Gifted Hands Store

Wood beads have been around awhile. I think they make beautiful and many times unique necklaces. You can mix them with other mediums, and it makes a dazzling statement.

In 1952, the official list of birthstones was established upon approval by the American National Retail Jewelers Association,National Jewelers Association, and the American Gem Society. I do use some of these stones in my jewelry so I thought I would provide the list as a reference.

January        Garnet

February      Amethyst

March           Bloodstone or Aquamarine

April              Diamond

May               Emerald

June              Pearl or Moonstone

July                Ruby

August           Sardonyx or Peridot

September     Sapphire or Lapis Lazuli

October          Opal or Pink Tourmaline

November      Topaz or Citrine

December       Turquoise or Zircon, new is Tanzanite

Now that it’s Summer, arms and legs are exposed. Why not show off your legs with a nice anklet. They come in all colors, many designs, and made with a variety of materials. I’ve had some folk tell me anklets make their legs look sexy.

Have you ever felt “Stuck in a rut” ? Feeling bored with the same basic style, design or colors. Feeling the need to step out of the box, to leave your comfort zone. It’s time to jump start your creative juices. Here’s what I find helpful. When working on a new jewelry piece, I’ll collect my beads and start working on the design. A quarter of the way I’ll stop, stand back take another look or maybe take a break. Sometimes when I pick up the piece again I have a different vision of the design and I incorporate it into the original design. Many times it’s a go,other times the piece doesn’t click for me. But now my brain is racing with ideas and I will ultimately produce two or three new pieces of jewelry. Other times I’m engaged in an activity unrelated to jewelry design and a idea pops into my head. Don’t be afraid to put your idea on paper. You don’t have to be an artist to jot down your  idea while it’s fresh in your head. I also will go jewelry shopping. You don’t have to buy anything, but you get to see what’s current in the stores. I pay attention to what people in different age brackets are wearing and what’s hot in the fashion and jewelry magazines. So with this all said and done, and my love of creative design I’m never truly stuck.