Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Amethyst and Addiction


Amethyst is my birthstone and I have always thought of it as a love talisman, but I recently discovered a completely different myth associated with the beautiful purple stone.

Apparently, amethyst  is connected to the deities Bacchus and Dionysus (gods of wine and libation). It is believed to help overcome alcoholism and other addictions. 


The name of amethyst comes from the Greek word “amethostos” meaning “not drunken”. According to Greek myth a nymph named Amethyst rejected the wine god Dionysus. To protect her, the goddess Artemis turned her into a quartz. Feeling remorse, Dionysus pourend a cup of wine on the quartz turning it into purple amethyst.


The Romans have a different myth. The wine-growing god Bacchus became angry with people who were disrespectful and vowed that the first person he saw would be killed. The nymph Amethyst came across him first, on her way to the goddess Diana’s temple. Diana rescued her by turning her into a quartz crystal. Feeling bad, Bacchus started to pour wine over her, claiming that ‘wine revives anything.’ But, he was wrong and the stone only turned purple. Thus, the belief that amethyst preserves the wearer from hard drinking.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Japanese Chirimen Fabric


I have recently fallen in love with Japanese chirimen fabrics and have created several bracelets using different patterns.

Japanese chirimen cloth is known for kimonos, but is now used in all sorts of clothing and crafts. It is a crepe cloth that is  made of silk or rayon and is created in beautiful, colorful  nature-inspired patterns.


Chirimen is a traditional weaving technique that was developed in the late sixteenth century in Japan. The cloth or silk fabric that is made from this technique is also called "chirimen." The cloth has the unique feature of soft wrinkles which are created by alternating two types of silk thread, twisted in different directions and then washed  and rubbed in hot water.

See more of my chirimen designs HERE.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

The Road to the MTV Movie Awards


In June, our bracelets will be included in the GBK Productions Luxury Gift Lounge for the MTV Movie Awards!

Now, by the beginning of May, I have to find the time to create 100 extra bracelets. The good news is that the design has been decided upon, what do you think?


 This silk wrap bracelet features a double-sided charm. One side says ‘believe’ and the other side says ’inspire.’ Hanging with the round charm will be three Swarovski crystals, in amethyst, purple, and dark blue…..That’s 300 crystals! Each ribbon is hand dyed in a gorgeous mix of purples, blues, and browns.

The supplies have all been ordered and now I have to work on the packaging.  I am thinking of using metal tins with a charmed design logo sticker on top. …Any great ideas out there, I’m open to suggestions?!

Check out this bracelet on my website HERE.

 
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