Birthstones projects

My friends are enjoying their mother-daughter pendants so much that I got to work on two more birthstone projects. The first was a pendant based on a collar I made a while back. The collar has been dibbed, so I made the closest replica the wire would allow.

Stonespicked

Not all the traditional birth stones were available in beaded (stringable) form, so I had to consult a gem bible for alternatives, which made for a fun scavenger hunt at Dave’s Down To Earth Rock Shop.

Stoneresearch

Once I gathered the stones I looked up their meanings, which come as a printout with each piece.

Stoneprintout

I strung them onto wire and placed them in the pendant.

inspirationCommission

I almost wanted to keep it for myself.

finishedpendant

The next project was a bangle for a grandmother, also based on a bangle I had created before, with 15 family members represented.

1Braceletstart

2braceletcoilmeasure

I don’t have a proper mandrel yet, so I use what is on hand.

2b_braceletmandrel

I learned that circumference measurements can be misleading, as the bracelet barely fit over my knuckles.

2cMeasureingknuckles

So we consulted back and forth on the best measurement and I went with another bangle’s circumference for comfort.

2aBraceletmeasuring

Getting the stones spaced out right with the right amount of wire took a few tries.

3braceletstonelineup

4braceletstringing

4aTry1

Off they went to their new happy owners.

5Braceletonme

Happy Birthday!

Shipping

It was a joy to create these two pieces, and I am looking forward to creating a beaded bangle for myself in the future.

7Braceletdone

The energy and healing power of stones and crystals fascinates me, and I like the idea that these pieces radiate some of that earthy energy to their owners and their tribe.

6Braceletcomplete

Are there stones that call to you?

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