I Heart Handmade Valentine Online Craft Show by American Craft Guide

The American Craft Guide community currently has the "I Heart Handmade Valentine" online craft show going on now through February 8th, 2009. There are lots of great artists featured with lots of sweet deals just in time for Valentine's Day! Each featured shop including Allura Marie will be giving away free gifts like earrings, sweet treats, and lots of other goodies! The featured shops also have lots of great deals just for this online craft show. Allura Marie is currently offering 15% off your total purchase now through February 8th!

Go and check it out and leave some love for all the wonderful designers!! http://handmadeshow.com/ Enjoy and best of luck on winning items from the great featured shops!

~Jodanna

Gemstone of the Day: Labradorite

One of my Labradorite designs, Smooth Operator, is shown above using a faceted pear shaped birolette. To view this item and other at my ETSY please click on the above picture.

Labradorite is the umbrella term for a sodium-rich variety of plagioclase feldspar found in igneous or metamorphic rocks. When light hits labradorite from a particular direction, it can display striking rainbow-colored reflections (violet, blue, green, yellow, orange and red) known as labradorescence or schiller. Labradorite has been described as looking like gasoline lying on water or the delicate wings of a tropical butterfly. It is in the same family as moonstone. Stones with a light green-gray base and moderate schiller are known simply as labradorite.

Labradorite was officially discovered on St. Paul Island in Labrador, Canada, in 1770. However, pieces of the gemstone also have been found among Native American artifacts in Maine. During the 18th century, labradorite was frequently used in jewelry in France and England. Labradorite is said to detoxify the body and slow the aging process. It also is believed to elevate consciousness and protect a person's aura, helping to keep the aura clear, balanced, protected and free from energy leaks. Many say the stone heals mental confusion and indecision. Labradorite is found in Labrador (Canada), Madagascar, the Ukraine, Australia, Mexico, Norway and the U.S.A.

*Data in the above posting is cited from Rings-N-Things at www.rings-things.com*

Gemstone of the Day - Jasper

The Greek origin of the word jasper, iaspis, means "spotted stone." This form of semiprecious chalcedony, or microcrystalline quartz, is usually red, brown or green. Its patterns are much less regular and defined than those of the other chalcedony variety, agate. Although the term jasper is often applied to unidentified stones, true jaspers are metamorphic rocks.Jasper derives its colorful patterns from other minerals present, and is often named according to its pattern. It has a dull luster but takes a fine polish, and its hardness and other physical properties are those of quartz. Jasper is often sealed with petroleum products. Its polish might wash away in water, so clean with a soft, dry cloth.

The gem was a favorite in the ancient world, and the name jasper can be traced back in Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian, Greek and Latin. In the fourth century, it was called the great "rain-bringer," and it has been thought to strengthen the stomach and cure gynecological troubles. Some also use it to drive away evil spirits and protect against snake and spider bites. It supposedly gives you the courage to speak out and the bravery to achieve personal independence. Landscape jaspers are amongst the most popular varieties. Jasper is mined in North Africa, Sicily, France, India, Venezuela, Germany, the U.S.A. and elsewhere.

*This data in the article is cited from Rings-N-Things at http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/index.html*

My bracelet design above is created using Leopardskin Jasper which is often referred to as a jasper, this stone includes feldspar minerals, which means it is actually a rhyolite. It is mottled with red, yellow, brown and pinkish spots like the fur of a leopard. It is considered a wonderful gemstone for bringing wanted things into your life. It also may enhance your total vibration, stabilizing the heart and solar plexus areas. I call the design Pastel Portrait.

~Jodanna

Gemstone of the Day - Chalcedony

Chalcedony is a catch-all term for cryptocrystalline quartzes (quartz with microscopically small crystals). The term "chalcedony" refers more specifically to semitransparent or translucent chalcedony with a solid color (commonly pale bluish-gray) and nearly waxlike luster. The color can also be white, blue, purple, pink, yellow, orange or red. Blue and purple are the most popular hues.

Chalcedony forms in rounded crusts, rinds or stalactites in volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The stone is extremely porous, so it takes dye easily and is frequently enhanced. Chalcedony has a slightly lower density and hardness than other quartz. Protect it from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.

Because of its abundance, durability and beauty, chalcedony was one of the first raw materials used by humankind. Its earliest recorded uses were as projectile points, knives, tools and containers. The stone was used in Renaissance magic for health and safety, and has been worn as carved cameos and gems for many centuries, especially popular in the Victorian era. In ancient times, it was used as a talisman against idiocy and depression. Today it is still believed to banish depression and mental illness, as well as fear, hysteria and touchiness. Chalcedony is also thought to reduce fever, aid eyesight, stimulate creativity and stimulate calm and peace. The stone is found in Brazil, Germany, Russia, the U.S.A., Canada, Africa, Turkey and Indonesia.

*The above data is cited from Rings-N-Things at http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/index.html*

Please see one of Allura Marie's newest creations above known as Persuasion using this wonderfully beautiful gemstone known as Chalcedony. To visit my ETSY store to get more information regarding these earrings just click the above linked picture.

~Jodanna (Allura Marie Fine Artisan Jewelry)

Great Article Regarding Tips on Closing Split Jump Rings Properly

I ran across this great article (Q&A) on Fire Mountain Gems.com which is a company that I use to purchase some of my beading products on. I thought that I would share, I hope that you find it as interesting as I have.

http://www.firemountaingems.com/asktheexperts/previousquestions.asp?docid=823T&WT.fmg_linksection=5JAXPZ4H8EOC&WT.mc_id=NL090113

Allura Marie Listed in the Directory of Handcrafters & Indie Artists

I wanted to let everyone know that I have just recently been listed in the Directory of Handcrafters and Indie Artists. Please follow the below link to check it out.

http://www.americancraftguide.com/directory_jewelry.html