Moonstone Magic Harnessed

Moonstone is a gemstone in the Feldspar family.  The name conjures the image of moonbeams and wispy clouds that glow and shimmer from within the stone.  The Opalescence and milky hue of this gem have long been admired and coveted as powerful, passionate and magical.  Beauty lies within….

The association with the Magic of the Moon lends itself to the imagination and all the possible special affects this stone might bestow on those that possess it.  Could you imagine what powers one could have if the powers of the Moon could be harnessed in a gem?  The mind wonders…

I love the name Moonstone.  The other Geological name Hecatolite doesn’t really “feel” positive.  Moonstone, that is a great name especially for jewelry!  Did you know Moonstone is an alternate Birthstone for June?  Traditional Birthstone for June is Pearl, as well as Alexandrite.  Lucky are those with June birthdays!!

Moonstone possesses an actual phenomenon.  Adularescence is when light scatters within a stone between the natural flat layers within the gem.  A marvel of nature as the stone forms in the right conditions with the right minerals.
My favorite color of Moonstone is White with blue flashes.  I’ve seen this color called Rainbow Moonstone.  Other colors include peach, green, blue, gray, brown.  Photographing Moonstone is tricky, catching the light just right, the result will be different on bright days v. cloudy days.

I would love to hear your comments on Moonstone, whether you own this gemstone, your favorite color or piece of jewelry and maybe a little story of what the stone means to you!  Have you harnessed the Magic of Moonstone?
Please, comment below.

NEW! Tiny Kitty Moon and Shore Necklace by York Avenue Studio

Below is a photo I took one morning on a walk at the shore, just down the road from my home.  The New York skyline isn't in this frame, but just off to the right.  I'll add that photo in a minute......

photo by York Avenue Studio - Jersey Shore Beach - "Treasure Strewn"

My inspiration for this necklace started at the beach. I live on the Jersey Shore and on my morning walks I see the long line of treasures that are left on the sand after the tide goes out. I wanted to make a necklace that represented the beautiful assortment of “finds” from the ocean.

The focal is a tiny kitty sitting on a crescent moon that I made with black and white polymer clay, polished to shine like a gemstone. The moon is antique brass wire that I hardened by hammering and the kitty slides on the wire. At the top of the pendant is a cherry pink quartz and pearl flower with a turquoise blue howlite gemstone drop.

I selected some beads that were the colors and shapes best suited to make what I had in mind and then literally scattered them on my bead mat to imitate how the waves would leave rocks and shells on the sand.  That was fun!  I walked away for a bit, came back, and still liked it!  If you've made jewelry, then you might know what I'm talking about.  Sometimes, when going back to a project, you say to yourself, "What was I thinking!"  This was one of the good times when I was still onboard with the design, so I got to work on the assembly!

Along with the white and black genuine pearls and the Swarovski crystal beads, I’ve tucked in some little treasures: Purple Iolite gemstones, copper moon/dream charms, Abalone shell, brass links and a hand-beaded star with black pearl center.








It's exactly what I was hoping for!  Eclectic, bold, sparkly and to me, wonderful!

Tiny Kitty Moon and Shore Necklace by York Avenue Studio

Tiny Kitty Moon and Shore Necklace by York Avenue Studio

I think this would make a perfect gift for a fellow cat lover, an art teacher or someone who enjoys the ocean shore!

I'd love to hear what your reaction is and whether you love it or hate it!  Leave a comment, please!

Lastly, here is the photo with the NYC skyline, tiny, but follow the end fence post up with your eyes and just on the horizon you'll start to see the bridge, buildings, etc.  Not bad from Jersey!  (Click the photo - larger view)

photo by York Avenue Studio - Jersey Shore - "Wood Fence Post"

3rd Place Winner! Metal Clay Heads: March Challenge - The Elements

Earth Goddess Amulet by York Avenue Studio

The voting is Closed - My Earth Goddess was voted ito 3rd Place!

The Etsy team Metal Clay Heads has a Challenge every other month with a selected theme and technique for members to create beautiful metal clay designs and the submissions are posted on our blog for everyone to vote!

Metal Clay Heads: March Challenge - The Elements: "Our theme this time is The Elements - Water, Fire, Wind and Earth. The required technique is using syringe or snakes when creating the desig..."

Here is how I created my entry into this Challenge:

Sketch up of idea as the design hit me initially

Maybe it was the oncoming of the full moon, but this idea just "hit" me and I grabbed a pen and the first paper I could find, which was the back of an envelope on the counter!  I wanted to create a special pendant for myself to wear daily, something sturdy and smooth, something that wouldn't jab my son when he jumped up on my lap and hugged me!

I recently lost my dad, less than two weeks ago.  He was in hospice in MI with just days to enjoy and I'm in NJ and didn't get there in time.....big misfortune and lost opportunity.

I also recently lost my doggy, about a week prior, and missing her hour by hour, still "hearing" her in the background only to re-realize she's not here.

Trying to stay positive has been tough lately, and these last events plus more....well, I decided to focus on what I have that is good and appreciate it.

This amulet represents the Earth Goddess, which to me means Motherhood.  I have 5 amazing children and I am surrounded by their love, which IS my life!  The swirls on this pendant would represent them.  In my final design, I used 5 spirals in her hair and on the back, I enscribed each child's Zodiac symbol for the month they were born.

The Blue Sapphire in the round moon being held high represents focus, protection, devotion and awareness:
"When misfortune is anow, wear the Blue Star on thy brow"

I made her face joyous, with eyes closed because that is how I laugh when I am with my kids, sometimes laugh so hard I'm in tears!

Earth Goddess Amulet with Blue Sapphire by York Avenue Studio

I used a rainbow patina on this pure silver pendant, but kept some areas shiny silver.  On the moon, there is a waxing crescent moon on the left highlighted in silver and also a waning moon on the right. 

The Earth Goddess Amulet Pure Silver by York Avenue Studio

I designed the pendant to hang so that the arms would stretch above the cord and hold the moon and star high.

I love my new necklace and haven't taken it off since I made it!

I hope you enjoyed this post and I'm so glad to share this story behind the scenes!
Kathy

Tiny Kitty Cat on Brick Wall Fine Silver Charm Pendant

Tiny Kitty Sitting on a Brick Wall (and PB cookies!) by York Avenue Studio

Can you tell I was in a baking mood?  I made Peanut Butter Cookies using the classic recipe from Better Homes and Gardens.  My poor cookbook is all in pieces and taped at the binding!

Using Silver Art Clay, I hand sculpted this little kitten to sit on a brick wall, looking up into the night sky at the stars and moon. There is a crescent moon on top and a hidden heart in the stars!

I like the uneven edges of this piece, which are smooth, but not cookie-cutter because I like the impression that the scene continues beyond the pendant. I pictured this design in a nighttime setting with the moon glowing blue and the pendant shining in the moon‘s reflection, catching the highlights. The hidden heart is just under the kitten’s left ear, upside down in the starry sky background!

Moonlight Glow of Blue on Tiny Kitty Highlighting the Details

About silver metal clay:
Metal clay is made up of recycled silver grains mixed with binder ingredients which forms the consistency of clay. The wet clay can be molded and shaped, then dried, fired in a kiln or torched, and the end result is 99.9 pure silver in the exact shape of the design! Because this is pure silver, without any alloy metal , the jewelry may lack the full strength of sterling silver but is a wonderful alternative for those with metal allergies. With care, pure silver jewelry will be treasured for a lifetime. People collect silver dollars, and this pure silver jewelry also makes a wonderful investment or heirloom piece.

I'd love to hear your comments!

Tiny Kitty Sitting on a Brick Wall Gazing at the Crescent Moon by York Avenue Studio