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! 

Prehnite, Gemstone Profile

Prehnite is a stone I had never heard of up until about 4 months ago. I did a little research on it, liked what I saw and bought a few pendants to try out. 

Prehnite are the fan and heart shaped pendants in "B" and "C", pictured below.

AKA "Cape Emerald", thanks to original discovery and substantial deposits in the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.Discovered in the mid-18th century in Jurassic-aged rock, it has been considered rare until recent deposits were discovered in Australia and China.

Prehnite is about peace and calm, especially during chaotic, difficult or transitional times. It can inspire inner knowing and increased intuition. Great for those who want to relax or improve meditation.

Item "B" in the above picture is for sale on Etsy.

Gemstone Jewelry Parties

I have space for 2 jewelry parties 1 jewelry party in the Tampa Bay area in the month of December.

If you're interested in hosting a party, you will receive:

• A free gift (valued up to $12)
• 15% credit for all sales  

Just invite your friends and family over for a day of browsing and trying on unique gemstone jewelry. It's a fun and convenient way to shop for the holidays with a selection of bracelets, earrings and other goodies made of high-quality gemstones, at prices ranging from $7 - $30.

Contact me for more details via your favorite method: 

• 813-322-5308
• rockweargems "at" gmail dot com

Petrified Forest

When I was in about 4th or 5th grade, I lived in Jackson, MS and my class took a trip to the Petrified Forest in Flora, MS, a fabulous and little known National Landmark. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my young life, hiking through the woods and stopping at checkpoints of huge chunks of petrified wood.

In the gift shop they had all kinds of little specimen stones and fossils, and I bought a tiny little piece of tigereye, which I still have, and which I will scan and post when I find it. It was the beginning of my connection with rocks, minerals and fossils and my collection has grown over the years. Making jewelry allows me to gather some favorite gemstones together without having to display them somewhere. I generally work with gemstones that I am most attracted to.

If you ever find yourself in Flora, MS, enjoy a visit to the Petrified Forest!

Gem Shows

Yesterday I attended a gem and jewelry show in Orlando. I got some great new items to make into necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more! It was fabulous to pick up some new bead strands, but I particularly enjoyed visiting vendors who had specimen stones, like this company, Raiders of the Lost Art. I had to really hold myself back from buying gemstone spheres, eggs and natural formations, knowing that my focus this day was to buy jewelry supplies. You can't hang an amethyst cathedral from a pendant; well, you could, but it would be mighty heavy.

Here are a few of the cool strands I picked up yesterday:

From the left, as follows:

Green Java glass: Java has a big glass industry; these remind me of sea glass.

Various glass beads: faceted blue & clear glass

Labradorite, large chips

Unidentified black stone: small cube; mostly black with a very few white flecks. It's a softer stone, because there is powder between the stones, where the thread has rubbed inside the bead hole.

Pyrite, flat squares: these are heavy, but awesome!

Quartz ovals and hearts

Tigereye

Iolite

Rhodonite

Sodalite, puffed squares

Lapis lazuli, puffed coins

Bone fish & tubes

Paua shell

Black lip shell

It was great and I'm ready to incorporate these into some new designs and to go back to the next show in January! 

Interested in gem shows in your area? Check out this blog with monthly updates around the U.S.