Citrine- November's Birthstone

I thought today I would begin my series on gemstones. When I'm done, it will be a brief little synopsis of gemstones you can take with you when shopping for gemstone jewelry whether it is with me or someone else. Oh, and don't worry. I'll be spreading these out over a few months then allowing you access to a pdf you can print out and keep.

We'll start with Citrine as it is November's birth stone. In fact, it was adopted by the American National Association of Jeweler's to be November's birthstone in 1912. Citrine is also the birthstone for zodiac signs Gemini, Virgo, and Libra. Citrine is actually yellow quartz and gets it's color from iron impurities. It comes in the colors of pale yellow, yellow brown, orange, dark orange brown, and reddish brown. There is also a gemstone in it's own category that combines citrine and amythest called Ametrine. The real Citrine is becoming more rare. Most of the citrine on the market today is actually heat treated amythest.

Citrine deposits are found in Brazil, Madagascar, Uruguay, the United States, and Russia.

Now onto the metaphysical properties of Citrine. It is believed to manifest your goals and keep you cheerful. It is supposed to attract personal power and stimulate your own healing energy. It is good for opening the 3rd chakra and clearing the aura. It is also said to drive out darkness and fears of the night, and to protect against negativity as it doesn't hold any negative energy. My daughter sleeps with a tumbled Citrine under her pillow at night because she believes that it helps with her night terrors. I don't know whether it is the belief or the stone, but either way, it seems to help.

As I said, this is just a brief history and lore of the Citrine gemstone. I would now show you some pics of the lovely Citrine jewelry I have in my shop, but alas, I have none currently made. The pics of the stones are the ones I have though. The first is the emerald cut vibrant yellow Citrine I have, and the other is one of the 1ct. emerald cut Ametrines I have. I'm always open to custom work just so you know.

Sterling Jewelry Cleaning Tips

Today I thought I would share some tips for cleaning sterling silver jewelry. Sterling(and copper) are easy to clean as long as you keep up with it. This first tip is something really simple to do and can be done every so often to keep your sterling nice and shiny.

#1. Fill a small bowl or cup with lukewarm water, a little mild detergent, and a dash of baking soda. Mix it up and allow your sterling pieces to soak in it for a couple of hours. It will come out as shiny and new as the day you purchased it. This can also be done with copper and is safe for most gemstones. So simple and easy and no chemicals.

#2. When you are finished wearing a sterling piece for the day, wipe it down with a soft cloth before putting it in a jewelry box.

A great anti- tarnish jewelry box is made byLori Greiner. I have one and it is sensational. Works like a charm. She has many sizes and shapes. They really are fantastic.

So, I hope you take these really simple cleaning tips to heart. A lot of people use products that are not safe for all types of jewelry like pieces with gemstones. My tips are really easy and contain no chemicals.

If you're in the mood for some new sterling pieces, I have several listed in my shop. Like these pictured- Dragonfly Sonata ring and the All Seeing Eye ring. The last one pictured, Art Deco Love Cuff, will be available later today.
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Tranquility

The latest addition to my Etsy shop and ring collection is my Tranquility ring. It's a copper band ring that has been accented with copper tube set sapphires. 5 of them to be exact! I've had these little sapphires laying around for quite some time but never had anything to do with them. I think they look magnificent against the copper.

The ring itself has been formed from copper sheet. The copper sheet was rolled over a copper tube to create a one piece effect. Originally, I had only planned for there to be two smaller tube settings on the other side of this roll, but I changed my mind. I decided there wasn't enough depth. I'm glad I did. Looks better with the three, don't you think? I then set the sapphires in all the tubes including either end of the roll. The name tranquility came about from the blue of the sapphires.

In other news, it's a very dreary day here. So much so, I am missing summer even though it hasn't completely gone yet. I will mourn it until it returns next year which seems oh so far away from now. I do believe I would be quite happy to live somewhere where it's summer all year. So, for those of you who are mourning the loss of summer like me, I will leave you with an original photograph by me to remind you of the joys of summer.

Finally

Well, the time has finally arrived where I actually have made something new. The best part is that it was unplanned.

It was created in response to this week's Creative Challenge. The challenge was to create something just to create. Kind of a get back to basics thing. I just sat down at my table knowing I was going to make a ring. Seems I have a fascination with making rings. I happened to see some leftover pieces from a custom order and started playing around with them. Then I happened upon a prehnite I had laying around. The result was the ring you see pictured. I call it Mint Julep. I LOVE this ring and will have no problem keeping it if it doesn't sell before it expires on Etsy.

This getting back to basics was just the thing I needed to help pull me from my slump. I stumbled on the idea when I read Craftymoose's blog, and she happened to be discussing the idea and the Artist's Way. The whole thing was rather invigorating. There were no expectations, no time limits, no customers to satisfy. Just me, my supplies, and my torch. I might have to start doing this every so often. It was like being a beginner again except with new knowledge and new techniques.

I suggest everyone try this every now and then. It's a good exercise. And, the Mint Julep ring is listed in my shop. Thanks, too, for all the congrats yesterday. I would've shown the cover page, but someone(ahem, Steve) forgot to scan it in the computer. I will have to get him to do that.

birds

Thanks to those of you that hearted and checked out the shop yesterday. I really appreciated it. I am frequently updating it so I can get things in the shop and find the right time to list. Last night I listed those pretty gemstone flower beads I found in my stash.

If you read my blog last year, you might be familiar with my trials and tribulations of birds in my chimney. I think I might have another bird in the chimney. The problem is this time it must be stuck in the actual chimney because I can't see it or get to it. It could also be just a piece of the chimney flapping around making noise. I am torn as to what it is. I'm going to feel awful if it's a bird because no one can get to it to get it out.

I keep hoping that he will figure out how to get out. I mean, he got in on his own, didn't it? Then sometimes I think it is just the flu or whatever rattling around. The house is falling apart, and I haven't been able to get to remodeling that part of the house. Steve says he's checked and fixed the guard around the chimney. I don't know how they keep getting in. Maybe it's not even a bird, but some animal.

Okay. I'm freaking myself out now. I'm going to be terrified to go in that room now.

Out of this World

It's been a long week, and I have been very remiss in writing. K has been sick this week. Not bad, but she has a cough. And, when she has a cough, it generally interferes with her asthma so I keep her home just to make sure nothing bad happens. Besides, I found out a lot of kids with coughs are getting sent home. K had 4 other kids out in her class. She only has 13.

I have been on a roll making things this week. I've actually made and listed two new things in my shop this week. Pat myself on the back. The first is a copper cuff which is my foray into abstract art. I really quite love abstract art so this was fun to do. Plus, I got to use enamels which is rare for my designs. The second thing I created/listed is something I adore. I will not worry if anyone buys this because I will just keep it for myself. It's marvelous if I do say so myself. It's a sterling silver band ring with a sterling domed disc. The disc has been accented with sterling tubes and wire. The best part is the faceted ruby that has been tube set. I love this ring. Both can be found in my shop.

Well, my time is up for today. So many things to do and so little time. Don't forget tomorrow is Home Improvement Roundup complete with a tutorial. My first home improvement tutorial so make sure you stop by.

Star Necklace Returns!

Yep. That's right the Star light Star bright necklace has returned to my shop. It was under a different name, and it has a brand new lower price. I really love this necklace and hope it finds a great home. It has a really long chain so it would be perfect for just about anyone and with almost any outfit. It can be found in my shop.

Lots of things on the agenda for this last workday of the week and not just for my blog. I'm hoping to catch up on custom orders this weekend so I can have some brand new items to add to the shop. Lots of ideas rattling around in this ol brain of mine.

Second on the blog agenda for today is the photopalooza. This has been such an inspiration, but unfortunately, I did not have a chance to take a new pic so I will post an older pic I have in my stash. This is of my beloved mastiff, Baby. As you see from her head, she isn't really a baby, but she chose the name. I'm a firm believer in letting dogs choose their names. All of my dogs have done it, and they all learned their names very quickly. I know it sounds odd, but it's a quirk of mine. In this pic, Baby was all dressed up and waiting for Santa Claus. She's such a sweetheart for letting me put those antlers on her.

Well, that brings me to the last thing on the agenda for today. I realized after catching up on my blog reading that I have a painfully plain blog. I have little html experience. In fact, up until 2 years ago, I had never used a computer before in my life. So, any suggestions, tips, or know how to liven up this blog to match my jewelry and personality would be much appreciated. In fact, if I like and use your suggestion, there may be an appreciation gift in store for you. **hint, hint** Not really a giveaway because you know all of those crappy laws they put on everything, but more like a "thanks for the help, and here's a gift to show how thankful I am" kind of thing. So, get to thinking, and if you think I might need a tutorial in how to do it, don't hesitate to contact me.

Blog Envy

I know you know what I'm talking about. When you go read someone else's blog, and you're just like "God, why don't I write like that?" or "why is my life so boring that I don't have anything to write about?"

Okay. Well, maybe that last one was mine, but you still get the picture. We all have those blogs we want to be like- the ones that can write, the ones that always have fascinating things to post about, the ones that get all the visitors. I basically start thinking about what I'm going to post from the time I write my last blog. I never have anything interesting to say, and if I do, it never comes out in such a way as to be interesting. So, generally, I sit here with the sun glaring in my eyes from the sunrise contemplating what to write every morning. As you can imagine, that never goes well.

Why do I do it then? You know, because I just plain like it. I like writing my blog even if it's boring and no one wants to read it except my online buddies who feel the need to read it because I comment on theirs. It's good exercise especially since I'm almost a recluse and don't get much outside contact. This at least keeps my mind fresh and from me becoming completely shut off to the rest of the world. Maybe someday I will have something interesting to write, and for once, it will actually come off as interesting. But for now, I only write about blog envy and my newest piece in my shop.

My eternal flower ring that you see in the picture. (Like how I pulled that one off, huh?) Just listed it last night. I really like it, although, I might try another one with an extra row of petals. It's a sterling silver band ring with a sterling silver flower accent. I added a really clear and beautiful carnelian cabochon for accent. I like the carnelian in there, and it's just enough color. It can be found in my shop.

Just another day

How are you this fine autumn morning? Well, it's not really fine. It's actually cloudy and very dreary out and more like spring than fall, but I can pretend it's a nice day.

Hope you're weekend was better than mine. It was just hell on wheels. Probably not quite that bad, but it seemed like it. Thanksgiving wasn't even what it used to be.

Who's decorated for Christmas all ready? I have this dire urge to decorate. I've had this urge for a month now. Here's the problem. Can't get to my Christmas decorations because someone took it upon himself to clean the tiny room where they are stored and hasn't finished yet. Oh, did I mention it's been three days? I went out this morning and dug some of my outdoor decorations out of his nasty old shop. I can't find the rest. He'll have to find them because I WANT to decorate!

Had a sale over the weekend so I was able to meet my monthly goals. Maybe this little bauble in the pic will push me over the top. Gotta love this necklace. Sterling silver circles and beautiful blue chalcedony beads. I just adore it, and it can be found in my shop.

An Apology and Something New

My apologies for not keeping up with my blogging as well as I should. I thought summer vacation was when you were supposed to take it easy. I haven't even been making all that much for my shop.

The CREST trunk show is drawing near. I'm both excited and a little scared. It's very cool going to the Labs to have a quick peek around, but I have never been away from home without at least a friend. I feel like a little kid. lol. You can check out what the Labs say about the trunk show here. There seems to be a discrepancy in the time, but what can you do?

By now you are probably wondering about the earrings in the picture. These are my brand new earrings created for the challenge. This week's challenge was to create something inspired by the wedding of the princess of Brunei. THere were lots of great pics to get inspired by, but for some reason, these were what called to me. They are soldered spheres with garnet rondelles at the top and bottom. More garnets hang from the inside of the sphere. They can be found in my shop.

Summer All Year

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I've had my glass of milk, and I'm ready, well almost, to get the day started.

I am so excited. I decided to look up some summer art programs for K this morning and happened upon a silversmithing class in my area. How exciting! This is the first I have heard of this class, and I've searched far and wide for a class. I would really love to take this class, and K would love to take her class. So, now the key is to find out how to afford both classes which were actually cheaper than I thought they would be.

Here's that ring I told you about. It's rather cute, don't you think? I love the width of it, and the carved flower really sets the copper flower off. Plus, since it is a cuff ring, almost anyone could wear this comfortably. It really is like wearing summer all year. It can be found in my shop.

Come back tomorrow because if all goes well I may have a little surprise for you. Wink, wink.

Own a Galaxy

Running a bit behind this morning because my computer wants to be stupid. Yes, it really is the computer being stupid. lol.

Check out my new bracelet. LOVE it! Sorry I'm yelling, but I can't help it. I adore it. This is probably my most favorite bracelet I've made in a while. It is a bangle so this first one is pretty limited in who can wear it, but the great part is that I can make more. It is a soldered copper wire bangle with dainty iolite rondelles strategically placed along the wires. It's like owning your own galaxy with all the little moons and planets. Really truly adore this one. I think I might make another one in garnet and maybe some earrings if I can do it. It is available in my shop.

I had the most fabulous review written about me yesterday. Beadinggem has a blog called The Beading Gem's Journal. She found me on mybloglog and asked if she could do a review. Of course I said yes. It is short and sweet and really very flattering. So go check out her blog. She has lots more reviews on there for you to read as well.

Oh, and I just realized this is my 100th blog post on blogger! Hooray for me! Let's hope there are lots more interesting posts.

Off to a Running Start

Yes, I am here. Yes, I am still alive! I have felt so disconnected lately.

Turns out that the residential side of DSL(at least in our area) has no idea what they are doing. The business side of DSL even said so. So, now we have business DSL, and it appears to be working well. Plus, we got it for the same price as our other DSL because it seems for 3 years we were paying for a connection that we never received. I like kickbacks! It feels good to be back on the internet.

I'm glad I had the break though because we started the remodel on my new studio space. Even with only new studs and sheathing in place, I am all ready in love and itching to move in. lol.

How do you like my new piece? This necklace was created to match my evolution earrings. I call it the Venus necklace. The three chains are soft and supple, and I love the look of them around the neck. The moonstone briolette centerpiece has the most beautiful blue flash of color. It can be found in my shop along with the matching earrings.

Boy, that post was all over the place. I do apologize. Hopefully, I will get more into the swing of things over the next couple of days.

On the Catwalk

I have decided that I need plastic surgery. I want an eye tuck, I think that is what it is called, and breast reduction surgery. The twins are just getting too big for their own good. Well, my own good, but that's neither here nor there. Liposuction probably wouldn't hurt either, but I've seen that done. Ewwww! Aww, hell! I'm too much of a scaredy cat when it comes to doctors and hospitals. Though, it couldn't hurt.

I got tagged by Jenn yesterday. Uh, oh! I am supposed to come up with a list of 10 little known things about me. Not a big deal since I am on the verge of being a recluse. Then I am supposed to tag 10 other people. Hmmm. That could be difficult. I have a few picked out but not many. Anyway, watch for that later this week.

Lots of new designs will be coming forth from Jewel Street Designs soon. I even purchased a notebook so I could sketch them out and not forget. Forgetting is a big thing of mine, and there is nothing worse than coming up with a great design and forgetting about it. In fact, the earrings pictured are from that notebook of designs. Love them! They are the perfect long earring in my humble opinion. Constructed of solid copper with a slight curve, I added iolite rondelles for an extra zing. Plus, it is finished with iolites on both sides so you will look fabulous coming or going. Steve named them the Catwalk earrings hence the title of this post. They can currently be found in my shop.

The Cry for Fabulous and Chic

Why is my birthday week always the week everyone gets sick?! That would be why I am missing in action and not getting anything done.

I am putting out a cry for help. I want some fabulous and chic clothes for my birthday. So, if you want to trade with me, give me a ring. I all ready traded for that simply magnificent clutch-style wristlet from Moxi. Love it and can't wait to get it.

Well, my family party was last night. I still have yet to figure out why we have to do this every year since the only thing I do is sit around and stare at the walls. My brother and wannabe aunt sat in the other room and demanded their cake be brought to them. My mother and grandmother rattled on about car accidents and other depressing things. All in all, it was rather pointless. The good thing was I didn't throw cake at anyone.

The ring pictured is my latest creation. One of those spur of the moment designs. I created it from copper tubing and the stone is a faceted ruby. It has a really elegant look and is so comfortable to wear. It can be found in my shop.

Why I am skipping February next year

Yep. You read it right. Why I am skipping February next year, and I definitely mean the whole month.

So, yesterday I had to take the evil car to the DMV so I could have tags put on it. I hate this car. With a passion. If I had another working car, I would drag "Christine" to the middle of some field and set fire to her. That's how much I hate this car. Why do I call it evil you ask. HA! The doors magically lock and unlock on their own, the radio says BAD whenever it feels like it, and various other strange happenings. It is possesses. Anyway, I took the stupid car to the DMV. OMG! I have never seen such a glob of unfabulous people as StilettoHeights would call them. They were lined up everywhere. Several with no teeth. One with her hair pulled so tightly back that her skin was stretched like Joan Rivers. One with a child who kept screaming "pull me, mommy". The only person I saw that was even remotely fab was a girl with the most amazing long curly red hair. I so want red hair. I just stared at her hair. I thought I was never going to get out of there, and I could feel my creative fabulous juices being sucked out like a vampire sucking someone's blood. If I had had to stay 5 more minutes, I probably would've run screaming from the building. The thought of having to go back next year sends shivers down my spine.


The earrings you see in the picture are one of the reasons I could be persuaded not to skip February. They are a part of my 2007 limited edition collection based on famous women. They are named Mata Hari. I adore them. I created them with sterling silver wire formed into filigree and the most amazing yellow topaz briolettes. Seriously, they are elegance personified. Plus, they are spring, I mean the season, for your ears. They can currently be found in my shop.

Having Breakfast at Tiffany's

I hope everyone's weekend went well, and you are not snowed in. Mine was fairly typical. We did take K to an auction where you get to throw money when you are the winning bidder. We even let her bid. I was quite proud of her. She picked out the things she wanted and got them. She never swayed or varied in her wants. And, when it was time to get the lots, she had no problem throwing away the things she didn't want. She loved it. I think she was a little proud of herself as well. Then on Sunday, of course, it snowed for a little while. I'm not talking just any kind of snow. These snowflakes were the size of snack plates or saucers if you will. They were the biggest snowflakes I've ever seen. I wish I had thought of getting a picture. Now today I have to get the evil car tagged and titled. I wish I didn't. I hate that car. It's going to be a long day.

I am getting slightly caught up on my work. I finished the bracelet you see in the picture over the weekend. It wasn't hard to make. Just a long process of cutting rings then fitting them together and adding a clasp. There is just over 400 sterling silver rings in this chainmaille piece. Plus, I added some aquamarine faceted ovals for a touch of elegance. I really like how it turned out, and it really did name itsself. It wanted to be called "When eating breakfast at Tiffany's...". I don't usually choose such long names, but this one deserved it. You will be able to find this one in my shop later today unless you decide you need it then let me know and I'll put it on sooner for you. Until next time.

Just so you know, I'm sitting in my office, really the room formerly known as the dining room, writing this in the dark waiting to get my daughter ready for school.
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Feeling the Effects

Wednesday,oh, Wednesday! Why does Wednesday have to be the longest day of the week?!

First, let's get down to business. I have, at last, finished a Creative Challenge piece before the next challenge has been posted. This week's theme is a guest challenge created by HollysRainbow. The noble theme of peace. I opted for an inspiration less traveled. Color. I was inspired by the color blue which has long been associated with peacefulness. It is also a fitting color for today since blue is Wednesday's color. Blue is also associated with the throat chakra. The throat chakra deals with the communication of how we feel and what we think. Very enlightning! The color blue I chose comes in the form of a carved sodalite. I accentuated it with sterling silver filigree. It can currently be found in my shop.

Second. I'm going to go on a rant and tell you a little secret. The secret is I watch Housewives of Orange County on Bravo. Yes, I admit it. I'm a little addicted. I have always been a little curious of how the other half lives. Well, this show has now proven that the jewelry making fad is not over, and unfortunately, they are probably going to sustain it a little further. One of these "housewives", (I say "housewives" because really. Come on now. I'd like to see them do the work around my house.), is starting a jewelry making/designing business with a friend of hers. It's nothing spectacular. She's not doing anything that the rest of us haven't done, but does she have to start at the bottom? No. Of course her rich fiancee is going to help her out. Asking her friend about where to get start-up money, her friend replies "investors". Did you have investors? I know I didn't. Oh, wait. Yeah, I did. Me. For crying out loud. Is going to get to skip all the steps because she has a rich fiancee and she is on tv? If I was on tv, I bet my business would be booming. It really isn't what you know but who you know.

The Showcase

It's oh so cold here at Jewel Street Designs so I'm working on a brand new surprise for you for next week!

Until then, sit back and shop for Valentine's Day. Today I'm on the showcase on etsy. Boy, is it tough to pick 6 items for the Showcase. Not only do you have to pick 6 things that you think are the best, you need to pick 6 things that will make people click on them and visit your shop. Since I have done this before, I didn't want to pick the same things I had previously. I have another Valentine's showcase next week so I get to pick all over again.

This ring is in the Showcase. It's one of the gemstones I bought in my shopping spree. I'm addicted to these flowers. I have a ruby one all ready listed in my shop. I also have two Chrysoberyl and two Sodalite flowers waiting to be made. I only used 1 piece of copper wire to construct this ring. I accented the flower with a couple of wire "leaves". I really love the look this provides- antique yet modern. Plus, how many others will have this ring?

Creative Challenge

I have finally finished another Creative Challenge piece. This week's challenge was to create something that was inspired by a location in your town whether it be your backyard, a store, a park, or whatever.

I love doing the challenges even if I do create them. It ensures that I will create at least one piece a week. Plus, it makes me think outside of the box. Everyone who participates is absolutely wonderful. I adore each and everyone of them. It gives me a reason to look forward to Mondays, and we all know we need one.

My piece this week is a bracelet(and no, I don't always so bracelets) inspired by a river not too far from my house and a little storefront in the center of my town. I secretly dream that this precious little store, formerly a hotel, will be mine one day. I seriously doubt it every will be at the exorbitant costs that brick and mortars are going for in my teeny little town. Anyway. The aluminium rings and the aluminium rectangles were inspired by this store. They have a feel of art deco as does my dream store. The garnet, iolite, and prehnite rondelles are inspired by the colors that surround the river I go by everyday. I am seriously contemplating creating a necklace to match I love it that much. I will be listing this bracelet in just a little in my shop.

Why don't you lovely readers try this challenge? or let me see the places that inspire you in your daily life.