Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Herkimer Diamonds


Herkimer Diamonds are one of the mineral world’s wonders.  They are clear crystals that unlike typical quartz have double terminations (points at both ends) and are faceted with 6 sides so that each crystal has 16 naturally occurring surfaces.
Herkimer Diamonds are highly lustrous and known for their clarity (water clear). They can also be found with inclusions of air, organic material, or more rarely water.
They are durable with a Moh’s hardness of 7-7.5/10.    These beautiful stones get their name from the upstate New York region where they were first discovered in the late 1700’s.   Herkimer County, New York, USA has exposed outcrops of Dolostone rock from the Cambrian Age (approximately 500 million years ago.  Herkimer Diamonds are found in cavities in the Dolostone.
There are two mines on route 28 in Middleville, New York where the public may search for their own diamonds.  The Herkimer Diamond Mine and the Ace of Diamond Mine welcome prospectors of all ages.  You may rent the equipment that you need for your exploration. Wear comfortable clothes and prepare to get dirty, its hard work.  It helps to seek the advice of the knowledgeable staff and if your efforts are not successful both mines offer gems in their gift shops.
Herkimer diamonds were highly prized by the Mohawk Indians and early settlers of the region who found them in stream beds and newly plowed fields.
Metaphysical Properties:
Herkimer Diamonds are the crystal of attunement.   They promote harmony, awareness, and spontaneity as well as stimulate clairvoyance and telepathic communication.
Herks are highly prized by mineral collectors and are beautiful when wrapped for use in jewelry.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Recycling

Sea Glass
SATeam Blog Carnival: Recycling

Recycling is a topic that is near to my heart. While I do not believe it possible to erase my carbon footprint, I do like to do my part to keep waste and rubbish disposal reasonable. Cans, bags, bottles, plastic and paper are all recycled. Clothing and home goods that are in good repair when we don't use them anymore are donated to local thrift stores and the Veterans organization nearby.  Those that can't be recycled are stripped of buttons and metal zippers to be used as rags or broken down into pieces for reuse or for the campfire.  Fred's to do list includes the building plans for a compost bin.

1950's rhinestone shoe clip
 We also shop thrift stores regularly and have a  great group of friends and FamiLee members that pass things along to the person that needs them next.

My favorite sort of recycling is to reuse old, vintage and antique pieces of the past in my jewelry creations.  Garage sales, salvage yards, thrift stores, antique stores, trash bins, my husbands toolbox (shh! don't tell) and friend's junk drawers have all  provided me with treasure.

A Vintage 70's watchband 
 My shopping list includes old watches (pre battery days), vintage jewelry, lonely earrings, wire, small nuts or bolts, cabinet hardware, metal zippers, religious medals and rosaries.  I have been known to pick up shells, sticks,beach glass, coins and an earring that had been run over by a car. We call that dirt and grime patina in this house folks.  The items pictured in this post are all made using recycled and repurposed materials.
Vintage cabinet hardware

Follow the links to the blogs of this month's other participating members to find out how recycled materials play into their work.


Danagonia

Bead Sire

Saturday, September 25, 2010

'tis near Halloween


Spooky Spider earrings come in Handcrafted matchbook coffins
When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.
~Author Unknown

Thinking about your Halloween accessories yet?

Red Skulls for Night charm bracelet








Spooky Spiders choker
  
 Skeleton Key earrings
  

Etsy Holiday Boot Camp

Oooh Boy I may be crazy but I have signed on for the Etsy Holiday boot camp!  I am hoping to learn a lot and to have a successful Holiday season for The FamiLee Jewels.  Stay tuned for updates on our progress.  For today I am committing (or should be committed I haven't decided yet) to the process.

I, Bonnie Lee , pledge to participate in the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp to the best of my abilities. I vow to check in every week, do my homework and support my fellow Holiday Boot Campers. I will read the weekly newsletters and blog posts, check in on the weekly forum thread, read the weekly blog post, check off the checklists and salute the mascot. I promise to share what I've learned with those who need it, support my fellow Etsy indiepreneurs and, most of all, have a positive and persistent attitude. I understand that together we can spread the word about our handmade and vintage goods, making this holiday season a more unique and meaningful one to gift givers and give-ees everywhere!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Fall/ Winter 2010 Show Schedule

October 9-10, 2010
Annual Apple Festival and Craft Show
Goold Orchards
9-4
1297 Brookview Station Rd
Castleton, NY 12033
Booth #268 in the Orchard Tent
http://www.goold.com/

November 14, 2010
BFF Holiday Vendor Fair to benefit the Green Island Relay for Life
10-3
American Legion

35 Cohoes Avenue
Green Island, NY
12183

December 5Th, 2010
11-5
Troy Atrium
297 River St
Troy, Ny 12180