My little Artists

I was going to post a picture of some flowers that bloomed in my garden, but this is way too cute to pass up. The other day Auntie Amber brought the kids paint and they have been asking for it every day since. So, today was the day we were going to paint OUTSIDE. We go outside and it starts to rain and you can't tell your kids no just because it is raining. We bring the table and paint inside (I know risky since the kids are only 2 1/2) but I figured I would try. As you can tell from the picture, it was really messy but so worth it. Thanks Auntie Amber for making our day in the house so much fun.

New Inventory

From left to right: Red Creek Jasper, Tigers Eye, Faceted Black Onyx, Pink Crazy Lace Agate, Pink Dyed Impression Jasper, Impression Jasper, Muli Colored Agate, Faceted Multi Colored Agate, White Buffalo Turquoise, Rhyolite & Faceted Smoky Quartz.

Our visit to the Gem Faire

We recently attended the Gem Faire in Santa Monica, CA. We purchased gemstones and silver and can’t wait to start making new designs.

Gem Faire has become a world renowned marketplace for the finest in gemstones, beads, jewelry making supplies and much more. Gem Faire has produced over 40 shows a year, making it the largest gem & jewelry show circuit on the west coast. We know not everyone is able to make the shows but if you can, it’s a great place to purchase materials.

One advantage of going to a show is that you can see the beads and touch them. We tend to be perfectionist and we will go through every stand of beads to find the perfect one. Keeping in mind that no two gemstones are exactly alike and each has its own unique combination of pattern and color that can vary. With the large variety of gemstones we make a list and try to stick by it. Of course there is always a new gemstone that we can’t pass up and there goes our budget. You know how that goes…

Whether you are a collector or a designer you will always need a source for materials. We would like to know how you like to purchase your materials and what you look for when purchasing them.

Happy Valentines Day!

The History of Valentine Greetings

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, when lovers said or sang their Valentines. Written Valentines began to appear after 1400. The oldest Valentine in existence was made in the 1400's and is in the British Museum. Paper Valentines were exchanged in Europe where they were given in place of valentine gifts. Paper Valentines were especially popular in England. In the early 1800's, Valentines began to be assembled in factories. Early manufactured Valentines were black and white pictures painted by workers in a factory. Fancy Valentines were made with real lace and ribbons, with paper lace introduced in the mid 1800's. By the end of the 1800's, Valentines were being made entirely by machine. With the exception of Christmas, Americans exchange more cards on Valentine's Day than any other time of year.

Vintage Valentine Candy Box

The History of Valentine’s Day

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

We have been featured on novicelife blog

Our Summer Breeze Turquoise Bracelet has been featured on novicelife blog as one of her favorite things. She said that she loved it and that she knew it would be her mom’s taste too. We try to not only make beautiful items but items that are timeless that you can either wear dressed up or down. We want to thank her for this lovely compliment.

Her and her husband live on a 5.5 acre farm with an apple orchard and their passion is rescuing animals. She blogs about her novice experiences at novicelife.blogspot.com. To see some beautiful pictures of her country life visit her etsy store ApollosonAcres.etsy.com. A couple of our favorite pictures are Orchard in Bloom and Pretty in Pink Apple Blossoms.

Summer Breeze Turquoise Bracelet

What is a Gemstone?

A gemstone is an attractive mineral which when cut and polished is to make jewelry or other adornments.  However certain rock or organic materials are not minerals, but are still used for jewelry, and are therefore often considered to be gemstones as well.

What is Cabochon Cut?

A Cabaochon cut is a gemstone which has been shaped and polished resulting form is usually a convex top with a flat bottom.  The term comes from a French word signifying a bald pate.  This cut is seen in antique jewelry.

Cabochon Cut Larimar Pendant

What is a Cameo?

Cameos and intaglios are similar in that both are carved portraits that are usually carved out of stone or seashells. They differ in that cameos are raised portraits, while intaglios are carved down into the surface of the material. Both typically take advantage of different colored layers of the material. The finest cameos and intaglios have come from Italy and Germany.

Cameo Cut Brooches

What is a Faceted Cut?

Gemstones commonly have facets cut into them in order to improve their appearance by allowing them to reflect light which is perceived by the viewer as sparkle.  Flat facets are cut and polished over the entire surface of the stone, usually in a high symmetrical pattern.

Faceted Cut Poppy Jasper Necklace

What is a Smooth Cut?

Free from projections and unevenness of surface, to make more polished and elegant.

Smooth Cut Sand and Sea Necklace

February's
semi precious stone of the month is  Onyx

Black Onyx Earrings

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36895767

Onyx

Onyx is a form of quartz. Commonly, specimens of onyx available contain bands of colors of white, tan, and brown. Pure black onyx is common, and perhaps the most famous variety, but not as common as onyx with banded colors. It has a long history of use for hardstone carving and jewelery, where it is usually cut as a cabochon, or into beads, and is also used for intaglio or cameo engraved gems.

Black Onyx enhances steadfastness and determination, setting ones mind to a task. It’s a grounding stone, valuable in difficult and confusing times in our lives. Extremely helpful to people in the process of letting go.

Sardonyx

Sardonyx is a variant of onyx in which the colored bands are sard (shades of red) rather than black. It has straight parallel band of alternating colors.

Sardonyx Necklace