Why not Good News Instead?

Why not good news instead?  Making and designing jewelry is a creative, artistic endeavor. To feel inspired I need to be a in cheerful, mellow state of mind where ideas can flow freely and I can act on them. All of us, whether in an office, school ,business of any type do our best work and are happiest and most creative when not weighed down by the bad news of the world around us. So how can you avoid this complete downer?

Instead of checking out the major news sources who make their living by reporting only the worst possible stories in the most horrifying terms opt instead for the "good news" channels. Those who report on the wonderful things many people in the world do every day.

Try one of these sites  http://www.goodworldnews.org and/or http://www.huffingtonpost.com/good-news/ 

and have a happy day

GEMSTONE METAPHYSICAL LORE R- T

Gemstone lore for those stones R thru T that I like to use in making jewelry:

RHODOCHROSITE

The Incas believed that the blood of their ancient rulers turned into this stone.

Soothes the nervous system, enhances the immune system; is an emotional balancer and has a strong effect on intuition and creativity.

RHODONITE

This stone was first used in Russia in the 18th century and was made into dinner plates.

Reduces stress, calms the mind, enhances self esteem and confidence. It gives an aura of elegance and grace.

SHELL

Used for decorations, amulets and religious objects as far back as 20,000 B.C.E.

Used for fertility, rebirth and good luck.

SODALITE

This stone calms and clears the mind. Helps to release the past, set positive goals. It enhances communication and creativity. Excellent for psychic development and meditation.

TIGER’S EYE

This has been worn for centuries as protection against the evil eye and spells.

It is an emotional balancer, softens stubbornness and grounds and centers. Considered a good luck stone.

TOPAZ

In the Middle Ages, St. Hildegarde, Abbess of Bingen developed an eye lotion to cure failing eyesight using Topaz.  

The ancient Greeks used it on divining rods to find precious metals. Romans used it as protection when traveling.

Said to guard against depression and negativity. Aids in creative thinking. Said to prevent accidents and fires and to balance the emotions.

TOURMALINE

Used in jewelry for centuries. The Dutch originally used it to clean ash from pipes!

Said to build self assurance, protect from fear and negativity, enhance concentration and inspiration and to inspire creativity.

TURQUOISE

The Egyptians mined this stone in the Sinai peninsula.  It is highly prized by all cultures as a lucky stone. Known as the Venus Stone said to protect against evil eye and accidents.

Symbols of generosity, sincerity and affection. Said to help with peace of mind, creativity, communication and emotional balance.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice.

 

Gemstone Metaphysical Lore Q

Gemstone Metaphysical lore  Q. I figured that Quartz types needed a post all by themselves!

QUARTZ

The ancient peoples thought it was petrified ice. A belief held as late as 1777.

Roman ladies carried crystal spheres to cool their hands during hot weather. Roman armies used it to focus sun’s rays to cauterize wounds.

Throughout Europe, Ireland and England, many crystals set in metal bands were found; it was believed to be protection against ill wishing.

To the Japanese it is a symbols of eternity and to the Chinese it is a stone of concentration. In Australia and New Guinea it is used to produce rain and in South America it’s worn to repel evil dreams and as protection from danger.

It is said to be an emotional balancer, repels and destroys negative energy; stores and transmits energy. Wearing a piece of Quartz is said to change your luck.

ROSE QUARTZ

Heals emotional wounds, develop compassion, reduce stress and anxiety. To build self confidence.

SMOKY QUARTZ

Stone was sacred to the Druids, Romans, Egyptians and Sumerians.

Gemstones and Minerals M Thru P Metaphysical Lore

MARBLE

Said to promote calmness and balance.

ONYX

Onyx seals were popular with the ancient Romans. One English church used a healing onyx for years.  It is worn in India as protection from the evil eye.

Today is worn to gain emotional balance, self control and for protection.

PEARL

According to legend: In The Orient - drops of heavenly dew fell from the Moon, at the time of the full moon, and were caught by oysters. The dew hardened into pearls. They believed that pearls shone at night.  The ancient Hindus believed that occasionally pearls could be found in the stomach, forehead or brain of elephants. They were powerful talismans against danger. Pearls are associated with the moon and therefore representative of lovers.

Today, Pearl helps to find truth and wisdom and absorbs negative energy.

PERIDOT

Ancient Egyptians and mediterranean people considered this tone sacred and it was much prized. Romans wore it for protection and to ward off illusion and depression.  In the Middle Ages, it was worn to gain foresight, inspiration and often was used in religious jewelry. The Aztecs, Toltecs, Incas and Egyptians used  Peridot to calm,purify and balance the physical body.

Today it is said to reduce stress, stimulate the mind,aid intuitions, calm emotions and stimulate growth and change.

Gemstone Lore D Thru J

EMERALD

Ancient Egyptians used emeralds around 2000 B.C.. Most mines at the time were in Upper Egypt near the Red Sea. Most famous mine was in Mt. Zabarah and said to belong to the Queen of Sheba.  Romans believed nothing evil would stay in the presence of Emerald; if powerless to repel misfortune, it was believed the stone would fall from its setting as a warning.  Nero watched gladiator fights thru an emerald because he believed the stone protected his eyes and revealed the truth.

An old belief says emerald will change color if lies & treachery are planned within its vicinity.

In India and Egypt, it was said to give the gift of memory and good luck.

Mystical significance to Christianity is triumph over sin.

Today, it’s used to ward off negativity, attract prosperity, peace, balance, love, healing and patience. Strengthens artistic abilities, opens the way to new beginnings.

FLUORITE

Ancient Egyptians carved it and made into statues and scarabs. The Chinese carve it into figures.

Today, it is used to help ground nervous energy, cleanses the aura, increases concentration. Nicknamed “genius stone” as it’s said to be excellent for study or work; focuses the mind.

JADE

A stone used by ancient midwives to aid childbirth. In Ancient Egypt it was given as a gift that brought good fortune.  In China and the Far East, bangles were worn for physical strength and to throw off illness. Jade butterflies were exchanged between engaged couples to ensure happiness.

Jade is popular with racing enthusiasts as it’s said to draw success. Said to attract courage, justice and wisdom. It helps to solve problems and is an excellent stone for business people and musicians; brings calm, peace, harmony and releases tension.

JASPER

The Anodyne Necklace, valued in England at one time, was worn to treat stomach troubles.

The Egyptians used Jasper to protect against enemies, wild animals and fear.

Green Jasper is worn for good luck. Brown, multicolored is worn to help keep your feet on the ground and not get caught in extreme emotions.

Gemstone and Mineral Lore Stones B thru C

BLOODSTONE

This stone was used by the ancient Egyptians. The Leyden Papyrus says that ti will open all doors and break down all walls. The Greeks and Romans used it for endurance and to bring renown. The Gnostics for prolonging life and to bring wealth. Ancient physicians for stopping the flow of blood from wounds and the Chinese to stop nosebleeds and prevent kidney stones.

Legend says that Christ’s blood at the crucifixion splashed onto green Jasper producing Bloodstone.

Used for renewal, preserves the health, creates high prosperity consciousness, gives fame, brings money and strengthens self-confidence.

CARNELIAN

Ancient cultures used this stone in seal rings because it easily separates from wax or clay.  In the Middle Ages it was used to protect against the evil eye. The Moslems call this the “Mecca Stone” said to fulfill all desires and bring happiness. Ancient physicians used this to stop bleeding, aid in childbirth and treat jaundice.

Said to give courage, protection, a cheerful mind, help lower back trouble, strengthen concentration, balance creativity and organizational abilities and follow thru on plans.

CHRYSCOLLA

This was used as a musical amulet. For centuries, musicians used it to heal throat and lungs.

It helps to clear old resentments, fears, guilt and tension. Aids in forgiving people. It calms the emotions, brings inner strength and enhances creativity and communication.

CORAL

Legend: Medusa’s(snake headed monster whose gaze said to turn men to stone) death at the hand of Perseus (Greek hero).  After her death, he put her severed head into a bag and started the journey home. He rested beside the sea and put the bag down on a bed of seaweed and brushwood at the edge of the waves. Medusa’s power and blood leaked out of the bag and turned the seaweed and brushwood to stone. Sea nymphs came and carried that to the ocean floor where it became the first coral beds. So, the Greeks call red coral Medusa’s Blood and The Ocean’s Tree Of Life.

The ancients used coral for protection. Italy - It is common even today to see little coral hands with closed fist and index and little finger extended used as pendants to protect against evil eye. Mediterranean vessels nail red coral to the mast to guide them safely home. The Pueblo Indians consider it to be one of the four elements of Road of Life.

Said to be for emotional openness, love, life energy, protection and to prevent accidents.

Gem and Mineral Historical and Metaphysical Lore

I use lots of gems and minerals in the jewelry I create and I figured that it would be  interesting and helpful to list the historical and metaphysical lore of the stones. 

 I am attracted to different stones at different times and have found that I seem to be attracted to the one or two at any time that fit what I am experiencing in the world.

So, below you will find a list of the stones that begin with A (of course!) that I use in making jewelry now. I will post an entry for each "letter" at least one per week.  

Hope you find this interesting and helpful. 

History and Use

Of Gemstones

AGATE

A belief held for centuries is that Agate protects against stumbling and falling.  In the 1500’s in Italy it was used to turn away lightning and the destructive power of storms.  People in Western Africa prefer white, green and red for positive effects and to guard against snake bite, paralysis and mental illness.  In Ancient Britain, it was used to prevent falls and guard against skin disease. In the Middle East - To purify the blood.

Wearing Agate is said to prevent sea sickness and in a ring or pendant, it promotes deep sleep, calmness, good health, long life and will sweeten the disposition.

BLUE LACE AGATE

This gives a sense of security, helps you to handle new situations and softens stubbornness.

MOSS AGATE

The Greek Orpheus said to wear this was to receive divine favor and aid.  In Europe and England in the 1800’s, it was used for good luck.

Said to draw good health, long life, connect to nature energies, bring wealth and happiness.

AMAZONITE

This was known and used by ancient Egyptians, Mesopotamians and others as well as Central and South America.

Increases self confidence, stimulates creativity. Helps us to celebrate the “new” in life ( career, new goals, birth, etc.). Helps call out your “warrior spirit”.

AMETHYST

Ancient Greeks and Romans dropped an Amethyst into a goblet of wine to neutralize the effects of alcohol (i.e. drunkenness).

Chaldean Magi used it to bring success and good luck. In the Middle Age Europe,known as the “Bishops Stone” worn by cardinals and bishops.

The practice of the groom giving a heart shaped Amethyst to his bride to bring great happiness and tranquility for their lives, is still in use today.

Amethyst cuts thru illusions, strengthens and develops intuition, inspiration. Enhances creativity and creates balance between spiritual and physical.

APATITE

No known folklore. This stone helps to let go of useless aspects of life, people or objects. It also enhances creativity and balances the emotions.

AQUAMARINE

A large Aquamarine was on the crown of James II. The stone is said to impart purity to wearer.

It clears the mind, aids creativity, banishes fears and doubts. Aids in calmness, peace, inspiration and love. It protects from accidents and brings wealth.

AVENTURINE

Aventurine relieves anxiety and fear, builds positive attitudes, good health and independence. Used with Malachite, it helps clear emotional or mental blockages.

AZURITE

This was used by ancient cultures to raise consciousness.

This tone enhances creativity and intuition.  It aids in self confidence and helps when studying, researching,brainstorming for project ideas.

Christmas Jewels A new Line

I've started a new line just for the Christmas season. 

I love ornaments and candles in decorative holders during Christmas and so I couldn't resist combining my painting and jewelry making supplies to make decorations.

 I should probably also tell you that since I grew up in Florida I have never gotten the chance to really get into the snow thing.  What do I mean? Well, I have always had a great desire dating back to my kiddyhood to make a snowman. Obviously, south florida doesn't  know snow so one frustrated snow maker here.  I've finally solved the problem! I've indulged in polymer clay and paired that with crystal bicone beads, jewelry findings,wood and acrylic paints and have made my snowman....a snowman ornament https://www.etsy.com/listing/163582883/clay-snowman-ornament-painted-clay?.

As for the rest, well, I've taken heavy watercolor paper (300 lb) and using archival inks, acrylic colors have made ornaments for the tree that come with individual handmade (yes, by me of course) beaded silver wire hangers. So much fun! https://www.etsy.com/listing/163175918/red-birds-handpainted-paper-ornament?. But I couldn't stop there......I have some sandollars, large size that wre just begging to be made into ornaments too. so...https://www.etsy.com/listing/163077886/painted-santa-sand-dollar-ornament-santa?.

Now, I'm working on painting candle holders (i.e. glass jars,etc.), making candles for them and 

more ornaments.  Christmas is fun! 

Mandala Beaded Jewelry

Been working on Mandala beaded jewelry and have found that once started, it has a life of it's own!

Yes, I had a picture in my mind when I started beading of just what this would look like and innocently started; beads,gemstones and needle in hand.

What I have found is that this is truly a meditative practice AND just as in designing other pieces of jewelry the"creative muse" takes control of the process and the design.

Needless to say, I am fascinated by the design I seem to be creating and the colors and style of beads and gemstones I am being drawn to to use. This is becoming a much more complicated design than I had originally had in mind but I can see that it will be a delight to see when it is completed......a surprise for everyone including me! This is probably one of my favorite things about designing jewelry.....you never know just how a piece will eventually turn out! No wonder I find this fun to do!

So...I expect (silly me!) to have this first piece finished and ready for my shop by the first week in July. I'll let y'all know when it's there.

Mandala Jewelry Statement of Who You Are

We all have a story we tell about ourselves- our identity. Mandalas can help us integrate that story and heal ourselves to wholeness. Everyone of us is unique and these patterns help us to accept and show our uniqueness.

What exactly is a mandala? Well now, the usual definition is that it is a pattern of power that represents the whole of existence. The shapes seen in mandalas naturally occur in the natural/organic world; think crystals, waves, flowers.

Mandalas have been in long use in many cultures for shamanic journeys and personal meditations. An example would be the rose windows in cathedrals. Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th century nun and mystic published her visionary mandalas.  Carl Jung, noted psychologist, encouraged his patients to paint their own mandalas. He felt the patterns expressed universal archetypes and were a potent means for growth and self- development.

I'm drawn strongly to these beautiful patterns in nature, in all cultures. They are truly universal. So, I suppose it's no surprise that I have begun to make a line of statement jewelry using as the centerpiece  my designs of mandalas for healing, relationship, success, creativity, etc.  Within the next week ( June 17, 2013) these will begin to be offered on my Etsy shop. Each one will be a one of a kind statement piece. I hope you like them!

Oh What A Trip

Oh what a trip! 

Sitting at 5 a.m. in the florida room, cup of coffee and cigarette in hand.  In the dark just relaxing and thinking.  Ya know, winter in north central Florida really only lasts from January through February. A tolerable length of time, enough to enjoy a bit of cool weather without being worn down by dull,dark, seemingly endless days.  The trees and shrubs are bare of leaves and flowers- sleeping and re-energizing.  And I too have been re-energizing or perhaps hibernating.  Haven't been creating, designing jewelry. No ideas it's seemed.

And suddenly but gently my thoughts turn to the huge Azalea outside, the rose bushes, the pomegranate and the persimmon.  Yesterday I noticed the pomegranate and the persimmon are covered with new leaves. Their bare bone branches bursting into greenery.  And the Azalea towering as high as the roof and just as wide is covered head to toe in startling hot magenta pink flowers and deep emerald green leaves.  It makes me smile and giggle, full of joy looking at it and realizing winter's gone and spring as snuck in.

And then I wonder...can I find beads, materials in that wonderful color? Can I duplicate? imitate? the absolute beauty,symmetry, form, femininity of the Azalea flower?  And others thoughts, ideas start to flow for other pieces of jewelry.  Ah nature's done it again!  Gotten rid of my creative block, inspired me to make jewelry that I love and that will hopefully bring joy, giggles and feeling good to all those who wear it.

Oh man, what a trip!

  Try your hand at making some beautiful jewelry Beading Patterns DesigningParrotJewel

A new addition to my Etsy shop - DesigningParrotJewel! I am now offering patterns for a few of the pieces of jewelry that I have for sale in my shop. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at creating a necklace, I have put together easy, step by step instructions with illustrations and materials list .


I will be adding patterns for bracelets and earrings too so be sure to check often.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/designingparrotjewel 

HANDMADE JEWELRY DISPLAY DESIGNING PARROT JEWEL - MELROSE, FL PUBLIC LIBRARY

Local jewelry designer, Barbara Solomon, owner of Designing Parrot Jewel, Earleton, Florida is displaying a variety of handmade jewelry at Putnam county public library, Melrose, Florida (25 miles east of Gainesville) beginning August 3, 2012.

Included in the display are: necklaces, bracelets, earrings and pins of gemstone, bead, crystal, leather, chain and more.

To see more of her jewelry go to:www.designingparrotjewel.etsy.com and www.zibbet.designingparrotjewel2.com .

Designing Parrot Jewel...beautiful, fun, long lasting jewelry at affordable prices.

Amethyst Spirit High Pin

The Amethyst Spirit High Pin is the next in my series of statement pins.

This pin was indeed a serendipity - a happy accident basically.  I sat looking at this beautiful 34mm teardrop piece of Chevron Amethyst wanting to wire wrap it. So, I got out my non-tarnish sterling silver wire and starting at the top of the amethyst that had a hole drilled through it, I began to wire wrap a hanging loop for a necklace or so I thought! But, as I wrapped the wire all I could see was a human stick figure in the wire! Wondering about my sanity level (OMG going senile already??) I put the piece down, went to lunch and watched some t.v..

Several hours later I looked at the piece again- yup it was still a human stick figure standing atop the amethyst. Grabbing the camera I took a picture and it of course looked exactly the same in the picture. Pulled out my books on crystals(gemstone properties) and under Chevron Amethyst This is what I found.....called the "breath of life" assisting one to actualize that which is required for personal and universal development. It assists one in the application of the central unity of all...gain knowledge in spiritual healing, repels negativity, assists in living with doctrine of universal love." Ah now, I got it! I added faceted blue crystals to represent communication, true speaking and realized this was indeed meant to be a pin and so it is!

I hope it speaks to you as it speaks to me!   /www.etsy.com/listing/99791730/amethyst-healing-hand-spiritual-high-pin

Spring Cleaning Recycling Jewelry

My spring cleaning frenzy has started. Already it's led me to my old jewelry creations. Those I made for my Etsy shop about 2 years ago. I rummaged thru them and found beads and gemstones that are beautiful but that I feel need to be more up to date to match what my "voice" (style) is now. 

So, been tearing them apart, re- designing and having a great deal of fun doing it!  I love creating new pieces and I especially love the fact that since the gemstones and beads were brought 2 to 3 years ago the cost of materials is lower but the quality is excellent.  I'm all about making jewelry that is comfortable to wear, beautiful to look at, lasting and affordable for everyone.

Here's an example of the latest recycling effort:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/89307120/jasper-coral-and-quartz-necklace

Hope you like it ! 

Head, Heart,Hand Series Statement Pins

The Head,Heart,Hand series of statement pins to wear are a new line of jewelry that I have begun to design and fabricate.
 The idea began several years ago when I first saw and was delighted by beads carved/shaped into heads portraying cultural figures. The very first one that I had to have was a beautiful lampwork Medusa. I held that bead for years! It was so stately,so powerful, wise and scary! Ten years later, wanting to make a birthday present for a longtime friend that head would be perfect. And so the Medusa Pin was birthed. My friend exclaimed over the pin, saying it was so perfect for her right now and she wears it to staff meetings and other times dealing with difficult situations.
 This line of pins is designed to inspire the confidence boost we all sometimes really need. 
Second in the series-Hawaiian/polynesian...."KU" the first creative force.
   http://www.etsy.com/listing/92686068/lampwork-pin 

Latest in the series- Chinese- carved bone- "Fu-Shen"/ Hotei - Happiness
http://www.zibbet.com/designingparrotjewel2/artwork?artworkId=767368 

 

Copper Hearts Valentine's Day

Copper Hearts for valentine's Day...I couldn't resist making this freeform bracelet with of course Two lovely copper hearts. It's on my Etsy shop now waiting to become a gift for someone special.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76220078/copper-metalwork-bracelet-two-hearts

New Beading Material Pink Marble

A new beading material, Pink Marble, is becoming more and more popular for all types of handmade jewelry.

I came across some beautiful beads of this material and simply couldn't resist the silky feel and warmth of it!  I've wirewrapped a 2 1/2" square puffed piece of it and strung it with some gorgeous faceted Czech ovals.  

See the result on my Etsy shop: 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/89818886/pink-marble-wirewrap-silver-necklace

Agate Coral Necklace Featured in an Etsy Treasury

My Agate Coral Necklace which I wire wrapped and fabricated with Chryscolla ( a beautiful blue/green mixture of gemstone) has just been featured in a beautiful gift guide treasury on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTA2NTA1NzF8MTI5MDI3NjIzNg/think-believe-wish-a-gift-guide-for-her

So exciting to know the work and love and care you put into making a piece is liked.

Tales Of De Stash

Y'all KNOW I have an enormous stash of beads that I adore but have yet to find exactly the right design  to use( better known as DE Stash). O.K. so it's the Holiday season and I've really gotten in the mood to create with Green and Red and Gold, Blue and White. So there is this bead that has been with me for 6 years( no joke!) and every time I have tried to make something with it.....hasn't worked out. Until this morning.....it came to me that I wanted so much to showcase the bead since it is a faceted, deep emerald green glass almost a trapezoidal shape and they way to do that was to use the bare minimum of design and embellishment. So, I got out the solid copper wire, copper delicate chain and copper lobster claw findings and set to work. Finally! 

It's listed on my Etsy shop:http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesigningParrotJewel?ref=ss_profile

As you can see, I have done a fairly simple, decorative wire wrap, attached it to the delicate copper chain and it's complete. Ready to be worn to any holiday gathering or to work or shopping.

 Hope you like it!