Serenity..

Whew!  I barely made it with my contribution to this month's birthstone.  Aquamarine!! 

Aquamarine is Beryl, common, and found all over the world.  References to Aquamarine date back to the beginning of written record.  Sailors carried Aquamarine to aid in safe sea voyages, and there are legends of mermaids with tails of Aquamarine.  It is the birthstone for the month of March as well as the stone for the astrological signs of Pisces and Scorpio.

	I have named these sterling silver and Aquamarine earrings Serenity.  The pale blue is calming.  And I myself am looking to find serenity. The design is similar to other swing earrings I've made, but a little longer than usual and loaded up with faceted rondelles of Aquamarine.    And I just love the imprint on the flower.  If you look closely,  they're little butterflies!  :-) Next up, I need to make six itty bitty bezels for another pair of Aquamarine earrings!  Have a happy day all! Oh!! I almost forgot.  In the back ground you'll see a sprig from our Carolina Jasmine in the front yard.  Oh... I wish we had smellovision so you could enjoy the sweet, sweet scent of these beauties! Listed in my online store.  Click here.

I belong to a team on Etsy called The Aspiring Metalsmiths.  

A couple of the members came up with the idea to make a graphic that we could all use on our Facebook pages, Twitter,  blogs, etc.... as a way of promoting the handmade movement this Holiday season.

I have always made things.  It's only recently that I have truly realized that people can earn their livings making things.  It's not always just someone at a craft show selling the stuff they've made in their spare time at home as a hobby.  

Granted, we all start out as hobbyists.  

But as the investment in time spent honing your skills, and the investment in the tools and supplies grows you quickly realize that what you are doing is not just a hobby anymore.  

There are many people who make things as their only means of support.  There are countless Moms like me who want to be at home for their children but are still looking to contribute to their household finances.  

And let me tell you.  It is work to run your own small business.  The creation of the product is the fun part.  The other aspects are not as much fun.   Marketing, accounting, packaging and shipping, picture taking, customer service...

you get the idea right?  

Listen, all I'm trying to say is consider spending some of your Holiday budget on handmade.  Go to local art and craft shows.  Buy an ornament from the lady next door who makes them.  

Considering a splurge for your special lady?  Get her some quality handmade jewelry. 

Just get out there and buy Handmade!  :-)  

I think I'm going to have to do a series of posts on my favorite places to shop for handmade!  There is some fabulous work out there!!!