Pray The Rosary Here
Pray the Rosary daily with others from around the world.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

On the (Christmas) Bead Board

Can I just say I love Christmas?  I am done--yes, DONE!--with my gift making and looking forward to spending the next few days in anticipation of a wonderful Christmas Eve.  So I thought I would share a couple of gifts I've made--you will see some similar items in the shop soon, I'm sure !

Yesterday was a relaxing day working on new wire wrapping skills, and I only had to re-do and revise this pendant necklace 4 times..and it isn't perfect yet...it is harder than it looks, guys, but I'll persevere.  The pendant is a smart little fossilized Coral bead with a hint of golden red that really plays up the red brass...






The pendant itself is a cabachon; that is, a bead that has not been drilled and must be set into a design.  In wire wrapping, that means building a discrete mounting for it...then jazzing it up with swirls and other beads and whatever to finish the wire ends that remain after wrapping.  That was the fun part!  And do you like the back of the neck? I can see that this will keep me busy for a few years!

 I'm already thinking of ways to incorporate cabs into my Rosaries. I've often used a wire swirl over an oval bead in the past..and I used that idea in a zebra Onyx and Sardonyx bracelet I just finished this afternoon

I really enjoyed making the clasp...but the bead board is littered with false starts!

And speaking of litter (groan)--the kitties are getting ready for the holiday, too.  I'm prepared: Large container of catnip, fresh kitty grass, a new toy and 4 of those teeny tiny cans of gourmet catfood (their  favorite flavor, chicken primavera) and a new scratching post. I moved their little, much-loved cardboard boxes near the fireplace so they can be warm and cozy.  And extra tummy scritches all around for a truly contented Christmas day!

May your Christmas be blessed and happy!

j

Sunday, December 13, 2009

A Rosary Inspired Necklace

First off, Merry Christmas!

But I'm really blogging because I want to show you a necklace I just completed as a custom order for a special young man--I was just so pleased I wanted to share...

His idea was a Rosary inspired necklace using some beautiful Peacock Black Pearls he provided and moonstone.
We tried several different 'Pater' stones, but he was right...Moonstone, with it's opalescent qualities played on the pearls' own shimmer.  I made mock ups of ideas and emailed pictures, and he would respond with what he liked and didn't like....well, in seeing the different options, he came to feel that there needed to be a strong Sterling presence. I got out my bead caps and went to work..
And a bit of...well, actually, a LOT of...Sterling accents gave it an opulent, rich feel.
I think he chose the perfect Cross, don't you?
Of course, this is not a 'real' Rosary--it is a necklace with the look of a Rosary, with 'Paters' and 'Aves', and a drop with a Cross at the bottom



I especially like the neckline in the back:


The whole thing is wire wrapped, so it will stand up to heavy use with ease--and, as we all know, sterling won't tarnish if it is used everyday.

I love the challenge of bringing an idea along and developing it into one, unique and special item--and I think my clients enjoy 'playing' with beads as well.


All for now, the kitties say hullo...
J

Thursday, November 26, 2009

A Tale of Two Crucifixes

I spent my Thanksgiving busily creating two Rosaries, each one using the same Crucifix, Center, and Medal--but one in solid Sterling Silver and the other in rich Bronze:

Apatite, Amethyst and Sterling


Purple Crazy Lace Agate, Calcite and Bronze

Different metals, different looks, but both are in the Shop now!

HOW THE CATS SPENT THANKSGIVING

Maxx! Maxx! Do you think this box makes my butt look big?


I never shoulda ate that last mouse.....


















Happy Thanksgiving!
j

Sunday, November 15, 2009

The Ultimate Ruby Rosary

Just Listed...
Every so often I list something special, and here is something VERY special in some wonderful 8mm facted Ruby (Yes, real Ruby)--

The color of this Ruby is exceptional, kind of a raspberry/claret, immediately striking and rich and warm. The facets make the beads sparkle, and the bright sterling Bali bead caps bring out the color even more strongly.
There are almost 200 carats of Ruby in this Rosary, and 3 full ounces of Argentium 925 Sterling Silver... heavy Bali bead Paters and substantial and lovely Crucifix and Our Lady of Sallette Center...all combine to make a rare Rosary.

Oh, yes, it is expensive--Ruby does not come cheap--but for the right person this will be the Ultimate Rosary to pass down the generations.

I made it today while the weather outside got more and more cloudy--I think Indian Summer is over.  The kitties can't sit in the open window with it being this chilly, so, for a treat, I opened one of those $.99 thin plastic drop cloths and draped it on the floor.  This is a toy better than South American Catnip!  All three cats spent much of the day diving into the plastic, over, under, rolling in it, dropping their little fake mouses into it and trying to retrieve them again....chasing each other like crazy.  The plastic makes lots of noise, which seems to please them to no end....


This is, of course, exhausting to long tailed cats...



All for now--Keep checking the store for new stuff!  Thanks for looking!
j

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I help the economy--and my newest Aquamarine Wire Wrapped Sterling Rosary!

In an attempt to jumpstart the economy, I have hired a shipping department to help me out! Yes, I am pumping money --well, catnip anyways--into the economy at a rapid pace.

My new employess are working hard to learn their craft!
Here, Maxx vonMeow tests the tensile strength of a mailing bag ....
While Squeaker Fluffytail, not to be outdone, astutely calculates how to pack a size 12 cat into a size 8  box



















ON THE BEAD BOARD...

Maxx and Squeak are hoping to pack this new Rosary up soon! 
Just listed--one of my 'Ultimate Line' Rosaries in some absolutely top quality Aquamarine.


I've put my best into this design, from the gorgeous Aquamarine to the ornate Bali bead and Apatite Paters to some wonderful Sterling pieces.  The Two Angels Crucifix is my alltime best selling Crucifix, offered for the first time in Sterling.  The Center is a profile of Our Blessed Mother, and the medal is an unusual and unique medal of the Archangel Michael.
See this newest offering, and many more at HeartFelt Rosaries or HeartFelt Rosaries at Etsy.

Oh, Look!  Maxx fits! Give that cat a treat! Time to close up shop for the night....



Blessings+
Jeanine

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Wire Wrapping and Rosaries

Wire wrapping is a time honored technique of making both jewelry and Rosaries--in fact, spiral wrapped jewelry has been found that dates back 4,000 years to the ancient Sumerians. Recently, artifacts of wire wrapped jewelry have been found in the UK that date back 1,200 years. It seems that where there's metal, there's jewelry...and before soldering was common, wire wrapping was an assured technique for a durable and strong connection.
In fact, wire wrapping is defined as the absence of soldered connections, being made by only mechanical means.  And since machines can't do this kind of work, you will see it done now as in the past, by artisans and craftsworkers, one bead at a time....




The swirl of wire over the Mother of Pearl in this Rosary is characteristic of the most common wire wrap technique, the single cage wrap.  This style is seen in Rosaries dating as early as the 17th century as Rosaries continued to evolve from the earliest knotted and pebble prayer counters.  What better way to honor Our Lady and her Son than with a beautiful, elaborate Rosary?  In this technique, the wire is looped, passed through the bead and looped on the other end; then the tail of the wire is wraped snuggly around the loop base and swirled over the surface of the bead to the other side, where it again is wrapped and secured.  Talk about durable...there are intact Rosaries from the late 17th century with this technique.  When I show my Rosaries to someone who's never seen wire wrapped before, I love to grab a length of the Rosary and give it a very good tug....my audience gasps...and the Rosary is no worse for the wear!

A similar technique is the double cage wrap. In this technique, you would see the swirl of wire across the bead both front and back.

It takes rather a lot of wire to make a wire wrap Rosary...and a lot of time.  I estimate it takes 3 times the wire and 4 to 4.5 hours of dedicated work to make a Rosary--and that's not including design time or special touches, like swirling the Pater beads as well:


Because of the time and additional wire involved, you will find wire wrap Rosaries are generally more expensive than traditional, chain Rosaries; and if I'm going to put that much time and effort into a Rosary, I like to use quality stones for the Aves and Paters--it is not worth my time, nor does it honor Mary, to use lesser. 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Look for high quality stones and beads--and especially in the high end ranges, check out info on the type of stones and what makes a quality stone.  Rating semi precious stones, such as Lapis, or other opaque stones such as agates, onyx, etc, is not a clear cut matter, as there are no standards for A Grade, A/B, B, etc in semi-precious--so be a good shopper.  A good website to visit for pictures of high quality gemstones is http://www.semi-precious-stone.com/  once you see the stone in question in a high quality form, you will be better able to judge your potential purchase. 
Pay attention to the wrapping itself--do the wraps appear even and tight? Do you note any little 'stickies?' (if not crimped properly you will find rough edges!). Look for consistancy in the loops, in spacing; you should not see any tool marks from the wrapping, either.  Also look for the gauge of the wire--I like 20 or 21 gauge, which has a nice presence and thickness, and does not deform easily; but 22 gauge, which is a hair thinner, also makes a nice Rosary.  The bigger the number, the smaller the wire diameter--I don't recommend 24 gauge or greater.

ONE FINAL POINT
If wire wrap Rosaries have any downside, it is this--and it is a little one: they are a linked connection, and linked connections can kink.  Kinks in wire wrapped connections are minor, and not permanent, but it is a minor irritation to some. There are many different schools of thought on how to wire a Rosary so as to prevent kinking...but no way I have tried is foolproof.
HOWEVER...the good news is, it is simple to rectify! In the event that you find a kink when you take out your Rosary, give it a shake.  If that doesn't correct matters, grab the rosary a bit above the kink with one hand, and with the other hand, grab it slightly below the kink and lift and turn slightly. The kink will fall right out. After you've done it once or twice, you will easily be able to see which way to twist.

And remember...a good wire wrapped Rosary will last through your lifetime and into the next generation...and more.  Choose carefully and enjoy for a lifetime.

Jeanine



Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Back to work!

I'm back from a week in rural Wisconsin, home of all my Norwegian Cheesehead family, and it's time to get back to work.  Here is an Amethyst and Swarovski Crystal Rosary I worked on in the bright, Mississippi Valley sunshine:

The Paters are from my dwindling supply of Sterling Bali beads with gemstone cabochons on both sides-I scarfed up the remaining supply when they stopped offering them, so if you like them, consider buying sooner rather than later.  The Crucifix is of Spanish origin: a Missionary Evangelization Crucifix hand cast in solid Sterling from the 17th cent. original and well worn from loving use.
I wanted a splash of interesting...something...too, so I added connectors of emerald green Swarovski Crystal bicones. Complementary colors, folks, and I like the look and hope you do too.

The bracelets are selling well...and I'm keeping the prices VERY reasonable. Truly, if you don't feel they are worth much more than you paid (they range from $11 to $25)--send them back for full refund.  But I think you'll enjoy them, and they make wonderful stocking stuffers or little gifts for special occasions.  The basic idea is to entice you with great quality and spunky designs to take an interest in my other works....the collection changes frequently (because I get tired of making the same thing over and over), so keep checking in at HeartFeltRosaries.com (My Ebay store) or HeartFeltRosariesOnline.com (Etsy, a very cool site)














The cats have accepted my return at last, after meowing like crazy when I walked in while turning their tails toward me to show me just what they thought of my week long absence!  Maxx has taken up permanent residence in my lap, requiring me to type one handed, while Squeaker Fluffytail found solace in a small cardboard box that apparently feels very comfortable, although I'm not sure why-- visualize a size 12 cat in a size 8 box and you'll get the picture...

All for now..
Blessings+
J

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Reparationist Crosses--two tales

Just Listed--this very feminine, soft, elegant 8mm Rosary in pale pink with my favorite Cross, known as the Cross of the Reparationist Order:

Contrast that with a version in excellent quality Garnet--


The information I have on this Cross is that it was the Cross of a religious order in France. However, I can find no Catholic (or other) order called 'Reparationist' in the list of known religious orders. I wondered if it could be a Redemptorist Cross, but their cross does not seem to be similar. I thought..ah...Passionists!  But no.....The seal of the Jesuits uses the monogram 'IHS', but I have no evidence this cross is related in any way.  In fact, I can find no other Cross of this specific design anywhere--though there is a commercially available equal arm cross that resembles it in some ways.
So, guys, I'm at a loss--but continuing to search.

BTW-the Rose Quartz Reparationist Rosary above is ON SALE for 2 days only as an introductory offer, so
check it out!

Squeaker loves boxes, and has taken up residence in a packing box next to the fireplace. Apparently, it's very comfortable to be a size 12 cat squeezed into a size 8 box, cause she's been there throughout the last two days.  I think she's ready to mail!

All for now....more Rosaries listing in the next couple weeks, but I'll be out of town from 10/25 to 11/1--all orders during that time will be filled when I arrive home.

Blessings+
J

Friday, October 16, 2009

Some Ethiopian Coptic Treasures

We're getting down to the last bit of sun in Ohio for the fall--do you know we have more cloudy days here in Ohio than anywhere else in the country?  Depressing!  But I remember sunshine..kinda.  Maxx liked it..


On the Bead Board
I've been working up some new Rosaries for the store, and this one, inspired by the Ethiopian Coptic Cross and 4-way medal I love,  just listed:

All Sterling, and lots of it; some absolutely top notch Lapis for the Aves -- and for the Paters, unpolished (matte) Quartz that looks like fog in a bottle! Does it look familiar? It should--I also have it in Bronze:

I love the Ethiopian Coptic tradition--nail studded or hand punched, sometimes hinged, always hand made. I used another Cross and the Star of David in another piece--

Why a Star of David?  Simple...When the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon, the Ethiopian tradition says that she came home pregnant with his child. Thus the Royal Family is also of the line of Solomon, whose father was King David.  Hope it's true!

j
HeartFeltRosaries.com

Monday, October 12, 2009

Favorite Rosaries on the newest Etsy Treasures!

Come see!  Our Etsy Rosary Guild snagged an Etsy Treasury--which is an opportunity to put up a treasure chest of favorites for all to see--and one of my Rosaries is featured.  That, and a LOT of gorgeous work by my fellow guild members!  Come see the variety, and visit my friends' shops!


Meanwhile....
I'm spending the late afternoon with a big cup of Very Nice Coffee from my coffee press and bunches of beads to turn into bracelets.  New stuff coming, so stay tuned....but first, go out and check the Treasury!

j

Saturday, October 10, 2009

A St Benedict Rosary for you Oblates!

It's been a while, but I finally got around to making another St Benedict Rosary for those of you who have a devotion to this saint.  St Benedict is a STRONG protector against evil, and a powerful exorcixt!

The Aves are a wonderful type of Onyx called 'weathered'--just a fancy word for dipping the stones in some kind of acid bath and pulling out a crazed and mottled black and white stone (but still silky smooth).
The Paters are big, faceted Onyx, and the Crucifix is the Classic Pewter and enameled version of the St Benedict Crucifix, complete with medal in the center.

Here is a nice explanation of the Medal, excerpted from a Wikipedia article:

On the front of the medal is St. Benedict holding 2 things. He holds, in his right, hand a cross, to which he was incredibly devoted and, in the left, his rule for monasteries. In the back there is a poisoned cup, that when the saint made the sign of the cross over it, shattered. A jealous enemy had given him this cup and a loaf of bread (also poisoned) that a raven carried away. Above the cup are the words "Crux sancti patris Benedicti" (The Cross of our holy father Benedict). Surrounding the figure of St. Benedict are the words "Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!" (May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death) as he was always regarded to the Benedictines as the patron of a happy death.


On the back there resides a cross. On the cross are the letters C S S M L - N D S M D, initials of the words "Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux!" (May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my overlord!). At the top of the medal is the word Pax (peace.) Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B, refer to Vade retro satana meaning "Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas!" (Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!)

On the front of the medal is St. Benedict holding 2 things. He holds, in his right, hand a cross, to which he was incredibly devoted and, in the left, his rule for monasteries. In the back there is a poisoned cup, that when the saint made the sign of the cross over it, shattered. A jealous enemy had given him this cup and a loaf of bread (also poisoned) that a raven carried away. Above the cup are the words "Crux sancti patris Benedicti" (The Cross of our holy father Benedict). Surrounding the figure of St. Benedict are the words "Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!" (May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death) as he was always regarded to the Benedictines as the patron of a happy death.

On the back there resides a cross. On the cross are the letters C S S M L - N D S M D, initials of the words "Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux!" (May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my overlord!). At the top of the medal is the word Pax (peace.) Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B, refer to Vade retro satana meaning "Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas!" (Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!)"





AND THERE'S A SALE THIS WEEKEND!!
Stop by and see what's marked down 20%!

Lots of new stuff, and more coming!  Thanks for looking, but I must run. I have received the Purr-command to tummy rub the cat to sleep and must obey...

j

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Join the Chat at Etsy Thursday, Oct 8, at 7pm EST!

Be there or be square!  Our Etsy Rosary Guild is having a chat tomorrow night 4pm PT/7pm EST--it's our first, but we'll muddle through, and in the meantime you'll see lots of guild members' works, including a few of mine!  And I have dropped prices on my featured items, so come catch a bargain...like this:

Hamsa Necklace
The Hamsa is a talisman common to both Muslim and Jewish Cultures--said to ward against the Evil Eye.  Just think--you can be stylish AND protected against Evil at the same time ! See this and more at my Etsy store, http://www.heartfeltrosariesonline.com/

To visit the Chat Room and see what's on the table--or ask questions--or discuss the Rosary and other Sacramentals-- go to www.Etsy.com/community.php and click on the 'Chat' button.  You will find our Rosary Guild Chat room listed there.

Hope to see you there!
j



Sunday, October 4, 2009

It's Baaaack!!

Pale, gorgeous Pink Coral and creamy Mother of Pearl have been a winning combination in the past--so I've brought it back in a silver-drenched Rosary with Bali bead and bead cap accents:

The Crucifix is a heavy, detailed Cross , and the center is a 1860s French Lourdes Medal, crowned in flowers. Both Crucifix and Center have been handcast in solid Sterling from the antique originals, then burnished to the original patina--and I think they look great together.

More bracelets on the way, and I'm working very hard to keep them very reasonably priced indeed..you will like the price, but you will like the bracelets even better! Consider them a small 'thanks' or a little 'tease' to show my quality!  They are great stocking stuffers, so think ahead to Christmas...


Elvis Purrsley (the great mouse entertainer, if you remember) has a new toy mouse with long fur and a big feather tail, and Elvis is spending the morning tossing it in the air and chasing it around the room.  Why he is so playful may have something to do with the catnip I got him yesterday.  Makes for a Very Good Sunday for the kitties! I think I'll top it off with a can of Chicken dinner cat food for them...and an open window...life just doesn't get better than that!

all for now,
j

Saturday, October 3, 2009

New Stuff!!

It will soon be too chilly to open all three windows for the kitties! I'm winnowing them down to two windows today, and it was soon obvious there's room for two on the sill!  Good day for picking apples and cleaning out the house before winter hits...but I'll spend most of it at the Bead Board, and happy to be there....

ON THE BEAD BOARD

Time for me to get busy and re-stock the store...so several new Rosaries are listed for you.

Poppy Jasper and Mother of Pearl with Evangalization Crucifix--6mm Aves make this a Traditional sized Rosary. See the little bit of sparkle from the Swarovski Crystal accents?
Well, that one would be wonderful for a man or a woman, but this one is a little more feminine:


8mm Amethyst and some really, really neat Fossilized Coral Paters--


Bracelets are still very popular, and a great and inexpensive way to get to know my quality...like this gold Rose bead and Amethyst one..


So come visit and see what you like!  I'm going to have some fresh apple cake and coffee press brew and get to work...Thanks for visiting!

j

Friday, September 25, 2009

Kinda Like Potato Chips -- This week's Rosary bracelets

I've been told that my Rosary bracelets are like potato chips...hard to stop with just one.  And that's as true for me as for my patrons!  They are small, light, and much quicker to design and make than a full Rosary...and they are a lot of fun!

This week I have three new ones: One 'true' Rosary bracelet, with 10 Aves and a Pater--

Lapis and Champagne Moonstone Bronze Rosary Bracelet

And two Rosary-inspired versions, one with a plump Blue Goldstone and a Coptic Cross, and another in Garnet, with a 'Spotless Rose' for the Pater and Our Lady featured with a Miraculous Medal enclosed in a Cross--






All on Ebay now!

Next:  I need to get busy and make some Rosaries for the Store!  Stay tuned! 
Hopefully, I won't mold from the damp, cool Midwest weather we're having.  Even the Cats smell dank after they sit in the window for awhile!  Maxx is very cuddly--I think he just wants to lay on warm skin instead of cold old floors. I'm hoping he will be a good foot warmer this winter!

j

Saturday, September 12, 2009

HeartFelt Rosaries' Blog has moved!

I guess you found me!  Ebay is 'retiring' it's blog platform, so you will find me here from now on--same stuff, new location.  So, having said that...
ON THE BEAD BOARD
Lots of stuff in progress, but I just listed this very feminine pale pink Rose Quarz Sterling Rosary with an amazing Crucifix, and pink rose lamp work glass Paters:
And I'll give you a teaser--I finally found the Sterling Reparationist Cross I have been looking for for months, and the makings of a new Garnet Rosary is on the board now:
Maxx, Elvis Purrsley, and Squeaker continue to haunt the open window screens, each perching in their own window and leaving little kitty nose marks on the glass if I do not meet my obligations to open the windows quickly enough.  The screens are pock-marked where they've used their claws to try to....eliminate....one or another of the multitude of flying creatures that head for the lighted room at night!  But for now, back to wrapping beads...
Y'all come back, now!
j