The object here is to show some of the jewelry I have designed and fabricated. You will find such jewelry on ETSY.com. My husband has been taking photos to submit to ETSY. I only have a few listed there and have tons more. I try to use only gold-filled and or silver for clasps as I want the pieces to last. I try to use only semi-precious gems, wood, silver, pearls, coral, shells, crystals, and certain glass beads. I have used copper on occassion. I want my pieces to really KAPOW the beholder so I try to utilize skill in putting them together. Most of my pieces have matching earrings. I have used raw hide and ribbon though I usually use accuflex wire. I prefer simple clasps as they are easier to get on and take off. So I usually use S hook and eyes. But I also have silver and gold-filled toggle clasps.
I started getting into making necklaces years ago when I moved to Calvert County. There are some of the biggest finds of fossilized shells and sharks teeth in Scientists Cliff’s on the Bay. Some teeth are so huge that I could not string because it would hurt your neck!
When in San Diego I started stringing beads again due to menopause and many fruitless, sleepless nights. My mother suggested Strung Out as a name for them as I am a recovering alcoholic and drug addict! My husband designed a site for ETSY and we called it A Bead Strung. I will have links for both. In San Diego I was so privileged to be able to attend these huge gem shows every couple of months. It became a whole new addiction! I have now moved to Salisbury, Maryland on the Eastern Shore and am trying to launch a business here. Though they have none of the access to gems and beads that I have experienced in S.D. I have found only one good bead shop and she is very small. There was a bead store in San Diego that was 29,000 square feet! Boy, do I miss that!!
I hope to have about 60 necklaces on ETSY.com in the next few weeks.
I welcome your questions and inquiries though I am not prepared to make special orders as rarely do my attempts meet the expectations of the inquirer as we both have different ideas of perfection! I am also starting to find the stones I use as having healing and magical properties. I will list those when I use those particular beads. Also certain crystals are used in healing ceremonies for masseuse and healer alike. Chakras have many healing properties and colors. Some of my pieces could influence the wearer for the better. Some will notice peaceful feelings associated with certain crystals. Colors have been important to societies for centuries, such as the color purple. It was known for its healing properties and was often reserved for royalty. The dye was made from certain plants or mussel shells in and around the Nile in ancient Egypt. Colors are also associated with Tarot and consequently the current deck of cards. Purple, gold, silver and red are prevalent in religious ceremonies of this day and age.
More another day…..
