Thursday, March 13, 2014

BERYL? AQUAMARINE?

The Birthstone for March is Aquamarine, but what is Aquamarine?

All Aquamarine is Beryl, but not all Beryl is Aquamarine.
BERYL
Aquamarine-SeaFoam Blue/Green
Emerald-Green
Morganite-Peach
Heliodore-Golden Yellow
Bixbite-Red
Goshenite-White
These are all examples of the Beryl Gemstone Family. Depending on color-and whatever trace mineral influences that coloration.

Found all over the World from USA-wtih NewEngland having some very Large Crystals-to Russia, From Norway to South America.

Beryl, itself is useful for reducing tiredness AND increasing Creativity-two things that are in serious need for me right now-suffering from allergies again this month.
Aquamarine can actually help with allergies.
With March being the first month of Spring and the emergence of so many pollens, that may be one of the subconscious reasons for Aquamarine having been chosen this month’s Birthstone.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

But, It Is A Cop-out

I have been having trouble sleeping again.
I KNOW there is a design gestating.
I can ALMOST see it. Although, it does keep changing-a bit.
I actually think that this “Design” will be more than just one-It can be a NEW “Line”.
I have a feeling that it is going to be something that can catapult DeAndreaDesigns into the Mainstream.
Why am I not down in the Studio trying to get this one done???

Well, part of it is that supplies are running low. There is not enough Silver to really be experimenting with something NEW. If I think on this one a little more, I will be able to just jump into it. Finish it. No waste.
That sounds good, but it is a cop out.

I have been tired lately. I have picked up a few more shifts at the restaurant since the foot traffic in the Studio has dropped off-it has been really too cold for people to be walking around. With the colder weather, the restaurant is slower too. So a couple more shifts will help to cover the difference.
I tell myself, “You do what You gotta”
That sounds good, but it is a cop out.

Tomorrow is a Bead Show that I have been looking forward to for weeks. I am really looking forward to seeing Raw Materials. Possibilities. I am excited to see what Design variations will be inspired.
That sounds good, but it is a cop out.

Truth be told, I can feel that something BIG is coming. Success is right around the corner. AND, there is something about that that scares Me.

BUT, it will not defeat me.
I WILL persevere.
I WILL Succeed.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

MID-FEBRUARY

Amethyst Earrings, 7.5 ct total by
DeAndreaDesigns
The February-born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,

If they an Amethyst will wear.



February is almost half over. 
Did you remember what happens in the middle of this month?
Valentine’s Day.
Yep. The one day of the year when Husbands and Boyfriends STRESS over buying THE Perfect Gift. THE Perfect Expression of their Love. 
If it were not so sad to watch their agitation, it would be fun to watch.
BUT, we have all been there at one time or another. So there is no humor.

It was so much easier thousands of years ago when people celebrated Lupercalia-not Valentine’s Day
Lupercalia,very simply the Festival of Sexual License. Young Girls would place their names into a container where the boys of the village would draw those names. The “Couples” would then engage in erotic games at Festivals and Parties throughout the year. 

This continued in one form another until around 500 A.D. As the Catholic Church slowly adapted the existing traditions to their own. St Valentine’s Day is born.
Young couples were still the focus, with young men starting to send exclamations of their Love adorned with Hearts and Cupids.

And Now the STRESS to find THE Perfect Gift for You Loved One




Tuesday, January 28, 2014

ROUGH

While perusing Facebook today, I came across a  story about a Large Diamond found in Angola.

95.45 ct Rough Diamond...I was intrigued
95.45 ct Rough Diamond
What does it look like?
Just how big is it?
What does it look like? LOL

After looking at this Diamond from the Lucapa Diamond Company, that looks just like a rock. I started looking at other Rough Gems.
Many look just like any other stone that you-well, I-would walk right past.

Now I wanna know who was the first person to think to Polish a Stone? Let alone Facet one?
I have actually been wondering this for quite awhile.

I guess that I will be going to my old Friend.

Google, here I come...BUT, I think that will have to wait until this head cold passes.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Love/Hate Relationship


Garnet Earrings by DeAndreaDesigns
"By her who in this month (January) is born
No gem save Garnets should be worn;
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity."





I just realized how long it has been since I last wrote.
You would think that with the Holidays being over-Well, except for Valentine’s Day-that I would have been able to find more time to keep up with all of these things that I Love.
BUT, between trying to replenish the Pieces that were sold in December and working my restaurant shifts. January is almost over.


I have a Love/Hate relationship with that place-the restaurant.  
Love that fact that it allows me to spend so much time in the Studio doing what I Love.
I Hate the fact that it takes so much time away from doing what I Love...

By spending as much time as I do at the restaurant DeAndreaDesigns continues to grow, and attract more Fans.


I gave myself One singular goal for 2013. One that would allow me to spend more time in the Studio, and in turn grow DeAndreaDesigns even more. Paying off a portion of CC debt will allow me to spend more time doing just that. Sadly, the way that I paid off that debt was by working in the restaurant. 


Again that Love/Hate.


I still cannot believe that January is almost over.