Getting direction

When I started this blog, I did so as sort of a "should". This  sort of thing generally never works for me. I didn't really want to deal with a blog and I wasn't sure what I wanted to write about. So I started out writing monthly birthstone info. This doesn't appeal to me because it's not very original. You can find that information everywhere, so I stopped that and decided to let the blog go until something came to me.

Lo and behold, a few new things started coming to me. But I had to wait for some kind of direction or guidance. I couldn't force it to happen. I see the same thing as being true of the creative process. When I first started making jewelry and thinking I might want to sell it, my designs were very simplistic. They looked good, but they don't seem to have as much of a personal stamp as I see my more recent designs as having.

An example is the hemp and leather wraps I've been making. I started with round beads like I saw everyone using with similar designs. Since I've been buying gemstones, I keep picking up these little tubes that look so cool, but when I tried to use them in the standard bracelets and earrings, I didn't like the result. They languished in my bead box for awhile until the idea to use them for wraps popped into my head. These are the first prototypes:

Of course, anyone could do this and anyone could make these. But most people probably won't :) And from this, as well as other experiences and ideas, even more new ideas are emerging.

When I don't feel the creative force, I try to let go and wait for it to return, rather than forcing it or stressing out about it. And the creative force always does return. After Christmas, I was unable to make anything for about six weeks. Then suddenly I was compelled to make things again, and many new ideas have flowed from that, but I just had to wait for it!

Amethyst, February Birthstone

Amethyst, the February birthstone and one of the most beloved of all the gemstones. It's a good thing it's plentiful; otherwise it would be super expensive!

If you're looking for some other stones to represent Aquarius in the Zodiac, try Agate, Jasper, Turquoise or Opal as these stones are associated with Talismanic, Planetary and Sun/Star signs.

Some more-than-trivial facts about Amethyst:

• From the Greek word "amethystos", which means not drunken. It is thought to protect from overindulgence.
• It's the official state gemstone of the US state of Georgia.
• Major deposits are found in the US, Brazil and some countries in Africa.
  
• Some amethyst will lose its color in direct sunlight. It can be restored using X-rays.

An amethyst cathedral makes great decor in a living or waiting area and perhaps will contribute to the metaphysical properties of the room? 

You can find them larger or smaller than this. It's like a large geode with masses of amethyst crystals inside. I've seen them recently at shows with a really ugly green paint/sealant on the outside. I prefer them natural on the outside.

Metaphysical properties include:

• Protection from overindulgence
• Balance, quieting the mind
• Emotional healing
• Spiritual growth and transformation

When I am picking out gemstones to wear or display, I select based on the ones I am most drawn to. Though the metaphysical properties are always interesting and may have basis, people are definitely drawn to certain stones more than others and it varies by person. 

I recently got some new amethyst stones and will have new designs shortly! 

Garnet: January Birthstone + Alternates

January's birthstone is the garnet, a beautiful red wine-colored stone that can be opaque to translucent and is found all over the world. Garnet is often dyed to create consistent color. I purchased my current garnets as "natural", meaning they have not been dyed. 

From the Latin word, granatus, meaning 'seedlike', possibly because of a resemblance to the delectable & juicy pomegranate.

I can see the resemblance!

Ruby, onyx, agate and lapis can also be powerful stones for the Capricorn, as these are sun/star, planetary and talisman stones for this sign. I know little about astrology, so this information is for those of you who might. I've also seen rose quartz as an alternate birthstone, which looks fabulous with garnet.

Garnets form under high temperature, pressure or both. They are used as 'indicator minerals' to locate diamonds. Used historically for thousands of years, it is considered to be the beacon stone that Noah used to guide the ark through dark nights. Soldiers have used them for protection, embedded into shields and carried as amulets. 

Representing courage, truth, fidelity and compassion; thought to heal depression and increase productivity, garnets should be worn close to the body to maximize their peaceful energy.

I have some new garnets arriving shortly and will post new designs as soon as they are ready!