Devine Designs Jewelry

This is the third in a series of gemstone lore, A to Z. This issue's picks are: QUARTZ: A wide variety of quartz in various colors can be found commonly. Many call clear or pointed quartz, just "crystals". Quartz has long been used throughout history by shamans and in religious ceremonies for their "so called" magical and mystical powers. Rose quartz, or pink quartz is quite commonly used to attract love, to help one show love, or anything having to do with beauty. It has been found in tombs of Egypt, thought to be used as a beautification aid and often used in facial masks. Smokey quartz found in South America is said to hold an "earth" energy and is used for grounding one's energy. It is said to help with depression and negative emotions. various types of quartz RHODOCHROSITE: Discovered by the Incas, it was believed that the blood of ancient Inca rulers turned to stone in this form. It was long treasured by the people, and sometimes referred to ...

Welcome to the second in a series of gemstone lore, A to Z. This issue's picks are: FLUORITE: A translucent green stone, fluorite has been found in various shades of pink to purple. Mainly used as a "mental stone" for increasing concentration, and analytic abilities. Artifacts of carved fluorite have been found in the ruins of Pompeii. It was said that the people's of the times took carved offerings to the temple of Jupiter. GARNET: I've read alot of different myths and ancient uses for garnet, so they do vary some. The main theme of garnet seems to be attributed with blood. Some say it was used to strengthen the blood, some ancients wore for protection, and in ancient Kashmir, it was said that soldiers used garnet bullets hoping to cause very damaging non-healing wounds. In the 13th century, garnets were worn to repel insects. One legend states that Noah used a garnet in the Ark to diffuse light to create energy. natural raspberry garnets straight from the matrix...

This is part one of a series of gemstone lore, A to Z. Generally speaking, from a metaphysical stand point, most gemstones can carry healing powers. It often depends on the stone chosen and the color. To keep it simple, I will refer to the "basic" qualities of the gemstone without discussing various colors. AGATE: Agates are used by many for security or protection. While banded, or striped agates are said to possess stronger powers of protection and added strength for the owner. It is said that agates can be worn as "truth" amulets. In the Middle East they were popular to ensure health. In ancient Britain they were used to keep away skin diseases. In Africa, the Botswana agate was used by the ancients in fertility rites. "Botswana agate" AMBER: Typically found in yellow, or red, amber is fossilized tree resin. It has sun energy. Used in ancient times for decoration as well as healing potions. It was ground down to a powder, mixed with honey and given to a ...

It's time to get your anklets! I got on an "anklet" kick. They are fun to make and wear too. Here's some that are already posted in my Etsy shop; more to follow. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24024635 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24024361 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23977467 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23976977 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23976341 Enjoy!

It never fails, that the "universe" is looking out for me. Just when I'm feeling lazy, uninspired to create, or just plain bored, does something good happen or someone brings joy into my life. Thank you, thank you, Moon of http://www.MixedMediaJewelry.com for nominating my blog as "Blog Fabulous!" I appreciate it and am glad to know that other's are reading and enjoying my blog. Go stop over at her blog and check out her great lampwork beads that she makes! So, in order to pass the "goodness" along, I'd like to nominate a few of my favorite blogs that I read and follow. First of all, my friend Lisa, at http://lisaslovlies.blogspot.com/. Her blog is always funny, honest, and she makes beautiful gemstone jewelry as well. My next choice is for Casey and her blog, http://beewhour.blogspot.com/. "Just me.. the crazy rancher's wife".. a blog about the life of a cattle rancher's wife and her daily rants and raves. Very inte...

Actually, yesterday that is! Happy (belated) St. Patrick's Day! We went to my favorite place yesterday for my birthday. The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is only about a 2 hour drive for us, and on your birthday, you can get in for free! And you wouldn't believe how many people were celebrating birthdays yesterday. We left super early, to beat the crowds and the heat. As it turned out, it was a beautiful day. We went on all of our favorite attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan's flight.....just to name a few. Then it was off to our favorite pizza place, "Uno" Chicago style pizza; deep dish, love it, and we don't have one near our home so every time we're in Orlando, that's where we want to eat. Sorry, no photos here, I was hungry, tired, hot, and just about ready to come home. It was a fun day; I love to escape the realities of every day life, and be a kid!

ETSY BLOGGERS TEAM TRUNK SHOW FRIDAY JAN. 30 AT 9:00 P.M. IN ETSY'S VIRTUAL LABS, GALLERY ROOM I WILL BE OFFERING 15% OFF ANY PURCHASE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A COUPON OF 10% OFF NEXT PURCHASE. SEE YOU THERE! http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php

Does this help at all? I didn't think last week's picture was that difficult to figure out, but that's probably because I'm so used to seeing these. HIDDEN MICKEYS What are hidden mickeys? http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/WhatIs.html You can check out this site if you have the desire. Some of you know how much we are Disney freaks. Yes, we are here in Florida, and tend to go many times through the year. Everywhere, all over Disney World there are faces or profiles of Mickey Mouse hidden. They can be found in the attractions, wall paintings, architecure, the ground, just everywhere! So we got obscessed about finding them. Ie: scavenger hunt. So we bought this book. And took it on own next trip to see how many we could find. I think I'm a master now, we have found some that were not even in the book. Here's one of my favorites; it's really more of a "decorative" Mickey than a hidden one. Still, one of my favs. This is a drain grate in a pond th...