Two Kumihimo braided bracelets in my favorite Chartreuse green. Above: Size 6/0 Czech seed beads on Tex-400 cord. Below: Size 8/0 Japanese seed beads on S-Lon cord (2 strands) braided with 1mm rayon-cotton cord (6 strands).
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Chartreuse Kumihimo
Two Kumihimo braided bracelets in my favorite Chartreuse green. Above: Size 6/0 Czech seed beads on Tex-400 cord. Below: Size 8/0 Japanese seed beads on S-Lon cord (2 strands) braided with 1mm rayon-cotton cord (6 strands).
Bead Club Tonight!
Join us tonight from 7-9 P.M. for the Bead Club meeting at Anita's Beads. Call Anita at 6030522-6529 if you have questions. The design on the poster is one of our cool new Op Art buttons!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
About Stones: Spiny Oyster
Astrological Sign: Aquarius
Chakra: Sacral, Crown
Lore: Called the stone of the sea, spiny oyster provides patience and understanding, bringing comfort and peace of mind to the wearer. The Incas employed purple spiny oyster (the color of good judgement) for seeking spiritual fulfillment. Orange spiny oyster (the color of vitality and endurance) stimulates creativity and encourages willingness to embrace new ideas.
Biology: Spiny oyster, Spondylus princeps, is named for the spines on its back and comes in shades of orange, red, white and purple. Spiny oyster shell has been used in Native American jewelry for centuries.
Locality: Off the coast of Baja California, Mexico and Ecquador
About Stones: Cobalto Calcite
Astrological Sign: Leo
Chakra: Brow, Crown, Heart
Lore: Also known as sphaerocobaltite, it is used to enhance the peak of creative endeavors, supporting the realization that all things are possible. A gift of love, it helps in the formation of friendships.
Geology: Cobalto calcite is a carbonate which occurs in a deep “hot pink” color as crusts and small crystals in cobalt ore locations. It is often found associated with malachite and dolomite.
Localities: Zaire, Germany
About Stones: Sugilite
Astrological Sign: Virgo
Chakra: Brow, Crown
Lore: Sugilite represents the Age of Aquarius and enables us to willingly accept being here and living now. It embodies the perfection of spiritual love and its manifestation on earth. It eliminates negative attributes and gives a feeling of freedom.
Geology: Sugilite was discovered in Japan in 1944 and is named after its discoverer, Dr. Kenichi Sugi. Sugilite is formed primarily in pegmatites of alkaline magmas. It is very rare and only one other source has been found.
Localities: Japan, South Africa
About Stones: Boulder Opal
Astrological Sign: Scorpio
Chakra: All
Lore: Boulder opal is called the “Queen of Gems” and is associated with ‘good luck’ for all sun signs. It combines all 7 colors of the cosmos in one, making it a stone for both artists and musicians: seven colors, seven notes. As jewelry it has a harmonizing effect on all chakras, and may change color when used by high-energy/intensive people. It induces inspiration for visualizing creative efforts.
Geology: Boulder opal is Silicon Dioxide (SiO2.n H20) on ironstone matrix. Formed over 70 million years ago during the Tertiary Period and discovered in Australia in 1869.
Locality: Queensland, Australia
About Stones: Howlite
Astrological Sign: Gemini
Chakra: Sacral
Lore: Howlite dispels criticism, and lessens rudeness and boisterousness. It helps us combine the power of reasoning with discernment and patience.
Geology: Howlite is hydrated calcium silico-borate found in arid regions and borate deposits. It forms dense white compact masses that resemble unglazed porcelain. In California it occurs in nodules sometimes several hundred pounds in weight. It is frequently dyed blue to imitate turquoise.
Localities: California, Nova Scotia