Charting the Path Future

As this year comes to an end, and I get ready to celebrate yet another birthday, I look toward the upcoming year and try to chart the path forward.

What exactly does that look like?

Well, first, let’s look back at this past year.

Every Friday at a Farmer’s Market during the Summer allowed me to meet many new artist friends. As well as, pay attention to WHO was purchasing/ interested in my Jewelry. The Farmer’s Market also allowed me to expand my audience by being invited to a variety of other Events.

Some NEW Designs.  

Some revisits to past Designs-while updating them. 

An expansion of products and materials-I am really enjoying the fun, whimsical home collection. I signed a lease, for only 3 months, as an experiment to see how well they would be received. 

A retail store has started carrying a selection of Gemstone Jewelry pieces-I am learning even more what is desired.

It has been a year of growth. As an Artist. As an individual.

I think that I know the path DeAndreaDesigns will be taking.

Retail-a shop within a shop. Where I do not have to be the face of DeAndreaDesigns, I can be the brain and the vision BEHIND DeAndreaDesigns. 

I have signed a lease for this upcoming year at just such a place. The hope/dream is that I am successful enough to have multiple locations in multiple cities. 

Finally becoming the Stay at home Puppy Daddy/Jewelry Designer that I have dreamed of. AND maybe a couple more dogs in the process.

“A Big Ole Honking Ring” Maybe

Today was another Event outside.

A Pop-Up Market Place in Lawrenceville, here in Pittsburgh. 

A GORGEOUS day. Not a cloud in the sky. 80-ish.

Enough sunshine to set the Gemstones dancing and singing in all their Glory.

If You know me, You KNOW I am definitely more of a Winter Person. BUT today was absolutely perfect.

Today, I was excited to show quite a few NEW pieces-ONE in particular.

THIS one, an 87 ct Tourmaline set in a bezel of braided .999 Silver, suspended from a chain of Biwa-style Pearls, in a lavender/gray color. With a ladder created with some extremely fine .925 Sterling Chain and Swarovski Crystal accents in PINK.

I have had this particular Gem in my collection for at least 2 years-One of those late night purchases during the Lockdown. So very early in the Pandemic-back when we had no idea just how long this crazy period in our lives was going to last. 

It was one of those pieces that I had NO CLUE what I would make out of it. 

BUT, HAD to have it.

2 years later, Insomnia hits-AGAIN. 

Little flashes of a finished product in those moments of fleeting sleep. 

A little more clear each night. 

Until the vision came complete a few nights ago. 

THEN, I hade to figure out how to actually make it happen.

JUST in time for this afternoon’s Marketplace

It is a TRUE Showpiece. 

That type of Statement Piece that I love to create. 

An essential to have Front and Center to attract attention to the set-up. EVEN if smaller earrings end up being the only thing on the shopping list.

It did exactly what I wanted it to do.

One lady who saw it from 2 booths away-Yes, I actually saw the attraction happen. 

She could not keep her eyes off the Tourmaline-not the finished piece, just the Gem. 

She told me that I should have made it into a “big Ole Honkin Ring” when I told her the story of how I didn’t know what to do with it for so long.

A ring really was my first impulse, but because of the size I thought twice about it-not knowing who would wear something that big. 

The Gem really is THAT HUGE.

“I would wear it” She said.

I told her to take a business card. If she is serious, I could/would rework the Gem for her.

We shall seeif she is serious.

I WILL rework it for her. 

IF she contacts me before it sells...

In the mean time here is the link to the website.

DeAndreaDesigns.com

Happy Shopping.

"Elevator Pitch” WHAT?

 The things that You learn in Your everyday job.

"Elevator Pitch”

I had never heard that term before-Although, everybody higher up assumed that we understood what it meant. Gladly, I was not the only one confused.

Apparently, when You meet someone new, it is how You describe what You do.

 QUICKLY. 

Assume that You are on an Elevator, and You only have until the next stop to tell Them about Your Work, Company, Art, YOURSELF.

So, for weeks, we worked on it-For someone else. It was a great learning experience.

THEN, I realize that I NEEDED one as well-ESPECIALLY when I am applying to different shows and events. They are always asking for something similar 

Having something prepared that can be used in any situation would definitely make Life easier.

It is A LOT more difficult than You would think.

                        ELEVATOR PITCH

Jewelry Design has been a long journey. 

Starting nearly 2 decades ago, until today, and beyond. 

Self taught, but guided by a few Amazing women. In the beginning.

The learning, growth, and the Journey continue. WITH unlimited potential.

Starting with .999 Fine silver wire.

It is Braided.

It is Twisted. 

It is Wrapped. 

Freshwater Pearls, Gemstones, or Swarovski Crystals are used to create a  piece of Art that You will be overjoyed to wear.

Diamond Planets? YES, Please

Planets made of Diamonds?

I have heard that they exist. 

I was intrigued. 

I starting researching-and quickly got distracted by how much it would be worth. I will, however, try to focus on the other facts that I discovered. Because they ARE fascinating.

There is one such planet in our "neighborhood”-in The Milky Way Galaxy. 

55 Cancri-e. 

It orbits the star Cancri, in the constellation of Cancer. 

At 40 Light Years away it is basically at the end the block. It is actually visible in the night sky, as would your neighbor’s Christmas Lights. 

55 Canci-e orbits its star in only 18 hours-making for a VERY fast Year-and we thought that the years flew by, the older we got. 

NOW, we know that Diamonds are created under intense pressure and intense heat. 

55 Cancri-e is PERFECT for Diamond production.

The planet is 3900 degrees F. 

It has a mass 8 times that of the Earth. A radius of 2 times ours. 

Officially, a Super-Earth. Not likely to have Life on the planet that would appreciate it being made of diamonds.

But WHY is it made of Diamonds? 

The atmosphere is made up primarily of Carbon-a key ingredient in diamonds that are the solidified version of carbon. Versus Hydrogen here-So Diamond and graphite instead of water and granite.

FINALLY, the Important question. 

        HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH?

$29 Nonillion-Seriously!!

I didn't know what a nonillion was either. 

It would be a “29” with 30 zeros following it! 

YES!! 

30 ZEROS!!!

$29,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

I cannot, JUST  CANNOT, even begin to fathom a dollar amount like that. Then again, I am a poor artist.

What DOES make me feel better about it is that not even Jeff Bezos could afford it, nor could he get a loan to purchase it. Nor could he use his little rocket to go pick it up.

NOW, back to work on DeAndreaDesigns.com so that someday I might be a not so poor artist

Opal vs Fire Opal

The biggest difference between an Opal and a Fire Opal?

The base color of the Gem.

Milky:                                         Orange-y                             

Opal Pendant

Fire Opal Lariat

          

Both have flashes of color from within the Gem.

An Opal, whether from Australia, Ethiopia, or Brazil will show flashes of all colors of the Rainbow.

A Fire Opal, whether from Mexico, Central America, or US, will show flashes of predominantly Reds, Yellows, and Oranges.

OPAL                                              FIRE OPAL

Enhance Creativity                         Awaken Inner Fire

Release Anger                                Release of Bottled Up Emotions-quickly, possibly

Claim Self Worth                           Increases Self-Confidence

Helps Express TRUE Self             Revitalize and Reenergize

Release Inhibitions                        Helps Heal Traumas of Past

Intensify Emotions                        Amplifies Energy

Helps Find Love                            Attracts Money and Customers  

Both are Fragile. Softer Gemstones that require a little extra caution and care. 

Avoidance of high heat, drying out, and bumping against hard surfaces. Simple damp cloth for polishing.

BUT, the Beauty of the Gem makes the precautions well worth the effort.

 

Simple Photographs of Opal are difficult, because the Beauty of the Gem is in the Colorplay. Colorplay that is usually only visible while viewing from multiple angles. SO video is my go to.

Why All the Spirals?

The other day at one of the Art/Craft Fairs that I have been doing, someone that has been following me for a while, asked me if there was a reason for all the spirals in many of the newer designs?

Without missing a beat, I told a story of when I am creating a Spiral, I start with an end of my wire-my center-and start wrapping, or Spiraling Out. 

Around and around. 

Each twist-no matter how wonky, crooked, or perfect-takes me one step further in my growth as an Artist/Person. Culminating in a finished piece of Art-and Personal Growth.

This flowed out without even a thought of why I was saying what I was saying. I was just speaking from My Heart-My Core.

As an Artist, I do what fells NATURAL at the time.

Yet, that had gotten me thinking about the WHY. 

Why the Spirals? 

And why All of a sudden-although, I have often used this motif in the past, but never SO MUCH?

So I did what everyone seems to do, a quick Internet search...

I  discovered that Spirals-such a simple design-have represented such concepts such as EVOLUTION, LIFE, CREATION...Anything but simple.

Artists in past civilizations, Celtic in particular, have used this symbol to represent/facilitate the creative process. Helping to release the creative process. Allowing them to tap into that part of their mind where Dreams and Intuition dominate. 

Bringing them into the Physical World.

So, without realizing it, I have been tapping into a part of my psyche that lies dormant-BUT NOT VERY DORMANT-and kinda restless. 

My Journey as an Artist has been series of Starts and Stops. Ups and Downs.

BUT I have never quit, even when roadblocks-Real or Imagined-have shown up, I have always sensed my path. 

Those “stops and starts”, I now realize were those “wonky or crooked twists”.

I have never given up the Dream. 

I have recently given That Dream a name.

#OperationStayatHomePuppyDaddy 

I still have to fight to stay on that path, in order to see just WHERE it will lead, but at least I KNOW that I am on the RIGHT Path.

Every Wonky, Crooked, or Perfect twist is one step closer to the realization of ME.

It is part of my Journey as an Artist. 

NEVER ALONE

Recently, for whatever reasons, I have been thinking about certain elements that have made themselves VERY apparent in my Jewelry Designs.
Specifically, BRAIDS. 
They have been present a lot more in recent designs. AND double braids particular.

Blue Topaz Satellite Pendant

I

began 
to 
wonder 
why.




It came to me when a coworker had to realize the consequences to some of their actions.
Nothing dire.
Basically, just what it means to be an Adult.

Those doubled strands of Silver are always on the same path. Going in the same direction.


Never 

Braided Silver Bangle Bracelet

alone

There may be twists and turns, sometimes not perfectly smooth or expected, BUT always there is the other present.

Fire Opal Pendant

It made me think that in Life, We are never alone.
There is always a guiding force-A Husband, A Wife, Our Parents, A Friend, Your Personal Goals, A Higher Power-guiding our way.
No matter the direction we are heading, we are aways heading somewhere.
Every path is leading us Home-back to Ourselves.
Sometimes We realize it, sometimes We feel like We are floundering. Meandering.



BUT We are always heading towards something.

INSOMNIA

Why can I not get a good night’s sleep?
I am sitting here at 1:52AM. My eyes are burning. They are actually  tearing up.
One of My Pups is sound asleep, dreaming, right beside Me-The other went to bed hours ago. The Hubby is snoring-I can hear him.
I should take their heed.
I created 3 different spreadsheets to gage how profitable this whole Jewelry Business thing is-CAN BE.
I am putting off going to bed
WHY?

There is a an idea percolating. A NEW Design.
In my mind I am working through all of the specifics of the Design.
I have a feeling that with THIS one there will be quite a bit of deconstruction in conjunction with the construction. But, if I can get it right, it will be AMAZING.
A TRUE Statement Piece, yet more affordable for many...
BUT, I need a day off to play with the metals and stones.
MONDAY
That is the next day off.
That is the next opportunity for REAL concentration.
I have no doubt that I will be able to get a successful Design out of all of this.
Until then, I have 3 more nights of non-sleep/minimal sleep. 2 days of shuffling through a work day trying to sell somebody else’s product.

You KNOW I will post pictures of the finished product.

Dreaming Big in 2020

Stay-at-Home Puppy Daddy.
AND Jewelry Designer.

#TheThundrGirls need Me at Home

Being a Jewelry Designer CAN allow me to be that Stay-at-Home Puppy Daddy.

How am I going to do this?

HARD WORK

We are 2 weeks into 2020, and I am working to get most of my pieces listed on Etsy-Yes I am trying this platform again.
I am working on getting those same pieces listed on DeAndreaDesigns.squarespace.com

I am already looking into traveling locally a bit more to do Craft/Vendor Shows. I am learning that the Craft Shows require a different level of inventory.
A constant Learning Process.

ThundrCrest hosts DeAndreaDesigns

I am going to open my Home a little more for Events. I really like these smaller more intimate Events.
To be able to support Myself, My Husband, My Pups.
This is MY Dream.
AND THAT IS JUST BIG ENOUGH.


One of my coworkers and I were watching a YouTuber who in just 6 years went from BROKE to Living his Life in Designer clothing, Living in a mansion, driving customized vehicles, AND has one of the TOP cosmetic companies.
This is his Dream, and his Dream is HUGE. He is an over the top personality. THAT is perfect for HIM, but not for Me.

Stay-at-Home Puppy Daddy/Jewelry Designer. THAT is MY DREAM.

That is the NEW Dream-but is it REALLY NEW?

The Black Star of Queensland-A Star Sapphire

A little while ago I posted a photo of a Star Sapphire Ring that I had just finished. I was amazed at the number of people commented that they-or their Mothers-had had one when they were younger.
My own Mother had one.

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I remember being fascinated at how the “Star” seemed to float on the surface of the Stone. How, depending on the lighting it was stronger, or even nonexistent.
I have always liked the Gem.
I loved seeing the “Star”-or asterism.
There was something almost magical about that “Star”...BUT of course it isn’t magic.
That asterism is the result of a series of needle like inclusions that intersect with one another to create a 6 ray star pattern. Best shown under a single light source.
Star Sapphire occurs naturally in every color that Sapphires do.
Blue.
Pink.
Orange.
Yellow.
Green.
Grey.
Black.
Blue, however, is the most desirable.

Most Star Sapphires are on the smaller side-perfect for use in Rings and Pendants, BUT occasionally, You find LARGE GEMS. Introducing “The Black Star of Queensland”...

The Black Star of Queensland. By greyloch .

Until recently "The Black Star of Queensland” was the largest Star Sapphire known. Measuring in at 733ct, it was found in the mid 1930’s in it’s namesake of Queensland, Australia.  A 12 y.o. boy by the name of Roy Spencer found the stone, brought it home to his father, who worked in the Industry. They used it as a doorstop for 9 years thinking that is was just another black crystal.
The Elder Spencer inspected the Stone a bit more closely over the years. He realized that there WAS something Special about the Stone.
In 1947 he sold the Stone to Henry Kazanjian for $18K-which he used to build a new Family Home.
Kazanjian studied the Stone before cutting and revealing “The Black Star of Queensland” buried deep inside-sacraficing 400+cts in the process.
The Stone has since been loaned to numerous museums, and been showcased on TV-Most notably around the neck of CHER in the late 60’s early 70’s.
“The Black Star of Queensland” was again sold. This time to an Artist and his Socialite Girlfriend for $500K-the money going to set up scholarships in Gemology.
After a legal battle to determine ownership “The Black Star of Queensland” now resides in Switzerland with the Socialite Girlfriend.

Time to start DREAMING BIG

WOW...Some things never change.
Reading over some older posts-like some of the Originals-where I was trying to find that balance between Work/Life...Yep, I am still searching for it.
Carving out a few minutes a day for DeAndreaDesigns is going to have to be a priority.
I have been posting more. Creating/Tempting my audience.
I have been creating a little more. Playing with NEW Designs.
I have been re-evaluating past Designs.
Even selling one or two of them. They were that good, but got lost in the shuffle.
Some just need finishing touches before they are ready to be seen...
SOME are JUST PLAIN bad, and will NEVER be seen. They are destined for a “Deconstruction Day”. Not a bad thing, sometimes the act of deconstructing something tells you more about how to properly construct it.
What I am learning, is that I will always be trying to find a balance between doing what I love, and the satisfaction of being able to pay the bills.
I am always going to be trying to be BETTER at the balance.
If my time away from DeAndreaDesigns has taught me anything...It is that I HAVE to find time for Myself.
Whether it is an hour at the gym.
OR
15 minutes outside with the dogs.

My baby Grendel

My baby Prudence

I have to take that time that I am just chilling
in the mornings/evenings and apply it to DeAndreaDesigns. If I don’t I will NEVER get out of Retail for someone else.
Like the caption on the Aqua Pendant says, “If you dream big enough, it can happen for you too”
Time to start DREAMING BIG!!!

LAPIS LAZULI...I know very little about You

I have ben having a very difficult time writing this one-Almost like I am trying to force something.

Although I LOVE this Beautiful Blue Stone and all of the little Gold flecks that abound within, I KNOW very little about the characteristics, properties of the Mineral, OR even how to gauge one that is better quality than another...

Why have I been so drawn to working with it lately?
Is it just because of  request for one? OR is the Universe telling me that I NEED to be working with it?

THAT being said, this is what I have found out...

Lapis TearDrop Pendant

Lapis is apparently a Stone of Self-Discovery.
Helping to bring about Peace and Serenity thru the release of stress.

“I am aligned with my deepest truth”

This “Stone of The Sky” has been used in Ornamentation/Decoration since approximately 4000 B.C. Whether it was as a dye in artwork, inlaid in mosaics, or used to cover King Tut’s sarcophagus, AND represented in the Bible as the 5th stone in the Breast Plate of the High Priest.

It has been valued for MANY MANY Years.

Oval Lapis Pendant

So what should You be looking for when purchasing Your own piece of serenity?
When You are purchasing Your own piece of Lapis, as always if YOU are drawn to it, IT is the RIGHT piece for You...BUT if You are purchasing for a gift, or just because it is pretty. You want the BEST quality.
Look for something that has a deeper, more intense hue of BLUE.
Look for something that is consistent with little white (Calcite) veining. Flecks of gold (Pyrite) are acceptable so long as they are not overpowering the blue.

Lapis is divided into categories based on where it is found. ALTHOUGH these names do not necessarily indicate WHERE it is mined-only the characteristics of these areas.
Afghani/Persian Lapis has a very intense medium dark hue with little Pyrite and no Calcite.
Siberian Lapis will come in a variety of Blues with more of the Pyrite and some Calcite inclusions.
Chilean Lapis may be spotted with Green hues and has obvious Calcite veining.

Finding Balance...Part??

I was just looking over some of my past musings.
I CANNOT believe that I have not written or posted anything in the last 3 years.
A LOT has changed in that period of time.
I have since closed the Store/Studio. I accepted a position with Godiva that I LOVED-they have since closed my store. I found that I liked having Health Insurance AND a steady paycheck, so I am found another Retail Management position.
I got married.
We adopted two puppies-LARGE dogs now.
We bought a house and moved to Suburbia.
A little after my last posting I suffered a concussion that left me unable to focus on any kind of close detail work. When I did try to work on anything, I would end up with a migraine that could last for hours-OR DAYS.
2 and a half years with NO creative outlet-except for merchandising the store-has left me feeling more than a little lost.
Thankfully, a few months ago, my Cousin’s Fiancé asked if I could make a bracelet for the Wedding. I said, “YES”, without realizing whether I would be able to do it-AND not suffer the impending migraine...I not only did not get the headache, but I ENJOYED it.
I have since been tinkering with past designs-some are still VERY difficult to do. BUT, I am finding that a little bigger and bolder designs work well for me ow. Most importantly, I am finding that I NEED to work FOR ME again.
I NEED that creative outlet.
I have not only been working with past designs, I have been tweaking them so they work better.
AND I HAVE BEEN PLAYING WITH NEW DESIGNS.
Some of Y’all may have noticed that I incorporated a bit of braiding into my necklaces...Well, .999 FineSilver wire braids just as nicely. Maybe even better.
Some newer designs have been born. Some older designs have been reinvented.
At this point in the whole process, I am only promising that I WILL continue to Design. Enough to build up an inventory capable of doing shows? Or reopening? That is to be determined.
I do KNOW that I WILL continue to Design.

FIRE OPAL...The Delicate Orchid of the Gem World

WOW!!!

I have not written in a very, VERY LONG time, and I can tell You that I have felt something missing.
Hopefully, writing about one of MY personal Favorite Gems will help.
Fire Opal.
THE MEXICAN Fire Opal to be exact.

Fire Opal Wire-Wrapped .999FineSilver Ring

Imagine looking into a campfire and having ALL those Reds, Oranges, and Yellows trapped in a faceted Gem-or even a cabochon.
That is what a Good Quality Fire Opal resembles.

Opals are a silicate based stone-composed of up to 20% WATER...AND they are not very durable.
Much like myself, these Gems like being out and shown and adored-constant wearing allows the Gem to Balance it’s water content by absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, BUT excessive heat and light can actually dry out the stone causing cracking.

I love days that are overcast and rainy.

Fire Opals are a Stone of Loyalty and Trust.
They help to strengthen those that are Shy.
They encourage  a positive, healthy Sexuality.
They symbolize JOY of the Heart.
They attract money.

Looks like I have to find My Fire Opal Ring.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.  

I 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. 

TURQUOISE

December.
Already.

Turquoise is one of the Birthstones for this month. One that always conjures images of warmth-Probably since most of the places that I know that Turquoise is mined is HOT. Arizona, Persia, Egypt.

Turquoise is a Powerful Protection Stone. It is said that if you look down at your piece of Turquoise and it is cracked that “The Stone took it”. As if the Stone absorbed the energy of a blow that was meant for you.

Now that is Protection.

Native Americans believe that when the Rains would come, bringing Rejoicing and tears of Joy. When those tears of Joy mixing with the Earth, Mother Earth created Turquoise. 

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“If cold December gave you Birth,

 The month of snow and ice and mirth, 

 Place on your hand a Turquoise Blue, 

 Success will Bless whate’er you do.”

I am sitting here watching the December rain, and waiting for it to change over to a December snow. It should not get too bad here. Nothing at all like what the MidWest has been dealing with-Thankfully for us, but Hoping that everyone there is safe.