Crystalline

Crystal Clear Persuasion                                                                 Inez Dunn©2016                                

When you think of the sparkling beauty and shiny glow of crystals you might first think of the name Swarovski, the Austrian company known for its stunning crystal-cut glass beads. And although man made cut crystal is quite alluring, I'm thinking more about the crystal-like gems that are found deep within the Earth.

Recently, I came across historical data that states or even claims many organic minerals contain medicinal sources of energy that can directly affect the human body; the link suggests it is because of the trace elements that are contained within the stones. Like so many mysteries this planet gives, magnetic, electrical and even vibrational phenomenon occurs all around us, which I believe can support such claims. The following un-treated gemstones possess a "crystal-clear" brilliancy and to the untrained eye can almost resemble a diamond in appearance. Here are my three favorites: Danburite, Goshenite, and Phenakite. My selection considers how durable the stone is for the purposes of being placed into a jewelry setting, with that in mind the hardness of a stone is very important. A diamond is a 10 on the Mohs' scale of hardness. The Mohs' scale determines first how easily a gem can be scratched then how susceptible the gem will be when cut by a gemstone cutter.  Danburite is a 7 on the Mohs' scale and is reported to have a crystal healing intention that releases blocked energies. Danburite got its name from the town of Danbury, Connecticut for which it was reportedly first discovered. The gemstone Goshenite, is a 7.5-8 on the hardness scale, and it was named after the town Goshen, Massachusetts, its crystal vibration leans towards, authenticity and truth. The gemstone,"Phenakite" which is my favorite, takes its name from the Greek word meaning  "deceiver" due to its similarity to rock crystal. Its hardness is the same as Goshenite but, this stone is reported to emit the highest vibrational energy of any natural stone, and it looks just like a diamond when not under magnification. I could go on and on about the beauty of so many crystal-clear gems and their known properties but I've things to do, people!. I will add do check-out any local gem, rock or mineral show in your area, or even at your local museum, and take in a sparking glance of some of these natural wonders and do it soon after all; Clarity and Healing is something all of us can use.  Peace.

Flutter Away

 

Free to Fly                                                                      Inez Dunn ©2016


Butterflies are mysterious and fascinating creatures. They gracefully appear out of no where, silent and meditative and then disappear with as much ease as when they arrived. With spring nearly upon us images of butterflies are popping-up everywhere. From towel linens to purses, barrettes, and even jewelry pieces like the ones I created in the photo below. Instead of coming-up roses, spring is now trending with all things, four winged. Naturally, I became a bit curious and immediately sat down at my computer using the free movement of  the mouse as my pen and brush, and began to pursue my own interpretation of this magical insect. And then you could say, I caught the bug! (Pun intended). After I drew and playfully rendered my first butterfly drawing I was soon on to creating many more butterflies with various filters and elements. (As seen above).  In Alaska there are as many as 80 species of butterflies, and in a rare and recent discovery the golden Tanana Arctic butterfly was just added to Alaska's growing butterfly list. So maybe today's mantra could be in the musings of the famed Cassius Clay he said,"Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee", and although I'll never be a boxer...this artist will walk away happily from this months post, lighter and inspired almost like I'm floating, just like a butterfly!

ARTS Sea

Misty Mendo                                                                                                             Inez Dunn@2016

Eye's in the Sky                                                                                           Inez Dunn@2016

Beach As Art                                                                                                                Inez Dunn@2016



My love for the sea first began along California's north coast. The ocean's beauty and beaches affected my young heart; it was a time and place where I soon realized that nature was, indeed ART. As a child I eagerly adored every tide-pool. Sea glass and fragmented seashells beckoned me. The north coast is breath-taking; its globally recognized by its signature rocky headlands veiled in a ghostly fog. The ocean's neighbor is just as impressive; Majestic Redwood forests. These forests shoulder the Pacific ocean, they inhale the seas foamy air and invite us high into her mountains. In these forests Maidenhair ferns thrive knee deep haloed only by slivers of falling sunlight. Remnants of old tree stumps breathe once more with new saplings reaching upward through the canopy. The air is oxygen heavy and fragrant with verdant spices.
            
 In Alaska my desire and inspiration to create come from these long ago experiences and are fostered each and everyday by the raw and unspoiled landscape that surround me. It is the sea, the neighboring rivers, and the richness of our Spruce forests that feed my soul and inspire me to create.  Thank you faithful readers who support me, believe in my art and have allowed me to share my NATURE with you!

DYI Bracelet Project

       "Hey, Copper"                                                                                      Inez Dunn©2016

 It's January, and I'm wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! Let's start this month with  a fun and easy DYI bracelet project. I love working with metals and copper is one of my favorites because, it's affordable, and malleable. Copper can be painted, etched, torched, enameled and even hammered into a beautiful shine. Okay, Lets begin.

TOOLS:

Beads
Beading wire
Clasp
Crimps
Eyelets
Gloves (sturdy)
Hole punch tool
Jump rings
Pliers: Needle nose, wide nose
Rubber bands (thick and wide)
Sand paper
Soup can
Tin Snips
Wire: 16-gauge 

TECHNIQUE:

Use the tin snips to cut copper at approximately 3/4" inches wide by 2-1/2" inches in length.
Sand the edges of the copper till smooth.
Align the hole punch tool and make two holes at both ends of the copper tab.
Insert the eyelets into both holes and set them appropriately.
Place copper tab firmly over the soup can and conform (wearing your gloves). Wrap the rubber bands around the soup can to hold the copper tab in place and set aside for 24 hours.
Attach the jump rings or create a simple loop with wire then secure to one end of the bracelet.
Thread the beads onto beading wire and crimp to the jump ring at one end and to the clasp at the other end.

Copper has a warm glow and is complimentary to any skin type. This metal is claimed by some to have anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate arthritis which, makes this the ideal project and jewelry accessory to wear this cold January month. Enjoy!

Gifting

Bejeweled                                                                                                              Inez Dunn©2015

December is the season for gifts. Bells are ringing, lights are beaming, and those shiny red cans of sharing are everywhere. Children can't wait to open their gifts, and many adults spend countless hours shopping, buying and wrapping gifts with a shared solidarity that represents our celebration of the coming holidays. Gifts remember can and should come in all forms of the imagination, and sometimes the most unexpected gifts have a history all there own...I'm referring to material things, things we all have excess of or items, objects that we no longer use can become ideal gifts for Homeless Shelters, Women's Organizations, and even agencies that care and provide for our furry friends.  For instance maybe you have a winter coat that you haven't worn in years, or maybe you have too many winter scarves like me! Recently, close friends of mine experienced a burglary in their home. Not only is this kind of invasion a complete violation of privacy, it is an assault of trespass in the most sacred of space. Unsure of what these mindless thieves were after,  electronics were taken and jewelry, clothing? towels,? blankets? and food? (Broccoli from the refrigerator!) Come-on!
So when I heard about all the missing jewelry from this mother and daughter well, I did what any jeweler would do, I emptied out my messy and unorganized jewelry box and scooped-up dozens of my old earrings, necklaces and bracelets and I gladly gave them. What is different about this gift is that these old adornment pieces of mine all have a story. Like a bracelet I really loved at one time but over the years I seldom wore. Or a dangling pair of earrings I made for a special occasion and at the last minute decided they didn't look right on me. So, maybe this last post of 2015 isn't really about the giving of gifts, maybe I'm writing more from the heart on the subject of just giving. Giving because you want to and giving because you can. Maybe today you'll look into your own jewelry box, coat closet, or that top shelf in the garage over-flowing with usable hats and gloves. Maybe you'll wrap up something nicely and hand it to someone standing near a shiny metal can happily, willingly ringing a bell. Season's Greeting to all!!

Gorgeous Garnet

"Going Garnet"                                                                                                            Inez Dunn©2015

Garnet used to be exclusive to just January birthdays but not anymore. The stone is so lovely and the color is perfect to wear from fall into winter. Although most of us recognize Garnet for its deep burgundy color, the stone actually comes in several different colors, ranging from limy green, to a brightly  orange tinged hue. Pyrope has the reddish shade with a brownish tone. Rhodolite has a purple red,  almost rose-color. Almandite is red with violet shading, and Spessartite has a golden orange to red brownish shade. The above named gemstones are just some of the stones that belong to the Garnet group and are the most common and recognizable. These gorgeous gemstones are sourced from all over the word, and there are even places in Alaska where Garnets can be found. Lately, I've been researching the history and properties of gemstones. Did you know that Garnet is the healing stone that aligns with conditions such a arthritis, varicose veins, and even the pancreas? This winter celebrate the rich colors of Garnet and shine in this fanciful stone who knows it just might heal that which ailes you or at least you'll look good trying!

Happy Halloween!

"Pumpkin is the new chocolate"                                                                                       Inez Dunn©2015

"Persimmon's & Limes"                                                                                         Inez Dunn©2015

"No sticky fingers, adjustable lengths"                                                                Inez Dunn©2015

Pumpkins, golden leaves, candy corn, hot cider...oh my!!! The colors of fall are not exclusive just to the great outdoors, try this selection of embellishments: Mix coral beads with lime colored fresh water pearls, golden Swarovski crystals and vintage lucite roundels in cantaloupe. Group the beads together by size or by color, this type of mix and match provide that un expected pop in jewelry design. Experiment with fabric or ribbon and use Velcro self-adhesive tabs in place of a traditional clasp. It might be getting cold outside but these vibrant colors worn against the skin provide a seasonal warmth long after the leaves have gone, and the candy bowl is empty. Happy Halloween!