Spring Equinox!!

What exactly is the spring equinox?

On the equinoxes the Sun shines directly on the equator and the length of day and night is nearly equal – but not quite. The March equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator – the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator – from south to north and vice versa in September.

What stones/crystals are the stones of spring equinox?

Moonstone - fertility - Spring is the time to start your seeds and get the ground ready for planting.
Ocean Jasper - Positivity. Ocean Jasper gently brings into focus the positive aspects of your life, so that you can practice gratefulness. New season, new outlook.
Sunstone - This stone can shine the light on any situation. With more sunlight during the day, and warmer weather, it is encouraging to drop the covers of winter and allow the sun to warm your spirit, and help you to maintain a positive outlook!
Moss Agate - promotes growth, abundance, steady progress in all areas of life. Just like those first days of spring, when the air is warming and the sun is shining, you can see the earths abundance grow right before you!

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. 

Welcome March and Spring!!!

March is here, and welcome Spring!!!!

I am excited about the changes in the weather, the green grass, the white blooms of the bradford pear and decluttering!!!

I think we all start to re access ourselves after the first of the year. We ask things like, where am I going, what am I doing as the calendar re sets. Sometimes it is hard to begin when the days are dark and cold, but as spring comes, I know I put it into high gear and start to get things done!!!

I am applying to more galleries with my paintings, starting to do more events, like First Friday and applying to festivals. Moving and shaking to get my creations out to the public, locally and across the internet. I am more recently motivated, and I contribute that to the weather. 

To help with my focus, I have switched out my pendant from my moonstone to gaspeite. Gaspeite is for de cluttering and perfect to help keep me on track. 


So here is to doing big things, staying on track and accomplishing my goals of creating new works of art to share with my friends!!


And as always..

I send you love and peace.
Be blessed!

Welcoming March - Daffodils Poem - William Wadsworth

Daffodils

I wander'd lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretch'd in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

By William Wordsworth (1770-1850).

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?

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 :)

Flower inspiration and Art Beads

I am needing some inspiration lately. So I took some of my own advice and found an image that inspires me and will create a new necklace around that.

I love the multi layered necklaces, as everyone knows. This month one of the Bead Trends categories for the March 2010 call is multi layer necklaces. Oh Joy!! (The are taking submissions till Sept 25th!) It got me to thinking. I wanted to challenge myself to make a multi layered necklace that was dual season, March and Sept - but how.

Traditionally fall colors are warm and rich, and spring colors can range from pastels to bright, so how can I make a piece that will reflect both.

I did a google search for fall flowers and found this:

Just lovely. I have no idea what it is, in the mum family possibly. Look at the colors. So rich and warm, perfect for fall, and the bright pinks and yellows scream of spring. This is what I used to get my inspiration. Off to Art Beads I went.

I love the "My Favorites" option that is available while you shop. I remember so many times jotting down item numbers on a pad of paper as I shopped so not to forget which items I needed, or more likely, wanted :)

So I shopped and began to add things to "My Favorites", then went back in and narrowed it down and this is my final pick.



Green Spider Jasper Cubes

Topas 8 mm Glass Druk Bead

Rainbow Carnelian Squares - oh how I love these!!!

19mm Resin Roundelle - Lavender

19mm Resin Roundelle - Salmon - These are beautiful!!


Donut Rust Ripple - I love the pendant selection at Art Beads!

Small Light Purple Dream Hand Painted Scroll - Just a little message in the necklace to remind you to never stop dreaming.

What is on you favorites list???