Bead Fest

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending Bead Fest in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  It was a beautiful day and the hour drive north from Albuquerque was a nice change from my daily routine.  After much circling about looking for a place to park, I finally entered the Bead Fest exhibitors hall.  My of my...so many beads...where to begin.  I was able to find several goodies that I will share here.  

{I'm keeping a few a secret so you can be surprised}

 

Aren't the patinas on these filigrees fantastic!  And I'm looking forward to etching more metals. 

 

I couldn't resist all these beautiful agates.

I was able to find a few amulets and I just loved the matching stone sets.  

I've already used a few of them in some new pendulums.

More filigrees...hoping to include some of these in a few new soldering projects.

When I finished all of my shopping {more like I ran out of money!}  I took a stroll through The Plaza, the heart of Santa Fe.  I just love all the architecture and the history.

 

I was also lucky enough to stumble upon on of my favorite musicians, Roark Barron.  

He is an amazing Harpist. 

http://roarkbarron.com/

I usually only get to see him perform live during the Santa Fe Renaissance Faire.  So to hear his wonderful music drifting through the plaza was a pleasant surprise.  Needless to say, I pulled up a seat and had a good listen.  It was a lovely way to end a productive day of supply shopping. 

Now I better get busy making some stuff with all of these wonderful finds.

Off to the studio...

Jessica

Happy Ostara

Ostara Blessings to You

Ostara by Amanda Clark

{art source}

Yay!  It's the first day of spring.  Here in Albuquerque, the trees are starting to blossom and the spring flowers are lazily reaching for the sun.  I am so ready for warmer weather...I'm tired of dressing like the abominable snow man to walk Logan!


Ostara is a time of renewal and rebirth. Take some time to celebrate the new life that surrounds you in nature...walk in the park, lay in the grass, hike through a forest. As you do so, observe all the new things beginning around you...plants, flowers, insects, birds. Today the light and dark are in perfect balance.  Are you?  Time to look at aspects of your life that are throwing you off kilter.  Do you need to let something or someone go.  Or perhaps you need to draw something new into your life.  Now is the time to renew your commitment to yourself and your path.
{Learn more about Ostara HERE.}

New Techniques

etched copper tube

The last few months I have learned many new techniques to incorporate into my creations.  I am so excited to show you!  All of these technique are a little more labor intensive, so I will slowly be adding new items to my etsy shop. 

I want to thank all of my wonderful clients who have encouraged me and purchased one of my creations.  Because of you, I am able to do what I love everyday.  Your lovely feedback, sharing my work with your friends and family, sharing your pendulum and meditation experience with me, and connecting with my via social media are such a blessing.  Thank you!

Brightest Blessings and Happy Ostara,
Jessica

$2 Pendulum to Celebrate My 200th Etsy Sale

Congratulations to Kimi! She was able to snag the $2.00 pendulum. Thanks so much to all of my wonderful 
customers that helped me reach this milestone. 
I'm working on a few other fun events and a 
giveaway...I'll keep you posted.


To celebrate my 200th sale on Etsy, I will be listing one 

of my pendulums for $2.00 plus shipping.  

That's right...just $2.00!!  

However, I'm not going to tell you which pendulum.  

You will have to find it in my etsy shop. 

Yes, like a treasure hunt.  

I will tell you that the $2.00 pendulum will be available 

Friday, February 22, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. {MST}.  

Some helpful hints:

• My shop address:  www.crowningelements.etsy.com 
• Start window shopping.  Which pendulum do you hope I select...which is your favorite? 
• You can organize the listings in my shop by price.  Just click the "sort by" button and scroll down to "lowest price".  Now the listings should display starting with the lowest price.
• Just adding the pendulum to your cart does not save the item for you.  You must complete the check out process through Etsy or Pay Pal.  {Etsy does not have sticky carts}
• Make sure your billing and shipping info is updated for speedy check out.   
• Mark your calendars!  You don't want to miss this!!
• If you are lucky enough to grab this huge steal....do a happy dance! 
• Good Luck.

I am so blessed to have so many wonderful customers who support my small business.  Thank you so much for your purchases, positive feedback, and friendships.
Jessica 

Between

There is a magic that exists as the gossamer layers of summer disappear and the leaves slip their green for autumnal splendor.  

 
A stillness settles over my home, wrapping me in tranquility and thoughtfulness.  A warm, cozy blanket for which I am reluctant to leave.  The Hermit has taken hold and will reign until spring blossoms peek out of my garden beds. 

The Resting Hill by Cory Godbey

Time to return to my hearth, renew my friendships with favorite authors, savor the tastes of my bountiful harvest, and look to my heart for healing and rejuvenation.  I will stay in this Between for as long as I am able, breathing in the quiet joy that fills my home and makes me linger...until Nature decides which season she will wear next.  

~Jessica

Giveaway - Red Aventurine Prayer Beads

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  No not Christmas...

Giveaway Time!

Enter for a chance to win these Red Aventurine Prayer Beads 
handcrafted by Crowning Elements

Red Aventurine Witch's Beads/Prayer Beads

Don’t remember how many times you have spoken your quatrain? Are you tired of losing count of your meditation chant? That is where my Witch’s Beads can help.

Witch’s Beads are great for ritual chanting, spell work, meditation, and astral travel. The strand consists of 3 sections of 9 beads totaling 27 beads. The number 27 is not random. It’s a variation on the very magickal number “3”. The strand is finished with a handmade nylon tassel. Each strand is hand knotted using nylon thread for strength and flexibility.

Constructed with red aventurine beads, silver plated beads, and black nylon thread. These are natural stones, small imperfections may exist.

Stone Properties~

“Aventurine reinforces leadership qualities and decisiveness. It promotes compassion and empathy and encourages perseverance. It stabilizes one's state of mind, stimulates perception, and enhances creativity. Aventurine sees alternatives and possibilities, especially those presented by other people. This stone brings together the intellectual and emotional bodies. Aventurine calms anger and irritation. It stimulates emotional recovery and enables living within one’s own heart.” The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall

Measurements~

Overall: 10-1/2 inches
Aventurine Beads: 10 mm
Each set of witch’s beads come with a black velvet bag.

Valued at $36.00

Follow the steps in the Rafflecopter widget to enter the giveaway. 
The widget might take a few moments to load.
{Only open to U.S. Residents...sorry my international fans!}

Randomly Selected Winner announced here on my blog
October 22, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. mst

Congratulations Christie S!  
Please contact me at crowningelements@yahoo.com
before 11/8/2012
(I have also emailed you as well!) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner has one week to claim prize.  
If not claimed within allotted time period, a new winner will be selected.

Best of luck!

Jessica 

Albuquerque Pagan Pride Day

Crowning Elements & Touch of the Goddess will be at the

Albuquerque Pagan Pride Day Celebration on September 30th!  

Come check out our newest creations!

 This year's theme is Harvest Fantasy.  Join us as we celebrate Autumn!

Albuquerque Pagan Pride Day

September 30, 2012

9:30 a.m - 5:00 p.m.

Bataan Park

(Lomas & Carlisle)

More info HERE

We had such a great time at last years event.  

Hope to see you there!

Pagan Pride Day 2011

 ~ Jessica

Blessed Litha

Today is the Summer Solstice...the longest day of the year!  Let us celebrate the abundant Earth and Nature in full bloom.  

http://martiniquelouisefisher.com/

One legend holds that, at twilight on Litha Eve, the door to the Middle Kingdom opens and those who seek it may come and go freely. 

Sleeping Beauty by Daniela Illing www.baerb.de

The trooping faeries are on the move!  Welcome them into your home and garden by leaving offerings of honey, bread, or milk.  They also love sparkly stones...so set out some labradorite, moonstone, or quartz.  *Be fore warned some faeries like to cause mischief!

In Fairy Land: An Elfin Dance by Richard Doyle

http://www.artrenewal.org/pages/artist.php?artistid=6621

Litha is also an excellent time for rites of divination...so get those pendulums out and have fun!!

Brightest Blessings,

Jessica

You can learn more about Litha here.