September Stars - all about Malachite!

Malachite is one of the most recognisable gemstones, with its gorgeous colour, bands and swirls in light to deep green.

I love it, so, as an avid member of the September Stars listing club, I thought I would ask other Stars to share with us their Malachite stunners....




This hand specimen of Malachite can be found at NOfkants Curios (please click on the pic for a link to her shop) Malachite is a secondary copper ore, meaning that it is often mined for its metal content. In the UK, Copper was mined from the mineral rich rocks of Cornwall, as well as other locations. The gem can form in massive formations, with characteristic grape like or botroidal crystal growths. Its high copper content accounts for its relatively heavy weight.

However, not all Malachite is doomed to be crushed for its copper content. Some is saved to make stunning gemstone beads, carvings and ornaments! Yippie!

Malachite was loved by the ancients, imbibed with powers and beliefs. In ancient Rome it was called 'peacock Stone' and dedicated to the Goddess Juno. She protected you from lightening strikes! Some Italians wear it today to ward off the evil eye.

In ancient Greece, the gem was dedicated to the Goddess Venus, goddess of love and all things natural. I am sure she would have loved these necklaces...



This stunning design is by Liz Dyson, http://www.folksy.com/shops/lizdyson. It is still to be listed in her shop, but would make the perfect Christmas present for that special someone. Please click on the link to be directed to her fab shop.




This is one of my creations. It features Vintage Victorian Malachite beads, that were cut by hand over 100 years ago! It is a statement necklace and has a magnetic clasp in sterling silver. Please click on the photo to be taken to my shop.




This pendant also features those lovely vintage Malachite gem beads - please click on the photo to be taken to my shop.

If necklaces are not for you, how about some stunning earrings? In ancient Egypt, Malachite was attributed to their hippo goddess Toeris, who wore a necklace of many beads, including Malachite. Legend states that Malachite would break if their was impending danger, so it became the gemstone associated with the protection of travellers.




These stunning earrings feature beautiful Malachite beads and hand forged Sterling Silver drops - the handiwork of Gemma aka Damselflygemma. She has so many gorgeous items in her shop - please click on the pic to be taken to her shop and have a browse.




These pretty earrings are by Natalie of NOfkantsCurios. Perfect for those of you who like the more petite look to your jewellery. She has some absolutely unique and stunning items in her shop, so please click on the photo to have a look.

Modern day crystal healers believe Malachite gives the wearer protection, power, peace, hope love and success in business. This synthesised Malachite gem keyring/handbag charm my just be what you need if you are looking for any of these attributes to be bestowed upon you. (I need ALL of them!)




By Natalie Ofkants (NOfkants Curios) it may make the perfect gift for the lady or gent in you life.

Well, other than bamboozling you with more geological talk and waffle (I could go on for hours) I would love to leave my blog here and let you enjoy the shops I have featured.

Thanks to all those who contributed their beautiful designs to this blog - you are the best,

Jacqueline x

London Honeymoon Weekend!

At last I have finally managed to write my blog about our London Weekend Honeymoon!

We had a wonderful time. Although we had grey skys, nothing could dampen our spirits as we enjoyed the first quality time alone together in 7 years!!!!

We got to London on the train, and found our gorgeous hotel on Russel Square. It was just like somthing out of a film! We spent the weekend enjoying the British Museum, The V&A Museum and Harrods. Most of all, we enjoyed our flight on the London Eye and Sister Act, at the Paladium!

Here I am, actaully on the London Eye (Palace of Westminster and Big Ben in the background) sporting my gorgeous swap item - a super bag from See the Woods! Thanks so much Leanne!



Champagne all round at the hotel, after a wonderful meal in a nearby restaurant...



Classic Londan view....



We generally spent the weekend soaking up culture, eating and enjoying life to the full. The memories will last a lifetime. It was fantastic!

With all those romantical memories, I thought about how lovely hand crafted items from the 'September Stars' might just keep the theme going, so here is a selection of my favourites...



One of mine to start with - African Green Jade Pendant on a woven cord. I know, not very romantic, but would have looked great with some of the outfits I took with me!





Yep, one of mine again, Geode Druzy Agate Earrings. These would have looked fantastic worn to the theatre to see Sister Act (which was absolutely fantastic!) I will have to make myself a pair - just incase the OH decides to take me to London again! I will probably have to wait another 7 years though!




What a perfect way to keep all my lovely photos, with a gorgeous personalised album by Dottie Designs. Her shop is full of the most gorgeous handcrafted albums and keepsakes. Please take a look by clicking on the photo.




I love this hand carved stamp from Skull and Cross Buns - it summs up our trip. Patriotic London and Love ahhh. There are loads of fantastic, unique stamps and other goodies in her shop, please click on the pic for a link to her shop.



This is so lovely! From the wonderful Leanne Woods Designs. She made the bag I have with me in the first photo too. I love her work. Top quality and beautiful fabrics. She has stunning bags, purses, brooches and so much more in her shop. Please take a moment to have a look. Just click on the photo for a link back to her shop.




This would be the perfect romantic momento of our trip. Beautiful Silver clay heart, created by Wellydog Designs. She has stunning, unique jewellery in her shop. All beautifully presented in cream gift boxes - please click on the photo to be taken to her shop.




This Stunning Shabby Chic Heart Suncatcher would give me an everlasting reminder of our special time away. Made by the very tallented Diomo Glass. Her shop is absolutely filled with beautiful glass creations. Everything from coasters to mobiles. I love all her designs and I am sure you will too. Please just click on the photo to get to her shop.




Last but not least, a lovely double heart Amazonite keyring from NOfkantsCurios - a prfect daily reminder of our honeymoon weekend! Natalie has the most wonderful collection of hand knitted bags, fossils, gem stone keyrings and so much more. You are sure to find a gift for someone in her shop. Please take a look by clicking on the photo for a link to the shop.

Well, we had a wonderful time. I don't think we will do it again for many years to come - but it was worth the 7 year wait!

Jacqueline x

Now something for the men in our lives...

I do feel the gents can get a bit left out, so I thought I would have a look through all your lovely items and see if I could find great mens and unisex goodies that would make great gifts for the ones we love the most.




This is one of mine (blatant promotion!) A gorgeous Korite Matrix Opal Cabochon, set into a Sterling Silver cast ring mount in a signet ring style. Really unusual and would make a lvely gift for the man who likes jewellery that is a little different, but on classic lines.



This fantastic Heamalike and Red Tigers Eye Stretch Bracelet would look fabulous on anyone - great for the teenager you just don't know what to buy for. Find it in UniqueBeadedGems exciting shop - lots of wonderful creations there to tempt you!


I don't know of a gent that wouldn't like a more comfortable shave - maybe this would make the perfect gift for the man in your life. Using gorgeous natural ingredients, This will keep his skin baby soft. Pop by Soapure for more wonderful bathtime treats.




Winter is on its way and what chap who wants to look his best but keep warm, wouldn't like this scarf by Woolly Lakes? Knitted in a super soft and warm wool, acrylic and alpaca mix, you are sure to win some brownie points with this one - pop over to her shop for some more wonderful knits.



How about this for the F1 Fan in your life? NiftyKnits fantastic F1 Fan Meercat should bring a smile on his face. Have a look in her shop for more fantastic knitted meercats and other gorgeous creatures. Such fun!


How about this stunning Ammonite, crafted in Copper? GelertDesign has some absolutely wonderful pieces in his shop, including Celtic inspired plaques and tealight holders in a range of materials including copper, bronze and aluminium. A real treat for anyone.

I hope some of these wonderful Folksters items have inspired you. Please have a look in their shops as they have so many wonderful items that would great gift ideas for the man in your life.

Happy shopping!

Jacqueline x

In need of a little TLC?

I thought I would write my long awaited blog about those of us with family or friends who have mobility problems, dexterity issues or for those of us in need of just a bit of TLC (most of us then!)

I started a thread in the Forums to ask all of you out in Folksy Land to show me what they have in their shops and I have decided to feature all of you who responded....
Pampering hand cream by Briallen - the perfect gift for anyone not feeling on top of the world. Her shop boasts gorgeous hand made soaps, creams and bath soaks, all made with natural ingredients. Pure indulgence.

Stunning jewellery, all with healing properties by MysticsRealm. This necklace, featuring Jasper &Turquoise would be perfect for all of us who want to feel pampered with the added benefit of healing. Please see her shop for more beautiful jewellery.


Beautiful Lavender and Rose perfumed candle by Planteventsdirect. Handmade and hand perfumed with natural essential oils - the most lovely treat for your senses. Please visit her shop for more candles and craft supplies goodies. Who wouldn't want this beautiful throw over their knees on a cold winters day? The perfect snuggler. Visit Helenjanesdesigns shop for more wonderful textile crafts - will you be able to resist???
If you are feeling chilly, what could be more perfect than this super warm Autumnal shawl, in gnomead's shop, Woolly Lakes? Great for days in or sitting out in the autumn. Lots more wonderful makes in her shop - please take a look.

How could this card fail to cheer up anyone? Wonderfully hand painted cards, vases and glass ornaments can be found at Clare's Creations shop. Stock up now for Christmas! Her ornaments are divine!

What fun! You couldn't feel low with one of these pendants to keep you company. Pop over to Angel Beads to see if she still has any of these lovely Giraffes in stock - I think you may have to be quick!


This wonderful Key Fob was handmade by Dave of Daven. It was made with arthritic hands in mind, but due to its larger size, it would be a great gift for the visually impaired too. Take a look at his shop for more fantastic wooden gifts.

This is one of my bracelet designs (blatant Promotion here!) It features Black Onyx, Sponge Coral and Carnelian gems, strung onto elastic, to make a comfortable bracelet that is easy for most people to take on and off. Great for those of us who have visual problems or dexterity issues too.

This Blue Coral Sterling Silver Necklace (another one of my designs - promote, promote, promote!) has a strong magnetic clasp closure. Perfect for those of us who struggle with fiddly clasps or who may be in a rush in the morning. Great too for those of us who just can not wear jewellery any more because we can not put it on for ourselves.

I do a lot of commission work, converting existing jewellery pieces for customers with dexterity or visual problems. If you would like to discuss any work to be carried out, do please PM me.

Last but not least, I would like to feature this lovely necklace by Maxine Veronica - unfortunately, I couldn't get the picture into the blog! Its long BoHo style and 38 inch length makes it the perfect gift for instant glamour - just slip it over your head and you are ready to go!

Here is the link http://www.folksy.com/items/531977-Long-BoHo-Chic-Shell-Necklace?shop=yes

Thank you to all of you who contributed to this blog - I just hope all the links work!

Jacqueline x

A Day on the Farm

We had a lovely afternoon at the farm park, feeding goats, being harrassed by peacocks, sliding down large and scary helter-skelters and eating too much ice cream! The sun shone and most importantly, I had a day off work!!

Spending quality time with my boys and lovely husband was wonderful. I felt I just had to let you know how lovely the simple pleasures in life can be! My boys love feeding the 'licky goats' who gently lick the grain (well a mix of grain that looks a bit like alpen but I wouldn't be tempted to add the milk)

All of todays experiences have drawn me to write a late blog about farms and to feature some of your gorgeous creations.

(Sorry the links don't work well/at all - I kept getting the 500 internal server error thing comming up whilst writing this!)





My first listing is from my own shop, www.jaustenjewellerydesign.folksy.com
Nothing to do with farms, but I love the Labradorite gemstone featured in this necklace!



My second is this Pig Pendant by Kettle of Fish - stunning and unusual items in her shop - just gorgeous.



My Third is by Konnie Kapow - well drawn by her husband - a very tallented sketch artist by the looks of these fantastic sheep pen and ink note cards. Do take the time to have a look in her shop - it is great!




My fourth choice are these gorgeous hen earrings by Fairly Girly - her shop is full of wonderful jewellery - something for everyone.





Last but not least is this ultra cute brooch by Lynwood Crafts. Her shop boasts a gorgeous display of felted, knitted and embroidered items, including jewellery, purses, stoles and much more. Her work is stunning, so please take a look.

I hope you will take the time to have a look at the work of these very talented folk - sorry about the lack of links here. They all have stunning, individual items, perfect as gifts to very special people or as treats to yourself!

Jacqueline x

Fancy a Cuppa???

Good morning every one! I thought I would try the impossible and create a blog two days in a row! The thought was so exhausting that I thought I should have a cuppa to calm my nerves - the idea for the blog was born!

I didn't know if anyone would have any items that featured the wonderful brew, but I should have known you creative Folksters would have had the idea before me!

Unfortunately, I don't have anything tea related in my shop, but I thought this might look nice on your hand as you are stirring in the milk and sugar. A ruby ring is always the proper thing to wear whilst having a cuppa. ( I got permission to add one of my items to the blog from several Folksters yesterday, so I don't feel as guilty today about doing it!)

This super duper tea cosy is by Felted With Love. The shop has some great, fun tea cosys and bags. Perfect to protect your precious brew. Please click on the photo for a link to the item in the shop.

This fab print is by Nikki Made. Take a look at her shop for lots of tea related items - obviously another Folkter who truly appreciates the importance of a good cuppa. Please click on the photo for a link to the item in her shop.

Last but not least is this gorgeous card, created by Little Bird Too. The perfect card for all tea lovers. The shop is filled with beautiful cards, many featuring little cartoon birds! Brillient!

Please click on the photo for a link to the item in the shop.

I hope you like the blog - only thing left to do now is to put the kettle on!

Any one fancy a cup?

Jacqueline x

Turquoise Tastic!

On such a beautiful summers day, looking up at the sky, I thought how lovely and turquoise it was... inspiration for my long awaited blog!

This is one of my items in my shop - a little self indulgent I know, but I thought I would show you anyway!

This stunning faceted blue pendant is by Owl on the Sill - handmade Jewellery. Please click on the picture to link to this lovely shop. Full of gorgeous creations. So tempting!

This superb Turquoise Donut is by Snow Queen Trinkets - please click on the picture to find a link to the shop. The shop has wonderful cufflinks in amazing colours, cards, jewellery and more.

This beautiful, simply bezel set Turquoise ring is handmade by Scape - please click on the picture to find a link to her shop. Scape has stunning simple jewellery designs, handmade in her workshop which show off the gems perfectly.

I hope youwill all agree that these items are simply gorgeous.

Jacqueline x