Working Towards a Better Life

  Well hello everyone! I am delighted to write today and express my feelings and share what I am going through. I have been trying to get in touch with my spirituality. I have not been in touch with spirituality in most of my life. I can't go into the long story about why but I can say I am now moving on from "my story". I have met a friend who has opened my eyes to all the possibilities of having peace and living the life I should and not just going through the motions of life. I do believe now I am finally getting back to some sense of peace in my heart and mind. I have a long way to go but at least I am "working towards love and light" .  My friend says we have to be open and willing to receive this love and light. I am definitely ready now and feel like I am making good progress. I keep telling her I have to take baby steps lol. Well it is true because if I go to fast I will not take it all in and grow.  I started painting when I decided that I needed some form of meditation. it seemed to relax me when I was focused on one thing. One day I was invited to a jewelry party. The party inspired me to start making jewelry for myself. The rest is my history so far ...
 
  I have been watching some of Oprah's life classes and they bring me wonderful inspiration. She started one of her shows by saying we all should shrive to live the life we were meant to live. It took me so long to find out the life I want. I am still not there but now I can say I am working on it. :).
Her Life Classes show is really cool and just reminds you of the tools you can use for making your life better. It's about knowing yourself and doing what you love or finding your passion. I think that is our ultimate goal in life. I am also leaning to live in the moment. It really is important to stay in the moment. If you are constantly living in the past or future you will never be there in the present. I really need to practice this since I spend a lot of time worrying about the future and then sometimes dwelling on the past. I just have to realize that the universe will provide for me. I also realize now that dwelling on the past just causes me stress and hurt. I can't change the past. Most people would say this is obvious but I really have to remind myself. I guess it is hard for me to let things go but I am working on how to change my behavior. I started writing a gratitude journal. This journal helps me remember everyday that I am grateful for living and grateful for so many other things in my life.
No matter how bad a day I have had writing in this journal reminds me at the end of the day that I am better off than I think. So I could go on but I am sure you get the idea. I am hoping after another show I will be inspired to write more.

 I have put in links for the OWN network down below.
 Please comment below if you like ...

 I have often tried many different things and seem to have way to many hobbies lol. I think I just love to create! Create anything crafty and unique. I have recently been approved to teach jewelry at Jo-Ann's Fabrics and Crafts Store. (Near Ridgmar Mall in Fort Wort, TX)
So I am so excited to finally get a job I will enjoy. I really can't believe it's happening, well wait yes I can believe it. lol. I am happy that I waited it out and now I am embarking on a new chapter in my life. I am not sure if teaching is my calling. I know I have enjoyed teaching 3 friends of mine. I know that some day I will find my true calling. I do really enjoy designing jewelry. I think that is the thing right now that brings me the most joy. I am discovering that I am more drawn to multi-media  projects. I recently started a mini photo album for my sister and it is coming along nicely. I just feel so good when I create art. :) . I do like trying new things. Well I think I have said enough for now hee hee  Happy Creating!!



 Everyone has a calling. Oprah says that we all have a calling and when we find it we are our true selves. Surround yourself with people who can lead you to the path of your calling.

Be Inspired Everyday Challenge
 I wanted to challenge my self and try to find something everyday that inspires me. I would take that inspiration and create something or maybe just write in my journal. The point is to have some form of meditation everyday and work towards inner peace. 
Ok folks get inspired and do something fun or make something
Here are some links below to challenges that are on going and give me inspiration all year round. 
 Art Bead Scene May Challenge 
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2012/05/may-2012-challenge-color-palette.html


Artisan Monthly Challenge on"Artisan/Jewelry Designer Community
http://artisanjewelrydesigners.ning.com/group/artisanmonthlychallenge


Hugs and Peace
Please comment below and let me know what inspires you to grow mentally and physically.



Sources of Inspiration.
OWN Network
http://www.oprah.com/own

How to take care of Oil Paintings

 I found this great article on how to take care of oil paintings. I actually knew most of it but I thought the article was nicely written. Below is the link to the source article
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http://www.tfaoi.com/articles/apprais4.htm

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Spinel is a lovely gemstone

Hello everyone. I just wanted to blog about this wonderful gemstone. I have been making jewelry for about 5 years and along the way I find new gemstones that I have never seen before. I have learned a lot about gemstones, minerals, and other precious rocks in the years I have been making jewelry.

I wanted to feature Spinel. It is a marvelous gemstone and I just love it. Please read below what information I have found on Spinel. I have also included some links of where to purchase Spinel.
I have only purchased a few of these in my history of buying gems as they are a little expensive but when I do make jewelry with Spinel it is soooo beautiful and very special to me.

The history and origin of Spinel

One of the most beautiful and rarest gemstones available today is the Spinel.  While you might be able to find a gemstone called Spinel at your local jewelry stone, it is probably synthetic and only loosely based on the beautiful qualities of true Spinel. Spinel was usually associated with Rubies, due to the fact that large red Spinel were found in the same mines that Rubies were mined at.  Since they had the same characteristics and practically looked the same to the naked eye, they were often believed to be Rubies.  Many Spinels were worn by kings and queens throughout history and even are included on many priceless royal artifacts such as the Black Prince’s Ruby, the 170 carat red Spinel that is set in the Imperial State Crown of England and a Spinel is also part of some of the British Crown Jewels.  Henry V even wore Spinel as part of a battle helmet. Besides red, Spinel comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors including green, blues, purples, orange, pink and a very prized hot pink.  Spinel is associated with many other gemstones including tourmaline and garnets.  They are all made from the elements iron, chromium, zinc and magnesium, however they have differing amounts.  Some of these minerals can even include nickel and aluminum.  Usually these differences will create specific colors and attributes. Today, you can find Spinel that is synthetic and usually created from synthetic Corundum.  However, natural Spinel is definitely worth the price due to its natural beauty, rarity and wonderful attributes.
	What is Spinel used for?
	Spinel is a wonderful gemstone that is much rarer than many consumers think.  Unfortunately, the moniker of Spinel that is used at most jewelry stores refers to synthetic Spinel that is usually created from synthetic or real Corundum.  However, true Spinel is available, but much harder to find.  Spinel comes in a large variety of colors including beautiful cobalt blue, greens, purples, violets, oranges, a very hot pink and beautiful reds.  Up until a few hundred years ago, Spinel was mistaken for the Ruby.  Spinel was mined from the same areas and red Spinel does take on many of the beautiful characteristics of Rubies.  In fact, you can find Spinels on some of the Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown. Today, Spinel is extremely rare and in most cases rarer than Rubies which it used to imposter for.  Since it is such a rare mineral, it is only used for ornamental jewelry.  However it should be noted that the qualities of Spinel are so attractive, many of today’s ornamental jewelry are made to simulate Spinel as is the case of synthetic Spinel.  Most of the time synthetic Spinel will be sold as birthstones with varying colors such as the above colors mentioned, as well as other colors that do not occur naturally, specifically yellow. True Spinel, can be purchased, however you will need to look hard for it. One of the most interesting colors found in true Spinel is a hot pink with an orange tinge.  Another color that is pursued is a gorgeous cobalt blue.  Usually these stones make beautiful rings, earrings or can be worn as charms.  This link will tell you a little more about Spinel. It is quite interesting to read about many gemstones and how they are made by nature. http://www.gemtradenet.com/Education/red_spinel.aspx Here in this link is more information on buying the gemstone for jewelry making. http://www.everything-wedding-rings.com/spinel-ring.html The Imperial Russian Crown (source of info >  http://www.squidoo.com/Spinelgems  Contains the largest know Spinel at 398.72-carats. The Great Imperial Crown was made by a skilled court jeweler Jeremia Posier for the Empress Catherine II the Great's Coronation in 1762

Now here are some more links to purchase Spinel
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/houseofbeads/3774532/multi-color_spinel_faceted_rondelles/supplies/jewelry_supplies/beads/gemstone


 http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/houseofbeads/3774668/high_quality_mystic_blue_green_spinel_faceted_teardrops/supplies/jewelry_supplies/beads/gemstone


Gemalicious Beads

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93172701/sparkling-black-spinel-faceted-rondelles?ref=sr_gallery_12&sref=&ga_includes[0]=tags&ga_search_query=gemalicious+beads&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=