Rainbow of Gems – Part 1

Rainbow Gemstone Bracelet

Mother Nature created gemstones for every color of the rainbow. I thought you might enjoy seeing some of her greatest works. We will start with the Cool Color Palette, consisting of violets, blues, and greens. Qualities associated with each color are noted below. Let’s delve into the fabulous world of gemstones.

Color: Violet – exotic, dreamy, calming, majestic, regal, passionate

Amethyst Geode

Amethyst Geode

Gemstones grow as crystals in a variety of colors. Amethyst is typically found in shades of purple, but as shown above, it also comes in green, which is known as mint quartz.

Amethyst Nuggets

Amethyst Nuggets

Polished gemstone nuggets serve as decorative home accents and touchstones or may be displayed in jewelry designs by drilling or wiring.

Faceted Oval Cut Amethyst

Amethyst Faceted Gem

Gemstones are graded according to several qualities including clarity, hardness (scratch resistance based upon Mohs scale), color, carats (weight), and luster (light reflection).

Purpurite

Purpurite Necklace

Colors for this opaque gemstone typically range from reddish purples to deep violets. Both ends of that spectrum can be seen in the photo above.

Sugilite

Sugilite Bracelet

Although this gemstone is usually seen in soft shades of lilac, it can also be bluish purple or deep violet.

Color: Indigo – mysterious, ethereal, enchanting, intriguing

Tanzanite

Tanzanite Pendant

Depending upon the viewing angle, tanzanite, which is rarer than diamonds, changes color from exotic violets to indigo blues.

Iolite

Iolite Faceted Stones

Iolite is the perfect marriage of violet and blue. With reflective properties like tanzanite, changes in natural or artificial light transform the color through the full range of blues to violets and back again.

Color: Blue – refreshing, tranquil, playful, inspiring

Lapis Lazuli – Rough Stones

Lapis Lazuli Rough Stone Necklace

Vibrant blue stones flecked with gold differentiate lapis lazuli from another blue gem called sodalite.

Lapis Lazuli – Polished Stones & King Tut’s Funerary Mask

Lapis Lazuli & King Tut Mask

Historically, lapis lazuli has been a favorite gemstone of royalty. The most famous example is the funerary mask of King Tut, which includes inlaid lapis lazuli, turquoise, and obsidian.

Blue Sapphires

Blue Sapphire Bracelet

Although blue is the most recognized color, it also comes in several rare varieties including green, yellow, pink, and star sapphire.

Sodalite

Sodalite & Clear Quartz Earrings

Sodalite is a blue stone with white and sometimes black inclusions, which are materials trapped within growing crystals. You’ll see a famous inclusion photo in the next post.

Blue Topaz

Blue Topaz Earrings

Light blue topaz gemstones are called Sky Blue, medium blue is referred to as Swiss Blue, and dark blue is known as London Blue.

Turquoise

Turquoise Jewelry

Green and blue turquoise typically have black or brown veins called matrix. The most coveted turquoise is Robin’s Egg blue, which has only been found in one location, the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona.

Color: Blue Green – successful, creative, luxurious, exotic

Paraiba Tourmaline

Paraiba Tourmaline Earrings & Pendant

This beautiful blue green gemstone is among the rarest in the world and is highly sought by jewelry designers and gemstone aficionados.

Color: Green – abundant, grounding, renewing, prosperous, fortunate

Malachite

Malachite Necklace

Bold green swirls and striations are hallmarks of this popular gemstone.

Emeralds

Emeralds & Diamond Pendant

Emeralds have been treasured throughout history, but surprisingly they tend to be easily damaged due to the presence of inclusions, which weaken the stones.

Nephrite Jade

Carved Green Jade

This is another ancient gemstone in beautiful shades of green, which can be carved for jewelry as well as decorative figurines.

Peridot

Peridot Chip Bracelet

Peridot, the birthstone for August, is also known as Olivine. Inclusions and fractures often found in these stones make peridot more susceptible to damage.

Aventurine

Aventurine Bracelet

The inherent shimmering quality of aventurine makes it stand apart from all other gemstones.

This completes our exploration of the gemstone cool color palette. I hope you have seen some old friends and met a few new ones. Do you have any favorites? Please let me know in the comments section, and please stay tuned for part two next week.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Hidden Messages – How Businesses Use Color

Color Wheel

Believe it or not, color influences our behavior, actions and expectations. Businesses use this knowledge to gain customers, build trust and brand recognition, and increase their profitability. Sometimes it is quite obvious, and others are more subliminal. There’s a delicate balance in creating a memorable impression to play upon our emotions or inspire particular thoughts and actions. Let’s look at some examples of how color is being used on a daily basis.

Mystery Businesses
But first, let’s play a game! Can you name each of the companies associated with the four photos above? Your subconscious mind has been trained to recognize brands. Many are instantly known by a particular color combination. Did you guess them all correctly? Read on to find the answers.

Day Spa
Day spas offer renewal and relaxation by reconnecting with Nature through pampering treatments set in rooms with earth tones, blues, greens and purples to soothe away the stresses of everyday life. The sweet floral scent of lavender is known to promote restful sleep and has an instant calming affect simply by smelling the fragrance.

Laboratory
The laboratory interiors are typically white to give the impression of cleanliness and purity even though we know there are millions of microscopic germs. Antibacterial wipe, anyone?

Bank Vault
There was a time when banks were red brick buildings, symbolic of strength, wealth, and confidence to weather any storm. Today bank’s branding colors include red (a power color and a nod to bricks of past), and green (the color of money and abundance.) Regardless of the colors your bank uses, the message is the same: “Your money is safe with us.”

Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. is easily recognizable by its robin’s egg blue packaging, store displays, and interior accents. Many people refer to this color as “Tiffany Blue.” Because it is rather rare in nature, the color suggests bold but delicate designs in timeless jewelry to be treasured for a lifetime.

Leopard at Sunset
The jewelry designer, Cartier, often uses leopard print and their signature red packaging in their advertising, but as you can see from the photo, Mother Nature is the originator of this color, pattern and texture combo. It’s wild, exotic, and luxurious.

Na Hoku
Na Hoku, a Hawaiian jeweler, entices shoppers with a deep blue storefront dotted with shiny silver sparkles, and pairs of lit torches on either side of the entrance, which calls to mind warm tropical evenings under a star-filled sky. Inside, palm tree murals further that beachy vibe, while jewelry designs celebrate the beauty of this paradise found.

Tommy Bahama
Another name synonymous with the tropics is Tommy Bahama. Their merchandise and stores exude island charm with natural wood plantation shutters, vibrant floral decor, and exotic prints on everything from clothing to umbrellas and beach chairs. Sometimes the stores feature musicians playing guitars or steel drums to foster a playful, party atmosphere inviting everyone to come on in, stay a while, and take a piece if the tropics home with you today.


You would think that limiting yourself to a palette of pastel colors would restrict your options for creating new products and drawing new customers. Lilly Pulitzer has successfully accomplished this and is one of the most easily recognized brands in the world.

LOccitane1
The French company, L’Occitane, stands out among a sea of retailers because of its signature golden yellow color on its products, storefront and interior. Competition is fierce so it pays to draw attention with a bold presence. Back it up with fine quality and service, and you will have customers for life.

Coffee Shop
The warm, rich, layered flavors of coffee are echoed in the earth tones, wood grain and brick textures in this popular coffee shop. This down to earth atmosphere invites you to kick back and stay a while, as you enjoy a few cups of your favorite beverage and maybe a scrumptious, fresh-baked muffin too.

Grocery Store Fresh Produce
The green walls and brown display case suggest nature. The signage reassures shoppers it’s fresh and organic. The light purple labels and packaging are appealing against the reds, oranges and greens found in fresh produce. The better it looks, the more you’ll want to buy.

Refrigerated Foods
Food packaging depicts professionally prepared and photographed dishes to tempt you. The actual product may look nothing like it, but manufacturers pay consultants hefty fees to select the perfect colors for their products as well as the packaging. Supermarkets invest fortunes in colorful displays to entice shoppers to buy more.

Time Square
Time Square – Billboards, storefronts, and signage all vie for your attention in a very competitive world. Where will you spend your shopping dollars – probably at the shops with the most inventive storefronts and/or branding? Those advertising campaigns stick with you, and your brain is all too happy to supply you with purchasing options.

French Cafe
You’re seated at a table in a fine restaurant sipping wine in an elegantly appointed room with red walls. Why? Studies show the color red stimulates the appetite, which results in consuming more food and drinks and more profits for the restaurant. Restaurant ambiance is created by combining many elements – light level, color scheme, lamp type, china color and pattern, linens, upholstery, etc. Nothing is by accident – it’s tailored to make you spend more.

Fast Food McDonalds
McDonalds enlists the help of the color red to encourage eating more, but it’s combined with yellow so don’t get too comfy. Hard seats and dense table arrangements ensure guests will make this a short stay. The subliminal message: Eat fast and go!

Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory – What will you do to pass the time while you wait for a table? You’re hungry. You could take a look at the menu, but most customers peruse the Takeout Desserts counter, which is filled with the most tempting cheesecakes and sweets. The rich chocolate browns and caramel colors, in the interior as well as the foods, entice your taste buds. You’re not walking out of here without buying dessert.

Eddie Bauer
What could be more outdoors than forest green accents, river rocks, and lots of natural wood trim? Eddie Bauer immerses customers in the great outdoors long before their adventures begin.

Take a look at your office, the local supermarket, and the stores you frequent. What kind of atmosphere are the colors and textures creating? How do they make you feel? If you could make one change, what would it be? Hopefully this has given you some food for thought. If you have any ideas to share, please note them in the comments section. Until next time…

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Daily Dose of Color

Colorful Butterfly
Color plays an integral role in our daily lives. It affects our moods, decisions and actions. Let’s take a look at our activities on a typical day to observe how influential color can be.

Sunrise
Most of us rise with the sun and sleep at night. Our internal clocks are preprogrammed for this routine. During the gray days of winter, it’s tough to get motivated. We need that burst of sunshine to jumpstart our morning activities. The longer days of summer encourage more outdoors events, bringing us closer to nature, which energizes our minds and bodies. Vacations are most popular in summertime.

Peach Bedroom
In our homes, the walls, floors, and furnishings vary in color from room to room, often based upon our activities. For example, sunrooms are usually a cheerful yellow, while bedrooms and bathrooms promote relaxation in soothing tones. Choice varies by individual preferences, and emotional responses to those colors, which are affected by memories, experiences, upbringing, culture, etc.  (Photo courtesy AMS Interiors, LLC.)

Fabrics
What about your wardrobe? What colors do you see when you look in your bedroom closet? Do you prefer the warm tones of red, orange and yellow, or do you lean more towards the cooler greens, blues, and purples? Perhaps more neutral colors, such as white, tan, brown, and black are to your liking?  Whatever the colors, you feel good when you wear your favorites and it shows.

Breakfast
You start the day with breakfast, and a great view if you can get it. Fresh fruit brings a natural burst of color and sweetness to an otherwise ordinary bowl of cereal. Maybe you prefer bread or a bagel. It has to be toasted to that perfect shade of light tan or golden brown – nothing else will do.

Kid's Breakfast Cereal
If you’re a kid, you hope breakfast will look something like the photo above. Kid’s cereals are great examples of how color attracts attention, even from the younger members of the family. Hiding a toy inside the box doesn’t hurt, and if it’s part of a collectible set, boxes will practically fly off the shelves.

Traffic Lights
On the way to work, or running errands, drivers are directed to go on green and stop on red. Yellow seems to be a bit confusing. For some it means proceed with caution, but others believe it’s time to stomp on the gas pedal – some more successfully than others.

Police Lights
Depending upon your driving habits, you might see flashing lights like these in your rear view mirror.  As you pull over to the curb, you breathe a sigh of relief when the police car flies past you.  Whew!  That was close!

Gas Pumps
Gas stations have installed color-coded gas pumps to ensure motorists select the correct type of gasoline for their vehicles.

Grocery Store
A quick stop at the grocery store offers a multitude of selections. With so many products competing for your attention, how will you ever decide?

Fresh Produce
When selecting produce, color is the first determining factor for freshness.

Salad
What’s for lunch? Maybe today you’ll have a salad. Notice the amazing combination of colors, shapes and textures. Remember we eat with our eyes first. Looks delicious!

Parking Garage
How about a trip to the local mall? Finding your car in a crowded lot can be a nightmare. Color-coding in the multi-level parking garages saves us a lot of time and frustration. We might not notice what floor we parked on, but the color is easily remembered.

Ski & Outdoor Gear Shop
Inside the shopping mall, retailers vie for your attention and dollars with colorful displays and eye-catching signage.

Coffee
A much needed jolt of caffeine to boost your energy through the afternoon. The brown cup and saucer, and use of aged wood countertops reinforces the natural connection of coffee beans growing in the forest, and builds anticipation for the rich creamy flavors of this hot delicious coffee.

Cheese Burger
The arrival of summer means it’s time to fire up the barbeque grill. Crisp lettuce, and juicy slices of tomato with two kinds of melted cheese on a soft bun make this hamburger a mouthwatering sight to behold.

Sunset
Watching the sunset or sunrise is a worldwide activity. We may not speak the same language, but we share an appreciation of natural beauty. People go to great lengths, traveling vast distances to reach the best vantage points, often atop mountain peaks, where visitors have to stand in freezing cold temperatures, to watch the sun rise or set at the horizon in royal splendor. All those fiery reds, oranges, and yellows in the mornings and magnificent blues and purples at night flash across the sky in a dazzling performance remembered for a lifetime.

Family Room
In the evening, most people unwind in a comfortable family room or great room, surrounded by colorful family mementos, sharing stories of the day and joking about the silly plots of whatever is on television. Earth tone walls, flooring, furniture and furnishings promote relaxation.

Pajamas
It’s time to get ready for bed. You wrap yourself in your favorite pajamas, or sweat pants and a t-shirt – you know the one from your first concert, 10 to 20 years ago. With that wild logo on the front and tour dates on the back, that t-shirt has outlasted the band that inspired it. The color may have faded, and it may be a little ragged around the edges, but it still has years of wear and lots of fond memories attached to it, and no matter what anyone says, you’re not going to part with it! Sweet Dreams!

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Gemstone Healing Traditions

Gemstones
Gemstones have been admired throughout history. They have been worn for their beauty, carried for protection, and ground into powder for use as pigments in makeup, dyes, and paints. Gemstones have been used for healing since ancient times. Below is a list of gemstones and their associated healing properties, followed by a list of Birthstones, Zodiac signs, and the Feng Shui Bagua with corresponding gemstones.

Gemstone Healing Properties
Agate – strong healing, good fortune, balances body mind & spirit, calming, nature

Amazonite
Amazonite – calming, improves sleep, intuition, creativity

Amber
Amber – success, decision-making, achievement

Amethyst – calming, protection, restful sleep, self-confidence, intuition, meditation
Apatite – intuition, meditation, energy
Aquamarine – balances body mind & spirit, nature, water, calming, purifies body

Aventurine
Aventurine – balance, optimism, relaxation, purifies mind, nature

Azurite & Malachite – stress relief, intuition, creativity, heaven & earth, energy
Bloodstone – healing, energizes, purifies, strengthens heart
Calcite – mind, body, & spirit, nature, energy, harmony, healing

Carnelian
Carnelian – creativity, energy, protection

Chrysocolla – balance, stress reduction, intuition, calming, heaven & earth

Citrine
Citrine – abundance, confidence, hope, energy

Diamond – abundance, clarity, fidelity, deflects negativity
Emerald – dreams, healing, balance, protection traveling, prosperity

Fluorite
Fluorite – healing, concentration, grounding

Garnet – passion, remove negativity, hope, purifies
Jade – prosperity, dreams, healing

Picture Jasper
Jasper – balance, healing, attaining goals, nature, nurturing, relieves stress

Kyanite – optimism, healing, creativity, loyalty

Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli – intuition, balance, inspiration, protection, creativity

Malachite – healing, abundance, relationships, dreams, reduces stress
Moonstone – fortune, protection for traveling, compassion, female power

Mother of Pearl
Mother of Pearl – female power, nurturing, motherhood

Nephrite – creativity, protection, attain goals, dreams
Onyx – intuition, dreams, protection, achievement, endurance
Opal – balance, harmony, spirituality

Pearls
Pearl – female power, truth, heaven
Peridot – prosperity, harmony, relationships, intuition

Clear Quartz
Quartz – spirituality, harmony, creativity, prosperity

Ruby – love, self-awareness, renewal, spirituality
Sapphire – clarity, intuition, protection, soul mate love, fidelity, meditation

Snowflake Obsidian
Snowflake Obsidian – balance, concentration, repels negativity

Sodalite – delegation, intuition, creativity, calming, protection
Sugilite – calming, healing, reduces stress, spirituality

Tigerseye
Tiger’s Eye – confidence, healing, concentration, grounding

Topaz – creativity, self-expression, spirituality, renewal
Tourmaline – healing, spirituality, energy, renewal, protection

Turquoise
Turquoise – protection for traveling, strengthens, verbal communication

Unakite – feminine, abundance, harmony

Birthstones
Birthstones

Signs of the Zodiac
Zodiac

Feng Shui Bagua with Gemstones
Bagua

Mother Nature has produced a remarkable collection of gemstones. Cultures around the world have created and shared their gemstones traditions throughout the ages, and will continue to do so in the future. Each stone has a unique story. When choosing a gemstone, hold it in your hand and ask yourself: How does this gemstone make me feel? If your answer is “empowered,” “inspired,” and “amazing” – you have found the perfect match. Wear it in good health!

Happy Crafting!

World of Color: Meanings, Perceptions & Expectations – Part 3

Mother Nature has an interesting way of mixing colors, which inspire our fashions, home furnishings, and interior design.  Check out the wolf photo above.  His fur is a perfect blend of black, brown, gray, and white.  We typically contrast neutrals with more vibrant colors, but as you can see, they can stand on their own.  Let’s explore the hidden meanings, common perceptions and our expectations of the neutral color palette. 

Color: BLACK

Mystery & Superstition – What is it about black cats that inspires other-worldly tales of witches, monsters and things that go bump in the night?  Everyone loves mystery and suspense, always wondering what is behind the curtain.  Black piques the interest and keeps them guessing. 

Fear of the Unknown & Protection – Ghost stories shared around campfires are a common summertime activity.  The human mind can imagine all sorts of things hidden within the shadows.  On the other hand, darkness offers protection, a type of shield, which is why black onyx was often carried by ancient travelers to ensure safe passage. 

Formal & Luxurious – Even if it is only for one special night, black tuxedos and evening gowns are luxuries, making the wearer look and feel like fashion royalty.

Exotic & Sexy – The “little black dress,” a staple in most women’s wardrobes, is the perfect example of this color’s attention getting, seductive nature. 

Color: BROWN

Comforting & Casual – The color brown invites you to come in, sit by the fire, and sip hot cocoa, while roasting marshmallows and enjoying the cozy atmosphere. 

Natural Beauty & Tranquility– The beauty and serenity found in nature fills us with feelings of awe and joy, inspiring new ideas and a fresh outlook. 

Relaxing & Soothing – You work hard and often play hard too.  Forget the world for a while.  Relax, unwind, and restore your body, mind and spirit.

Down-to-Earth & Self-Confident – Be true to yourself, grounded, levelheaded, and practical. 

Color: GRAY

Balance & Sophistication – Cool grays create sleek sophisticated style. 

Uncertainty & Ethereal – The warm grays, such as these trees, are earthy and grounding, while the cool gray fog produces a more ethereal quality. 

Wisdom & Maturity – They say an elephant never forgets.  Imagine the stories she could tell!

Timeless & Calming – Walking along the beach, we collect seashells formed eons ago, as we let the water wash our cares away. 

Color: WHITE

Simplicity & New Beginnings – Life doesn’t have to be complicated.  Feel footloose and carefree as the dawn brings new opportunities. 

Peace & Clarity – White doves are symbols of peace and the spirit world. 

Purity & Remembrance – White roses adorn bridal bouquets.  For some cultures, white flowers are memorials for deceased family members. 

Cool & Crisp – White clothing is commonly worn during the summertime because it not only looks cooler, but also reflects the heat of the sun, making you feel cooler too. 

The Great Film Debate:

Black & White Film versus Full Color Film

Black and white film was the standard.  The invention of color film was a real game changer.  Everything came to life in “living” color, resulting in an interesting question: Should the old black and white films be colorized?  The purists say no because black and white are an integral part of the story.  Adventurous movie lovers say give us vibrant colors and don’t forget the “CGI” special effects!  Do you have a preference?  Please write your thoughts in the comments section. 

In case you missed the two previous World of Color posts, Part One covers the warm color palette: red, orange, and yellow, and Part Two discusses the cool color palette: green, blue, and violet.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Celebrating 100th Post

100th Post
Today marks a very important milestone – my 100th post! It has been a wonderful experience, and I thank all my readers and followers for taking this journey with me. Below are photos and links to each category of arts and crafts covered to date. Please take a few minutes to peruse your favorites.

Baking & Candy Making
Baking & Candy Making

Beaded Jewelry & Gemstones
Beaded Jewelry & Gemstones

Color Theory
Color Theory

Floral & Home Decor
Floral & Home Decor

“How To” Projects
How-to Projects

Inspiration
Inspiration

Miscellaneous Crafts
Miscellaneous Crafts

Painting – Decorative Techniques
Decorative Painting

Seasons & Holidays
Seasons & Holidays

Wood Crafts
Wood Crafts

Please let me know, in the comments section, if you have any suggestions for future arts and crafts topics. I am looking forward to the next 100 posts. This achievement would not be possible without all of you! Thank you!!

Thanks for reading & Happy Crafting!

Countdown – Top Six Posts of 2019

Clock
Where does the time go? There’s always another post to be written, another project to develop, and another inspiration to explore. I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the 2019 Top Six posts, in ascending order, based upon Likes. Without further ado, here are your favorites:

Number 6: Daily Dose of Color
Beautiful Sunset
Color plays an integral role in our daily lives. It affects our moods, decisions and actions. Let’s take a look at our activities on a typical day to observe how influential color can be. To read more, please click here.

Number 5: Walk on the Wild Side
Stegosaurus
We love dinosaurs. Want proof? Look at all the books, movies, television shows, and merchandise. At some point, every kid draws and colors his or her favorite dinosaur. Here’s your chance to feel like a kid again. Grab some paints and brushes and let’s go! To read more, please click here.

Number 4: The Beauty of Yarn Crafts
Yarn Crafts
Yarn has come a long way over the years, from single color wool skeins to multicolored, textured fibers, made from manmade and natural sources, suitable for clothing, home décor and accessories. Let’s look at a few of the types of crafts made with yarn. To read more, please click here.

Number 3: Baking for the Holidays
Holiday Baking
Santa Claus isn’t the only one hoping for some holiday goodies. We all love dessert. If you get a head start on your baking, you’ll have plenty to share with your family and friends throughout the long holiday season. Baked goods make great gifts too. To read more, please click here.

Number 2: Birds of a Feather
Flamingo
For some reason, I often find myself drawn to the wood crafts aisle at my local hobby store. Maybe it’s the quick reward for very little effort at an inexpensive cost. Who doesn’t enjoy a little instant gratification? There’s always something new to discover. Learn how to make this adorable flamingo. He may not take flight, but the bright colors and cheerful expression are sure to make you smile. To read more, please click here.

Number 1: Creative Stress Relief
Computer Stress
With such fast-paced lives, we all need a break from our daily stresses. These demands have physical, mental, emotional and spiritual effects. The best solution is a vacation, but that may not be possible. Instead, indulge in a hobby or two to take your mind and body to a happy place. Every day you do things for everyone else. It’s time to put yourself first! You’ll be so glad you did, and you’ll have a lot of fun while doing it. To read more, please click here.

Word Press Blogging
Upcoming posts will include new projects and crafting inspirations. I’ll be sure to include additional articles based upon the above interests, as voted by you, the readers. Your opinions are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to so much more this year. If you have any suggestions for future posts, please let me know? Thanks for reading!

All the best in 2020 and Happy Crafting!