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

March birthstones

March is here already so let's start out the month with some birthstone information.
Birthstones for the calendar month of March are aquamarine and bloodstone.

Aquamarine comes from the Roman word - Aqua, meaning water and mare, meaning sea.

Aquamarine varies in color from blue to green. Aquamarine is a color variety of the mineral beryl giving blue beryl the name aquamarine.

Aquamarine is known as a stone of courage and fortitude. It is reputed to assist with calming communication issues. Mystical and folk lore states that it is attuned to the sea, and protects travelers on water, and sailors.

An alternate birthstone for March is Bloodstone. Bloodstone is a deep green stone with small red specks. The small red specks are where the stone gets its name. The name Bloodstone derives from the legendary belief that the red coloration resulted from the blood of Christ spilling onto green jasper during the crucifixion. For this reason, too, the stone has been called "martyr's stone."

Bloodstone is excellent for centering and grounding. It is said to help with calming, particularly in survival situations. It brings mystical energies of increasing adaptability and organization, and lessening confusion and anxiety. It is said to be a a stone of courage, bringing mental, physical and emotional renewal by releasing blockages.

Both aquamarine and bloodstone share the element of bringing courage to the wearer.

Where can you find these stones?

Ring & Things is one of the few suppliers I have found that have bloodstone. The have a nice selection of both,
aquamarine # 21-888-099-01
and
bloodstone # 21-888-098

There ya have it! Two beautiful stones for the month of March! Think of the possibilities!

A Peek

I told Dawno I was going to do this tomorrow, but being that I am already sitting here :)

I am not the best at taking pictures but here is a peek of the set up. Sandra's mom said she would take some 'real' pictures and then you can see it in it's true glorious - ness!


The pinned and framed mess that has to go in the car


These following two have what we call 'keepers' in them. Our husbands. They are tolerant and patient with us as we hide ourselves away to work/create our next piece. They kiss us goodbye and wave sweetly when we leave them at home on the weekends for shows. They smile and say 'Yes Dear' as we drag them along to our set ups. They gladly jump in and help. Mine needs little more than, 'Honey there is a Dunkin Donuts on the way', and he is in the car and backing out the driveway before I am buckled in. Deep down they are proud of us, and puff up a little when they talk about their wives and the little niche we have carved out for themselves.




Sandra's husband Steve doing calculation with Mr. Van.


My husband James marking the walls for the frames.




We are close to done


Sandra's wall is coming along nicely.




My wall - I was concerned about the lighting, but as you can see, the lights are placed perfectly to shine in the boxes.

You're gonna be a star!

That is how I feel right now. Our names up in lights!
I can't believe how stressful it was getting ready for this arts council show.
I can't believe how incredibly tired I am right now.
I am going to take a couple days off, clean my house, and get to know my husband again.
Then I'll start looking for the next show!