EEJA.org Presents: The Eclectic Cafe

Win Great Stuff!!

2007-09-01T02:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Everybody...

My teams and I are at it again... giving away items to lucky winners that sign up for our mailing lists.

http://ArtCreated.com - I will be picking a winner every week and giving away my signature perfume, hand carved candles and jewelry.

http://EclecticJewelryArtisans.com - Three winners will be picked on Sept. 23rd - the Fall Equinox. Items will include: jewelry, jewelry and more jewelry.

http://SpiritofDarkArt.com - Three winners will be picked on Nov. 1st - All Saints Day. Items will include: hand painted art, candles, perfume, t-shirts and jewelry.

Don't say I never gave you anything. :)

The Wire Competition by EJA – Your Chance to Vote and Win!

2007-07-16T23:17:00.000-07:00

Here's your chance to vote for your favorite wire project by the artisans of EJA and your chance to win a free gift bag that will include hand made jewelry and other goodies!!

Just visit http://eeja.org/wire_com/wired.html and fill out the form. On July 25th, we will draw a lucky e-mail address from those that have voted. One vote per person. Voting on an item will sign you up for our newsletter that will inform you of future sales and other prize drawings.

Thank you,
Team EJA

http://EEJA.org

Ah, Ruby...

2007-06-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

Ah, Ruby!

by Jill of JQJewelryDesigns.Etsy.com
Member of http://EEJA.org

The Queen of gems, deep red ruby is the rarest and most valuable gemstone. It's the second hardest natural mineral, next to diamond. Above all other gemstones, including Diamonds, Rubies are the most expensive per Carat - a 15.97 Carat faceted Mogok Ruby was sold at Sotheby's in New York for an amazing $3,630,000 in October 1988. This comes to $227,301 per Carat!

It is from the Latin "ruber" meaning red. Because of its beauty and rarity, the Greeks called it the mother of all gemstones. The Romans called it a flower among stones. Ruby varies in color from dark to purple red, and is the July birthstone. It's the anniversary gemstone for the 15th and 40th year of marriage and the Zodiac Birthstone for Capricorn.

The earliest record for the mining of Rubies goes back more than 2,500 years ago in Sri Lanka. Burma is the world's largest provider of high quality Rubies. Burmese Rubies from the Mogok Valley are considered the finest in the world. Thailand, with large deposits near the Cambodian border, was previously the world's largest provider of Rubies, but the mining has fallen off recently. Bright red stones are mined in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Vietnam. Brownish-red rubies are from Thailand. Darker stones are generally produced from the mines in Australia, India, Russia and USA (Georgia, North Carolina and Wyoming). African Rubies have heavy inclusions and India is famous for supplying Indian Star Rubies. Gems without inclusions are very rare. Most have inclusions which are not visible to the naked eye, and they don't reduce the value of the stone as long as there is brilliance.

This gem can be many shades of red including orangy-red, purplish red or brownish red. Once it becomes too pink it is really pink sapphire. Most Rubies are heat treated to permanently improve their color and appearance. It was one of the earliest gemstones to be synthesized in a laboratory. Manmade Ruby has been around for generations. It is often found in estate and antique jewelry from the very early 1900's through today.

Few other gems have as much myth, lore and romance surrounding them. Many people believe that mystical powers lie within a ruby. The ancient Burmese believed that the stone generates a mystical force when it was inserted beneath the skin. They believed that this force protected the wearer from accidents and attacks. These gems were believed to provide their owners the protection from misfortune and bad health. In the ancient world, many believed that Rubies contained prophetic powers, enabling the wearers to predict their future based on the color changes of their gemstones.

It is known as the stone of love and it was once believed that if worn in a ring on the left hand or in a brooch on the left side, it would give the magical ability to live in peace among enemies. This stone was once thought to ward off bad luck and sickness. Ruby is given as a symbol of success, devotion, integrity, health, and passion.

DID YOU KNOW?

The largest ruby is in the crown of Charles IV, of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia. This birth stone is 250 carats and Charles placed this crown on the skull of Saint Wemaslas, duke of Bohemia, in 1346.

The Carmen Lucia Ruby is the largest faceted ruby in the National Gem Collection and one of the finest Burmese rubies known to exist in the world. Christian Sampler, director of the National Museum of Natural History, says it's the most significant addition to the National Gem Collection since the Hope Diamond came to the museum in 1958. It is a spectacular 23.1 carat Burmese ruby ring, donated to the Smithsonian Institution by billionaire Peter Buck in memory of his wife Carmen Lucia.

)))Meet FRED(((

2007-06-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

IMPORTANT: If you ever rescue a bird, never try to give it water, you can easily get it into their lungs and drown them. Go to a pet store and buy food, follow the mixing instructions.
6/12/07 On the way home, I asked Jimi to swing into the liquor store for some water. Got out of the car and on the ground was a baby birdie, at first I thought it was on it's way "out" but then Jimi came along and the birdie started squakin. So, we took birdie down the street to the vet's office which turned us away and told us to go to the pet store. Birdie was sitting up with its mouth open for food. The pet store gave us baby birdie food, I mixed some up with the water I had using a key and the lid to the bottle and used the key to feed birdie. So, on our way home, birdie starts squakin again and I started squakin back... and he replied!! So, birdie and I talked about how he was coming to live with us and he said ok. In my studio now, I have the 3 kittens and 1 baby bird... oh, and the birdie is a pigeon which the pet store guy said "OH", as in good grief. Guess we didn't rescue a good enough bird. Anyway, he's as cute as can be. I can't believe he's alive after the fall he took... only time will tell now cause one thing is for sure; he's got a full belly.
At home, I have a lot of pet tanks from when I had lots of lizards. I put birdie in one of the tanks but he kept falling over. Well DUH, he needs a nest. A bowl and a towel worked and I can tell he is happy. I read that they strengthen their legs by bracing themselves against the nest walls.

I was going to name him “Bungie” but then my friend Jane came up with F.R.E.D.

Fernando
Rodriguez
Eduardo
Domingez

6/13 I noticed a lump on Fred's neck, it goes down after he rests for a while and then when he chirps it puffs back up. I thought it was an infection at first, don't know what it is now.

6/14 Ok, the sack fills up with food! Weird. This is fun, I'm his mommy. Fred does the cutest things, before each bite of food, he chirps! Then once he starts chewing, he stomps his feet!!

6/23 Fred flew around my room

6/24 Fred gave me ringworm - to rid yourself of ringworm, use anti-fungal cream (athletes foot cream).

6/28 Fred grew up so very fast, amazing that in 4 days he had all his feathers out. He's beautiful… a small bird, maybe a finch. Teaching Fred to eat worms and seeds was interesting. Took him 2 days of staring at the seed branch to figure it out. It also took two days to get him to eat worms on his own.

Well, one day I had only about 5 little worms and there was no more baby bird food for him, Jimi would bring some home after work. What a noisy day I had… Fred squaked in protest. I went to the kitchen and we had some honey wheat berry bread so I tried that. Well, Fred didn't like it and he spit it out! I looked for oatmeal but we didn't have any, then I saw corn flakes. Fred spit them out. I had fish food so I tried that. Fred spit it out. I took the corn flakes and soaked them in water, made a mush like his bird food. He spit most of it out. The UPS man showed up with the package of gourmet almonds I ordered and as I was enjoying them it dawned on me to try giving Fred some almonds. So, I chewed up a bunch and I spit them out!! Sure enough, Fred loved it. Finally, Jimi came home with worms and seeds.

I've been opening the lid to the enclosure that Fred is in. What a smart bird. He jumps up to the stick I put in there and then hops out onto the lid. Then he will jump back down to the stick and into his house. He does this all day. He's flown around a few times but it looks like something is wrong with one of his wings. Most likely from when he fell as a baby. He has a hard time flying up. If he doesn't improve, we may just have to keep him. I'm not one that likes to keep wild animals locked up, I rescue and release but in this case, I may not have a choice. Our other option is to bring Fred to my Father's house and let him live in the front yard. My Dad doesn't have any cats and Jimi works there so would be able to feed Fred as needed. We thought we could make him a bird-house.

I had a lot of fun with Fred yesterday. I was taking photo's of my jewelry and put Fred in the photo with me. He sat on my hand, nice and still. What a bird!!

Ahna

ArtCreated.com

Founder - EJA

Winners of the EJA Summer Solstice Giveaway

2007-06-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

We have our 3 winners in the EJA Summer Solstice Jewelry Giveaway!! These girls are going to be stylin with all the jewelry we sent them.

Jill from Ohio
Alissa from PA
Lesha from Indiana

Congrats girls!!

Didn’t get a chance to enter? Well, you’re in luck. EJA is having another drawing on the Autumn Solstice!! All you need to do is visit: http://EEJA.org and sign up for our mailing list.

Free Jewelry??

2007-05-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, sign up for our news letter to be entered into our Summer Solstice giveaway. Three people will win artisan crafted jewelry and gifts - just for signing up.

What's So Great About MAY - Emerald!

2007-05-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, Emerald - gem of eternal Spring!

Emerald is the birthstone of May, the anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 35th years of marriage and the birthstone for the Zodiac signs of Taurus and Cancer.

The emerald has been a highly prized gem in many cultures for over six thousand years. Carat for carat, a fine emerald may be two or three times as valuable as a diamond. Unfortunately, this lovely gem has had a violent history. In Columbian region, it began with the murder of local Indians by the Spanish conquistadors trying to force them to reveal the location of emerald mines. The murder of over 900 people in 1972 was due to disputes over the control of emerald bearing regions. Many corporations, groups and government agencies have controlled the emerald mines over the years, and each of them had their share of theft, murder and corruption. After the violence of 1972 the Colombian government closed down the mines and gave private businessmen leases to run the mines. Although this has stabilized the region and reduced the violence, a good percentage of emeralds are mined illegally, or have strong connections to the drug cartels.

Emerald mining in the US has had it's share of tragedy, including a lawsuit in the mid 1980's. An emerald crystal of record size was discovered in North Carolina. The dispute was resolved when one of the parties cut the 14 inch crystal in half, destroying the value of this priceless gem.

Emeralds are found in many countries, but Columbia and Brazil are the major producers and Columbia is recognized as the source for the finest stones. They are also found in Pakistan, Russia, Australia, South Africa, India, Norway and the United States.

Lore:
Green is considered Nature's most soothing color, and early doctors had their patients look through pieces of emerald to treat eye diseases. Medicine made from powdered emeralds was used to "cure" diseases such as epilepsy. Many people believed that placing an emerald under the tongue enabled them to see the future. Legends tell of a Spanish settler who discovered a beautiful emerald stuck in the hoof of his lame horse. When it was backtracked, it led to the now famous Muzo mine.

Emerald is a stone of love and romance. It brings joy, enhances intuition, faith and promotes truthfulness. Another legend says that if an emerald is given by one sweetheart to another, it will pale and grow dull when the love between them fades.

My personal favorite is the legend of Emerald City . . . follow the Yellow Brick Road!

by Jill Quisenberry

BOGO Sale Gets Featured

2007-04-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

Visit this other fav blog: http://bloominglily.blogspot.com/

Nurturing the Creative Process by MandalaJewels.Etsy.com

2007-04-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

Picasso said, “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” As a child, I can remember lying face up in my bed with a slight smile on my face, appreciating the initial indications of a bright summer morning. The steady stream of fresh air filled my tiny nostrils, sunshine illuminated every surface, and I could hear the faint sounds of giddy laughter and chatter from children playing down by the water brook. I slowly emerged from my sweet slumber, while simultaneously calculating the possibilities of the day, all before my feet even touched the hardwood floors. I was excited about what the day had in store for me, never doubting it would be brilliant.

I was not intimidated by the box of 64 Crayola colors, nor did I worry about what I would sculpt with my play dough, and good lord, as soon as I could get outside to greet the day there was no need for Parker Brothers to facilitate my game playing adventures. I made up my own games and more importantly, my own rules. There were instances when this unbridled creativity led to my downfall, such as the famous, “Toilet Paper Parade”. I don’t know why I thought it would be a good idea to tie toilet paper on sticks, and encourage a host of friends to do likewise. The inspiration for the parade quickly pursued and we all jump on our bikes, held our handmade flags proudly in the air and took our procession to the streets, unfortunately to the horror and dismay of my poor mother. Needless to say we never made those flags again, but it was a delicious idea at the time. I was not in survival mode back then, life was easy… life was fun.

The creative spirit resides deep within and even as a young child I would lay still in the grass, look up at the bluest sky, and for a fleeting moment realize there was something much bigger than myself at work in the universe. As adults we tend to forget how important it is to just be still, to be quiet and know without any uncertainty that anything is possible. This simple act gives birth to the seeds of greatness.

However, what happens when our creative juices suddenly and unexpectedly run dry? As a jewelry designer, I ponder this dilemma, albeit only momentarily. I have several quick fixes under my belt. Here are some suggestions to help you through those unproductive periods that haunt us all.

• Commit to taking time out of your day, preferably very early in the morning before anyone else is awake, to be quiet and at peace, even meditate if the spirit moves you to do so.

• The space in which you work needs to be comfortable as well as inspirational. Hang pictures of images that kindle the imagination, paint the walls your favorite color, and place your special pieces in prominent locations throughout the space.

• Go for nature works, they are refreshing and you will be surprised by the things that inspire you along the way.

• Engage in artistic pursuits other than your chosen medium. Even though I am passionate about jewelry design, I also write, paint, sew, and dabble in mixed media.

• Go with the flow. Creativity is an ellusive process that ignites unexpectedly and if you allow it, will flow continually until you cease to be no more. When an extraordinary idea explodes let it overtake you, yield immediately, and remove any egotistical leanings. It is not about you, it is about the process. Creating really is a form of surrender. For me, it often takes place in the wee hours of the morn, while I am putting a bead on, taking a bead off, until I am no longer thinking, just doing, and that’s when something genuine becomes form. Once the trance is broken I may as well walk away until the next providential urge to slip back into my studio takes over. I live for those moments.

It is nice to remember the days of my carefree childhood and how much easier it was to be true to my spirit, but I certainly would like to believe it is possible to live that way each and everyday of our lives. So, even though the restrictiveness of our daily schedules try to crowd out our precious play time, it is important to take the time to nourish our spirit, continually engage in creative pursuits, and courageously conceive the impossible!

EJA Plans BOGO Sale!!!

2007-04-24T23:18:00.000-07:00

AHNA'S NEW SITE IS UP

2007-04-21T16:36:00.000-07:00

EJA Events

2007-04-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Diana of Cubicle Boutique is our featured jewelry artist for April. http://eeja.org

EJA has an article written by Rena Klingenberg at:
http://beadbugle.com/html/rena_s_current_month_tips.html

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT APRIL? DIAMONDS!!

2007-03-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT APRIL? DIAMONDS!!

by Jill Quisenberry

Diamond is the birthstone for the month of April and represents the 10th and 16th wedding anniversary. It comes from the Greek word Adamas, meaning "unconquerable", probably because they recognized the diamond's superior hardness. In fact, it is the hardest substance on earth. They are more prized than any other natural gem, because of their brilliance, hardness, sparkling flashes of color and rarity.

Before the 18th century almost all diamonds came from India. It was 1867 when the first of many significant discoveries began in South Africa. Today About 65% of the world's diamonds come from African countries. They are also mined in Russia, Australia and Brazil. There are two very small mines in the US which are in Arkansas and California. A large field was recently discovered in Canada.

The most popular diamonds are colorless, but most diamonds have a light tint, usually yellowish or brownish. Perfectly clear diamonds are much more valuable than tinted ones. Diamonds in deep hues of red, blue, and green are very rare and valuable.

In ancient times diamonds were only worn by men. The mistress of Charles VII was the first woman to realize that "diamonds are a girl's best friend"! The earliest record of a man giving a diamond to a woman as an engagement gift was in 1477. Brides across Europe and the US happily accepted betrothal rings, but it wasn't until after World War II and into the early 50s that it became popular to get diamond rings when engaged. Ever since then, almost all women have come to believe that even as marriages may come and go,"a diamond is forever"!!

Personally, I find famous diamonds very fascinating:

**Weighing in at 530 carats, the Star of Africa is the largest cut diamond in the world. It’s part of the Royal Scepter and kept in the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels.

**Darya-I-Nur is one of the spoils of Persia’s attack on New Delhi in 1739, a flawless, transparent pink stone estimated at 175 carats. It’s the largest gem in the Crown Jewels of Iran and was worn by the former Shah of Iran during his coronation in 1967.

**The Hope Diamond (shown at right) once belonged to France’s King Louis XIV, and has a history of bringing bad luck to many of its owners. The gem is now on display at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C.

**Koh-I-Nur, the diamond known as the “Mountain of Light,” dates back to India in 1304. Mogul emperors captured it in the 16th century, but it found its way back home after the breakup of the Persian Empire. Today it’s part of England’s Crown Jewels.
(experiencestmaarten.com)

LORE:

In the old days, Kings fought along side their troops on the battle fields. They wore heavy leather breast plates studded with diamonds and other precious stones. Because it was believed that diamonds were fragments of stars and the tear drops of the Gods, people believed that diamonds possessed magical qualities of the Gods. Out of fear, the warriors never attacked the Kings or men rich enough to own the magical diamonds in their breast plates. So, they survived the wars by the magic of the diamonds, were blessed by the Gods and had lives of good fortune. Nowadays, Kings/Dictators/Presidents never fight on the field of battle - curious because they can all afford the magical diamonds . . .

The king of all precious gems, diamond traditionally represents purity, fearlessness, invincibility and strength. It is a stone that bonds relationships and enhances love. It brings longevity, particularly to relationships, balance, clarity and abundance. It can amplify one's thoughts, strengths, and weaknesses. It gives one who wears or carries it courage and hope. Historically, crushed diamond has been used as a cure for many ailments. During the Roman era it was believed that swallowing a diamond would counteract poison.

Surprisingly, only about 20 percent of diamonds are fit for gem use. It must be the beauty and rarity of the few, that have led to the enduring desire of the many!

Special Update by Ahna.Etsy.com

2007-03-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

Well peoples - this is good, this is very-very good. There's a magazine called Lapidary Journal, it's been around for 60 years and in June will be called Jewelry Arts. From me sending in a Press Release last week and my portfolio to another magazine where that editor sent my information to an editor for Lapidary Journal - I was asked to do a step by step tutorial for their magazine. Guys - this is huge for me. I'm so honored to have been chosen to do this and at the same time I'm excited and a bit nervous too. Luckily, there is no deadline so I can take my time on the project... and what a project it will be. I am recreating this pendant and will have to write out each and every step as well as photograph it along the way. Thank goodness I studied photography! At the end of the article, I get to write a short bio with a mug shot and a link to my web site. Let's celebrate!! :)

Check out Ahna's new ad...

2007-03-22T02:08:00.000-07:00

http://indieshopping.com/spring07_spotlight.php?dept=1

March - Featured Artist is Up!

2007-03-03T16:37:00.000-08:00

http://eeja.org

What's so great about March? Aquamarine!! by JQJewelryDesigns

2007-03-01T04:37:00.001-08:00

What's so Great About March?
Aquamarine!!

by Jill Quisenberry

Most gem scholars agree that the tradition of birthstones arose from the Breastplate of Aaron: a ceremonial
religious garment set with twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel and also corresponded
with the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve months of the year...

Aquamarine is the modern March birthstone and the accepted gem for the 19th wedding anniversary. It is also
the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Scorpio. According to the saga it originated in the treasure chest of fabulous
mermaids, and has, since ancient times, been regarded as the sailors' lucky stone. It is said that sailors wore
aquamarine gemstones to keep them safe and prevent seasickness. Modern folk lore states that it is attuned to the sea,
and protects all travelers on water - so don't forget to wear aquamarine on your next cruise!

Deriving its name from the Latin 'aqua' (water) and 'mare' (sea), Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, like the
emerald. It ranges in color from an almost colorless pale blue to blue-green or teal, with the most prized
color a deep-blue aqua color. The most valuable aquamarines come from Brazil, but it is also mined in Kenya and
Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Russia.

The blue of aquamarine is a divine, eternal color, because it is the color of the sky. Since early times,
aquamarine has been believed to endow the wearer with foresight, courage, and happiness. It is said to increase
intelligence and make one youthful. It is a calming crystal to the emotions and stimulates communication and
clearer self-expression. Good for meditation as it heightens mental clarity.

However, aquamarine blue is also the color of water with its life-giving force. As a healing stone, it is said
to be effective as a treatment for anxiety, tension, headaches and tired eyes. However, it is surely better
still to wear aquamarine, since according to the old traditions this promises a happy marriage and is said to
bring the woman who wears it joy and wealth into the bargain.

http://jQjewelrydesigns.etsy.com

Member of EJA http://eeja.org

What's so great about February? by JQJewelryDesigns

2007-02-20T19:09:00.001-08:00

. . . Amethysts!!!

Amethyst is the traditional February birthstone and the accepted gem for the 6th wedding anniversary. It is also the birth stone for the Zodiac sign of Pisces

Amethyst is a variety of quartz which occurs in transparent light to dark purple. The darker more intense colors are more valuable than the lighter smoky or lavender color. The two main sources are Brazil and Zambia although it is also found in Uruguay, Russia, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and the US state of Arizona.

According to legend, amethyst originated when Bacchus, the God of Wine, grew angry at mortals. He vowed the next mortal that crossed his path would be eaten by tigers. At that time, a beautiful young maiden named Amethyst was on her way to worship the Goddess Diana. Diana, knowing of Bacchus vow, turned Amethyst into a pillar of colorless quartz to protect her from the tigers. Bacchus, witnessing the miracle, repented and poured wine over Amethyst, staining her purple.

Amethyst has long been called the "sobriety stone." In ancient Rome, crushed amethyst was added to wine cups to prevent drunkenness. It is said to assist with healing alcoholism, compulsive behaviors, and addictions of all kinds.

It is a meditative and calming stone, working in the emotional, spiritual, and physical planes to provide calm, balance, patience, and peace. When worn it may help to make the wearer gentle and amiable. Emotionally, amethyst can help heal personal losses and grief.

Amethyst powers include: dreams, healing, peace, love, spiritual upliftment, courage, psychism, protection against thieves, and happiness. It is also beneficial when dealing with legal problems and money issues, leading to prosperity and abundance.

Amethyst is used as faceted stones or polished cabochons and is carved in various shapes. Amethyst beads are used in necklaces, earrings and other jewelry in both rough unpolished forms, smooth glossy shapes, faceted beads and briolettes.

One of the largest cut amethysts in the world is 343 carats and is housed at the National History Museum in London.

http://JQJewelryDesigns.Etsy.com

Member:
http://EEJA.org

(C) 2007 - EJA

We're getting published...

2007-02-15T20:12:00.000-08:00

See DBrownDesigns article at:
http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/jewelry-business-blog.html

See Ahna’s articles at:
http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/lapidary-business.html
and
http://ezinearticles.com/?Crystal-Healing,-Metaphysics-and-Stone-Properties&id=451243

Jewelry Sale!

2007-01-23T17:18:00.000-08:00

My Eclectic Jewelry Artisian team is having a jewelry sale this week, please see individual stores for their promotional offerings.

Main Gallery: http://EEJA.org

Participating Members:
http://dbrowndesigns.etsy.com
http://mugwumpdesigns.etsy.com
http://monasongdesigns.etsy.com
http://beadjewelryshopgirl.etsy.com
http://ivoryarts.etsy.com
http://BaxtersHouse.etsy.com
http://jQjewelrydesigns.etsy.com
http://IgnisDesigns.etsy.com
http://ahna.etsy.com
http://jjboz10.etsy.com
http://Pavoreal.etsy.com
http://bcyrjewelry.etsy.com
http://studiobijou.etsy.com

2007-01-19T02:41:00.000-08:00

Crystal Energy by Ahna White

Ahna.Etsy.com
It is believed that crystals and stones possess powerful healing energy. This belief is called metaphysics; a philosophy that deals with the first principle of things, including abstract concepts such as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time and space (abstract theory or talk with no basis in reality). Yet crystals have been used since the beginning of civilization, even being referred to in the Bible.

We are drawn to crystals and stones not only for their energy but for their magnificent beauty. Several books have been written on the subject so I won't attempt to list them all but rather list some of my favorite and most popular, along with their uses.

Crystal Uses

- Feng Shui is a Chinese healing art form that uses crystals to direct the flow of energy (or chi) within your home. By hanging crystal spheres in certain areas, you can slow or scatter the energy flow.

- Different crystals and stones are also used to heal the body by placing them on chakras. Each chakra has a corresponding color and therefore the color of the stone should coincide with the chakra color. Stress can clog your chakras, slow or stall energy flow, which in turn causes disease in the body.

- Tonics or elixirs are also made using specific crystals and stones to heal the body. These "mineral waters" contain the essence of the energy of the crystalline form from which the water is then fortified.

- For centuries people have adorned themselves by wearing crystals and stones. By wearing or keeping crystals in your environment, you can charge your aura (the energy field that surrounds you). Crystals are

Specific Stones and Their Meaning

As I looked up my favorite stones, I noticed a pattern, many dealing with either the crown, heart or root chakra, (maybe I need to pay some attention). I'll randomly pick some other well known stones.

Agate
Grounds emotions, intellect and physical being. Place over the heart to heal emotional disease that prevents acceptance of love. Place over abdomen to stimulate digestion.

- confident and strong

- stabilizes aura

- class of chalcedony

Amethyst

- clears and stabilizes the aura

- activates crown chakra for connection to higher power

- brings about spiritual contentment and a feeling of calm

- protects against psychic attacks

- variety of quartz

Charoite

Stone of transformation. The soul stone that overcomes fear, stimulates inner vision and spiritual insight, aids in coping with enormous change at a spiritual level.

- synthesizes the heart and crown chakra's

- cleanses the aura

- stimulates unconditional love

- provides deep physical and emotional healing

- helps you accept the present moment as being perfect

Diamond

Symbol of purity, bonds relationships, amplifier of energy (never needs recharging), abundance of white light, brings clarity to the mind.

- cleanses aura

- activates crown chakra for connection to the higher power

Emerald

A stone of inspiration and infinite patience. It is a life affirming stone with great integrity. Known as the “stone of successful love”, it brings domestic bliss and loyalty.

- ensures physical, emotional and mental equilibrium

- gives the wearer strength of character to overcome misfortunes in life

Fluorite

- stimulates the third eye; psychic communication

- excellent for meditation

- treatment of bones and bone marrow disorders

- highly protective

- cleanses and stabilizes the aura

- protects against computer and electromagnetic stress

- grounding

- gently opens the door to the subconscious

- improves physical and mental coordination and counteracts mental disorders

- overcomes chaos in all aspects

- organizes and processes information; quick thinking

- emotionally stabilizing (no wonder I love this stone)

Rhodochrosite

This stone represents selfless love and compassion and encourages spontaneous expression of feelings. Meditation - helps to identify ongoing negative patterns and shows the purpose behind the experience. This stone insists that you face the truth about yourself and other people, without excuses or evasion but with loving awareness.

- lifts depression

- clears solar plexus and base chakra

Rhodolite Garnet

Powerful, energizing and regenerating stone; brings about passion and balances the sex drive.

- reenergizes and protects the base charka

- sharpens the perception of Self and others; warm, trusting and sincere stone

Ruby

Encourages a passion for life, has strong energy and is not for sensitive people.

- stimulates the heart charka

- powerful shield against physic attacks and vampires of the heart

- promotes dynamic leadership

- brings about a courageous state of mind

- attracts sexual activity

- physically overcome exhaustion and lethargy

- detoxifies the body, blood and treats fevers

Sapphire

The wisdom stone, each color has it’s own wisdom.

- releases unwanted thoughts

- releases depression

- type of corrundum

Black - protective and centering, helps with employment

Blue - seeker after spiritual truth, throat chakra healing

Green - improves inner and outer vision, dream recall, heart chakra

Pink - meditation will teach you how to master your emotions

Parti - several colors, all charas

Purple - awakens; stimulates spirituality

Royal - eliminates negative energy in chakras

Star - opens intuition

White - extremely pure energy

Yellow - attracts wealth; as elixir, it removes toxins

Sugilite

The love stone.

- aligns and opens all chakra's to the flow of love

- teaches how to live from your truth and reminds the soul of its reasons for incarnating

- protects the soul from shock, trauma and disappointments

- pain reliever

Tourmaline

- cleanses, purifies and transforms dense energy into a lighter vibration

- Shamanic stone that brings protection during rituals

- beneficial for the garden and plants (like I can afford that)

- balances right right and left sides of the brain

- enhances energy flow

Pink Tourmaline is an aphrodisiac that attracts love in the material and spiritual worlds; providing assurance that it is safe to love.

Turquoise

Turquoise is a most efficient healer, providing a solace for the spirit and well-being for the body.

- place on the third eye for enhanced intuition

- strengthens the meridians and subtle energy fields

- excellent stone for exhaustion, depression and panic attacks

What Crystal and Stone Believers Have to Say

"I wear a crystal around my neck. It is not only myself who can sense their glowing brilliance of energy. Many people, upon meeting me, cast their gaze unintentionally downwards to my collar bones. Most impressive are the instant response of children. I am an artistic tutor for hire, and every child I work with has instantly grabbed onto my necklace upon introduction, and most days as a continual greeting. I feel like my energy, and the experience of the energies of the places I have been are absorbed into the stone itself."

"I just like carrying them around in my pocket, putting my hand over one just to feel something solid. I've held quartz while meditating and I feel like it conducts my energy better almost as if it's an amplifier."

"They mean a lot to me they are the base of all my healings and meditations...they are also very important in rituals, and ceremonies. I carry a set group of them with me all the time. I have had so many things happen when using crystals, stones and gems that it would be hard to pick out one story."

"When I look at a stone, I think of the long, slow, relentless energies deep in the earth where it was formed. I imagine that energy coalescing inside the stone, residue of its eon-long incubation, then its inexorable rise to the surface. To me stones and crystals are like frozen time..."

Awakening and Cleansing Your Crystals

Since ancient civilization, tribal ceremonies involved the activation of crystals. If you lived by the sea, crystals were cleansed in the water. If not, they were awakened by placing them in the Sun or Moon light for several hours. Still today, we can use these methods to “recharge” our stones.

- Leave them out doors during a new Moon.

- Soak in sea salt for about 6 hours.

- Some even bury their crystals in the Earth during a new Moon.

My Offerings

My fascination with crystals and stones began many years ago when I began my research into alternative healing for some of my own ailments. Today, because of my fascination, I am surrounded by stones in my home... every room has at least one stone. In the past year I have learned silversmithing and lapidary work to further my love and involvement with stones. We are very lucky to live in a crystal rich environment and are able to dig for crystals in our own back yard.

Also in my quest for alternative healing, I have studied Feng Shui, Prana Energy and I am a Reiki Master. I offer sessions in all three mediums, just contact me for more information. To purchase stones or jewelry, please see the web sites below.

Here's to your health!

Ahna

http://Ahna.Etsy.com

http://ArtCreated.com

--------------------------------------

Thank you to Julia of
IvorysArts and Jane at
BaxtersHouse for help with the editing and my crazy grammer!

References:

My brain.

The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall

Love is in the Earth by Melody

(C) 2007 Ahna

EJA Artisan Jewelry Now Available at Ruby Lane!!

2007-01-05T16:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/eclecticjewelryartisans
More than 50 artists, specializing in modern, unique and fine jewelry.

Photography: Jewelry Lighting by Ahna

2007-01-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

http://eeja.org/article010307.html

Another Great Article by Julia

2006-12-31T18:03:00.000-08:00

Crystal Beads - Part II

By Julia
http://IvorysArts.Etsy.com

Finishes and Effects

This focuses primarily on Swarovski crystals, sometimes referred to as Austrian crystal. I discussed the difference between a finish and an effect last week, this week I'm going to cover the different finishes and effects available, and illustrate them for you.

Wanna know the rest? Visit: http://EEJA.org and click on "articles". :)

Looking forward to a new and great year with EEJA!

2006-12-30T18:19:00.000-08:00

It often amazes me how a group of jewelry artists who live hundreds of miles away from each other can become so close in this place we call cyberspace. A true bonding takes place: we laugh, we cry, we vent, and yes, we even gossip. Each one of us has our own unique style and our creativity appears boundless. Check our website at: http://eeja.org and you will simply be overwhelmed! The piece featured above is a personal favorite of mine. It is available in my shop at: http://mandalajewels.etsy.com

Lapidary Start Up Costs by Ahna

2006-12-28T01:18:00.000-08:00

One Little Cabochon

By Ahna White
http://Ahna.Etsy.com
Eclectic Jewelry Artisans
http://eeja.org
Etsy Dark Art
http://etsydarkart.com

So, you think you'd like to make your own cabochons? Well, I'm going to tell you what's involved in doing that! This doesn't include faceting gems, that's a completely different subject!

One of the first things you learn in a metalsmithing class is how to bezel-set a cabochon. Because of that assignment, I went searching for some interesting stones to set. That's when I fell in love with rocks! I have over 10 years experience in stained glass work, and the concepts of cutting, shaping and polishing cabochons is very similar to working with stained glass!

I didn't have anyone to tell me what I needed, so I started doing a lot of research into lapidary equipment. I figured out that, at the very least, I would need a Trim Saw and a Cab Machine. A Trim Saw is used to cut down rock slabs (flat pieces already cut from rough rock) as close as possible to the shape of the cabochon. This is a basic machine that uses a blade, and has a water reservoir, used to cut stone. Nothing fancy is needed, you just want to be sure that the surface area on the machine is about 4-5 inches on each side of the blade.

A Cab Machine is used to shape and polish the cabochon. Here, I made a mistake. I found three different machines with very different prices, from $336 to $1600. I decided to go in the middle, and selected a machine that cost $795. The description said it was all I would need, what it didn't say was that you had to change out pads and wheels every few minutes, and had to take off all the wheels to change the saw blade! That was fine for the first day or so, but I quickly realized this was going to be a nightmare! I returned it; top-of-the-line, here I come! I got a Diamond Pacific Finie with 6 wheels and a totally separate machine for cutting the slabs, and it was well worth the extra money! When it comes to cabbing equipment, I don't recommend cutting corners, you will end up wasting a lot of your time!

So, here's a cost breakdown, with tax and shipping:

Trim Saw $425 (only for cutting slabs, not rough rocks)

Cab Machine $1,600

Additional supplies needed: Templates, apron, safety glasses, dopping supplies, coolant, polish, blades, rock slabs

Now, if you really want to start from the ground up, you need a Slab Saw for cutting rough rock;

Cost: $1,700

Additional supplies: 5 gallons of water-soluble cutting oil, sharpening stone

Maintenance Costs: If you do your cabbing at a 'hobby' level, you will probably need to buy new wheels and blade for the Slab Saw about once every 12-18 months. The Trim Saw will require more blades, a good blade for a 6” Trim Saw is $28, and you should have two different sized blades, depending on what you're cutting. Material like Rhodochrosite is soft and easy to cut, but materials like agate are very hard, and will dull a blade quickly. A sharpening stone will help extend the life of the blades.

A word about cabochons... there are two different types. I refer to the first as a 'generic' cab, in which you cut as many cabochons from a slab as you can. You'll get more cabs, and very little waste, which is more cost-effective. Then, there is a ‘Designer Cabochon’, where you select the best pattern or colors on the slab to create a more beautiful cabochon. You create a spectacular piece, but there will be more waste, and a higher cost as a result.

Last but not least is your time. If you are starting with a rough rock, a slab saw will take about 20 minutes to make a pass; the nice thing about this is that they come with an auto-feed system, so while you're cutting a rock in that machine, you can be working on something else. I can usually spent about an hour at the Trim Saw to produce 10-15 cabs, depending on what material I'm trimming. Harder rocks take longer to cut through. The cabbing machine takes the longest, and you don't want to rush in any of these processes. This will need anywhere from 20-50 minutes per cabochon.

In summary, each individual cabochon will take 45 minutes to 1-1/2 hours to make. Your basic cost for equipment will be about $3,725, plus the additional supplies and the raw material/rough stone. You will need to produce 150 cabs and sell them for an average of $25 each to pay for the equipment. By that time you'll need to replace some blades, and you can start recovering your costs for supplies and stone. Sorry. . .it will be awhile before you can start getting paid for your time!

Hi!

2006-12-27T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hi! My name is BJ and I’d like to invite you to visit my shop: www.adornmentsbybj.etsy.com. The Etsy site is full of all things handmade and I myself have approximately 81 items listed. There are numerous categories to visit within www.etsy.com and the artists are numerous and extremely talented! Also, I’m a member of EJA (Eclectic Jewelry Artisans) and you are welcome to visit their site @ www.EEJA.org. Please let me know about your Art and yourself along with your website address. I’d love to hear from you!

Crystal Beads by IvorysArts

2006-12-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

Jewelry Terminology

By Julia Bryan of Ivory's Arts
http://Ivorysarts.etsy.com

The EJA Gallery:
http://eeja.org

Crystal Beads and Components

In my inaugural weekly column about jewelry terminology, I'm going to talk about crystals, more specifically Swarovski full-lead crystals, also known as Austrian crystals, as they are considered the premiere manufacturer of leaded crystals worldwide. Many of the terms used will also apply to other crystal brands, so they will have a broader range of application than just one brand or type of crystal.

First of all, Swarovski produces an incredible array of colors; some, but not all, are produced in a regular color and a light color (amethyst and light amethyst, for example). However, the range of colors is broadened considerably when finishes and effects are added. This is one of the first distinctions that many people are unaware of. A finish is applied over a clear or colored crystal, while an effect involves elements added to the crystal during manufacture to create an altered color shift. These are differentiated in the crystal name, if the name begins with the word Crystal, it is usually an effect (Crystal Silver Shade, Crystal Moonlight, and Crystal Vitrail Light are examples). If the crystal has a coating, it is added to the color; Amethyst AB, Emerald AB2X and Jet Dorado are examples. However, there can be some confusion, for instance Crystal AB is a coating, not an effect. And Satin is treated like a coating but is actually a more color-saturated crystal which is created during manufacture of the crystal (like other effects), rather than applying a coating afterward.

Next week I'll cover the different coatings and effects, and provide illustrations for those crystals I happen to have on hand.

Musings by StudioBijou

2006-12-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

I would like to take a moment to discuss how wonderful it has been to be part of this group. How do you take 50 competitors from all over the world, link them in united purpose (to sell more handcrafted artisan jewelry!) and keep them going, day after day, thru thick and thin, thru miss-read messages, and into the land of harmony? I will be pondering our journey more in the future. For now, I will say it has been a great ride, a short one, and one I hope takes us all long into our futures as we encourage jewelry artisans to take over the world!

New- Featured Jewelry Artisan on our web site.

2006-12-21T17:22:00.000-08:00

Each month we will feature one of our members so check it out!
http://EEJA.org

This month: Mandala Jewels - Wonderfully fun jewelry.

Ahna announces new fragrances :)

2006-12-20T15:45:00.000-08:00

Ahna Announces Two New Fragrances

I’m trying my luck at a few perfume scents. And I must say, I did good! :) One is the Ultimate Romantic Rose blend, a good robust rose scent. The other is for the hippy in me, Bohemian Blend a very earthy yet crisp scent.

If you would like to sample them, please contact me... samples are $1.75 ea. and that includes the postage.

1/3 oz. roll-on silky perfume is $5.50 ea. plus 2.45 postage.

Ingredients: Cyclomethicone, fragrance

Coming up: “Haunted” - A vanilla-musk blend and Incense!!

Main
http://Ahna.Etsy.com

Galleries:
http://EtsyDarkArt.com
http://EEJA.org

Mandalajewels

2006-12-19T18:12:00.000-08:00

I think I am obsessed with, or either possessed by, the jewelry design spirits. Every waking and sleeping moment visions of daring bead color combinations/designs emerge from my psyche. I want to take my work to another level. My next experiment will be working with enamel, but more about that in another post. You can find my latest designs in my Etsy shop at http://mandalajewels.etsy.com. I am a proud member of Eclectic Jewelry Artisans http://eeja.org

Members - please read - Ahna

2006-12-19T01:47:00.000-08:00

Please put your shop name in the titles or we won't know who is posting. ;)

Me Fav Poem - Ahna

2006-12-19T01:36:00.000-08:00

You loved me for a little,
who could not love me long;
You gave me wings of gladness,
and lent my spirit song.

You loved me for an hour,
but only with your eyes;
Your lips I could not capture,
by storm or by surprise.

Your mouth that I remember,
with rush of sudden pain;
As One remembers starlight,
or roses after rain.

Out of a world of laughter,
suddenly I am sad;
Day and night it haunts me,
the kiss I never had.

Jewelry Gallery

2006-12-18T19:54:00.000-08:00

http://EEJA.org