Wow, it's been a while! I seemed to have dropped off the Earth, as I've been having a non-virtual life. My virtual life has suffered! Somehow, I have to balance this. It all comes down to balance, doesn't it?

In May, Sacred Paths Center closed its doors. It was very sad, for many reasons.We had our Kids N Kin classes there, some cool pot lucks & parties, concerts, and the Goddess Art Show. The gift shop there was a regular customer, and open to trying my new creations. I will certainly miss them & the interesting people I met there. So, I have to pick up the business pace elsewhere.

My goal this month is to list something on Etsy every day, starting last Monday.

One of my first items to list was this Pink Lemonade Necklace & Earrings.  I wish I could photograph this set to show it off. I will work on that some more.

 This Fuschia Pink Candy Jade Necklace & matching earrings got listed also. This set is both dainty and attention-getting. I love the bright drops, the austrian crystals, & the vintage bone beads. I remember buying those beads in 1988, on Lake Street in Minneapolis, in a little shop called Isis Beads. The owner used to wear flowing robes and her beads had lots of stars & moons on them. I've treasured those beads for a long time, and they seemed to go perfectly with these drops.

This week, I also listed some new Amphora with a fresh, citrus theme. And a Luck Amphora Necklace with Chrysocolla, and a Believe Amphora Necklace.

I thought summertime was the right time to list a few other pieces in my Etsy Shop. These pieces make me feel like summer:

Fiery Carnelian Necklace, with Swarovski crystals sterling silver.

Bright Kissy Fishes

Fantasy Sea Horse & Sea Stars similar to Christi Freisen.

Glow in the dark Sea Stars with Amazonite & Rose Quartz.

Amphorae/Amromatherapy Vessels

Last month, while I was visiting my friend out of state, we visited one of her fave shops in a nearby town. It's a fabulous aromatherapy/alternative/new-age shop, Celestial Body with some great proprietary skincare products. I had packed up to visit my friend straight from my last Gooselake Artfarm show, so had a bunch of my creations with me. How fortuitous! I showed them my items, and now they carry some of LilYkaT Studios masks, spoons, earrings, pendants, & requested that I design some aromatherapy vessels for them out of polymer clay.


I had a ton of fun, designing these amphorae! Some are out of glow in the dark clay, and have inspirational words or symbols.


The bottles are glass-lined polymer clay. They can be for holding aromatherapy blends, herbs, or any small amount of liquid or dry materials. The light colored ones incorporate glow in the dark clay, for some extra energy. And cuz I'm a glow in the dark clay geek! LOL! The amphora below is a glowy one.

The fun thing about these is that they can be used for prayer bottles, spell bottles, to hold a lock of hair from a loved one, memory jewelry, or to hold chips of rocks or sand from special places. I have made a few more elaborate ones that I am stringing with semi-precious stones. Can't wait to take pics of those!

Goose Lake ArtFarm Endeavor

May 14th, halfway into the month of May, Spring should be in the air, only 5 weeks from the longest day of the year. It should be in the high 60's or 70's in Minnesota, right? It was freakin' c-c-cold! On the first day of the Goose Lake Artfarm.



I haven't done a craft show for years. I was working, had my stuff in a couple shops, teenaged child needs alot of attention, loads of reasons. I enjoy shows, all the interpersonal contact, other creative people around. Well, I'm still unemployed, this show is close, & weekly, thought I'd give it a try. The location is a pleasant surprise! It's at a beautiful farm/winery, nestled in some scenic rolling farmland. You are greeted by dogs & chickens as you drive up. Miniature goats rush the fence & bleat for attention. A peacock struts across the gravel driveway. Wow!

The vendor space is in a very open & roomy greenhouse. Other vendors are friendly & helpful. We were right next to the cookie vendor. Yummy deliciousness! And they give away free bite-sized samples. But it was sooooo cold, that some people wouldn't even take their hands out of their pockets to get a free sample of a cookie! Not much wallet-reaching going on either.





By the time I got home, I couldn't feel my icy, blue toes! OK, that's a slight exaggeration... but I was chilled to the bone. I turned the heat back on in the house (and I'm very frugal, so this is really something!). Thankfully, we'd brought along extra cozy gear, so we didn't get really freezing. As we were unloading at home, Hubby got hit with some sleet/snow pellets. The poor people who went to opening fishing... I've been out on lakes in this kind of weather. Not fun! I'll take a cold craft show any day! LOL!

New Inspiration!

It all started when we went to a MN Swarm game.... well,... we tried. A vendor of DH's gave him tickets, said they'd be at Will Call. So we pack up the family & make the haul 45 minutes to the Exel Center. Then pay for parking. Get to Will Call, no tickets. Under his name, rep's name, company name... nothing! Call the guy, he doesn't pick up his phone (he later swears that the tickets were there). So... we are in downtown St. Paul, with teenaged child in tow. What to do? The Science Museum is right across the street, I almost had them going... but, look! A motorcycle show! I'm outvoted, and we go to the motorcycle show. Not my first choice, but I decide to make the best of it. Well... OMG! I think all the really talented artists are painting motorcycles and inking tattoos. Who knew? Besides the wonderful people-watching, it really was a feast of colors, textures, and lots of really incredible artwork on those bikes. So, thanks irresponsible rep, for jumpstarting my inspiration.

Then, when I get home, I check on the library website, and they have some books on tattoo art. This stuff can translate to woodburning pretty easily, and they really have some great tribal designs. My new batch of spoons has benefited greatly from this new inspiration.



I brought the top batch of 8 spoons into Sacred Paths Center today, and Teisha agreed that this group shows some artistic growth, without losing the whimsy. I'm sending them "sell" vibes. Feel free to join me!

DIY Mask: Mask Base, Part 1

I made a custom mask & thought I'd share how I did it.
Materials:
Cardstock
Pencil
Scissors
Heavy iron-on interfacing
~ 1/3 yard fabric for mask base; I used blue polyester crepe-backed satin
Thread
Sewing machine
Embellishments of your choice:
Lace
beads
sequins
polymer clay
paint
charms
shells
stones

I started out with a mask template. Fold cardstock in half, find position of eye holes. Make sure they are large enough, or you'll have tunnel vision. I don't know about you, but that makes me claustrophobic. Then shape the outer lines of the mask. If you are making a fabric base, like the one pictured, less curved lines are easier. The satin I chose for the base frays like crazy, probably not the best choice, but it sure is pretty!


Once your template is drawn, Transfer it to your iron-on interfacing. Cut it out. Now do it again, as you'll need 2 of these.



Iron onto wrong side of your base fabric, leaving 1" around all edges, except eye-holes. Cut out each piece, with at least a 3/8" seam allowance.



Place mask pieces, right sides together & sew outside edges, making sure to sew just inside the lines of the interfacing.



This reduces fraying. Leave a 2" opening at the bottom side, for turning. Do not sew the eye-hole edges! Clip curved edges carefully & turn. Turning the mask is kind of a pain. Alternatively, if you plan to embellish all the outside edges, or if your fabric doesn't fray badly, you can place the pieces wrong sides together, & zig-zag all edges.

Zig-zag stitch around eye holes. You now have a mask base, with all kinds of embellishment opportunuties!

Project in the works

Trident bead that is part of a project that I've been working on. Full pics to come later!

Prosperity Correspondences

So, I was going through my files and stumbled across this list. Since many of us are looking for a more prosperous fresh start in 2011, I thought perhaps others can benefit from it, too. I believe it was a team effort of the old Disorderly Witches who originally compiled the beginnings of this list, and it got added to over the years. As always, if you use these herbs, keep your health & safety in mind - ingest only herbs that you are sure are safe, keep candles in a safe place & don't leave fire unattended.


Prosperity, Abundance, Success & Wealth correspondences

Colors: Green, Gold, Silver

Day of the week: Thursday, Sunday

Element: Earth

Goddesses: Aje, Aida-Wedo, Amberella, Anu, Ashiakle, Benton, Bona Dea, Chichinguane, Copia, Fulla, Dzivaguru, Gonzuole, Ganga. Gollveig, Habondia, Hada-Bai, Jacebed, Kamadhenu, Kuan-Yin, Kumu, Lakshmi, Lan Ts'ai-Ho, Liberalitas, Louhi, Maruwa, Mbombe, Mokosh, Mutyalamma, Msomeka, Ops, Sarah, Selekana, Surabhi, Wanne, Thekla, Yaparamma

Stones: Amazonite, Ametrine, Andalusite (Chiastolite), Aventurine, Bloodstone, Calcite, Cat's Eye, Chrysoprase, Citrine, Coal, Emerald, Garnet, Jade, Jet, Lepidolite, Malachite, Marble, Mother-of-Pearl, Olivine, Opal, Pearl, Peridot, Ruby, Salt, Sapphire, Sardonyx, Smoky Quartz, Spinel, Stauroite, Tiger's Eye, Topaz, Green Tourmaline, Zircon (brown, red, or green).

Foods: Abundance & Fertility: Apples, Bananas, Barbequed Foods, Basil, Beef, Berries, Cabbage, Carrots, Coconut, Corn, Figs, Fish, Grapes, Honey, Kiwi, Lettuce, Milk, Mustard, Oats, Olives, Oranges, Peaches, Pork, Rice, Tropical Fruit, Walnuts.

Prosperity Foods: Alfalfa, Allspice, Almonds, Bananas, Barley, Basil, Beans, Berries, Cabbage, Cashews, Chamomile, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Cloves, Dill, Eggs, Figs, Ginger, Grapes, Lettuce, Maple Syrup, Marjoram, Milk, Mint, Oats, Onions, Oranges, Parsley, Peanuts, Pears, Peas, Pecans, Pine-Nuts, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Rice, Sesame Seeds, Spinach, Tea, Tomatoes, Wheat.


Prosperity Herbs

Alfalfa -- prosperity and $

Allspice -- burned as incense to attract $ or luck and added to sim. Mixtures.

Almond -- kernels, wood, or leaves used in prosperity & $ spells. Climbing an almond tree said to ensure success in business ventures.

Almond Oil - in Prosperity rites and $ incense

Aloe -- aloe trimmed garlic wreaths hung in home in Mexico for luck and money.

Ash -- burn ash wood at Yule for prosperity

Banana -- leaves, flowers and fruits of banana used in prosperity $$$ spells

Bayberry - prosperity in the home “luck to your home and gold to your pocket”.

Benzoin -- cinnamon and basil – burn to attract customers

Bistort -- for $ attracting sachets and added to wealth & $$ incenses

Black Snakeroot – carried to attract money

Blackberry -- leaves and berries used in wealth spells

Bladderwrack (Kelp) – scrub floors and doors of business with infusion to attract customers and bring good vibes into store. Also, in money spells. Fill small jar with whiskey, add kelp, cap tightly and place in kitchen window. Ensures steady flow of money into the household.

Blue Flag -- carry root for financial gain. Also, root in register to increase business

Bluebell -- luck

Briony root-- $ near a root will increase as long as it remains there

Bromeliad -- protection/money

Buckwheat -- ground and in circles while working magic. Add to money incenses and keep some in kitchen to avoid poverty.

Calamus -- root in kitchen corners protects against poverty

Camelia -- riches and luxuries. Blossoms for prosp/$$ rituals

Cascara Sagrade – money spells --- also sprinkle infusion around home before going to any court proceeding. It will help you win your case.

Cashew -- prosperity & money

Cedar -- in wallet draws money ----in incenses

Chamomile – to draw money

Chamomile -- to attract money. Infusion as hand wash by gamblers to insure winning

Chicory -- promotes frugality

Cinnamon and Cinquefoil – for money, love, health, power and wisdom. To increase riches: Cinq, cloves, lemon balm, and whole vanilla bean or tonka bean

Clove -- burned, attracts riches, and to stop others from gossiping about you

Clover -- leads wearer to money or treasures (5-leaved)

Comfrey -- in suitcases on travels prevents theft. Used in $$ spells

Devil’s shoestring – carry when asking for a raise

Dill -- money spells

Elder -- prosperity, grown near home bring it

Fenugreek -- add few fenugreek seed to mop water (or small amount of infusion). Half-fill small jar w/F and leave open in house to attract money. Add few seeds each day till full. Empty jar & return seeds to ground. Begin again.

Fern -- guides to treasures

Fir Wand - Used for prosperity rites

Flex -- Seeds used in $ spells; in shoe protects against poverty; seeds in wallet, pocket, or purse.

Fumitory -- infusion around home or rubbed on shoes weekly draws $$

Galangel -- in leather sachet with silver draws $$

Garlic -- anti-theft

Ginger -- roots planted or powder sprinkled in pockets/money draws $ success spells

Goldenrod-- flower dowses for lost objects or treasures. Grows suddenly near door, good fortune. Money spells

Goldenseal -- money spells

Gorse -- money spells; attracts gold

Grains of Paradise __ in $/luck sachets

Grape -- money spells

High John the Conqueror – anoint root with mint oil and tie in green or purple bag to attract $$$. As oil for anointing.

Honesty (money plant) seedpods resemble silver coins. Place one beneath green candle, burn down to socket or place in purse or pocket to draw $$

Honeysuckle –Ring green candles with H to draw $$, or in vase in house. If grows near house – good fortune

Horse Chestnut – Wrap $1 bill around buckey, place in sachet. Carry to attract $$. Also, for success in all things.

Hyssop - to increase finances

Irish Moss -- beneath rugs to increase luck/ensure steady flow of $ into house and pockets. Stuff luck/money poppets.

Jasmine -- flowers will draw wealth and money if carried, burned or worn.

Juniper -- anti-theft

Kava-kava -- luck

Lucky hand -- sachets and conjure bags for luck/success. Soak in rose oil. Remove and wear in pocket, wallet or purse for $$

Lunaria - otherwise known as money plant. Seed pods look like coins. Through sympathetic magick & the law of attraction, this herb is said to draw money to the person who carries it or grows it.

Mandrake -- whole root on mantel – protect/prosperity. Money (esp. silver) beside Mandrake said to double.

Maple -- money rituals

May Apple -- (Belladona) money

Mint - prosperity spells to increase business. Leaves and scent in money spells. Leaves in wallet or purse where money is kept.

Moonwort-- (money spells.) in box or bag produces silver.

Moss -- carrying graveyard moss in pocket ensures financial luck

Myrtle -- money spells

Nutmeg -- money spells – ground and sprinkled on green candies

Oak -- Plant acorn in dark of moon to ensure receiving $$ in near future

Oats -- prosp/$$ spells

Onion -- burn onion peel or skins to attract riches

Orange -- added to prosperity powders, incenses

Oregon Grape- draw $$ and financial security

Patchouli -- $/prosp. Spells. Sprinkle onto $$, add to purse, wallet and around base of green candles

Pea -- shelling brings fortune and profit in business. Dried peas used in money mixtures

Pecan -- $/prosp. Spells

Peony - for customers, success in bus. Good fortune

Periwinkle -- attract money

Pine -- money spells

Pineapple -- dried peel or flesh added to money mixtures

Pipsissewa -- carry to attract money

Pomegranate –branch dowses for concealed wealth, attracts money to possessor, dried skin added to wealth and money incenses.

Poplar -- buds and leaves carried to attract money, add to $4 incense

Poppy -- carry dried seedpod or seeds as prosperity amulets

Poppy -- eaten or carried to attract luck and money

Prosperity incense = parts clove, nutmeg, lemon balm, cedar, poppy seed. Moisten with few drops of honeysuckle oil, almond oil – on Thurs. in waxing moon.

Rattlesnake root – infusion rubbed onto hands or feet to lead the anointer to money

Rice -- added to money spells

Rowan -- used in power, luck and success sachets

Sarsaparilla-- mixed with cinnamon/sandalwood powder and sprinkled around premises to draw money

Sassafras -- in purse or wallet to draw money. Also in incense

Sesame -- jar of seeds left open in house draws cash to it. Change the seeds every month

Snakeroot -- good luck talisman. Leads bearer to money.

Squill -- (sea onion) in jar or box/add silver coins

Star anise -- luck

Straw -- luck

Strawberry -- luck

Success incense – cinnamon/benzoin in equal parts/ success in business

Sumbul -- worn for luck

Sweet Basil – to attract business and money

Tea -- (black tea, china tea) burn leaves to ensure future riches. Add to $$ mixtures and sachets

Tomato -- on mantle to bring prosperity to home

Tonka -- beans – worn/carried to attract money, bring luck

Trillium -- attracts money and luck

Tulip -- guard against poverty

Vervain - assists in obtaining material objects and stimulate creativity especially success in performing and creative arts. Bury in fields to increase crops.... money & prosp. Spells; wealth buried in garden or placed in the house, wealth will flow and plants will thrive

Vetivert -- money spells and mixtures. In register to increase business. Carry for luck; burn for anti-theft

Violet -- bring change in luck and fortune

Wheat -- Wheat in home or in sachets to attract money

Winter’s bark -- carry/burn for success

Wood rose -- carry for luck and fortune; in home to ensure luck.

Yellow Dock -- $$$ spells/incenses, infusion sprinkled about business attracts customers

Sources:
Cunningham's Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic
about.com, http://www.adamastarfirereiki.com/prosperity_herbs.htm, Goddesses And Heroines by Patrocia Monaghan, Bubble, Bubble, Toil & Trouble, by Patricia Telesco

Glowing in the Dark Teasury

What a great surprise to find on a Monday Morning! I went to my Etsy shop, to check on the status, and found a convo from ToadstoolsNTreestump, that my Black Hearts on Fire Earrings had been included in their treasury. Whoot!

I love, love, love glow in the dark stuff, so I'm really excited to be included in this treasury!

To see the treasury, go here: Glowing in the Dark

Hope everybody's first Monday of October is going well. I hit the last day of the MN Ren Fest yesterday, after our Kids N Kin class. It wasn't long enough, but I'm glad I went! It was a beautiful day, lots of people were there, and it was prime people watching. My son worked up his courage to pet some snakes! He's always loved looking at them, and learning about them, but he was really hesitant to touch them. There were a bunch of people from the Herpitology Society, showing their snakes, and they were very friendly and informative. One beautiful albino Boa seemed friendly enough for him, and he faced his fears and touched the snake. It was awesome! Thanks to those wonderful people who were friendly and had patience.

July Birthstones

July Birthstones embody the heat in the height of summer: Ruby, Carnelian, onyx, sardonyx, sapphire. Talismanic stone for July is diamond. July Power Stones are said to be: Sodalite, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Green Turquoise, Moonstone, Opal, Pearl, Rhodochrosite, & Ruby.




The stone of the Summer Season is Ruby.

Stones for the Astrological sign of Cancer are: Emerald, moonstone, pearl, ruby, sapphire.

Stones for the Astrological sign of Leo are: Onyx, Carnelian, Sardonyx, Golden Topaz, Tourmaline, Rock Crystal, & Diamond.

July Element: Water
July Planet: Moon

Ch-Ch-Changes!

Lots has happened since my last post. Life interrupts my creative processes. Is it that way for everybody? Much going on in the family: My birthday (29...again! LOL), 27th anniversary for my husband & I, relatives from the West Coast visiting, and the Holidays (Memorial day, Mother's & Father's Day, July 4th). My wonderful friend from Missouri came up to visit and go camping, which was a very welcome treat! My son started summer transition to high school. He's on the Autism spectrum, which makes him creative and intense sometimes, but always my special sweetie... even if I'm no longer allowed to kiss him in public. As a teen, we add in those wonderful hormones, and... let's just say we're all learning to pick our battles! He's a talented kid, and had a poem published in the FMMS journal this year. We're very proud! He has been concentrating on trying to get more than 4 hours of sleep at a stretch, trying new foods (different textures make him gag), and working regular exercise in every day. We got a WII balance board & that helps for rainy days when we can't get outside.

Also in the last two months, two relatives have passed on, one young adult, one in his 90's. It's been very hard on my son, and both deaths were on my husband's side, so he's dealing with the grief and stress, also. Ed, you were a true gentleman, and I loved your curiosity about life. Bobby, your upbeat attitude and willingness to try new things was an inspiration. We'll miss both of you, but we take comfort in the hope that you're onto the next great adventure. Look in on us from time to time, until we catch up to you!

I'll be catching up on birthstones in the next few days. Hope everyone's summer is going well!

Hot Roses Carnelian Set

These red Carnelian roses are some of my all-time favorite stones. They remind me of Double Delight roses. If you're not familiar with Double Delight roses, check out this link with pictures: Double Delight Roses

Each rose is red and white, and colored differently, depending on soil, sunlight, humidity and other environmental conditions. They also smell wonderful!

Double Delight roses have bittersweet associations for me - mainly sweet. This story is about cats & flowers, not jewelry, but these beads remind me of a particular winter a few years back....

I used to have rose bushes, that I carefully mulched in and covered every year. About 8 years ago, we had a mild winter in Minnesota. It was highly unusual, but my heating bills were so low, it was great! And then, at the end of January, we had sub-zero temperatures. We had no snow cover, so the ground froze deeper than it had for something like 15-20 years. Lots of people had septic problems, pipes freezing, etc. We had none of that, but all of my roses had their roots frozen beyond repair, and all of them died. It was probably as expensive to replace as what I'd saved in fuel bills. But... I didn't replace them. I'd planted them before my son was born, and when faced with the choice, the time I'd spent taking care of the roses could be spent on other things. So my roses went away, but I've got pics somewhere.

This is not a sad story, tho! At this same time, there was a beautiful, part Siamese cat living outside, who traipsed through our yard pretty regularly. She had a pure black companion, who was a bit larger and a bit more timid - I assumed it was her brother. I've always loved Siamese cats, and I watched these cats from my windows as they chased squirrels, rabbits, and birds throughout the neighborhood. When the weather got colder, I snuck cat food out to them. We already had two cats, and money was tight, so I didn't really want another cat. I couldn't sit by and watch these two starve, tho. The weather got even colder, and we left the garage door open a crack, and rigged up a box with an old blanket and a 40 watt bulb to keep it warm. The cats found their way in there. Wildlife was getting very sparse in the yard, and I discovered that my husband was also sneaking food out to the cats! The weatherman predicted that it would get to 40 below zero windchill, and we had a serious discussion about trying to get the cats inside. We decided that, yes, we'd bring them inside for the cold, and if they wanted back out afterward, we'd let them go back. Well... we went out to the garage, and the black cat slithered quickly away. No amount of coaxing would get him to come to either one of us. The Siamese-looking cat came to us immediately, cuddled on my husband's shoulder and came into the house with us.

We went back out numerous times to get the black cat, but he was determined to stay away from people, no matter how friendly or what kind of food we had. My son named the Siamese-looking cat "Sasha2" after my Siamese who had died 3 years before. She had the absolute worst gas emissions I have ever smelled before or since! It was a good thing that it was so cold, or I would have booted her back outside! We brought her to the vet, who proclaimed her in OK shape, about 8 months old, and 4-1/2 pounds. He said she probably would have starved in a few days if we hadn't brought her in (or if she froze to death first). She'd been surviving on rodents in the garage - mice & chipmunks, who'd been ingesting insulation & who knows what else, which accounted for the bad gas. After she was on cat food for a while, she was fine.

Sasha2 tried to make friends with our 2 cats, but neither one wanted to be friendly - but they left her alone & didn't attack her, either. At the time, Sheena, our calico, was about 18-1/2 years old. We'd gotten Angel, a blue-eyed pure white with a cranky disposition, from a family who'd gotten her from the pound, so we didn't really know how old she was, but somewhere around 3 or 4 years old. Eventually, they let Sasha2 lay with them...facing away! Sheena died about a year later, and recently, Angel has gotten much more friendly. Perhaps the effects of catnip or senility, I'm not sure which!

Sasha2 has been the sweetest cat I've ever known. Gentle and affectionate, but with personality and playfulness. And she doesn't really like to go outside! Considering her experience out there, who can blame her? She looks Siamese, and the one time she went into heat, she proved she could vocalize like a Siamese! But generally, she doesn't say much. An occasional "Peep!" when she is lonely, or her routine is disrupted. But she purrs very loudly, and is a wonderful companion. Right now, she's tucked up against my leg as I type, with that look of pure satisfaction on her face, that only cats can express.

So that year, I lost my roses, but gained an animal friend who is irreplaceable. I think I got the best part of that deal!

May Birthstones

The traditional birthstone for the month of May is the Emerald. Necklaces above have rough Emerald faceted chunks, faceted aventurine, fluorite, Moonstone, and Swarovski crystals. Emeralds are associated with the personal traits of loyalty, friendship and faithfulness. Metaphysically, Emeralds are thought to strengthen memory and expand mental capabilities leading to "right" choices for the emerald user. It is also thought to eliminate negative influences affecting the user. Emerald can open, activate and stimulate the heart chakra, and allow for the calmness and centering needed for deep meditation. It can bring harmony and allow for sharply focusing the users energies to a particular project. It is thought to attract beneficial outcomes in legal matters.



Emerald has been called the stone of "successful love." It is thought to instill sensitivity and loyalty in the wearer and others around them. The green color also indicates that Emeralds also promote creativity and growth.

Although Emeralds are beautiful and have some wonderful correspondences, there are other stones that can be used as May birthstones. Sapphire, Agate, Carnelian, Aventurine and Chalcedony are also May birthstones. Flowers for May are Lily of the Valley and Lily. Plant for May is Hawthorne. The Guardian Angel of May is Ambriel, the Angel of Communication. Ambriel can aid in clear communication, and to guide people to their inner truth. As a Guardian Angel, Ambriel is also considered protective. Ametrine is associated with Ambriel, and can be used as an alternate birthstone for someone preferring a not-so-green stone. I love Ametrines and Agates, so May stones are awesome, as far as I'm concerned!

There are also "power stones" for people born in May (I never knew until I started researching!). These are: Rose Quartz, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Azurite, Cat's Eye, Chrysocolla, Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Topaz.

May spans the Zodiac signs of Taurus and Gemini.
Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)
Birthstone: Sapphire, Turquoise, Amber, Blood Coral, Emerald
Planetary Stone: Emerald, Aventurine
Lucky Charms: Sapphire, Diamond
Gemini (May 21-Jun. 20)
Birthstone: Agate, Chrysoprase, Pearl
Planetary Stone: Tiger Eye
Lucky Charms: Agate, Emerald

All of these give quite a range of colors, textures and price ranges for May birthstones!

Studies in Black

Black is such an interesting color... I love using it in jewelry. The variety of stones in so many different textures really makes for some interesting creations. Black Onyx, Black Agate and Black Tourmaline are some of my favorites. Pictured above are some recent creations.

In color theory, black is all colors, mixed. In lighting, black is the lack of any light, yet black will absorb light. Two opposite concepts, that apply to the same color. In metaphysics, Black is considered to be very protective... think black dirt of the Earth, able to protect a tiny, vulnerable seed while it germinates. I believe alot of the Goth dressers are like that - feeling vulnerable, so they wear aggressive black clothing in order to protect themselves, and tell the world to keep away. Black can also be like coal - with the ability to transmute into something extremely valuable (diamonds) or to provide the heat for other transformations - like grilling a great steak! Black is the night time, which encourages rest, reflection, and intimacy. Black is mysterious, with the ability to hide at will.

In Europe of the 15th century, black was the color of death and considered an evil color. Black cats were burned (causing an increase in the plague-carrying rat population), and the plague was called "Black Plague." However, Puritains considered black one of the appropriate colors for clothing, as did certain religious orders. Maybe because it washed out the complexions of the wearers and made them less likely to attract attention? Black is a difficult color to dye evenly and make it last, as anyone who has a favorite black cotton sweater will tell you. Old inks were generally brown, because of the difficulty in achieving a lasting black. Nowdays, with our chemical-based dyes, we have stable black inks, and our black clothes stay blacker longer!

In earlier cultures, black was thought of as a gift, not a curse. Night time was when you got to rest, and it was truly a relief from hard labors. Death was just a part of the life-cycle, and, although it was sad, it was often celebrated in ways that our modern culture finds difficult to fathom. Death was a transformation to the next step of the journey, not a total end. I rather like the protective, restful, and transformative associations with black.

April Birthstones

OK, so I've been avoiding writing about April Birthstones for some reason. Why? Been busy... traveling, working, family stuff, special orders & volunteer work. I should have had a few minutes to write it up, I had the research done long ago. So I'll ponder that a while.

April traditional birthstone is the diamond. A Girl's Best Friend if you ask Marilyn Monroe! Since diamonds are so expensive for the average person to be able to use in birthstone jewelry, somebody decided that any clear stone could be substituted: so, colorless topaz, sapphire, tourmaline, white zircon, Herkimer diamond or quartz are all great stones to use for April birthstones. The Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) birthstones are Bloodstone, Diamond, Topaz and Jasper, and the Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20) birthstones are Sapphire, Turquoise, Amber, Coral, Emerald, and Aventurine, so those stones have also been used as April birthstones.

The Mystical birthstone for April is the white or black opal, with hints of fire.

The Flower for April is the Sweet Pea. The April Guardian Angel is Ashmodei. His Gem Talisman is Topaz.

Aries the God & Aries the ram are associated with the color red, all shades from scarlet to carmine. His Gemstone is Carnelian and red Jasper. Christianity also associated April with the apostle Phillip and Carenlians. I'm not sure what link there might be between Phillip and Aries, but that might be some fun trivia to discover.

Trees and plants associated with Aries include the Poppy, Honeysuckle, Bryony, Thistles and Ferns, Peppermint, Anemone, Alder, Blackthorn, Dogwood, Hawthorn, Pomegranate, Spruce and Weeping Willow.

Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus, and associated colors are pale blue, all shades of green, pink and yellow. Plants and trees that correspond with Taurus are Daisy, Dandelion, Foxglove, Lily of the Valley, Narcissus, Poppy, Rose, Apple, Blackthorn, Fig, Hawthorn, Pear, Vine and Willow.

So, April should be a good time to do a bit of gardening, then pull up a chair and sip some dandelion wine (or tea) while enjoying the fresh spring air and the marvelous abundance of growth all around.

Happy April!

Sources:
Love is in the Earth by Melody
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham
The Curious Lore of Precious Stones by George Frederick Kunz
http://www.mystical-www.co.uk/time/apri.htm
http://idashshoptheworlddotcom.wordpress.com/2009/04/01/april-birthstones-diamonds-sapphires/
http://www.birthstones.org.uk
http://www.gemstoneartist.com/4.asp

Treasury East - New!

So, Etsy now has Treasury East, Along with the Treasury and Treasury West. I knew nothing about it! Until Sacred Suds let me know she put my Labyrinth into a Treasury she made there. That's the best kind of surprise to get!

View her Treasury, Journey to Center, here : Treasury East Journey to Center.

So, After thanking her for including me, I browsed around & it appeared that there was a possibility to make my own treasury. So I did! Yay! Please take a look:
Splendid, Spectacular Spring

And I realized that I haven't posted birthstones for April. Diamonds, mainly, but there's more. I'll post that tomorrow.

Happy Earth Week to everybody! Leave a comment about what you're doing to make the Earth a healthier and better place to live in now and in the future. Our Kids N Kin family Sunday School picked up garbage in a park near the University of Minnesota.