Exploring the Blues and Crafting Creativity

I spent much of the week practicing soldering and other metalworking techniques. I’m happy to say that I managed to make an entire cut in a piece of copper without breaking my saw blade! And, I’m getting better at recognizing that magical moment when the solder is ready to flow. I’ve still got a way to go, but I hope to start introducing more handmade metal elements into my pieces in the near future.

You won’t find me giving up my beads any time soon, though. I never cease to be fascinated by the endless array of colors, cuts, glass techniques and even gemstone that are available. Lately I’ve invested in a lovely bunch of coconut, some dreamy mint green Czech glass rondelles, and some nifty labradorite nuggets. I found some amazonite in my stash that beautifully complements the labradorite, and that’s led to my latest obsession.

Amazing Amazonite

I’m enchanted by amazonite and its amazing range of colors, but I’m a real sucker for the blues. Amazonite presents in shades from subtle whites and delicate tans to the rich variety of blues that make it an excellent gemstone. It’s found in various locations throughout the world, including Colorado, Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, and Canada. A form of microcline feldspar, amazonite is said to carry calming and balancing metaphysical properties that can soothe the mind and spirit.

I’ve combined amazonite puffy coin beads with some lovely blue-dyed coconut heishi. The result is a chunky, boho necklace awash in ocean blues. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece I’ll be offering to my Collector’s Club before I make it public. Sign up today to be one of the first to receive special offers, and I’ll give you 10% off your next order!

I’ll be anxiously awaiting my shipments of silver, copper and amazonite in the next week. I have so many projects I can’t wait to get started on. I hope you will continue to join me on this journey of creativity!