Devine Designs Jewelry

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...

What’s He Really Thinking? “ How to be a Relational Genius with the man in your life” by Paula Rinehart This book is about understanding the man in your life, how he thinks, how to understand him, and how to relate to him. The author takes you on a journey from understanding your influence on your man, to exploring the roots of feelings that men have how they express, or don’t express themselves, to how they change, what your part is in all of it, basically how to cope. But the author also touches on issues such as intimacy, conflicts, and expectations all with a reference to biblical text and verses. My first impression upon reading the first 10 to 20 pages of this book left me a little bored. It seemed a little dry, for my taste. But with that being said, once I got deeper into the book, I did enjoy reading it, and found most of the author’s suggestions and insights to be truthful. She uses biblical reference throughout the book, which can be helpful, if you apply those verses ...

This week has been interesting. Very, very, interesting. I had some personal issues to attend to, other people's personal issues, and just stuff. Not all worth mentioning. I did go to the local bead show yesterday and got some new beads. I was mainly looking to buy some copper, now that I'm doing more with copper, plus, just think how pretty a rich oxidized patina will look on all the fall jewelry and fashion trends this year. I got some spacers, and some larger beads too that will work well with heavier gauge wire that I use in my bracelet designs. Oh, and I got a new strand of lampwork beads from an artist who is new to me and I think her first time at this particular bead show. Stacey Kroft, of "One Sweet Bead" makes some pretty awesome beads. I got this set of organic shaped beads; the photo does not do them justice. So pretty! Boro beads with colors of green, amber, orange, earthy looking, I think. I'm thinking of making a bracelet and a pendant. Just for a c...

Yeah, that's right. I hate this heat here in Florida. I know many of my friends in Texas can agree with this! But really, the heat; too hot to do anything outside, I don't feel like looking for a job, or working for that matter. Can't wait till the kids go back to school. Not that we have any ourselves, but it will be a good thing! Get them back in the class room, learning. And hey, that may actually open up some jobs for us others! T.V. shows are all in reruns. I can't wait for the fall line up to start. I miss Survivor and The Amazing Race. Well, I have to say that I've had a good day today! Had a great early start, did yoga, talked with some friends. Then I decided to do something good for others. Always a good thing to do. I cleaned out my clothes closet and got rid of all the clothes that don't fit anymore. Four bags full! I mean, come on, I have to be honest with myself, I really need to loose about 50 pounds! So, as I've heard, "if you haven'...

Saturday evening was the grand opening of Clay and Paper in Dunedin. I think they had a lovely turn out. Many local artists were there, greeting guests and showing off their art form. Myself included. I got to socialize with many of the folks and it also gave me a chance to really explore other's work. It started out raining, which it always does here in Florida at this time of the year, although I really don't think the weather effected the turnout. Barbara, the shop's owner served wonderful appetizers of different types of roll ups with cream cheese, vegetables, and salmon; and dessert trays of cream puffs, cookies, tarts and more. Beer and wine were also offered. Now this is Barbara (in the middle) chatting with some guests. So many wonderful things to see in this shop! You could spend hours just looking around. Paintings, glass artists, jewelry artists, sculpture, and much more. Barbara, an artist herself, makes handmade paper relief and handmade ceramic tile mosaics. ...

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 ...

I am a self-proclaimed artist. I don't work normal hours. I am emotional. I love nature. I am a non-conformist. I have cats. I am highly spiritual. I'm a little bit quirky. Some say, crazy. I have tattoos. I enjoy art in many forms. I like sushi. I'm opinionated. And most recently, I've begun to understand the term, "starving artist". I'm bored. This is where I find myself today. Now I was going to post a photo of myself above here, but couldn't find one, (can you believe that?) So my mythological picture will have to do. Not that I look like anything in the above picture! I guess I'll have to expose myself another day. I've done all my work; applied for jobs, posted new jewelry, checked my email, went to the post office. Ate, and ate some more. So I thought I'd blog a little here. I hate to go all week and not post on the blog! Now I've talked about it for a while now, and put it off; writing an article on gemstone lore. I've had a...