Winter Is In The Air

I love snow. I love winter. Not a big fan of the cold, but a warm jacket, boots and gloves sure do help. I love the woodstove going, and coming in for a mug of hot chocolate after being outside for a bit. While today didn't consist of me going outside- nevermind leaving the seat of my recliner- I have been watching the snow slowly melt under the glare of the not-so-warm sun today.

Winter Queen- Details Shown With Black

Instead, I took it as an opportunity to change the design of my blog to reflect my excitement for Christmas this year. I can't wait until they have our town decorated in lights, because after a fresh snowfall- when they're turned on, it's simply magical. Everything dusted white is just so beautiful. To be honest with everyone... I just haven't had the motivation to create.

Winter Queen Carved Agate Earrings

I would open my jewelry box, determined to make at least a simple pair of earrings. After huffing, puffing, and nearly tossing it down in exasperation and frustration- I still hadn't created anything I liked. I had all these beautiful crystals, beads, findings... And nothing. Not one iota of creativity coming out from my head. Not one thing I put together I liked. I packed it all right back up, and put it away. I've been doing this game for months. Take out the box, go through and find some pretty things, stare in disgust because I didn't like anything the way I paired them.... Throw everything right back in and put it away again.

Hand Carved Agate Necklace

But finally, this past weekend I was determined to make at least two new things that I'd like. I made sure I liked how the components were coming together. I asked my parents if they liked how they looked. I wasn't crazy about it. I let them sit in front of me for a while. They grew on me. I liked them, turned into I love them. Success! Finally! And I love how the pictures turned out. I think because of these unique beads, I'm going to have to start finding more!

Raku Bead and Autumn Colors

Tell me what you think, and if I should make more :)

Nabbed it....

My very first Treasury!

I've been featured in one, and now I've made one!

February 21st is my birthday. And I love my birthstone.

Amethyst.

I've always loved the purples my birthstone is associated with... But... Lately, I've been discovering other colors. Like Prasiolite- better known as Green Amethyst. Of course, you can't reisist the delicate tones of Pink or Lavender stones.

So there you have it- what do you think?!

Go ahead and click the picture to be taken to the listing, and leave a comment!!

The Jade Calla Lily

It's my favorite flower.

Roses, while very pretty, are so overrated as the "perfect" gifts.

Calla Lilies have always been my favorite. Not for the most common assumption, though.

Yes, I'm totally aware that they're primarily thought of as funeral flowers.

That's right, death flowers. And my argument each time is- if that's the case, what about all the rest of the flowers that may adorn a piece found in a funeral parlor, or at the cemetery for the burial?

The response each time: Silence.

The Calla Lily isn't really a lily. Technically.

The flower sort of emerges from the stem itself- it unfurls into a trumpet-like shape. Delicate and dainty looking- these flowers are quite hardy and are relatively easy to grow and care for. All sorts of colors emerge from the little lovelies- whites, pinks, purples, and two-toned colors as well. Some day, I'll have a garden of Calla Lilies to look at any time I please! In the meantime, I make do with some photographs, and an occasional stem or two from the florist!

Imagine my delight when I came across some hand carved Jade Calla Lilies in one of my favorite bead shops! I couldn't resist, I couldn't say no... I had to have them. There were other carved stones of different kinds- quartz, jasper, and a few others in an assortment of colors- but the Jade ones caught my eye.

Just the slightest hint of green.

Not too large, not too small.

Perfect for projects...

There were only four of them.

And I had to have them.

My problem was... Once I got them home, I had no idea what to make!

So, I took some chain, crystals, and pliers... And let the necklace create itself. After much twisting, cutting, wire wrapping, and maneuvering silver wire and crystals to just the way I wanted... This is what emerged.

A delicate Green Jade Calla Lily Necklace.

I think it would be perfect for a springtime bride as her wedding jewelry. Perhaps for an avid gardner that's usually found in her garden. Or just someone, like myself, that loves the flower just as much as I do. The stone itself radiates light and seems to glow- and the addition of the small bicone crystals adds just a little more sparkle to the piece.

A little extra sparkle is added to the back, where the handmade clasp is decorated with a few more crystals. The necklace itself is 17.5" long, with a 1.5" extender to lengthen it if needed. Just in case you're wondering, the clasp itself is very secure. The loop on the end is just large enough for the chain to be pulled through it, so while situated upon your neck there's really no way for it to come undone. The weight of the stone itself keeps the necklace balanced, and since the decorative crystals are wirewrapped directly to the chain- there's absolutely no way it can come off!

A little more detail.

I do think the other stones have various projects they will emerge in.... One possibility is a sculpted necklace I'll be designing, and perhaps a hair vine with another Calla Lily as the focal point. I will definitely keep you all posted as to how they design themselves into whimsical creations....