Ailleas Designs

Praising others…

2012-02-23T16:40:00.003-08:00

I’ve met so many other artisans through my business. Some I’ve met at markets, some I’ve met onforums, and some I’ve met on Facebook. I know the time and work they put intotheir creations and I admire them so much. Today, I want to talk about severalof these artists.

I first became aware of Once Upon a Romance because the woman behind thecreations, Heather Stratton, is a mutual friend of a young artist I knowthrough two different forums. Heather states that she creates her jewellerybecause it is the kind of jewellery she has always wanted but could never find.I understand that statement entirely. I started Ailleas Designs for very muchthe same reason. The name of her business should clue you in to the style ofher designs. Rich, sumptuous, ethereal,classic – there are few superlatives I would not heap upon her collection ofstunning jewellery. The time that Heather must put in to each piece is mindboggling. When she recently added dragonflies to her collections, I knew I hadto have one. When it arrived in the mail, I was overwhelmed by, not just theaesthetic beauty, but by the remarkable craftsmanship. Heather’s sense of what isromantic, feminine, classic and colourful is without fault. As a jewellerydesigner, I can be very critical of other designs (critical in that I critique,not that I lambast). There is nothing about Heather’s creations that I couldbegin to fault. If you look at her site and are not enchanted, I will be leftspeechless. I think it is very telling that my daughter and I are both “fans”of her work – as you know, mothers and daughters rarely agree.

Another jewellery designer I love (on many levels) is my sister, KatieGates. Katie began designing jewellery over 10 years ago. It was yet another creative outlet for her, as she is a very gifted writer (she has also published one novel and isgetting ready to publish another). Her designs – incorporating many vintagebeads – are, like Heather’s, rich in colours and textures. I have several ofher long necklaces and I can attest to the fact that they are worth everypenny. As with Heather's and my creations, each piece is completely unique, using beadsthat are of high quality – these are created one at a time and no two arealike. I adore her jewellery and enjoy swapping pieces from time to time. Iwear her pieces with great pride. If you are looking for something that ispleasing to so many of the senses, check out Katie’s shop on Etsy.

Making soap may not seem an artistic pursuit, but I think it is. And Ithink that anyone who has the patience to create soap is brilliant. Through ourparticipation in local markets, my husband and I have met many soap makers, butwe really enjoy talking with and learning from Cathy at Eco Soaps. With amission of creating 100% natural soaps with natural fragrances and for skins ofall sensitivities, Cathy has created beautiful, natural and lovely smellingsoaps for the whole family. We love it when our table is near hers – it is adelightful way to spend the time, taking in the beautiful aromas emanating fromher table. Cathy puts a great deal of passion into her work and never settlesfor anything less than excellent value and excellent products. I can highly recommendEco Soaps.

Another artist who creates lovely soaps and sells them side-by-side withessential oils and bath bombs and solid bars of shampoo is Liz of The HighlandCraft Company. Amongst her other offerings are chocolate bath bars, fizzy bombsand body scrubs. Another table that we always wish to be near, Liz keeps usstocked up on our lavender and chamomile oils and I need to purchase some ofher body balms when next we share a fair. Liz also makes liquid shampoo, showergel and body lotion. As her website states, many of the ingredients they growin their own garden. Liz’s husband, Tim, creates the most beautiful hand-turnedwooden bowls, platters, scarf pins and bracelets. We became enamored of his workat a fair this past November and couldn’t help but purchase a stunning smallbowl that is sitting in pride of place in our living room. Go to their website and be amazed at thewonderful offerings – both those of Liz’s creation and those of Tim’s. Youwon’t be disappointed.

Now, photographers! As you can imagine, in this neck of the woods there are many. Wildlife, landscape, conceptual, commercial. There are a lot of them! There are two we've come to know and, unfortunately, I can only share information about one of them, as she does not have a website.

So, Lizzii Nicholas. Lizzii is a fabulous, energetic woman who has the pleasure of living on Scotland's west coast. Her photography is amazing, but at this point, you must come to one of the many markets to see her photographs. My favourite is a close-up of the eye of a highland cow - large, liquid and with eyelasses that would make any fashion model green with envy. She has photographs of dragonflies and sheep and one exceptional photograph of her small dog leaping with joy while running along the beach. Her photography is fun and beautiful and holds in it the same energy Lizzii has - which seems unending. Lizzii was our first friend when we took part in a Christmas market in Gairloch and we always love seeing her.

While I have never had the pleasure of meeting Eoghain Mclean, I had the great pleasure of spending much of a market back in November chatting with his wife, Susan, who was representing the business for the day. Eoghain's photography is wonderful - lots of wildlife, stunning landscapes and photographs that transport you to this beautiful part of Scotland. If you would like to see some stunning nature photography, please go to Eoghain's website. I know you will enjoy it.

(Don't forget to check out my husband, Chris's website. More photographs will be coming soon!)

So, there you are. A sampling of some of the artists I've met and have enjoyed getting to know.There are so many more. I never cease to be amazed at what these talented peopleproduce. It is an honour to share this sector of the market with them. And please don't forget to check out my website, Ailleas Designs. I have new pieces on offer and will be rotating on a fairly regular basis so you can see all of my designs.

How to measure success…

2012-02-12T05:21:00.000-08:00

If you read the blog on my website (www.ailleasdesigns.com), then you willbe familiar with what I am going to write about today. Success can be measuredin so many different ways. In this economic climate, if one were to look at thesales and money in the money box, it would be understandable for those inself-employment, particularly in the arts, to run screaming to the hills. Aseasoned stall-holder passed on these words of wisdom to me – “If the marketends and the bakers haven’t sold out, it’s been a bad market.” Not once sincethe beginning of the year have the bakers sold out. Such is the economicclimate. (I might add that even those selling incredible looking organicvegetables haven’t sold out!) But there are other ways to measure whether amarket has been successful and it isn’t always down to cash in hand.

Many of the markets I’ve attended since the start of the year aremarkets I did not attend in the run up to Christmas. These markets, even on thecoldest and most inhospitable days, bring in quite a few people. They are asmuch about socialising as buying. The market-goers make the rounds, looking atthe various tables, stopping from time to time to take a longer look. If youget a longer look, if you get conversation, I see that as a measure of success.Cards are taken and I’m asked if I will be at the market next month. I see thatas a measure of success. At the market at Aultbea on the west coast, I made avery good impression on one of the members of the board that oversees themarkets. She signed up for my newsletter, took my card and then took my photographwith my jewellery to appear in the organisation’s newsletter. I call that as abig success. Did I have any sales at that market? Yes, one sale. That sale covered the cost of my table - therefore, success. The market I attended yesterday was a delight. I chatted with somany people and had so many compliments. Two people signed up for mynewsletter, many business cards were taken and I had one sale. Importantly, Ialso laid a foundation for being part of a market that is extremely successfulthrough the late spring, summer and just prior to Christmas. The £20 and £30sales I am achieving now may easily turn into £200 and £300 at the height ofthe season. In addition, I am meeting other artists who are giving me excellentadvice about other markets in the area. It’s as much about networking as it isabout profit margins.

The hours I spend in the markets, like the hours I spend making myjewellery, photographing the pieces and doing all the administrative workrequired, is time I enjoy. Because of my disability, I would feel extremelyworthless if I didn’t have my work to keep me occupied. I am lucky to be livingin a country that is conscious of the needs of those who have worked a lifetimebut who, through no fault of their own, are no longer able to work. From theage of 22 until the age of 52, I worked for all but two years (including 3 months when my daughter was born and the time Iwasn’t able to find work when we temporarily moved to the States). I have workedhard and I have worked conscientiously. I always arrived at my work early and Ialways gave it everything I had. Now, I consider myself semi-retired but workingfull time (and I mean full time – far more than 40 hours a week) on myjewellery business.

So, successful? Despite all the ups and downs and allthe heartaches, I think my life has been pretty successful and I count my business as very successful. The bottom line isthat I measure the success of my life and the success of my business by thenumber of smiles I give and the number of smiles I get. It’s good.

The Angels have landed...and other good news

2012-01-28T14:39:00.000-08:00

Back in early December, I took part in a fund-raiser for a local primary school. It was an evening of fun and mulled wine and mince pies and Father Christmas. I didn't expect to make much - people bring pocket money to school fund-raisers - but I knew it would be nice to set up and see how things progressed. It was my first outing as a stallholder and I was honoured when the woman in charge of stalls got in touch with me through my website. And I enjoyed the evening (and the mulled wine and mince pies).

Sometime within the first hour of the three-hour event, a lovely young girl, possibly 11 or 12, came up to my booth. Her eyes were fixed on a small pair of sterling silver earrings that featured a lovely rose quartz round paired with a smaller peridot round. The cost of the earrings was £26. She looked at them, longingly, and then made her way around the room to the other stalls. However, I noticed that she returned several times and, by the end of the evening, she had returned with her father in tow. She pointed out the earrings, he looked at the price and shook his head. It has now been nearly two months since that fund-raiser and I am still scolding myself for not giving her the earrings as a gift. I remember what it's like to be that age - to see something you want so badly but beyond your reach financially and not even having money to call your own. I think of that little girl often and know, were I to return and were she to come up once more to look at the earrings, I know they would now be hers.

AAA sky blue topaz
and A ruby rondelles

With this little girl in mind, I have been inspired to create The Angels Collection of Ailleas Designs. While still within the price range of those rose quartz and peridot earrings, they are created specifically for young girls who are just teetering on the brink of their teenage years. The earring are made with niobium ear wires, both colourful and hypoallergenic, and beautiful A-AAA grade gemstone beads. The highest priced pair, at £34.95, are stunning faceted cubes of AAA sky blue topaz, more than one carat per earrings, paired with lovely rondelles of A-grade ruby, beautiful deep pink. I love these earrings. They all come in at 1 inch in length - perfect for little earlobes. As I told someone at the market I attended today, I like to think of these as the heirlooms of the future.

We have so few rituals today that honour our daughters as they grow up. Fewer confirmations and communions, no parties to celebrate turning 12 or 13. But I would like to think that parents still find themselves wanting to give their young lady something special just to acknowledge that she is no longer a little child. And how lovely it would be if that same little girl, as a mother with a daughter, could do the same for her little angel.

We shall see what people think of my little offerings, my little heirlooms of the future. I have made ten pairs to start and will see how it goes. Do you have a lovely little lady you would like to buy for? Do you have a flower girl or junior bridesmaid attending you in your upcoming wedding? The Angels Collection, I hope, will provide you with that special gift to be treasured for years to come.

In addition to the introduction of the Angels Collection, Ailleas Designs is now offering the inclusion of an 18" sterling silver chain with all pendants from The Heavens Collection. The pendants are delicate and light enough to go perfectly with an 18" chain. I will be in receipt very soon of some lovely antiqued copper chain which will be made into chains for the pendants of The Earth Collection. I am still working on finding just the right offer for the pendants in The Sea Collection. Because of the weight of some of the pendants, a higher weight chain would necessitate an increase in the price of the pendant, and I don't want to do that. I am thinking of supplying them on silken cord with sterling silver clasps. Still exploring that, but will be providing something for those pendants before too much longer.

The days are getting longer and the craft fairs and markets are starting up again. I will be taking part in the markets at Cromarty, Ferintosh in Culbokie, and North Kessock along with the markets at Gairloch and Aultbea. I am always on the look-out for a new market or fair in this neck of the woods, so if you know of one, get in touch and let me know.

Until next time!

What a difference a space makes...

2012-01-13T05:51:00.000-08:00

Having spent some professional time in graphic design and a lifetime of being part of the arts, I really should have thought of it earlier. I've been working for months trying to achieve that "AHA" moment with my logo. From the time I started this business in the UK, almost one year ago, my web colours have touched on about every colour in the palette. I started off with a beigey/pink, but, as lovely as it was, it wasn't the look I was hoping to achieve. Then I dabbled with various shades of green. I even ordered business cards and leaflets. But the problem I was facing was consistent - how to get the exact same shade of colour in all my media. The greens weren't working. I was going from the olive to muddy to bright green. And still the "AHA" moment eluded me.

Last night, as I once again sat down to design my business card in the final choice for my colours (pale grey-blue with touches of a slightly deeper/brighter blue), I tried something I hadn't tried before. As I looked down on the business card design, I realised that I needed to somehow stretch the wording across the page. So, letter by letter I added a space, with two spaces between words. What was suddenly appearing before was, finally and at last, the "AHA" moment. Spacing the letters was exactly what not only I needed, but what the font needed. I finished the card and turned my attention to everything else that needed to be changed: website banner, avatar, profile image for Facebook, FreeIndex, and MailChimp.

The current and final image conveys exactly what I want to convey, simple elegance. Having added emerald, sapphires and rubies to my collection of stones means that I will be venturing more into the realm of fine jewellery, so this image works for that ethos. But it also works for my more earthy designs, the designs that are funky and fun. This new image works on all levels - even for the new collection that will premiere at the North Kessock Market on 28 January. That will be exciting!

So, here is the final banner, the banner that made me know I had finally found in a picture what I was hoping to convey. Simple, fun, elegant. What a difference a space makes.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T14:39:00.001-08:00

(It is now 1am, 1 January 2012, here in Scotland.)

For those who think artists take holiday breaks, nothing could be farther from the truth – at least as far as this artist is concerned. I spent most of the days over Christmas and New Years working on the website, creating more information on each product page, writing my January newsletter and getting everything ready for the January Sale. Yes, a January Sale! If you haven’t looked at the website lately, you might want to give it a once over now. I am offering many pieces in The Earth and Sea Collections at 30 percent off. Go ahead, treat yourself. You know you want to.

I also booked two markets for this month. I will be participating in the markets at Ferintosh in Culbokie on 21 January and the market at North Kessock on 28 January. Not only I am participating in these markets, but the North Kessock market will see the debut of a new collection. While I don’t want to spoil the surprise, I will give you a hint: At a fair in early December, a young girl of 12 or 13 kept coming back and looking at a pair of delicate little earrings made with rose quartz and peridot. (Ever since, I have kicked myself for not giving them to her – she was so sweet and obviously wanted them so much.) Her father came over with her, looked at the price, and walked away. They were not overpriced at all, but I think his thinking must have been that for her, he would have been happier with less expensive earrings. I remember so well wanting little, delicate dangly earrings when I was that age…

I have also added some stunning new stones to my Heavens Collection – lovely sapphires, rubies and emeralds. They are small rondelles with which to accent my focal stones. I was pleased to see that my supplier of beads has a statement on her website regarding her offerings. Both she and I have discussed our frustration regarding those who sell stones of questionable authenticity at rock bottom prices. We know that in nearly single every case the buyer is buying these stones on good faith, but there is, unfortunately, no sweeping legislation regarding what wholesalers can or cannot say about their offerings. Buying questionable stones is something neither my suppliers nor I will do. My stones are purchased from highly reputable suppliers who carry out their own quality control (checking stones with gemologists) and who know their suppliers well, having visited their businesses to see how the process begins. Bottom line – I never sell anything other than genuine stones. You have my word on that.

The newest incarnation of my logo

My logo has been subject to a very slight change as I try to align all the aspects of my “brand” more tightly. While I concede that it is virtually impossible to get the exact shade of green in both my virtual and paper brand (backing cards, care leaflets, brochures, etc.), I am doing my best. Hopefully, the colour scheme will be tighter as we progress into the new year. To those who attend the fairs and markets, you will note the change on my table as well as “willow” green and ice blue fabrics have replaced the “graphite” grey crushed velvet of before.

So, a new collection and two markets this month, more beautiful precious gemstones with which to design, a sale, and “administrative” tweaks and changes - I have been busy. Not only that, but I have been helping my husband start with the new push on his website and business. He received an order on Christmas Eve – what a lovely Christmas surprise. So we are working hard now on getting our supplies in for the packaging end of that business. We have found a local supplier for much of what we need, which makes us very happy. We are very much believers in making sure our businesses aid the our local economy. Chris takes such beautiful landscape photographs – please check out his website at www.chrismawsonphotography.com. You will see there some of the most beautiful scenery Scotland has to offer.

Ch-ch-changes...

2011-11-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

I've done it again. I've changed my website. And what I am discovering, while speaking with other artists, is that the "shopfront" of the art changes as the art changes. But for me, it is something more than just changing the shopfront. It is about making a site easier to see, to navigate and easier to make a purchase.

I've changed hosting companies as well. My old hosting company, Photium, has been wonderful. Their site building is easy and their customer support exemplary. But Photium is a website building/hosting company that specialises in sites for photographers. It was while setting up Chris' landscape photography site (which will be on the receiving end of a marketing push in the new year), that I became acquainted with Photium. They don't usually have customers who sell items such as jewellery, but they helped me utilise all that I could from them. As my business has grown, my needs have grown as well. I am so pleased that they have wished me every good luck in my new venture. They are good people. If you ever need a website building/hosting company for photography, I can't recommend them highly enough.

My new website building/hosting partner is Create. The same ease of use and the same excellent customer care has validated my choice in using them to take Ailleas Designs to the next level. Create not only provides me with a fairly easy building platform, but an extensive platform for marketing. With Create I will be able to present my shop across several online streams. I am looking forward to having the same working relationship with Create that I had with Photium. So pleased to have had the bounty of two good companies to work with during times that they were so much a part of the process.

The new site will launch officiallly on 1 December (may be visible from the 28th, but it takes several days for the internet to find the new site). Seemed the right thing to do - to start a new site on the first day of the month. I'm like that, I'm afraid. I never start anything mid-week or mid-month. For me, it must be sensible. As a result, I start things on a Monday or on the first day of the month. December first will see the launch of my new and improved website. Here is a preview of my improved logo:

Not just the website will change, though. Having now participated in Christmas fairs, I see changes ahead for my table of displays. I thought what I had would be fine - uprights with thin dowels going through them, providing a sort of minimalist "tree" for my earrings and pendants. But what I've discovered is that my pieces need more light shining down on them and from beneath them. I have sketched out some plans and while they may not see realisation in 2011, they will most certainly make their debut in 2012. My art deserves to be showcased, and that is exactly what I plan to do.

More changes coming? Yes. You will notice that the prices have been increased. It was always my goal to make my jewellery affordable and it still is. But it now a more accurate reflection of the work and materials involved and the value of a piece of jewellery that is completely and utterly unique - made by my two hands and inspired by the materials and joy with which they were made. When I visualise my creations sitting in a small white box with royal blue velvet behind, I know that the changes I have made in price are right and appropriate. You must take my word that the formula taught in business schools would have the prices even higher than they are - double what they are. They are still affordable and still desirable. I hope, that as my skills evolve and become even more detailed, that I can hold prices down to less than the formula dictates but more than my "artist's self-doubt" allows.

I will spend the remainder of December and the early part of 2012 seeking more ways to improve my designs - not only by sourcing more unusual stones and gems, but by finding improved ways to present my little sculptures of metal and stone. Backing cards, I hope, will give way to presentation boxes. Business cards will showcase my more sophisticated logo and, as I outlined above, my presentation at fairs and events will be much improved by incorporating exciting new displays.

I am excited about what is yet to come. But one thing will never change - and that is my complete and utter commitment never to duplicate a piece and never to allow my art to become mundane or predictable. I shall allow the stones and wire to lead me as always. I love to watch my creations come to be in my hands and between my fingers. I love to watch the light bounce off facets of cut stones and shine through the irregular surfaces of natural stones.

I love what I do. I believe in what I do. I am happy to have you come along for the journey. Ailleas Designs 2012 is going to be more exciting than ever.

I will close by wishing you all a very merry Christmas, happy Hannukah, blessed Yule. I will not be writing again until after the first of the year. After that, I will be sure to write every two weeks to let you know how things are progressing, to keep you informed about the various stones I use, and to let you know how much your patronage means to me.

Peace on earth.

Black Stones

2011-10-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

It seems somehow appropriate to discuss black stones on the eve of Halloween. I am going to include all the black stones (pure black, not inclusions), so there will not be separate entries for those I am gathering together here.

Black Onyx

The word "onyx" is from the Greek for "claw" or "fingernail." While this may seem strange to see the word claw or fingernail associated with onyx, the fact is that most onyx is flesh-toned. The onyx that is pure black is usually a treated piece of black and white banded chalcedony. While many stones are called "onyx", black onyx is the most well known, and here is a fact I didn't know before becoming a jewellery designer - black onyx is, almost always, dyed. This doesn't and shouldn't take away from the value or beauty of the stone or for its widespread use. Men's signet rings and many "school" rings include black onyx. Means of dying the stone black have been abundant since ancient times. Unlike some other stones that are dyed, the black onyx does not diminish in value because it is dyed. It is often featured in ancient jewellery, such as intaglio and cameos.

The legend of onyx is this: One day, as she was sleeping, Venus was approached by Cupid. He was feeling very naughty that day and, as Venus slept, he cut her fingernails with an arrowhead. As he became aware of her waking, he left quickly, leaving the clippings in the sand. The fates, wishing not to see any part of a divine god or goddess destroyed, turned the clippings to stone so that the divine and heavenly fingernails of Venus would never perish.

The Spiritual and Healing Properties of Black Onyx

Onyx is a spiritual stone of regeneration and positive thoughts and actions. It is also thought to aid atheletes, giving them additional strength and focus. Onyx brings balance to the mind and body and aids to reduce both physical and emotional stress in those that carry or wear it. It helps the wearer find reserves of strength within them and is a grounding stone for those who are flighty by nature.

Black onyx with sterling
silver and crystal quartz

Onyx must be worn for a fairly long time in order for its powers to benefit the wearer. It is slow in developing its powers, but, once formed, the powers are very beneficial for skin ailments, fungal infections, and even sunburn. These skin ailments can be treated by daily application of onyx water to the affected area and a nightly application of a compress soaked in onyx water. The stone should be held under running water once a week and buried in the earth once a month to hasten the development of the stone's strength.

Black Onyx in Ailleas Designs

I have several pieces of jewellery using black onyx, but I think, simply because of the juxtaposition of the colours, I love to see black onyx paired with clear or white stones. The piece here is one of my favourites. This beautiful large, smooth black onyx disc is paired with a sparkling AA grade crystal quartz puffed diamond. I have just this past week received an order of 4mm black onyx rounds and I am looking forward to using them to accent and lend their sophisticated look to earrings and pendants alike.

Black Spinel

Unlike onyx, black spinel is a naturally black stone and is in the same family as spinels of other colours: red and blue being more common than other colours. Black spinel is a hard gemstone and the best examples have a slight lustre. It is found in many areas around the world, but was discovered in Sri Lanka, where the earliest examples were mined. Black spinel is relatively rare and is considered a true gemstone. Black spinel graded A-AAA are extremely desirable. The word spinel comes from the Italian for little thorn.

Spiritual and Healing Properties of Black Spinel

Spinel of any colour is thought to bring high energy to everything the wearer does and in all dimensions of existence. It is known to attract riches and to lead the wearer to great wealth. It is used to increase the intellect and to keep forgetfulness at bay. For the psyche, spinel is used for cleansing the aura, and to increase the ability to hear those from other plains. Spinel is attributed with healing properties related to the teeth and gums, whole body healing, healing for cancer, the ability to aid the wearer in losing weight and increasing energy and stamina. The stone is used for decreasing stress and releasing the wearer from depression, instead, filling the wearer with a sense of calm.

Black Spinel in Ailleas Designs

Watch this space! I have just received a supply of the most beautiful, lustrous AAA grade black spinel teardrop briolettes. Look for them in the near future - I will be incorporating them in both earrings and pendants for The Heavens Collection.

Lava Stone

You may know lava stone by its more common name - basalt. Lava stone is, indeed, the stone resulting from cooled lava. Imagine having a stone that was once parts of the earth's core. The antiquity of the stone makes it fascinating to me. I love the texture and the way it feels. One might fear that holding it too tight would make it crumble, but this stone has been to hell and back, as it were. The word "basalt" comes from the late Latin word "basaltes" which is a misspelling of the Latin word "basanites" which means "very hard stone."

Lava stone in jewellery goes back to 19th century Italy when jewellers started using the stone of Vesuvius. Since them, the use has become more commonplace, but still not as well-known as other stones. In order for the basalt, or lava stone, to be used in jewellery, it must first be melted down so that it can be shaped. In order to hold its shape, a small amount of resin is used. However, even the resin is a natural product, so the stone itself, when finished, remains entirely organic.

Spiritual and Healing Properties of Lava Stone

Lava stone is the stone of choice for hot rock therapy because of its innate ability to hold and give off heat. Its healing abilities for the body appear to be limited to this, but its spiritual properties and healing of the psyche are immense.

Lava stone is, in essence, the solid form of fire. It is therefore a stone that is associated with the phoenix and rebirth. It helps to bring swift conclusions to tasks and the chasing of dreams. Lava stone is particularly powerful for those born under the signs of fire. It helps strengthen those who are weak or indecisive. For those with a fiery spirit, lava stone helps to bring about balance. Since the stone is the result of almost violent natural events, it is considered a strong stone and one that assists the wearer to succeed in desperate circumstances. As it comes from and is of the earth, lava stone is reputed to assist the wearer to be more in tune with Mother Earth.

Lava Stone in Ailleas Designs

Lava stones paired
with hammered copper
and smoky quartz

I have used both square- and coin-shaped lava stone beads in my designs and look forward to working with the stone more. I love the texture and the way it sits in opposition to the smooth and glossy texture of the gemstones. Here you see my favourite lava stone pieces - a pair of earrings combining the hardened and porous surface of the lava stone with the smooth and quiet strength of the smoky quartz. I have been attempting to source more lava stone in various shapes and sizes, but have had little luck up to this time. However, as the lava stone will assist me, I will persevere until I find some more of these beautiful stones.

Bounce rate (and other pressing matters of a virtual shopkeeper...)

2011-10-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

If you are a regular visitor to my website or if you have registered for my newsletter, then this will be old news. I have revamped the website. Having surveyed friends, customers, designers and artists, I felt that the website needed "something." Business has been picking up, but with over 100 hits a day (sometimes closer to 300) and the time on site averaging over three minutes, I had to figure out why I was having a bounce rate of over thirty percent.

Had you asked me about a bounce rate two years ago, or even a year ago, I might have explained that I thought it had something to do with the performance of Olympic trampoline gymnasts or perhaps the amount of support provided in a bra. But no, now that I live and have a business in the virtual world of the internet, I know that bounce rate shows the percentage of visitors to my website who "bounce" off again after touching down on my home page. Anything under thirty percent is considered fairly decent and I seem to hover at that point most of the time. Again, doing business in the virtual world means that this matters to me. And it does. So, having completed my survey, I spent this last weekend overhauling my website. And I do mean overhauling. The colours are different; the layout is different; it is less wordy (for a writer that was difficult); and the ease of purchasing has been much improved. The result? Well, I don't know. It appears that "site analytics" - those numbers that tell how well you are doing - usually are a day or two behind. So much for the lightening speed of the internet.

Now, having heard back from many of my regular customers, friends, and relatives, I have been given an overwhelmingly positive thumbs up for the revamp of the site. (I should also mention this revamp required a photo shoot of epic proportions - a new photograph of every piece I have available - and that's a lot.) I am hoping the improvements are enough to turn some of those visits into sales,

Perhaps the most important thing I have done is reduce my prices significantly. It's not that I don't believe in their worth. I believe that if I am able to unite someone with the perfect one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, it is a pretty priceless feat. I know that of all the pieces of jewellery I bought in the days before I made my own, my most cherished were pieces I simply had to have because they spoke to me. The three pairs of earrings that I love most just happen to be the three pairs on which I spent the most money. And two out of the three were unique. That was the appeal of those two pairs. Beyond the colour and design, I liked the idea that no one else would ever have that pair of earrings. All three pairs, coincidentally, were produced by artists, not manufacturers. Made by artists whose talent I admire even more now. I want people to feel that way about what I create. I want them to want these pieces, but I don't want them to have to break the bank to do it.

Let me let you in on a little jewellery insider information. Jewellery stores have ridiculous mark-ups. I think I have mentioned this before. They hike up prices to a ridiculous level. This is especially ridiculous when you think about the fact that they are receiving and selling pieces by the thousands. That's not good enough for me. Not for my sense of individuality nor my wallet. So, I have lowered my prices so that you can afford to buy a piece if it speaks to you and I can afford to create more art. I am not going to end up buying some sprawling real estate on the proceeds, but I am going to hold my head up and know that I have provided someone with a piece of jewellery that makes her feel like the unique person she is. Amen.

As the holidays approach, I would like to encourage you to buy from local crafts people. Let the department stores with their cookie cutter merchandise, made in factories far away, and marked up to ridiculous levels - let them keep those on their shelves. Instead, find someone locally who makes beautiful things and who, like me, makes them for two reasons. One of those reasons is to make a living, but I can almost guarantee that making a living is reason number two. Reason number one is that they love what they do, love what they create, love the process of creating art.

So, that's it. I have a revamped website and lower prices and I have fellow craftspeople who are creating beautiful things - from kitty cat Christmas cards to hand-woven guitar straps, from beaded necklaces to hand-dipped candles, from hand-tooled leather cuffs to re-purposed broken bits of china and glass. There is original art out there to be had - paintings by young artists who may become the Tracy Emins or David Hockneys of the future. I could write a list as long as this blog of gifted and talented artists who deserve your attention. Believe me, with every order that comes through, you are encouraging and supporting and letting that artist know that what they do is valued and appreciated. When was the last time you got a thank-you note from a factory in China?

Busy times ahead - craft fairs and, hopefully, more sales and more "likes" on Facebook, more followers here, and more guests registering for my newsletter. And I guarantee you, each and every one is appreciated and considered a vote of confidence and a pat on the back. Thank you.

Ametrine

2011-10-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

This installment of the Ailleas Designs blog will be dedicated to ametrine in honour of the gorgeous AA+ grade ametrine nuggets that I have recently purchased and with which I am now making pieces of jewellery. I was so thrilled when a couple of recent sales allowed me to purchase six of these beautiful stones. In the last paragraph of this blog, there is a photograph of this first piece.

The Basics About Ametrine

Ametrine is a member of the quartz family and, as the name suggests, it is the lovechild of amethyst and citrine. Well, more a chemical and temperature anomaly than lovechild. When temperature gradients appear during the development of amethyst, the oxidisation causes some of the amethyst to lighten and become what we know as citrine. Natural citrine is almost as rare as a unicorn’s horn, but the yellow of ametrine is completely natural. Because the citrine element is created through heat, the process has been duplicated in laboratories, but natural ametrine comes primarily from one mine in Bolivia. Hence the trade name for ametrine is bolivianite. It is also known as trystine. However, small amounts of ametrine have now been discovered in Brazil and India, although the quality appears to be less than those stones mined in Bolivia.

The Legend of Ametrine

While ametrine was not introduced into commercial use in jewellery until the 1970s, legend tells us that ametrine was first introduced to Europe in the 17^th century. The story goes that a Spanish conquistador called Don Felipe had fallen in love with and married Anakha, the princess of the Ayoreo tribe in Boliva. Part of her dowry was the ametrine mine, which was called Anhi in her honour. When Don Felipe’s time in Boliva came to an end, Anakha was determined to follow her husband to Spain, but the soldiers of her tribe felt this to be a complete betrayal of her people. As she and Don Felipe attempted to escape Bolivia, the soldiers murdered young Anakha. The stone is said to show her two loyalties – one to her people and the other to her husband. Regardless of the tale, apparently the stone was introduced when it was presented to the Spanish queen.

Spiritual and Healing Properties of Ametrine

As ametrine is comprised of both amethyst and citrine, it has the properties of both stones contained within it. Like amethyst, the stone is related to the crown chakra, which is the main chakra of the body. As such the ametrine, like amethyst, is thought to be a talisman for protection against intoxication and assists with the expulsion of addictions and compulsive behaviours. It opens up the wearer to communications with angels and aids in reaching higher levels of intelligence and deeper states of mediation. Physically, ametrine borrows from amethyst the ability to help dispel headaches and to rid the wearer of insomnia. Because amethyst, and therefore ametrine, is associated with the crown chakra, its healing abilities are almost unlimited. It is attributed with the ability to heal or aid with arthritis, diabetes, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. From citrine, ametrine is linked to the solar plexus chakra and is associated with success and abundance of riches. Those who carry ametrine can expect to do well in business and to achieve monetary success, without losing sight of the important spiritual aspects of life.

Like the stone itself, which must balance the amethyst and the citrine, ametrine is a stone of balance. Those who are fearful will find strength and courage, without losing their humility. Those who are serious and unable to find joy in life will be granted the ability to act spontaneous, yet retain the balance of the serious mind. Those who put off daily and necessary tasks will be given the frame of mind to see the joy of accomplishment as a reason for finishing tasks. Ametrine is very much the stone of the Yin and Yang.

Use of Ametrine in Ailleas Designs

AA+ grade ametrine nuggets accented
with AA grade rutilated quartz

So far, I have only made one pendant from the AA+ grade stones, although you can find some pendants made with ametrine slabs that are of lesser quality in earlier pieces , where you can see a less intense colour saturation or change. I take my time with these AA+ grade nuggets and thus far this is the only design that has come to me. As you can see, the shift from purple to gold is subtle and almost undetectable. I love this dept of colour and the play of light on the stone. The stone is accented by graduated rondelles of AA rutilated quartz and you can see in the photograph how the rondelle at the top of the pendant has turned a deep gold, reflecting the light of the ametrine. That top rondelle is completely clear without any colour other than the tiny needle-like threads of a golden colour – so you can appreciate how beautifully ametrine reflects colour in the light. There will be more pieces to come, but I have to sense how the stone is to be used before I will start a design. I have a great deal of respect for these beautiful nuggets.

Living the dream...

2011-09-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

If you happen to read my personal blog as well, you will know what this is about and I will happily excuse you from reading this entry. My blogs here have not been as regular lately because we are preparing for the long-dreamed-of move to the Highlands. I am so pleased I will have a home that has a dedicated area for my jewellery making. The area, a village that sits between Invergordon and Tain (as in Glenmorangie, not the one farther north), is lovely and is an area that I feel is very sympathetic to artists of all kinds. There are frequent craft shows and fairs and the people who populate the area appear to be very right-brained. I feel sure that this move is going to bring me more creativity and more success in the business. For that, I am most grateful. It is also close to those areas my husband loves to photograph. Hopefully, this two-artist family with thrive.

I have put my things away for a couple of days, but I was having a great deal of fun creating new designs before packing became a priority. I am sourcing more beautiful gemstone beads and have recently added some stunning yellow and blue sapphire, emerald and ruby micro-faceted rondelles to the collections. The beads are quite small, but they make lovely accents to the larger focal stones. You will see them in the weeks to come. I adore working with these little gems. There is something so gratifying in working with the biggies of the gem game. Diamonds will never feature in my pieces as they are rarely made into beads and, even if they were, they would be far too expensive for me to buy or sell. And, to be honest, I'm not a huge diamond fan. Not to dwell on the political, but diamond mining is fraught with human rights problems and questions. For Ailleas Designs, emeralds, rubies and sapphires will have to do. But I promise, even using these stones, I will continue to strive to keep the prices affordable for us regular folks. My goal has always been to keep my prices under £60 - and this applies to all the Rionnag designs as well. The pair of earrings in this photograph feature AA rhodalite garnets and AAA peridot beads carved as leaves. This pair of earrings commands the price of £55. I promise that you would be unable to find a similar pair on the high street for under £100.

So, I look forward to this move to a place that will keep the creative juices flowing and give me more outlets for my designs. I am so excited about the move. This is something my husband and I have been dreaming of for five years and it is becoming a reality. The place we are moving to has everything we could ever want, including easy access for me and a shower that has been disability adapted. Lady luck has truly shined on us.

I will be back with more entries about the stones I use in my jewellery very soon. It may be a couple of weeks before I write again, as we settle in and I welcome an admirer to my new home who has seen my designs on line and wishes to see some in person before she chooses a piece for a very special occasion. I am thrilled that someone thinks that highly of my work. The future looks good. I am glad to have you along with me for this wonderful ride.

Aventurine

2011-09-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

This installment of the “getting to know you” apropos of the gemstone beads I use focuses on aventurine. Like so many of the stones I use, I wasn’t familiar with aventurine prior to allowing the muse within me to dictate that jewellery would be the art form I would espouse. I have become a big fan of aventurine and it features in my jewellery in the form of grass green stone coins. But more about their use in my designs later; let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

Aventurine – The Facts

Aventurine is so called as its discovery must have been quite accidental. Indeed Aventurine comes from the Italian “a ventura” meaning by accident. Aventurine is a form of quartz and is best known for its transparency and the inclusion of other minerals. The most common colour of aventurine is green or blue-green, but it can be found in other colours, including orange, yellow, blue, grey or brown. The green and blue-green variety is found, most often, in India, while the other colours are concentrated in Spain, Chile and Russia. (One must wonder what an Italian was doing in any of these countries in the 18^th century when aventurine was discovered. I am imagining an Italian walking along a roadside in India, picking up a colourful stone and remarking “a ventura” to himself, while pocketing said stone and returning it to a cousin who made jewellery in Italy.) We are informed by the magical source that is Wikipedia that the main uses of aventurine, other than jewellery, are landscape and building stone, aquaria and monuments.

Myths and Legends of Aventurine

One of the stories about aventurine’s name is that some Venetian glassmakers were working with their molten glass when copper fell into the mixture. What resulted had a shimmering effect, like that of aventurine. However, how the name transferred from this accident to a stone that is found outside Italy is unclear.

Aventurine has long been considered a talisman for luck. As such, it is a stone that is favoured by gamblers. One has to wonder if it is sold in the gift shops of modern casinos?

Healing and Spiritual Properties of Aventurine

Along with the above-mentioned connection with luck, aventurine is a stone that is said to assist in creativity and imagination. Energetically speaking, it is a very soft or quiet stone. But despite its quiet, it is a positive stone that brings calm and aids the wearer in finding lasting happiness. It is also thought to aid in clearness of mind and intellect. Not only does it bring its wearer luck, but it attracts great prosperity and success in all endevours. Green aventurine, specifically, is the stone of prosperity and gives protective energy to the wearer. Healing properties of the stone are many, with the stone being associated with the heart chakra. It is of great benefit to the circulation and blood pressure and assists in all areas of general health. Carrying or wearing a piece of aventurine can do nothing but better the life of the wearer.

Aventurine coins
with fluorite faceted
rounds and copper
wire work

Aventurine in Ailleas Designs

The only aventurine I have used in my collection so far have been good-sized smooth coin beads and green rounds. I love the colour – like springtime grass. The inclusions provide some inner dimension to the bead and tend to run in one direction. Depending on the cut of the stone, these “veins” can run horizontally or vertically. There are even some beads I’ve used that show the inclusion on the diagonal. Because of the colour, I like to pair it with pinks, purple and oranges. I am going to add more shapes and colours of aventurine in the future. This stone makes me smile – its energies are very creative and happy. Wouldn’t you love to own some aventurine?

Agate

2011-08-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

I once posted a news item on my website with the unfortunate pun of "Agate you, babe..." It was shortly after I discovered some of the gorgeous agates I've been using in my jewellery. But what a lovely stone an agate is. The varieties are mind-boggling and the colours are deep and beautiful. I am looking forward to using more and more agates in my designs as time passes. But, with so varied a range of colours, what exactly is agate?

Geologically speaking, agate is a microcrystalline form of silica and is mostly chalcedony. It is noted for its fine grain and is most often found in volcanic or metamorphic rock. Being such, it is found worldwide. The name was bestowed upon the rock by the Greek philosopher and naturalist Theophrastus and was named after the river Achates on which he first encountered the stone. (The river is located in present-day Sicily.)

The stone was so colourful that it became a favourite for use in carving and art. It has been found at so many ancient sites that one can only surmise that its use was widespread.

Because of its formation within cavities of once molten rock, when cut, the stone exhibits wonderful banding of colour. Colours, banding, incorporation of fossils, etc, made agate a very sought after stone in myriad uses. Its strength and appearance makes it most useful in areas of art such as jewellery, chalices, envelope openers, etc. Here in Scotland, cabochons of agate are often used to decorate silver brooches that utilise celtic knotwork designs.

In the world of the metaphysical, because of its inherent strength and source within volcanic stone, it is considered a stone that gives to its wearer great strength and protection. Conversely, it is also seen to have calming and soothing properties, especially for children. It is said to give energy, confidence and to aid the wearer in conquering fear. Agate tempers emotions and helps the wearer release feelings of negativity. It increases creativity and enhances the intellect.

Moss agate and
copper pendant

The agate I have most come to love is the moss agate - this is also called the gardener's stone because it is felt to help in assuring a good crop. It is also thought to assist the wearer in accumulating wealth and success. In healing, the moss agate is said to bolster the circulation, as it relates directly to the heart chakra. It is also the stone of prosperity and helps in finding great treasure. To me, the stone itself is a treasure. Some pieces of moss agate are deep green throughout, while others seem to hold suspended lovely feathers of green within the stone. The light can play with the colouring and the marking. The deep green stones are lovely, but I am so very fond of the moss agate stones that seem to hold within them their own little forest of green. This stone has such deep dimension to it. With each moss agate I purchase for use, I am charmed all over again.

Botswana agate
pendant with tourmaline

Another agate you will find in Ailleas Designs is Botswana agate, also referred to as pink or grey Botswana agate. The stone is said to help in the acceptance of change. From life changes to the small changes that we deal with everyday, a bit of Botswana agate, carried or worn, assists in all of life's transitions. Further, Botswana agate is a stone that assists in relieving stress or addictive behaviour. In healing, Botswana agate assists in dealing with repressed memories and hurts. It is stone of success, and helps the bearer deal with the changes that success brings. For me, the lush colours and markings of this agate are the real draw. With the slightest bit of light behind, the colours come alive. I have often seen agate used in tealight stands. The colours are soft, almost creamy. I have been using the slabs quite a bit in my pendants, but hope to order some smaller pieces to use in earrings as well.

Agates are rich and wonderful and bring me such joy. I love the colours, the markings, the energy of the stones. I am currently offering both Botswana and moss agate among my pendants and moss agate can be found among my silver earrings.

We interrupt this list of stones with some breaking news...

2011-08-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

I love the pendants I create. I really do. But one thing has been missing and that is something equally beautiful on which to hang them. Sterling silver chain would up the prices for the sterling silver pendants far beyond a price I would be happy to charge. Copper chains are hard to come by, particularly bare copper chains - meaning copper that would gain a lovely patina over time, as my pendants eventually do. I knew there had to be something I could do, something I could provide, that would complement my work.

After a surprisingly long time of pondering and exploring, I have found the perfect material on which to hang my pendants - hand-dyed silk ribbon. I have sourced it and ordered it and it should be here within the week. But, this means a bit more wire work for me. I have decided to make sterling silver and copper clasps by hand, not only because I want all that I provide to be hand made, but because it means not having to shove an extra couple of pounds onto the price of the pendant and ribbon. This will also require some hand stitching as I "hem" each end of the ribbon (I will be offering the ribbon cut to a specific length). But it will be a labour of love.

The other breaking news is that I am becoming less bashful about talking about Ailleas Designs. I am handing out business cards right, left and centre and talking it up. It's working. I've sold to waitresses and business consultants and I hope that the trend will continue. Talking about the business is something I am very comfortable in doing with someone I know, but, surprisingly, for someone who doesn't know a stranger, I am not so comfortable about "marketing" to someone I don't know. I have a feeling this has more to do with my upbringing and that "speaking about money matters is bad manners" and less about self-confidence. However, being self-employed and an artist means you have to talk about money matters because you aren't giving your creations away. It is a dilemma, but one I am trying to resolve. At the dentist today, while waiting for the Novocaine to kick in, I told my very wonderful dentist and her equally wonderful nurse about some sales I had had. I had told them about my business before. They remarked about how much they loved the earrings I was wearing (shining hammered sterling silver squiggles, ending with lovely micro-faceted citrine teardrop briolettes) and "Why don't you leave your business card and some brochures here? We can have them available to patients?" Yippee! Fortunately, the business cards were available; unfortunately, the brochures were not. But, I will be sure to bring some when I go back next week for my last filling (thank goodness).

The final bit of breaking news is that I am going to start participating in craft fairs and shows. I have only two lined up until the end of the year, but I think that is enough for me to get my feet wet as I start on this part of the journey. I am doing a fair in Irvine, outside Glasgow, on 3 September. It is taking place in a large shopping complex, so the footfall will be quite high. I will be there with dozens of other crafters, selling all sorts of wares, including jewellery. It will be interesting to see how I do at that one. The second one I am participating in will be a Christmas Fair at the Ledgowan Lodge Hotel in Achnasheen, which is a small village way up north. I chose this fair for two reasons. Firstly, it is a small fair and I will be there among only ten or so other artists and only one other jewellery designer whose work is very different and so, I feel, won't be strict competition. What people will want from one of us the other doesn't have. The other reason is because it is located in the area in which my husband and I hope to live in the very near future. I would like to establish my name and a clientele base in the area. As with the first fair, time will tell as to whether it will be a success or not. I was once told I could sell ice to Eskimos. Let's hope that selling my jewellery to the public will be as easy.

It amazes me how much people want to help you when you are trying to create a new business for yourself. The economy is one in which we must stretch ourselves in so many ways. For me, that stretching means "speaking about money matters" to acquaintances and strangers. It also means finding something wonderful to add to my offerings to you. I hope they both work well.

Now back to our regularly scheduled blog. Next week - agates!

Aquamarine

2011-07-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

I love aquamarine. The birthstone for March, it is such a lovely stone – presenting itself in a variety of colours and shades of blue and green. It is a refreshing stone – as if water has been captured forever within it. It is a very popular stone and often used in jewellery. I was surprised to find that quality aquamarine is fairly expensive. But, why wouldn’t it cost a bit more to own a piece of the sea?

Facts About Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family. One could say that its sister stone is the beautiful and often elusive emerald (most commercial emeralds today are made in the lab as the natural deposits are harder and harder to find). With its sister stone, aquamarine shares a makeup that often includes visible inclusions or veils. And, like emerald, highly graded aquamarine can prove elusive. Aquamarine is found in many parts of the world, including parts of the American west and, like emerald, the most beautiful aquamarines originate in Brazil. It can be found in a range of blues and pale greens (moss aquamarine), but it is the blue aquamarine that is most common.

Myths and Legends of Aquamarine

Aquamarine has a rich and long history of legendary power. It was highly valued by the Egyptians and Romans and was initially more prized in its seagreen colour (as the name is Latin for sea water). The stone was the favoured gift for a bridegroom to give his bride on the morning after the wedding night as it was considered the stone of love. Both the Greeks and Romans recognised its connection with the sea and felt it brought good luck to sailors and kept them safe on sea voyages. The Middle Ages saw the stone revered for rekindling love and making warriors impervious to injury.

The learned men of the Middle Ages also considered the aquamarine to be the most powerful of the stones through which one could communicate with spirits. A crystal ball made of aquamarine was widely recognised as the most clairvoyant of all the tools used by soothsayers and oracles. In Christianity, the stone was associated with St. Thomas, who traveled across the seas to preach the gospel of Christ. It was also used as a talisman to encourage rain.

The power of the stone lost nothing as the years progressed. It was thought to be a cure for poisoning and so was a very popular stone amongst the European royalty. Such was their fear of being poisoned, that they often would create great pieces of jewellery bearing the aquamarine. Wearing the stone was thought enough to serve as an efficient antidote.

Spiritual Properties of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a powerful stone that is known to bring its wearer great knowledge and power. It is also thought to encourage inner peace and has long been believed to be a talisman to call forth angels for protection and guidance. Associated with the throat chakra, aquamarine is considered to be an agent for curing chronic fatigue syndrome, reflux, eyesight, headaches and the intestinal tract. It assists in dispelling nervousness and phobias and aids the wearer in connection to past lives in order to bring calm and happiness.

Uses of Aquamarine in Ailleas Designs

AA+ graded moss
aquamarine and sterling
silver earrings.

I have used both blue and green (moss) aquamarine in my designs and hope to incorporate more as time goes by. I have used both small A grade blue rounds in earrings and blue nuggets in pendants. Moss aquamarine features in the Rionnag Collection in both pendants and earrings. Aquamarines can be sourced in many different cuts and shapes and I hope you will be seeing more of aquamarine in the months to come.

Apatite

2011-07-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

The first time I heard about apatite, I was asking someone about stones that have the spiritual property to help one lose weight. When they said apatite, which is a homonym for appetite, I thought they were, as we say in the UK, taking the mick. But no, apatite is considered to have a property that assists one in controlling its homonym, the appetite.

My curiosity was piqued and I went to find out about this stone and discovered not only a very powerful stone, but a very beautiful stone. What I now have in my collection is a beautiful pale sea blue in sparkling faceted rondelles. I will try to find more examples to use in my designs, as the stone can be found in a teal green, a gold or a peacock blue. Today, it is my favourite stone. But we all know that my favourite stone changes with the hour or the day or the week. But for now, I will tell you about this beautiful piece of nature's remarkable art.

Uses of Apatite

If you look at the listing for Apatite in Wikipedia, you will read, beneath all the chemical and scientific gobbledly-gook, that the primary use for apatite is in fertilizers. Really? Something as beautiful as the surface of an alpine lake on a clear day is used in fertiliser? Well, it appears to be true. Apatite is a great source of phosphorus. But enough about the boring bits regarding apatite's less than sparkling uses. I want to know about the gemstone.

So, in addition to being a source of phosphorus, apatite is also a gemstone. I look further in Wikipedia and find…nothing. Not another word about a stone that is considered so beautiful and powerful. Perhaps I should look elsewhere to find out more about this stone.

Voila, I find a lovely source and this is what it tells me. Strangely enough, the name, coming from Greek, means “cheat.” This is apparently due to the stone being confused with more precious stones such as topaz and tourmaline. Poor apatite. First I read that this beautiful stone’s primary use is in fertiliser and then I read that it is a cheat. But there is more. It appears that apatite is not a well-known stone and is seldom found in jewellery stores. It comes in many colours, the rarest of which is a deep purple apatite from Maine. The second colour most loved is the blue apatite from Brazil. What sets it apart from tourmaline and blue topaz, for example, is its relative softness. This softness means it is not practical to use in a ring; but in earrings, as I have used them, they are beautiful little glimmers of sky blue that enchant. Apatite's appeal, so I am told, seems to be relegated to those who know and collect it. I shall have to be counted among that group and I hope you will be, too.

Properties of Apatite

Apatite does not have a zodiac association and there are no ancient myths about it (except, apparently, about it being a cheat to some observant Greeks). But, because it is considered a fairly rare stone in jewellery, it has been bestowed with many spiritual and healing properties.

Apatite is all about strength and the ability to connect to the past and the future. It helps its user find a stronger voice and an enhanced ability to communicate. Its presence means that the user can more clearly focus on what must be done, to bring about full use of the intellect and to assist in acceptance and the establishment of unconditional love. Specifically, blue apatite relates to the throat chakra and aids in the ability to speak in public. Despite its demure blue colour, it is a bold stone that helps its user find inner strength and resolve. Oh, and it somehow controls the appetite. I'll let you know about that.

Use of Apatite in Ailleas Designs

Pale blue rondelles of apatite glitter
in this beautiful sterling silver design.

The apatite I currently have in stock is AA+ blue apatite. Paul Newman eyes blue, with excellent clarity, I adore these stones. I have many plans for its use, including as accent stones with complementary focal stones and in delicate designs that require small flashes of colour and light. The piece seen here in the photograph accompanying this blog has not yet been posted on the website, but will be in the near future. If you are interested in this piece, please get in touch and I will give you the details you need in order to decide whether or not you would like to join the ranks of apatite’s admirers.

The Passion of Creativity and Osmosis

2011-07-05T03:52:00.000-07:00

I remember, years ago when I still lived in Virginia – in fact, a very rural part of Virginia – I started gardening. I had never gardened before, with the exception of growing some sunflowers when I was about 10. I was truly a gardening novice. I had never been successful in keeping indoor plants alive, but facing a newly acquired house with no foundation planting, I jumped in and started tilling the soil, planting the flowers and shrubs. I fertilised and rotated, watered and nurtured. In a short period of time, I went from floral idiot, to someone knowledgeable about the many strains of flowers, about rhizomes and bulbs, about perennials and annuals. If it bloomed, I knew about it. I knew about the Ph of the soil and the planting depths. It was amazing. I didn’t know I could learn anything that quickly. But having a passion for something creates a sponge-like ability of the brain to learn and retain so much. It results in what I call artistic osmosis.

I celebrated the Fourth of July - which also happens to be my wedding anniversary – by visiting a woman who runs a small business selling A-AAA+ grade gemstone beads, cut stones, and various other items that jewellery designers need or covet. As I looked over her offerings, stone by stone, I was struck by the osmosis that had taken place in my brain over the last three years. If you had told me about apatite three years ago, I would assume you were telling me something about the natural craving for food. The words lemon quartz may have translated in my mind to a large container of citrus sorbet. And those names I would recognize, I wouldn’t have told you what stones might complement others, what gauges of wire would be used to create the setting for the stone, nor what the cuts meant. A baguette? Well, surely, a piece of bread. A briolette? No clue – is it an item of clothing? Concave diamond? Not a clue. But now I know these things and it amazes me. You can teach an old dog new tricks.

As I spoke with Victoria, as we oohed and ahhed over the various sparkling bits that nature so amazingly creates in rock, she looked at me and said, “You are really passionate about this, aren’t you?” I am not sure I even realised how much I love making jewellery until she said those words. Exciting, enjoyable? Of course. I find so much peace and happiness in creating my little pieces of sparkle and shine. Yes, I am passionate about doing it. I related to her my situation – a disabled woman of a certain age. No one is going to hire me. So I hired myself, and I have my own business, and I make beautiful things and occasionally people buy them. But I realised when we spoke of the passion of creativity, I don’t make them to sell them. I make them to make them. I make them so I can feel the texture of the stones and wire, so I can enjoy the light shining off tiny facets and burrowing into the depth of a stone. I make them and they make me smile, make me proud, make me feel quite alive.

I’ve learned a great deal about gemstones and silver and copper. But one thing I never expected was to learn something about me. Perhaps it is not a new lesson, but one I had to revisit to remember how much creating art means to me. Yes, it is my passion and I’m thrilled to have found it.

PLEASE NOTE: Now that we have proper internet connection, Ailleas Designs will be taken offline for several days while I give it a much needed update. Please come back at the end of the week or the weekend to see some lovely new pieces and the new collection - Rionnag. This word is Scottish Gaelic for "star" and is pronounced "ru - nag". The new collection features earrings and pendants of sterling silver and A-AAA+ graded gemstone beads. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Between hither and yon...

2011-06-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

We are moving house. For now, we are between accommodations and so have very limited access to the internet. As this is the case, I am not able to do a full-blown blog at this time.

Please "watch this space" for my return to full blogs and thank you for your patience.

Copper and silver and gems, oh my!

2011-05-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

When I first started designing jewellery, I used craft wire (these early pieces were never made available for sale), copper and glass beads. They were terrific for practicing with. However, once I felt that I was getting somewhere with my designs and that maybe, just maybe, I could really produce some lovely pieces, I graduated to sterling silver, along with the copper that still plays a huge role in my designs. I also began to buy small quantities of gemstone beads. It was with some trepidation that I made my first sterling silver and gemstone piece. Would it be good enough to deserve the materials with which it was made? I finished the piece and realised that there was one other thing I had to do to make the designs work. That was not to overthink them.

In my first blog, I stated that I allow the wire and beads to lead me, and this is the case. Before I start a session of jewellery making (and I have to be “in the zone”), I place my beads and wire before me and just look at them. I study the colours and shapes of the stones and the gauges of the wires. I allow my mind’s eye to start designing, let my imagination run with swirls and spirals and curls and colours. If I am inspired by an image of a sterling silver design, I will sometimes, but rarely, try the design in copper first. But, in most instances, I just let it go. Let my imagination and muse take me where they may.

Does it always work? Of course not; there have been some really strange designs that have emerged, but, I am happy to say, I can usually take that sow’s ear and turn it into a silk purse. I have been so pleased with the comments that have been passed on to me – the fact that my pieces have a unifying “look.” I certainly don’t start the process thinking that each piece must carry that certain something that will make it an unmistakable Ailleas Designs piece. However, there are elements that seem to find their way into each piece. In most cases, somewhere in each design, the spiral will appear. As I wrote in my first blog, the spiral is an inspirational design – it moves without moving and connects the here to the there. It has become my signature.

I am often asked if I prefer sterling silver to copper or the other way around. Truth is, it depends on the design and the stone and the moment. I love the feel and look of sterling silver. It is a harder metal, even when annealed soft. It has a higher gloss, more shine, and liquidity. It is hard, though not impossible, to get an “earthy” feel from sterling silver. There are some colours that scream out to be paired with sterling silver. Blue looks much better with sterling than with copper and the paler stones are also better complimented by sterling silver. But copper has that basic, earthy feel. It looks wonderful with greens and brown and deep reds. In fact, there aren’t too many colours that don’t work well with copper, as long as they are bright or deep. I once made a pair of earrings with copper and palest blue topaz. It didn’t work. In fact, it was really, really unattractive. The copper appeared too rusty and the pale blue was indistinguishable.

Copper also works well with quirkier designs. Heavier pieces look better in copper. Some abstract designs also look better with copper. With oxidisation, though, the look of copper changes completely. If left in the solution, the copper goes almost black. But along the way to black, it goes through a rainbow of metallic hues. I love the look – antique, Victorian, gothic. I hope to be creating even more pieces using the process of giving the copper a lovely patina.

Sterling silver is elegant, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be playful. Spirals and swirls and loops of sterling silver are delicate and fun. I love winding sterling silver around and around, creating texture and plays of light and dark. Unlike copper, there are no colours or degrees of colour that don’t work with sterling. From blackest onyx to clear crystal quartz, there isn’t a colour or shape that doesn’t work with sterling silver. If I were pushed to say which I preferred, it would probably be sterling. But then I don’t know how it would feel not to have the earthy, funky look of copper.

When it comes to stones, how could I possibly pick a favourite stone – gem or otherwise? I am constantly finding my new “favourite” stone. The jaspers and agates have such incredible markings and varieties of colours. Making jewellery design my “business” has meant learning about so many new stones and minerals that I never knew of before I started this joyful addiction of combining bead and wire. I imagine there are as many stones as there are days of the year. If you love blue, there are so many stones to choose from: sodalite, sapphire, lapis, aquamarine, blue topaz, azurite, fluorite. If green is your colour you can choose from jade, African turquoise, chrome diopside, emerald, peridot, moss agate, chrysoprase, etc. You get my point. There are so many choices out there and one of the great downsides to becoming a jewellery designer is the great desire of owning them all. My sister, Katie, who also makes beautiful earrings, bracelets and necklaces (click here), once referred to the “zone” you enter when making jewellery as the “incredible lightness of beading.” It is addictive, meditative and therapeutic. It’s what I do now. I’m glad this wonderful way of making a living found me. I could never do anything else.

(My sister is not only a wonderful jewellery designer, she is also a gifted and talented writer. You can follow her blog, Katie Gates: Stories and Opinions or, for a real treat, you can read her wonderful debut novel, The Somebody Who. I promise neither will disappoint.)

Amethyst

2011-05-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

The amethyst is perhaps one of the most popular of all the gemstones. With colours ranging from pale lilac to deepest royal purple, it has long been one of the more treasured stones. Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for February and the modern stone for a 33rd wedding anniversary.

The History and Mythology of Amethyst

The name amethyst comes from the Greek a- meaning “not” and methustos, meaning “intoxicated” reflecting back on the ancients’ belief that wearing amethyst jewellery or drinking from vessels made of amethyst would prevent drunkenness. It was highly regarded by the early Egyptians and was found in pieces of both Egyptian and Roman jewellery. In the medieval era, soldiers often wore amethyst when they went to battle, believing the stone to give its wearer a cool head and quick healing. Amethyst beads have been found in ancient Anglo-Saxon graves in England. Because of its purple colour, amethysts are often found in antique jewellery representing the thistle of Scotland.

The mythology includes variations on a theme – Dionysus, the god of wine and intoxication, was very much smitten by a young woman called Amethystos. Despite his pleas, she refused him time and again, declaring that she would remain chaste. Her prayers to the gods, asking that her virginity be always protected, were answered by Artemis. Amethystos was turned into a pillar of pure white stone. Dionysus, wishing to honour her, poured wine over the stone, as an offering. This offering turned the stone deep purple.

The Geography of Amethyst

Brazil has always been considered the best source for amethyst, but amethyst is now mined in many locations around the world. Amethyst is mined in Russia, Austria, South Korea, South Africa and in many of the United States. Because it is more readily mined, it has decreased in value. However, the value of a beautiful amethyst to an admirer is priceless.

Variations of the Stone

Amethyst coins and freshwater
pearls embellished with
sterling silver spiral design

Amethyst is most highly valued when it is a deep purple and has no inclusions, or particles of trapped gas, solid, or liquid within the stone. Green amethysts are amethysts that have been exposed to high temperatures. While the change from purple to green can be facilitated in lab conditions, those green amethysts that are found in natural deposits are most highly valued. In basic terms, amethyst is a purple/violet quartz and is in the same family as citrine (which is why citrine and amethyst can be found together in the stone called ametrine).

Spiritual Meanings and Qualities

Across the various religions, amethyst is universally revered as a stone of healing. Amethyst balances the crown chakra, which is the main chakra in the body. This chakra is connected to the brain and the nervous system. The chakra is also known as the centre of cosmic consciousness, the “I Am” centre, and the Sahasrara Chakra. Sahasrara is the seventh primary chakra according to Hindu tradition. The word Sahastra is also used for this chakra and is the Sanskrit word for one thousand, referring to the thousand petaled lotus associated with the chakra. The crown chakra assists in a detachment from illusion and an ability to reach a higher form of consciousness.

The amethyst is closely connected to healing, both physical and emotional, and has been valued for its ability to relieve the wearer from worry. It has been revered in many cultures for its psychic and spiritual powers. In its relationship with the crown chakra, it is closely associated with the mind. Those who turn to the amethyst for spiritual healing become calmer and more aware of the spiritual elements in their lives. It aids in learning about the spiritual, the psychic and the mystic. Those who wear it are more in tune to their intuition. The stone fosters self healing and selflessness and balance.

Amethyst Use in Ailleas Designs

Perhaps because it is my birthstone, I use quite a lot of amethyst in my designs. A recent poll conducted among those registering for my newsletter showed amethyst well in the lead, far ahead of diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. I have incorporated the stone in several cuts: round, trilliant, kite, coin, and cylinder. I prefer to couple it with sterling silver, but incorporating it with copper that is then oxidised combines for a very Victorian look.

The Zen of Jewellery Design

2011-04-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

Zen: noun - a Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing the value of meditation and intuition rather than ritual worship or study of scriptures.

Two years ago, during a return to the States, I found myself unemployed and with little prospect of employment. I was over 50 and had been out of the country for eight years. I knew I had to find a way to fill my time and I knew it had to be something creative. I had always loved creating art, mostly with charcoal, pencils, and acrylic paint. When I was in high school, I had even dabbled in pottery. I think, had I had a kiln available to me, I would have spent more time working in that medium. I loved the feel of the clay in my hands, creating a three-dimensional work of art. While I adored art of any kind, it was this that I enjoyed most. But after my education ended, I rarely returned to art. Instead, I made my living writing and editing, still creative, but definitely art without dimension.

And so, with time on my hands and a little cash to invest, I purchased some sterling silver and copper wire, some beads – both glass and semi-precious gemstone - and studied some books about techniques. Then I started. I started creating pieces that were purely my own. I allowed the wire and beads to lead me, allowed designs to unfold in my hands. I never sat down with a design or pattern in mind. I simply put the wire and beads in front of me and gained inspiration from the shapes and colours. As time went on, my confidence grew and I tried more daring designs. I progressed from earrings to pendants. With a hope that what I did would be pleasing to others, I started showing my friends. They were impressed and I found myself making a bit of money. I would put that money back into my inventory of wire and beads. Then, one day, I decided I would spread my wings a bit and really test the waters. I had gained employment by that time and had some money I could put toward the venture. The hardest part was coming up with a name.

I started with some simple things, more playful names. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted this new passion to connect with another passion. And so I set about trying to find a Scottish Gaelic word that would work as the name of my business. I looked up silver, but it was uninspiring and boring to look at. Gemstone, nope. Then I came upon the word for jewel (one of several words that mean jewel)- ailleas. Graphically, I liked the way it looked. The pronunciation was lovely and soft –ā yesh. So far away, sitting in an apartment in Virginia, it connected me back to the country I loved, the country I had left, and the country to which I was destined to return. And so, Ailleas Designs was born. It was with a fluttering of the heart that I published the website. But it was all wrong. The background was black, the photos, while beautiful, were taken with a dark background and a flickering candle. I think, now, that the site reflected my mood, sad and missing something…missing Scotland.

We returned to Scotland in November 2010. I was so happy to come home – because this is home. And since my return, the creativity in me has kicked into high gear. My creations are more colourful and imaginative. An acquaintance, who is a master jewellery maker and gifted silversmith and goldsmith, responded to my request for reciprocal links with, “Your jewellery is great – so colourful and playful.” I don’t think I’ve been as proud. Coming from someone whose designs I love and respect – it was the ultimate compliment. It gave me an even stronger sense that I had found my way.

So, why have I called this “The Zen of Jewellery Design”? The definition of the word is the answer. Through my designs, I gain calm through the meditative process of holding beads and wire and allowing them to give me their energy. I design my jewellery using my intuition and leaving behind any sense of ritual or habit. I may go days without designing because I don’t feel that it is the right time. Then I may have days on end when the muse visits and leads me down the creative path to a destination of beautiful pieces of art. You see, that is what my jewellery is – it is art. Each piece is a tiny sculpture, each piece unique, not to be created again in the same way. There are elements, of course, that find their way into every piece. I always try to bring the spiral into the design, even if a small spiral at the end of a length of wire. The spiral is associated with continuity, life, and the connection between what was and what will be. The spiral speaks to me and this is, perhaps, the part of the designing that is meditative. As I feel the wire soften under my touch, looping around and around onto and into itself, I feel a sense of calm.

My blogs here will explore the designs and stones and creations I develop. Next week, I hope to bring you the first of a series of blogs talking about the various gemstones I use in my creations. I will tell you about the stones' origins, colours, cuts, energies and spiritual values. I do hope you will come back again and again and again...

Please go to my website to see the pieces I create with love and enthusiasm. The link is at the top right, along with the link to my darling husband's photography website. His photography captures the peerless beauty of this wonderful country