Eye Candy: Focus on Agate

Jewelry does a lot for us; it calls attention to areas we want to accentuate; when received as a gift, wearing it reminds us that we are loved; and, finally, wearing jewelry makes us feel attractive and well-dressed. But what if your jewelry could actually help you get through your day and bring positive benefits to your life? Many people believe that gemstones have metaphysical, healing and even magical properties. Whether or not you actually believe in these properties of gemstones, a little extra help just might be what you want some days.

Agate is a variety of chalcedony which is a microcrystalline quartz. It is translucent and often striped, though many stones named agates are not striped. There are many, many different types of agates in many different color combinations, and they are found all over the world.

Agate is said to balance energy, increase courage, provide protection, aid in healing, and calm shattered nerves. Historically it was placed in water used for cooking or drinking to dispel sickness. Wearing agate is also supposed to contribute to longevity. Agate can be used to strengthen the body and the wearer's connection to the earth. It also increases energy and helps with healing tooth and gum issues, stomach problems and insomnia. Agate is also said to increase physical endurance,

Agate is a stone of strength; it was used on the breastplates of armor to give warriors strength and make them victorious in battle. Wear agate to give you strength in physical and emotional battles; it is said to give the wearer luck. Emotionally, agate is supposed to increase courage and self-confidence; wearing it is said to help you conquer your fears. It is also supposed to lessen feelings of envy and help the wearer to see things as they really are. It is considered by many to be an excellent stone for helping to heal and improve relationships.

Agate enhances creativity and strengthens the intellect. Students and artists will benefit from wearing agates. It is especially protective for children, and makes an excellent stone for children's jewelry or just to carry around in a pocket.

Click on any photo to learn how you can add agate to your collection:






















The SATeam blog features artisan handmade creations by the etsy starving artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current etsy shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com.

Summertime

My small part of the world has been experiencing unseasonably warm weather lately. It’s been so warm that it has felt like summer. Summer is my favourite season and I’ve been loving the heat. Even with the humidity. While some people have been wilting as soon as they step outside, I feel enveloped by the warmth and comforted by it.

Summer weather calls for going to the beach and eating ice cream. It means going for long walks and taking out the bikes. It’s the time of year when small children run through sprinklers.

This weather means I can leave the house in the morning without having to put on a jacket. I wear capri pants or shorts with short sleeve shirts to the office. The colours I choose are light and bright. Even the jewelry I select is different than it was during the winter. I find myself reaching for smaller, simpler pieces, in light or bright colours. And I reach for rings that are fun and whimsical. It’s time to play and have fun.

How do your jewelry choices change in the summer?

Here are some great summer jewelry choices from members of the SATeam.

Insatiable Ring by Two Chicks Too

Beach Glass and Sterling Necklace by Riorita

Glass Tile Pendant by Jenifer's Family Jewels

Translucent and White Opalite Beaded Earrings by Bead Origami

Copper and Sterling Butterfly Necklace by 2 Belles and a Bead

Real Orchid/Pearl Necklace - Fiesta by MC Stoneworks

Irish Flowers Earrings by Cat's Wire

Featuring artisan handmade creations by the Etsy Starving Artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current Etsy shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com.

Quote Me - Maya Angelou

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life'.

~ Maya Angleou

Do you sometimes get a bit obsessed with your jewellery business?

Worry about sales? Whether you can pay the taxes? Buy more supplies?

Spend heaps of time checking your emails and views... And then look up and go "Oops, I forgot to eat lunch!"

Tree of Life Earrings by JenniLeighCreations

Finding that work-life balance can be tricky sometimes.

We all want our businesses to succeed - really, who wouldn't love to "give up your day job" and spend each day doing something you truly love?

But we also need to find that balance. The equilibrium... between what we love and who we love...

How do you balance your 'living' and your 'life'?

And do you remember to stop for lunch?

Cookies of Life Necklace by 2BellesBeads

Featuring artisan handmade jewellery from the SATeam - Starving Artist Team on Etsy.

To see more beautiful pieces from the team, visit our profile - http://www.etsy.com/people/SATEAM

Or visit the SATeam Etsy shop

SATeam Sez . . .

It's FRIDAY!

Here are a few of the most recent listings in SATeam member shops; click on any photo to learn more about the item:

Featuring artisan handmade creations by the etsy starving artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current etsy shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com.

A Four Letter Word That Starts With “F”

As a jewelry artist, I craft what may be known as Artisan Jewelry…often one-of-a-kind designs, handcrafted from a variety of metals, stones, found objects, and other materials of diverse origin.

Artisan jewelry may be further categorized as Fashion Jewelry, Costume Jewelry, Bridge Jewelry or “Fine” Jewelry depending on the whether the materials used are precious, semi-precious, natural, synthetic, expensive, inexpensive, real, artificial, etc, etc, etc.

Now, there’s that four letter word that starts with “F”…. FINE. Technically, Fine Jewelry is defined as being made from high grade precious metals such as Platinum, Gold & Silver, which may or may not be embellished with top grade precious gemstones. Designed for the discriminating eye and masterfully and meticulously crafted to the highest of standards.

My definition of “Fine” Jewelry is not limited to that which is most often offered. It does not exclude less expensive metals and semi-precious gemstones; it may include other natural materials, synthetic gems and even crystal or glass. Fine is a description of superior quality, appearance or skill. Therefore, any jewelry…”Fine”, Artisan, Costume, Bridge, can be considered FINE if it looks great, is great quality and is made using great skills.

Our SATeam members offer great examples of FINE Jewelry.










The SATeam blog features artisan handmade creations by the etsy starving artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current etsy shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com

Supplies

Check out these recent SATeam listings for lampwork beads, jewelry components and tutorials! Click on any picture to learn more about the item.

The SATeam blog features artisan handmade creations by the etsy starving artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current etsy shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com

Bole chudiyan

Picture by "Deepak" (Wikimedia)

I admit it. I'm a fan. It started with a late night movie that captured my interest which was surprising for myself. I had been switching channels and somehow I got hooked. All that singing, the colors and the tears! So many drama, so many tears! Have I mentioned the tears? But suddenly I found I had watched the movie to the very end.
For those who haven't guessed from the title yet, I am talking about Bollywood. "Bole Chudiyan" is the title of a song in one of my favorite movies.
Shortly after that my sister and I went to a DVD store to look for something, but I came out with my first very own copy of a Bollywood movie. 3.5 hours, I hadn't done something like that to myself since "Ben Hur" or "Gone With the Wind". And it shouldn't be the last one.

There are different reasons why some of these movies (it's not as if I do watch hundreds of them) attract me, but I will only share one with you.
That one are the clothes and the jewelry for sure. I love sarees to look at. In fact I have one that I wouldn't know where to wear. A shame, it's a beauty and was brought home to me from a business trip.
And I love the bangles. In the late 70s bangles were very in with us teenagers. We were loud, believe me. No sneaking up on anyone when you go jingle, jingle with each movement! Then they suddenly disappeared, but they are back, I can tell you that!

In India it still has a meaning to wear bangles besides it just being decorative. They are worn for weddings and the colors chosen can be important part of the rituals.
They can be from gold and silver, from glass or lac and nowadays they are often made from plastic or even rubber which is very trendy. They can be simple or smooth or have adornments and patterns.
According to some people a bangle is never flexible which is the difference to a bracelet, but I found that some people - and I include myself - also call a flexible piece without a clasp a bangle.

But now come with me and let's have a look at what SATeam sellers have to offer bangle-wise.
While we browse, I'll play the above mentioned song to get you into the right mood.

Do you like beads and are the DIY type? In that case I found the perfect tutorial for you in Jewelry Tales' shop! Isn't it pretty?


What do you say? You would also like to have a ready made bangle to wear now? This N That Creative Arts is the shop for you then. She has a nice range of crochet bangles in different colors. In fact it is kind of hard to decide which is the most beautiful one. How about this one, it sure looks high class.


These ones from 2 Belles and a Bead immediately spoke to me because they look just the first ones I ever bought myself when I was 12. Of course mine weren't made from silver!


I hope you liked our little shopping spree. I'll leave you alone now, but you are very welcome to keep browsing, this has just been a small selection, there is so much more.
You'll find me over there when you are done. I'll be drinking a cup of chai and probably be listening to Bollywood songs on my MP3 player. Just tap me on the shoulder and don't be surprised if I greet you with "Namaste" .......

The SATeam blog features artisan handmade creations by the etsy starving artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current etsy shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com.

Eye Candy: Focus on Copper

Copper is said to combat lethargy, passivity, restlessness, and excitability. Some believe that it stimulates initiative, optimism, diplomacy and independence. When worn, it is supposed to be a bestower of good, bringing benefit to its wearer; copper can be used to enhance and stabilize intuition, sexuality, desire and vitality. In addition, copper is said to allow the wearer to recognize and tear down barriers.

Regardless of whether or not you believe in the metaphysical properties of copper, it's warm, earthy, fun and perfect for jewelry that segues from day into night. Less expensive than gold and silver, copper won't break the bank. Go ahead; indulge yourself! Click on any photo to learn more about the item pictured.





















The SATeam blog features artisan handmade creations by the etsy starving artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current etsy shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com.