New Things Happening!

Hi Everyone,


I wanted to give you a bit of an update of what is happening lately. Let you see a little bit into my world! Well, to start off with the month started with a burst of energy. With getting the first rings in my Etsy shop, and ordering the pieces for my Artbeads Blogger Challenge. I ended up crashing really badly. See I suffer from severe depression, anxiety and "psychotic episodes" (basically meaning when I feel incredibly stressed out, I hear voices). I've been seeing a Psychiatrist back home in London for almost a year now, without an actual diagnosis. Because of my high anxiety, I find it very difficult to be around people. Especially strangers. Guess that's why I'm so comfortable online talking to everyone. This also makes it impossible for me to work a regular job, which means I depend on sales to give me extra money to have a somewhat normal life. I try to stay at my computer regardless of how I feel, working online or on a new design. I try not to let it impact my life to the point where I feel paralyzed because I've been there, and I don't want to go back! Currently I am on medication that helps with my depression and I was diagnosed with a B12 vitamin deficiency to boot. So now I also take extra B12 to help combat that. It's amazing what these vitamins regulate. For instance B12 helps with mood, energy (not so far), and it also is a possible cause in infertility. I want you to know this because I want people to know WHY I don't do craft shows yet. Why I choose not to meet up with others, drop off any possible local sales etc. So now that thats out of the way. Let me tell you whats going on in the shop.

These are just THREE of the new rings in my shop this month. The first picture is my Bold Blue and Cream Rose Ring, then there is my Spring Green Rose Ring and lastly a Diamond Faceted Clear Teardrop Ring. I have other colours in each style as well.


So a fair amount starting to happen in the shop. Here's to keeping ones head up and trying to move forward with life.

I love hearing from you so feel free to leave a comment below.

BESTeam Feature:: AncientOils

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Having  two children (now grown), one born with 2 different birth defects and the other with respiratory issues; it was my duty as a parent to do all I could to help them.  At the very least, remove any chemical or toxin out of their environment so not to worsen their condition.  That's what lead me on a holistic path.

Now, I hold a Masters degree in Metaphysics and various certifications in Holistic Energy Work.  I have studied and practice various modalities of Holistic & Spiritual Healing as well.  I believe that if we embrace the gifts mother earth has provided us with, we will live healthy happier lives.

What decade or style inspires you?

In my business is it a culture that has inspired me.  The eastern culture experiences a natural way of living as well as healing.  I studied varies healing technique from Tibet and Japan.  Aromatherapy, and essential oils have survived the test of time and are highly respected for their healing properties in most eastern culture. 

How do you get out of your creative ruts?

Meditation relaxes me and clear my mind.  Also, connecting with nature, whether walking or sitting outside with the wind blowing against the tree branches and the birds singing.

What does handmade mean to you?

Usually means someone has prepared or created something from the heart and has taken a special interest in you though their creation.

How would you describe your creative process?  

My creative process although logical and precise, is also spiritual.  As I connect with each oil to deliver a unique blend, I consider the spiritual aspects as well as the medical benefits of each oil has to offer.

 Please also check out Ancient Oils Blog and Facebook Fan Page for wonderful information about essential oils and what they can do for you.

Gemstone Meanings- Citrine

Color: Pale yellow to a madeira orange in all of its glorious golden and yellow colors. The yellow color is from the presence of iron, the darker the color - the higher the grade.

The name's origin: The name citrine is derived from the French word citron - lemon.

Birthstone: Citrine along with topaz are birthstones of Scorpius (Scorpion): Oct. 24 - Nov. 21 .

Wedding anniversary: Citrine is the anniversary gemstone for the 17th year of marriage.

From the stone history: Citrine is a gemstone which has been used in Greece since the Hellenistic period (end of the 4th to the end of the 1st century BC).

Healing ability: Citrine is valuable in the treatment of depression, it eliminates self-destructive tendencies. Citrine is said to stimulate memory.
It aids digestion, and removes toxins from the body. Citrine is a good healing stone, especially for heart, kidney and liver. It helps fighting diabetes.

Mystical power: Citrine symbolizes light-heartedness, joy and happiness. Citrine is a great protective talisman. It calms and soothes.
Citrine is the signature of wisdom and peace. It stimulates the mental body and aids the opening of the bridge between higher mental body and intuitional levels. Citrine is said to help one connect with Spirit. It enhances creativity, and motivates writers.

BESTeam Feature:: Chasingthenuns

Tell us a bit about yourself.


I am currently a stay at home. I like to joke that I craft to keep from going crazy, which is really only half true. I do find that it's a very nice creative outlet and allows me to use my brain in a way that I wouldn't otherwise, in between all the house work and taking care of two young ones. It also gives me something to do to relax.


What decade or style inspires you?


I really like modern minimalism. The look of non-clutter and clean lines just appeals to me although it would be completely impractical in my daily life. Unless I had a maid that could just walk behind my children cleaning up after them, but that wouldn't really teach my kids anything.

How did you originally get into the business of making things?


I threw around the idea of selling my wares long before I actually bit the bullet and opened an Etsy shop. I think at first it just seemed really daunting or I felt that I didn't have enough items to open it, but one day I threw caution to the wind and just did. I started with 1 item in my shop (a crochet wrap that I just wanted to make but didn't have a use for) and it just grew from there.

 What's been your most popular item or line to date?



My most popular item has definitely been the totes made from old t-shirts. The band tees are especially popular.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Apart from creating things, I take care of four children (two are my own), I like to read (I'm currently reading Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein), cook, garden, and I'm just starting to get into yoga.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

My favorite handmade possession is a stamped needlework baby quilt that somebody related to me did for me when I was very young (either my mom or my great-grandma). It's still on the end of my bed folded nicely.

Gemstone Meanings- Chrysolite

Stone's names: Peridot, Chrysolite (golden yellow peridot).

Color: Peridot is a stone with a sparkling pale green color. It occurs in lime, yellowish green, olive green or medium dark green hues.

Description: Peridot, also called precious olivine, is a gem-quality transparent green olivine. The crystals of peridot have a vitreous lustre and conchoidal fracture. Gem-quality olivine is a mineral that composes a lot of the earth's mantel, the layer below the crust. It is also common in basalts on the moon.

The name's origin: Chrysolite means "golden stone" in Greek.

Birthstone: Peridot along with sardonyx are birthstones of Leo (Lion): July. 23 - Aug. 22.

Wedding anniversary: Peridot is the anniversary gemstone for the 16th year of marriage.

From the stone history: Peridot has been adored since ancient times and has been valued for centuries. People in the Middle Ages wore peridot to gain foresight and divine inspiration. Legend has it that pirates favored peridot to protect them against evil. Peridot was greatly prized by Egyptian Kings. Some of Cleopatra's emeralds were in fact peridots.
The deposit on Saint Johns Island in the Red Sea, that was mentioned by Pliny in his Natural History (AD 70), still produces fine gems.

Healing ability: This beautiful stone is worn or carried for general healing purposes. Peridot increases strength & physical vitality. Peridot protects against nervousness and aids in healing hurt feelings. It helps liver & adrenal function. Peridot is also thought to protect lungs, sinuses, and wrists from illness and injury.

Mystical power: Peridot is used to help dreams become a reality. This very popular stone is believed to attract love. The deep green hue of the peridot also suggests a connection in wealth-attracting.
Peridot calms a raging anger. It is also useful to dispel negative emotions, and it is believed to promote sleep when worn to bed.

BESTeam Feature:: Pecanieregirl

This weeks feature is going to be a picture show. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we do not have an interview with Pecaniergirl.

If you want to find out what else Pecaniergirl is up to, go check out her blog HERE

Gemstone Meanings-Cats Eye

In color it resembles the color of the neem fruit with silver streak which comes in chrysoberyl stone. It also comes in other colors like black, black & white, yellow, pale blue and light red. It clears obstacles hindrances and wards off evil effects of witch crafts. It can be profitably worn by politicians, who aspire for higher positions and authority. It is highly recommended for those, who do not have well placed Ketu in their natal charts. The malefic effect of Ketu is to cause loss of reputation and to increase jealousies and rivalries as a result of the natives popularity. Proper use of this stone will ease matters considerably and safeguard them from scandals, loss of reputation.
Cat’s eye stone also gives the powers of strong determination to do things and is highly recommended for those having birth numbers 2 & 7, or those, who are governed by the planet moon.
Cat’s eye stone though inexpensive, except chrysoberyl cat’s eye, has been tested and tried and is capable of relieving the tensions of the wearer, particularly for the fear of the impending hardships. It is good for those suffering from allergies or skin disorders. It can also be worn by those, whose sun is debilitated in their natal charts of for natives of birth numbers 1 & 8.
Cat’s eye stone is highly recommended for those, who are in business. It protects the wearers against losses in business and ensures financial stability. Rich and wealthy persons can wear it as it will act not only as a guardian of its owner’s wealth but will lead to further accumulation of riches.
Cat’s eye stone works well if Kethu (dragon’s tail) be placed in 6, 8 or 12th from venus in the natal chart. It gives comforts. If ketu (dragon’s tail) is in Lagna, use of this stone will prove to be beneficial. The stone acts as a guardian of the wealth of the wearer. It protects the wearer from all kinds of misfortunes. This stone if it is of a good quality, can take the person to top. It can cure ailments such as heart trouble, hemorrhage and increases knowledge, longevity and strength and cures otherwise chronic and incurable diseases.
An Indian princess, who was constantly under distress and experienced series of untoward happenings went for a really good cat’s eye stone and all her problems where solved within a few days of the wearing of this gem. Even inexpensive gems can help in the solution of difficult cases. Its color is gold yellow, greenish white or urine color. When seen the light it resembles like the eye of a cat.
It is useful in curing cancer. It is also effective for skin disorders, allergies etc. It can be helpful for general good luck in the case of natives who do not have well placed Kethu (dragon’s tail) in the natal chart.

Today only - Get 25% off in my shop by entering in promocode FINALLYSPRING

BESTeam Feature:: AllAboutCats

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am retired and live with three cats. My spare time is spent making items for my Etsy Shop.



If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be?

Georgia O'Keeffe. I love her paintings.


Where would you like your shop to be in ten years?

My shop keeps me busy now, so in ten years I hope that I will still be able to make as many cat toys to stock the shelves as I do now :-)



How did you originally get into the business of making things?

My mother was very creative, and she gave me lots of opportunities to express myself creatively as well. Once she painted our old, worn out linoleum kitchen floor a sold color. After it was dry, she laid out small cans of different colored paint, handed my brother and me artist brushes, and told us we could paint anything we wanted to on the floor. I made cat tracks going from the front door to the hallway and to the stove. Not long after that, my father told my mother she could buy the new kitchen floor that she had been wanting for years.



What's been your most popular item or line to date?

Organic Catnip Mice. Lots of times I don't have mice in my shop because they sell so quickly.

How would you describe your creative process?

When I decide on a new cat toy to design, I have to wait until I can picture in my head exactly how I want it to look. Then I grab a pencil and paper and draw out the pattern. Sometimes this takes a day or two, sometimes weeks or even months.




What handmade possession do you most cherish?

My most cherished handcrafted possession is a heart shaped braided rug my mother made me a few years before she died.

Gemstone Meanings- Carnelian

 It leads to clearing the voice of the wearer and helps to preserve peace of mind, tranquility, harmony. It is also recommended for those, who suffer from ailments of nose, particularly nose bleeding. It can be also effective for those suffering from tumors.
Carnelian is good for those in public life, speakers and orators. It is good for general good health, wealth and prosperity. It can also be effective in cases of chronic fevers like typhoid, yellow fever etc. The wearers are however advised to refrain from excessive smoking.