the one side, and use a second piece of wire and start on the other side. (2) Work your way down either side, alternating to keep the wires even and tight. If you want to add the decorative wire, (3) make a loop in a separate piece of wire. As you are working down the side of the pendant, position where you want your decorative piece to start, and when you wrap over the top wire, wrap over both pieces of wire. Then continue on with your figure 8. Leave the decorative wire til last.

Continue down both sides of the cab, until you get close to the bottom where you have anchored it. Clip the anchor wire off and continue with the figure 8 wrap til you meet at the bottom. Finish the wrap by wrapping it around the bottom wire a couple of times and giving it a good mash with your needle nosed pliers. Remove the anchor wire from the back of the pendant



Free form your your decorative wire, around the top. You can wire wrap the wire to give it extra texture, wire in crystals to the loops, the possibilities are endless.

I hope this gives you some insight on how to do this wrap. If this is clear as mud, leave me a comment, I'll wrap another one, and do step by step pictures.

Happy Wrapping!!!!

More treasures!

While my daughter was here, we made a quick trip out to the flea market to see Harry and Vanessa. The weather was beautiful and it seemed a waste to stay inside.

Vanessa and Harry were full of hugs for me and Leigh, so excited to see her. They loaded her up with goodies as usual, a couple of stretchy bracelets and a pocket stone, and they gave me a few strands of chips. Blackstone, heat treated agate and quartz, looks like halloween!




Then we went for a bit of a wander and found the treasures of treasures!!! There was a booth full of junk - literally junk, door knobs, old campaign buttons, silver spoons, keys, watch parts, you name it there was a bin full of it. We had hit the mother load!!!

Leigh picked this one out, there is an inscription on it I can barely make out. Gonna research it a bit. She wants a necklace with this one.



I picked out this little beauty. I am thinking a bracelet, but I still have time to change my mind :)


These made us squeal and the vendor had a good chuckle at our expense watching us dig thru all of the bins. He is going to be back in April - I am going with my check book!!!

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 :)

Rings & Things Blogger Challenge -

I finally got some time to myself and sat down to play :)

I had this fun elastic bracelet of onyx and quartz with a honkin' jasper focal. The bracelet is too tight and I thought I would re string it so I would wear it more. After I had popped it, the thought process began. I began to build a new bracelet using the filigree I had received from Rings & Things. The bracelet turned into a necklace. I couldn't stop adding things!

From the items I received from Rings & Things, here is what I used.

*44-165-9 - Fancy space - gunmetal - filigree

*44-150-9 - Filigree harvest - gunmetal

I was concerned about the gunmetal coating on the filigree that it may flake off. I was very impressed in the production of these items. They held up very well and I didn't nick the finish at all.

*28-000-002-021 - 8mm faceted roundelle - black

*28-000-001-021 - 10mm faceted puffed coin -black

I like these little beads. They have some heft to them, it gives them a bit of a crystal feel. I don't feel like I will break or chip them when working with them.

I used symmetry for a change in this piece. I wanted the design to balance out the pattern of the focal. The pattern on the focal, looks like someone playing the piano, can you see it? They are bent over concentrating on the piece, playing away. In my head it is a loud crashing song, music that would portray a summer thunder storm.


Here is a close up of the filigree




I love the three strands of sterling that close out the design. You can see the music flowing thru the piece. The filigree is the swell of the music, the thunder and the lightening, softening back down to the faceted chinese glass, the rain. It swells one last time on the second filigree, the last clap of thunder and then lightly travels out the shiney strands of sterling chain. The clouds break, the sun shines thru and the rain slowly stops.


My designs are so much more to me than beads on a string, what do yours mean to you?



*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

Rings & Things September Blogger Challenge - Faceted Fans

I wanted to make something with the package of faceted fans I had received from Rings & Things. The package was a mixed gemstone strand. Jasper, agate, aventurine, sodalite, quartz were all in that beautiful bounty on a string. This morning I set to work, and work I did!

I separated out the gemstones, one group was of blacks, whites, neturals, the other was more of a fall mixture. That is what I will show you first. I used the fans and what supplies I had on hand. I have listed similar items that can be found at Rings & Things.

Bead, Gemstone, 10x10mm Faceted Fan (Mixed Stone)

Chain, Footage, Flattened Long & Short, 3.4mm (Antiqued Copper Plated)

Clasp, Toggle, Cast, Fancy (Antiqued Bronze)

Head Pin, 2", Standard (Antiqued Brass)

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



I used three 7" links of chain



Played around with the layout



One way to remember where you want your beads to be, is attach a jump ring to the link of the chain as a marker.


Now that I know where my beads will go, I will put the fans on a head pin. A head pin? I hear you say, well of course. Most of the faceted fans I see are wrapped at the top, I wanted to mix it up a bit, and put the fans, sideways on a head pin. Thinking on a slant today.



Slide the bead onto a head pin. Use your chain nosed pliers and hold the head pin, keeping the pliers flush with the bead. Bend the wire to a 45 degree angle.



Bend the wire around the end of the pliers to start the loop.



There are two ways you can attach the wire wrapped fan to the chain. Thread the end of the wire thru the chain link you want to attach the fan too, and then finish the wrap



Or - make a wire wrapped looped with each of the fans, and then open the link of the chain and slide on the wire wrapped bead. This is my preference.



I love this chain just for that reason. Being able to separate the links minimizes any mistakes.



I used a jump ring to bring all the ends together and to attach it to the toggle.






As an after thought, I also added jump rings to the chain. It gives it a fun mechanical feel and adds more movement to the piece. I added them randomly, every 4 to 6 link of chain or so. With a cost of just under .02 cents each, why not play with them!







Don't condemn your findings to a utilitarian existence! Let them be part of the design as well. There are no rules to designing, only that you have fun doing it.

Speaking of findings, I put the toggle in the front of this necklace and attached the fans to it. I let the toggle be the focal and accented it with the beads.



I used eye pins for the wrap. The eye pins are a ready made loop. Attached jump rings to the toggle and the eye pin to the jump ring allowing the charms to move freely.







Then I did a more traditional style necklace using the faceted fans and triple chain.






There ya have it, a busy mornings work showcasing faceted fan gemstones from Rings & Things!