Stone Souls- Snowflake Obsidian

The second stone I'd like to highlight in my "Stone Souls" series is Snowflake Obsidian:


"As The Fallen Snow" Pendant www.ravenworksstudio.com


Snowflake Obsidian is another well known, and well used stone, and is easily obtained all over the world.

Metaphysically, Snowflake Obsidian falls under the sign of Sagittarius. It is a stone of purity that balances the mind body and spirit. Snowflake Obsidian steers the wearer away from bad frames of mind, and stressful mental patterns. It also helps the wearer to recognize the value of their mistakes. Snowflake Obsidian is also calming and soothing.

For healing purposes, Snowflake Obsidian works best with the skeletal and circulatory systems.

Stone Souls- Amethyst

Lately I've become very interested in individual stones and there mataphysical meanings the more and more I work with them. Stones have a lot of influence of their wearer, and I wanted to be able to share my findings.

The first stone I'd like to explore is: Amethyst


www.ravenworksstudio.com

AMETHYST-

Amethyst is a very common stone used in jewelry making. It comes in several lovely shades of purple, and is mined in several different countries. It's a beautiful and an affordable stone, which makes it appealing to both jewelry makers and jewelry buyers.

Metaphysically speaking, Amethyst is a very "mental" stone, both stimulating, and calming as needed by the wearer. It is especially good at protecting its wearer from negative energy, and has even been said to have a sobering effect, which makes it useful if you are trying to overcome any type of addiction.

Amethyst is also a very spiritual stone, connecting one to the more divine energies. In this vein, it also helps the wearer to remember and interpret their dreams, and to have more intense visualization. Placed under your pillow, it can aid with insomnia or nightmares.

New Website!

I've just created a new website for my fine jewelry work. I'm so excited I can't stand it! Please take a look at www.ravenworksstudio.com

While I've enjoyed using Etsy, I just don't think it's the right forum for my fine jewelry work now that it's really come to the next level. Plus, between the Etsy fees, and the PayPal fees, it just makes sense to put more high end work on a separate site.

So, after waiting and eon for my loving sister to create me a website, I decided to bite the bullet and create my own site through www.ArtSpan.com. It was really easy, and I love the way it's turned out. The fees are reasonable, and so far, so good.

I will continue to keep my "craftier" items on Etsy, because I do love the community, and the site in general. But, for the finer silver work, it's my own site from now on. Don't forget to visit! www.ravenworksstudio.com

Summer Show Dates Confirmed

Summer may seem far away, but I've already been lining up some great craft show dates. I'm happy to say I've now had confirmation on seval dates for some great shows.

OLD PORT FESTIVAL- Portland, ME- June 1st
RavenWorks will have a booth at the Old Port Fesival this year, in the section reserved especially for Maine crafters. This is the first year they're doing this, so we're very excited to be participating in promoting Maine crafters. If you're going to be in the area, please come visit us from 11am-5pm.

South End Open Market- Boston, MA
RavenWorks was a vendor at the Boston South End Open Market, and enjoyed it so much we've signed up to do several spots there again this year. We will be at the Market on July 20, August 3, August 17, September 7, and Semptember 21. The market hours are 8 am- 4 pm. Hope to see you there!

Sea Glass

Since we're firmly in the heart of winter now, I've found dipping into my collection of sea glass more and more. It reminds me of combing the beaches with the kids, tasting the saltwater, and basking in the sun.

Recently I've created these three necklaces:







I'm sure matching bracelets and earrings will emerge soon. It's all a matter of sorting through the wonderfully smooth pieces and finding the right sizes, the right feel. Until then, I'm pleased with the necklaces that are getting done.

I have yet to dip into the new jewelry supplies, but I'm sure I will soon. Right now there are just too many ideas bubbling around.

New Supply Shopping!

Well, my doll making day didn't end up happening. It's a shame, but my doll making partener did swing by some really cool new patterns for me to contemplate.

My most exciting news right now, is that thanks to my tax refund, I was able to indulge in some new jewelry making supplies that I've been coveting FOREVER. I can't wait to play with them, and make some really new jewelry.

Though I won't share all of great new supply finds, I will spill one, since she is a fellow Etsian, and a supremely talented artist. The name of her shop is Caliente Art Glass, and can be found at www.boobie beads.etsy.com or on her blog at www.calienteglass.com. If you love amazing, handmade glass beads, be sure to check her out. Her work is fabulous, and ever since I recieved my first beads from her, I've been absolutly salivating to buy more.

So, for now I will be checking the mail box like an excited puppy until my new goodies arive. Then it's play time!

Art Dolls

For a while now I've been studying the craft of doll making. I've purused sites of other artists, poured over patterns, and read ever book I can get my hands on. It's become my newest craft obsession, but one I"ve been hesitant to jump into.

While certain art dolls can be wildly abstract, I'm more drawn to the fantasy figures, the ones that look perfectly real, in fantastic costumes. Creating something like that is an intense undertaking, from proper body proportions, to carefully constructed faces, to tiny, detailed costuming.

I have began creating one cloth doll, and have created a few faces out of polymer clay. I've also invested in an air dry clay made specifically for doll making. It's just hard to take the plunge and try to create an entire doll.

Tomorrow, a fellow crafter and doll devotee will join me at my house, and we've agreed to share materials and ideas, and attempt to create some preliminary dolls. My friend is eager to produce a line that can be ready for summer craft shows. I'm not sure if we'lll be ready by then, but I am excited to finally get my hands dirsty and try to piece together an entire doll. I'll be sure to post photos of the process :)