Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
March Birthstone - Aquamarine
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March.
Zodiac sign: Pisces (20 Feb - 20 March) & Aries (21 March – 20 April).
It is also the 18th and 19th wedding anniversary stone.
Aquamarine is a "stone of courage." It helps people to learn quickly and to use knowledge in "always being prepared." The energy of aquamarine is both flowing and structured. It cna protect against polutants. Aquamarine helps in achieving higher levels of consciousness and in the ability to understand complexities. It brings order, tolerance and moderation.
Folklore and Mythology of Aquamarine
Aquamarine was traditionally worn by sailors to protect them from the water and against storms. Aquamarine has also been used to protect against gossip. In medieval Europe, aquamarine was beleived to re-awaken love in a marriage and to make soldiers invincible in battle. The Greeks beleived that aquamarine would absorb the energy of young love and was considered the best gift for a groom to give his bride after consumnating their marriage.
It was popular among European royalty to wear aquamarine as an antidote to poison.
Ancient Romans used Aquamarine in treating ailments of the stomach, liver and throat.
Healing Properties of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is beneficial in the treatment of swollen glands. It can also be used to strengthen glands, teeth and bone structure. Aquamarine is especially excellent in treating the eyes
Zodiac sign: Pisces (20 Feb - 20 March) & Aries (21 March – 20 April).
It is also the 18th and 19th wedding anniversary stone.
Aquamarine is a "stone of courage." It helps people to learn quickly and to use knowledge in "always being prepared." The energy of aquamarine is both flowing and structured. It cna protect against polutants. Aquamarine helps in achieving higher levels of consciousness and in the ability to understand complexities. It brings order, tolerance and moderation.
Folklore and Mythology of Aquamarine
Aquamarine was traditionally worn by sailors to protect them from the water and against storms. Aquamarine has also been used to protect against gossip. In medieval Europe, aquamarine was beleived to re-awaken love in a marriage and to make soldiers invincible in battle. The Greeks beleived that aquamarine would absorb the energy of young love and was considered the best gift for a groom to give his bride after consumnating their marriage.
It was popular among European royalty to wear aquamarine as an antidote to poison.
Ancient Romans used Aquamarine in treating ailments of the stomach, liver and throat.
Healing Properties of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is beneficial in the treatment of swollen glands. It can also be used to strengthen glands, teeth and bone structure. Aquamarine is especially excellent in treating the eyes
Amethyst - Gemstones Care
To clean your amethyst, avoid harsh detergents.
Wash with warm, soapy water.
Ultrasonic cleaning is usually safe.
Never steam clean.
Facts: Amethyst is used as faceted stones or polished cabochons and is carved in various shapes. Amethyst beads are used in necklaces, earrings and other jewelry in both rough unpolished forms, smooth glossy shapes, faceted beads and briolettes.
One of the largest cut amethysts in the world is 343 carats and is housed at the National History Museum in London.
Very dark stones are sometimes heated to enhance color.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Aquamarine - Care
To clean your aquamarine, avoid harsh detergents.
Wash with warm, soapy water.
Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are usually safe ♥
Monday, March 23, 2009
unique metal art jewelry designed for the adventurous woman
Let's meet Cyndie Smith and what she says about her journey that lead her to design jewelry designed for the adventurous woman.
I currently live in Florida, near Tampa Bay. However, my father was a military attache, and I spent most of my life, including a portion of my adulthood, in Europe and the Middle and Far East. I've never lost my wanderlust, which may be why, as National Director of Sales and Marketing for a large healthcare corporation, I traveled outside of Florida five days a week for many years. I finally gave it up in 2003 to pursue my dream. I started with classes that same year and never looked back.
In September of 2007, I opened my first on line store, allowing me to show off my creations to someone besides my husband and friends. I prefer to make one of a kind designs, mostly of an organic nature. When asked to replicate a design, I never make it an exact duplicate, so the wearer can feel that he or she has something truly unique.
I am a professional artist. Since opening my first store, it has been my only job, apart from that of wife, daughter, mother, and now - grandmother.
I'm a self taught computer nerd. Probably if I'd been born of another generation, I would have c
hosen digital imagery or digital art in one form or another as a career. I own two computers and a Blackberry and though I still struggle with it, the majority of my marketing is done on line. The advent of social networking has opened many doors and I do gallery shows and a small amount of paid advertising. I've found the best source of marketing is word of mouth. A happy customer almost always refers friends and family! If I was to give any advice to fellow artists, it would be to make sure the product is good and the customer service even better.
I think growing up in the diplomatic service influenced me greatly. Not so much the type of art I produce, but more my tolerance of the differences in people. I see fellow artists as comrades rather than competition. I freely share what I know and appreciate others who do the same. United, we can teach the world about art and share the beauty. It doesn't matter what the craft or medium is, if it took a creative mind to design it, it's worth sharing.
I think the most inspiration I've received came with the death of a very dear friend, much before her time. It inspired my "life" series, which I dedicated to her. My avatar on Etsy is the first from the series. I've actually taken the listing off the site for a while, and the story that went with it, because in the course of 6 months after listing it for the first time, I had (and made) 49 requests for variations of it, including one for each of her two sisters. Each request wanted their story told of triumphs and losses. It took an emotional toll on me..I may relist it eventually, but I think it's run it's course for me. I do still produce additions to the series, but not as frequently as before.
I don't really think of myself as a jeweler. I'm a metalsmith who loves to make art...and usually it's wearable. I'm hoping to spend this year developing some new skills, such as glasswork and enameling, to incorporate into my metalwork. I'd also like to try my hand at some larger pieces, like metal sculpture and wall hangings.
I'm a book junky with an extensive library...and I read them all. If someone is starting out, I would highly recommend "The Complete Metalsmith" by Tim McCreight. His revised edition has helped me tremendously.
Lastly, if given the opportunity to speak, not just to artists, but to anyone who'd listen, I'd say "Follow your passion!" If it's not fun, and something you love, it will show in your work.
Thanks so much Cat, you're a peach!
Her site and blog http://www.cyndiesmithdesigns.etsy.com http://www.cyndiesmithdesigns.blogspot.com
I currently live in Florida, near Tampa Bay. However, my father was a military attache, and I spent most of my life, including a portion of my adulthood, in Europe and the Middle and Far East. I've never lost my wanderlust, which may be why, as National Director of Sales and Marketing for a large healthcare corporation, I traveled outside of Florida five days a week for many years. I finally gave it up in 2003 to pursue my dream. I started with classes that same year and never looked back.
In September of 2007, I opened my first on line store, allowing me to show off my creations to someone besides my husband and friends. I prefer to make one of a kind designs, mostly of an organic nature. When asked to replicate a design, I never make it an exact duplicate, so the wearer can feel that he or she has something truly unique.
I am a professional artist. Since opening my first store, it has been my only job, apart from that of wife, daughter, mother, and now - grandmother.
I'm a self taught computer nerd. Probably if I'd been born of another generation, I would have c
hosen digital imagery or digital art in one form or another as a career. I own two computers and a Blackberry and though I still struggle with it, the majority of my marketing is done on line. The advent of social networking has opened many doors and I do gallery shows and a small amount of paid advertising. I've found the best source of marketing is word of mouth. A happy customer almost always refers friends and family! If I was to give any advice to fellow artists, it would be to make sure the product is good and the customer service even better.I think growing up in the diplomatic service influenced me greatly. Not so much the type of art I produce, but more my tolerance of the differences in people. I see fellow artists as comrades rather than competition. I freely share what I know and appreciate others who do the same. United, we can teach the world about art and share the beauty. It doesn't matter what the craft or medium is, if it took a creative mind to design it, it's worth sharing.
I think the most inspiration I've received came with the death of a very dear friend, much before her time. It inspired my "life" series, which I dedicated to her. My avatar on Etsy is the first from the series. I've actually taken the listing off the site for a while, and the story that went with it, because in the course of 6 months after listing it for the first time, I had (and made) 49 requests for variations of it, including one for each of her two sisters. Each request wanted their story told of triumphs and losses. It took an emotional toll on me..I may relist it eventually, but I think it's run it's course for me. I do still produce additions to the series, but not as frequently as before.
I don't really think of myself as a jeweler. I'm a metalsmith who loves to make art...and usually it's wearable. I'm hoping to spend this year developing some new skills, such as glasswork and enameling, to incorporate into my metalwork. I'd also like to try my hand at some larger pieces, like metal sculpture and wall hangings.I'm a book junky with an extensive library...and I read them all. If someone is starting out, I would highly recommend "The Complete Metalsmith" by Tim McCreight. His revised edition has helped me tremendously.
Lastly, if given the opportunity to speak, not just to artists, but to anyone who'd listen, I'd say "Follow your passion!" If it's not fun, and something you love, it will show in your work.
Thanks so much Cat, you're a peach!
Her site and blog http://www.cyndiesmithdesigns.etsy.com http://www.cyndiesmithdesigns.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Birds for my Cat
Saturday, March 21, 2009
A LOVE for fabrics
Let me introduce you to Chio Bloom, whose website is bloomwoosie
She is going to tell us about her adventure.
How do I get started....
I grew up in a small coastal town in southern Japan. As far as I remember, I was always making things with my mom. My mom taught me everything I can think of in terms of what you make and do with your hands. As I wrote in my "profile" section at my Etsy store, my sister and I liked to stay home doing crafts in my mom's kitchen. By middle school and high school, I was making lunch bags, gym bags, and small cute things all by myself, that by the way, my mom still keeps in her drawer.
After I worked for a major American company in Tokyo for four years, I decided to study business here in the States. I was supposed to go home with my MBA, but I didn't - I got married to my husband. My older boy was born soon, and I just made so many things for him in my 6 months maternity leave. The crib bumpers, bibs, pajamas, blankets, diaper bags, anything you can think of for the baby. I discovered my destiny - making cute things for little people! My friends, neighbors, and other mommies from music and swimming classes kept asking me where I bought my stuff - this certainly gave me some confidence and put a little "seed" for my future Etsy adventure in my heart.
I became a full time stay-at-home mom when I had my littlest. He took a great nap every day - I came downstairs after he fell asleep and had so much fun making cute things for him. But there is only so much he can use and wear... I started to make things for other babies around me, and soon after, I decided to open up my shop at Etsy.
I make what I think other moms also like, using the fabrics I fell in love with. I just make sure to use high quality, comfortable materials as my items are for little, delicate people!
I opened my Etsy store in May 2007. Since then, I am having just a GREAT time.
Are you a professional artist?
I am a professional full time mommy, wife, and an artist (I am so honored to be called an "artist!"). I actually have other hobbies, too.
What inspires you?
Anything. Anything around me. My boys, their friends, my friends, books, window shopping, swimming pool, anything. Most of all, I love spending my time at bookstores just browsing books. I get really refreshed and visually (and intellectually?) inspired by the atmosphere.
What is your favorite piece?
My favorite piece is Mommy's One Mile Bag. I feel very special about this piece. When my littlest did not need a huge diaper bag anymore - maybe he had just turned one - I made this bag for myself to carry what I needed for a quick trip to neighbor stores and parks. I made several different sizes in different materials until I came up with the current design, and I am really confident that this bag WORKS. It is just the perfect size for anything - not too big, light, but carries a lot more than it looks.
Favorite materials?
Cotton fabrics - softer the better!
Any tips for fellow designers?
I am not in a position to give any advice... but one thing I have been most serious about is to make my customers happy. I have a baby gift business - people come to my store to buy gifts for themselves or someone they love. People think about their family and friends when buy gifts and every single gift is special for the person who buys and person who receives. I want everyone 120% happy with what they select as a gift, because that is what I want when I buy a gift for someone.
Any special promos?
I am not currently running any special promotion on my website, but please tell me by sending an Etsy conversation, if you found me through this blog. I will give you a secret discount...
What would you like to be when you grow up?
I wanted to be a veterinarian. My mom did not think my science grade was good enough for that dream, and I was too easily convinced.
Favorite jeweller?
I love visiting the Diamond District in NYC - spectacular!!!
Favorite website...
I like "Secret Agent Josephine" 's blog at http://secret-agent-josephine.com/blog. She is an excellent graphic designer, blogger, and a wonderful mommy. Her blog that often talks about her daughter "Baby Bug," is so honest, lively, and sweet. She actually reminds me of my mom a little bit.
My older son is a big boy now - he puts my customer packages in his backpack and bikes to the local post office for me. He is the biggest supporter of my website. I started making baby things for him, and I would never even have thought about doing what I am doing now without my boys. They are a bottomless source of my ... trouble, gray hair, and joy!
Arigato gozaimashita Chio :) Subarashuii !
She is going to tell us about her adventure.
How do I get started....
I grew up in a small coastal town in southern Japan. As far as I remember, I was always making things with my mom. My mom taught me everything I can think of in terms of what you make and do with your hands. As I wrote in my "profile" section at my Etsy store, my sister and I liked to stay home doing crafts in my mom's kitchen. By middle school and high school, I was making lunch bags, gym bags, and small cute things all by myself, that by the way, my mom still keeps in her drawer.
After I worked for a major American company in Tokyo for four years, I decided to study business here in the States. I was supposed to go home with my MBA, but I didn't - I got married to my husband. My older boy was born soon, and I just made so many things for him in my 6 months maternity leave. The crib bumpers, bibs, pajamas, blankets, diaper bags, anything you can think of for the baby. I discovered my destiny - making cute things for little people! My friends, neighbors, and other mommies from music and swimming classes kept asking me where I bought my stuff - this certainly gave me some confidence and put a little "seed" for my future Etsy adventure in my heart.
I became a full time stay-at-home mom when I had my littlest. He took a great nap every day - I came downstairs after he fell asleep and had so much fun making cute things for him. But there is only so much he can use and wear... I started to make things for other babies around me, and soon after, I decided to open up my shop at Etsy.
I make what I think other moms also like, using the fabrics I fell in love with. I just make sure to use high quality, comfortable materials as my items are for little, delicate people!I opened my Etsy store in May 2007. Since then, I am having just a GREAT time.
Are you a professional artist?
I am a professional full time mommy, wife, and an artist (I am so honored to be called an "artist!"). I actually have other hobbies, too.
What inspires you?
Anything. Anything around me. My boys, their friends, my friends, books, window shopping, swimming pool, anything. Most of all, I love spending my time at bookstores just browsing books. I get really refreshed and visually (and intellectually?) inspired by the atmosphere.
What is your favorite piece?
My favorite piece is Mommy's One Mile Bag. I feel very special about this piece. When my littlest did not need a huge diaper bag anymore - maybe he had just turned one - I made this bag for myself to carry what I needed for a quick trip to neighbor stores and parks. I made several different sizes in different materials until I came up with the current design, and I am really confident that this bag WORKS. It is just the perfect size for anything - not too big, light, but carries a lot more than it looks.
Favorite materials?
Cotton fabrics - softer the better!
Any tips for fellow designers?
I am not in a position to give any advice... but one thing I have been most serious about is to make my customers happy. I have a baby gift business - people come to my store to buy gifts for themselves or someone they love. People think about their family and friends when buy gifts and every single gift is special for the person who buys and person who receives. I want everyone 120% happy with what they select as a gift, because that is what I want when I buy a gift for someone.
Any special promos?
I am not currently running any special promotion on my website, but please tell me by sending an Etsy conversation, if you found me through this blog. I will give you a secret discount...
What would you like to be when you grow up?
I wanted to be a veterinarian. My mom did not think my science grade was good enough for that dream, and I was too easily convinced.
Favorite jeweller?
I love visiting the Diamond District in NYC - spectacular!!!
Favorite website...
I like "Secret Agent Josephine" 's blog at http://secret-agent-josephine.com/blog. She is an excellent graphic designer, blogger, and a wonderful mommy. Her blog that often talks about her daughter "Baby Bug," is so honest, lively, and sweet. She actually reminds me of my mom a little bit.
My older son is a big boy now - he puts my customer packages in his backpack and bikes to the local post office for me. He is the biggest supporter of my website. I started making baby things for him, and I would never even have thought about doing what I am doing now without my boys. They are a bottomless source of my ... trouble, gray hair, and joy!
Arigato gozaimashita Chio :) Subarashuii !
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Fireworks
A little selection of jewelry selected by Cindie, including my Dotty Spot sterling silver earrings with Citrine gemstones cabochons
Thank you Cindie for showcasing my work :)
Thank you Cindie for showcasing my work :)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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