Looking Forward To New Adventures Ahead

I made today's earrings the day before my 66th birthday. As I was trying to name the earrings, it occurred to me that the turquoise parts of the lampwork beads looked kind of like eyes. They even have a little air bubble decoration in the center, that could be interpreted as the iris of the eye.

Well, anyway, that's how I saw them, late at night after a glass or 2 of wine... Anyway, my thoughts went to the fact that even though my body sometimes fails me at 66,  my eyes (and heart) are still always looking forward to the next adventure in living this life of mine. The adventures may not be as physical, as they once were. I have some chronic illnesses that I have to contend with.

So I may not be hiking in the mountains or backpacking all over Europe anymore. But life holds many different types of adventures. I look forward to watching my grandkids grow up and being a part of their lives. I look forward to learning more about ceramics, to making new jewelry, to growing older with my husband. I maybe entering into senior citizen land, but I have much to look forward to.  So the turquoise "eyes" in these earrings symbolize looking forward to all the adventures to come. What are you looking forward to?

The Looking Forward earrings will be in my shop later today or tomorrow. Thank you, as always, for visiting Earrings Everyday.  I'll be back in two weeks.

Linda Landig Jewelry

Farewell Post by Cindy's Art & Soul; Words, Emotions and Jewelry ...

I recently read an article/comment that indicated words don't have a place in jewelry.

I will go out on a limb here and say they do. For me, they definitely do. How about you?

Words have power and wearing them is a way of tapping into that power. Others will read it and they too can be influenced by the positive energy you choose to bring to life.

To breathe it in to absorb the positive nature of all that they hold...

I have used words, positive affirmations and power symbols on my beads and in my jewelry since the beginning. For more on this story I invite you to read my personal blog here: http://cindypack.blogspot.com

Courage & Strength. Rune Earrings. Sold.

Thing is... the written word, be it direct or symbolic (such as runes) can reach us on some deep level that we may not even realize when it happens.

 This is why you see words in my jewelry. 

If a word holds power for you, wear it!

With all the hate flying around lately, I find myself wanting to put the word LOVE everywhere. To stamp out the meanness/madness. 

And so it is that I bring you my recent inspirational earrings with LOVE. 

As I mentioned, this is my farewell post. It has been great fun writing for the blog and being a part of this talented group. Now It's time for me to move on to my next adventure, wherever that may be. 

You may catch my personal blog at:
http://cindypack.blogspot.com/

Connect with me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cindysartandsoul/ 

or on Instagram,  https://www.instagram.com/cindysartandsoul/
 
Or get my newsletter here:
 Cindy's Art and Soul Newsletter Sign up

See you later!
be kind. and wear your words!

  
 

 

Horrible, Horrible, Autumn is here again.

Just kidding! What's not to love? I've never heard anyone say they didn't like Autumn. It's more often the favorite season. Especially for those who are fortunate enough to enjoy the colorful leaves this time of year. And, Pumpkin spice, anything. My favorite? Pumpkin spice yogurt covered pretzels. <3

All that and a welcome break from summers heat makes this the perfect time of year for me. Everything else is just icing on the cake. 

Including boots and scarves and all the rich autumn hues we can pull from the closet. 

sold

These earring feature handcrafted ceramic beads finished in a mossy green matte glaze; paired with rich Red Creek Jasper. I love wrapping in a thick, chunky fine silver and adding in rustic Hill Tribe silver for added character. Natural found beach stones dangle below. 

I have recently started a group on Facebook to offer supplies. I am downsizing my studio and will be offering a significant amount of my own handcrafted findings, and beads as well as my sea glass collection, other artist beads and commercial beads, findings and raw materials. 

Please join me and bring a friend. https://www.facebook.com/groups/643280319164605/ It's going to be GREAT!! I will be starting listings in the coming weeks. Lots, no... loads of beads. Beautiful beads... okay, do I have your attention now? 

Peace & love, 

  

The Wild Child

These earrings were inspired and created to match a necklace I recently made, using similar components and beads. The inspiration necklace included a beautiful artisan lampwork focal I picked up in a tiny little (The best kind!!) bead shop in AZ last year. Really nice workman ship. I love buying artist's beads. Knowing that I can contribute to someone elses art while feeding my own creative needs is the most rewarding experience for me.






The artisan lampwork bead has shades of black and gray and a bit of a lavender hue as well. 

I played off the colors of the bead by adding in some lavender jasper (from Alexanders Bead Bazaar- Seattle, WA) along with some gray labradorite, white African glass and finally some handcrafted ceramic beads (Cindy's Art & Soul) in shades of gray.

Wild Child by cindybeads featuring nars cosmetics

Black stone, Periwinkle Jasper and Handcrafted Ceramic Earrings by Art & Soul Jewelry

With the earrings I had to get creative since I didn't have the large focal to work with - I chose some small (found) black stones. The stones were hand picked from the beach here in WA - just last week! I drilled them and wrapped them with fine silver wire - adding in the lavender Jasper and handcrafted ceramic beads by Cindy's Art & Soul. The ear wires are hand crafted, sterling silver.

You can find these earrings along with the matching necklace at www.ArtAndSoulJewelry.com
If you are looking for ceramic beads - there's a small collection there for those as well. And more coming next week! (ya!)

Peace & Blessings,

Of The Earth

Hiking at Cape Disappointment, WA 2012

It's winter here in WA state. The landscape is a lot of gray, and muddy browns. I'm not one that dislikes one season or another, one day over another.

Yes some are easier than others. Some more enjoyable. But I like to keep an open mind and take in all that my surroundings have to offer.

My jewelry work is largely inspired by nature and the beauty I can find there. No matter what the season, no matter what the weather.

Winter brings cold and rain and mud. It also brings green trees, red holy berries, water puddles for children to stomp! Just remember, it's all good.

Of The Earth. 

Silver, Gemstone, Ceramic Earrings, Art & Soul Jewelry

I found these gemstones at a bead show in Portland, OR. Purchased from Dava Bead & Trade. I clearly remember picking up the strand... mulling it over in my head. Why I should I buy these? They were on the $$$ side and they were mostly flawed stones.

The woman in the booth saw me and she must have read my mind because her words to me where that these stones are Of The Earth. Each one special and precious and the cracks and flaws are actually what make them beautiful. And I must have believed her because I bought them, and have loved them ever since!

None are matching. Yet I have still managed to make several great looking pairs of earrings with them. I love the facets, the deep brown color and how each one is unique. And yes, they are Of The Earth. How can that ever be bad?

Silver, Gemstone, Ceramic Earrings, Art & Soul Jewelry

I have wrapped them in .999 fine silver wire. And paired with some handmade ceramic beads finished with a two part brown and red glaze. Ear wires are hand forged, .925 sterling silver. Available at Art and Soul Jewelry.

I see this set with a soft, red, long sleeved sweater. Maybe a V neck or deep plunging neckline. A pair of soft brown corderory jeans and some tall boots. I'll leave that to your imagination.

Looking for handmade ceramic beads? Check in  with me the last week of this month! I will be offering sets of handmade beads! http://www.artandsouljewelry.com/

Peace & Love,

Denim Ready Set Go

With Fancy Heels. by s-elle featuring retro posters

 Boho Blues Handmade Earrings 

Featuring handmade ceramic beads 

with Denim blue glaze by Cindy's Art & Soul.

Wrapped in fine silver wire 

with hand forged silver bead caps, 

paired with flashy blue Spectrolite gemstones. 

Handcrafted sterling silver ear wires are 

stamped with tiny accent images. 

 

Star Burst Ceramic Earrings

Floppy hat, 

long dress, 

wind in your hair...

earrings.

 Red Creek Jasper, Found Sea Glass, Hill Tribe Silver, Handmade Ceramic 

..............

Available at Art & Soul Jewelry

Wild Child

These earrings were inspired and created to match a necklace I recently made, using similar components and beads. The inspiration necklace included a beautiful artisan lampwork focal I picked up in a tiny little (The best kind!!) bead shop in AZ last year. Really nice workman ship. I love buying artist's beads. Knowing that I can contribute to someone else's art while feeding my own creative needs is the most rewarding experience for me.






The artisan lampwork bead has shades of black and gray and a bit of a lavender hue as well. 

I played off the colors of the bead by adding in some lavender jasper (from Alexanders Bead Bazaar- Seattle, WA) along with some gray labradorite, white African glass and finally some handcrafted ceramic beads (Cindy's Art & Soul) in shades of gray.

Wild Child by cindybeads featuring nars cosmetics

Black stone, Periwinkle Jasper and Handcrafted Ceramic Earrings by Art & Soul Jewelry

With the earrings I had to get creative since I didn't have the large focal to work with - I chose some small (found) black stones. The stones were hand picked from the beach here in WA - just last week! I drilled them and wrapped them with fine silver wire - adding in the lavender Jasper and handcrafted ceramic beads by Cindy's Art & Soul. The ear wires are hand crafted, sterling silver.

You can find these earrings along with the matching necklace at www.ArtAndSoulJewelry.com
If you are looking for ceramic beads - there's a small collection there for those as well. And more coming next week! (ya!)

Peace & Blessings,

Courage Of Winter

 "But winter darkness has a positive side to it. As we gather to celebrate the first turn from winter to spring, we are invited to recognize and honor the beauty in the often unwanted season of winter. Let us invite our hearts to be glad for the courage winter proclaims. Let us be grateful for the wisdom winter brings in teaching us about the need for withdrawal as an essential part of renewal. Let us also encourage our spirits as Earth prepares to come forth from this time of withdrawal into a season filled with light." from The Circle Of Life by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr. 

We've just passed the Winter Solstice and the days will be getting longer now in the Northern Hemisphere. The trees are bare, and still I am drawn to the colors of the forests. The deep green and rich browns catch my attention everywhere I look. 

These earrings are my courage of winter, my gratitude for the wisdom and my retreat from the light.

Handmade embossed copper charms have fine silver stamped rivets with tiny spirals. Paired with green African Opal stones and handmade ceramic beads by Cindy's Art & Soul. Wrapped in sterling silver, dangling from sterling silver ear wires.

Available at WWW.ArtandSoulJewelry.COM

☮ Cindy