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You will notice that on some of my Mobiles and Jewelry the use of African paper beads. These colorful beads are made of thin strips of paper wrapped tightly into bi-cone shapes that are then lacquered. These beads are made by orphaned children due to Aids and Civil War. Many other items they handcraft are available also on the website.

In the summer of 2008 I found these beads at our local Farmers Market and fell in love with them. I was also blessed with meeting David Ssejina the President and Founder of Ssejinja Children’s Foundation that day. He is a warm, big hearted, friendly man and and passionate about the work he does. I immediately bought up several strands and explained to David that I wanted to incorporate these beads into my artwork. The earthy style of these beads go so well with the glass beads and stones I use!

I ask you to please go to the website http://ssejinja.org/index.html and see for yourself the wonderful things this Foundation is doing for these children. I found it to be full of educational information,inspiration and hope.

Honestly I’ve slacked off in connecting with my personal stones and giving them attention. You know… life happens, new website and no computer experience, creative inspirations that have to be addressed when they insist that I do it now. (If only the computer had this ability) , my website would be full of the content it needs to serve you shoppers better. Hmm.. Time to place some helpful stones around my computer?

I want to tell you about this amazing smoky quartz that came into my life yesterday. I believe it was there to remind me of the powerful connections and energy that stones have in our lives. It is very dark yet full of amazing designs when held towards the sun, and then the most incredible rainbows ever! When I picked up the stone in my hand I was electrified and knew we would be spending lots of time together. Yes, it’s with me right now.

I would love to hear any of your experiences with the stones in your lives! Bring it on stone lovers!

This beautiful stone has been used for self-discovery and growth, developing clear sight in a physical sense, and clairvoyance in regards to the future. It can be used to enhance the memory and to stimulate the use of greater mental capacity, inciting one to activity and to facilitate intensity and focus in ones actions. It can also assist the elimination of negativity from ones life to bring forth the positive actions required for one in remaining centered in the practicality of ones lifework.

Emerald is known as the “stone of successful love” and said to provide domestic bliss and and instill both sensitivity and loyalty within the self and within others.

Kyanite: This amazing and beautiful stone is one of my favorites. Kyanite never needs clearing, unlike many other stones, and holds no negativity, also it clears the stones that are near it. I wear a pair of earrrings of Kyanite, Tourmalated Quartz and Labradorite, when I need to be balanced and protected from negativity.

• Green Tourmaline: This beautiful stone attracts abundance, prosperity and success. It helps stimulate cooperation and communication. The creative inspiration given by this stone helps in all these endeavors.

• Amethyst: This stone has been used to help business affairs prosper, inspiring new ideas and helping to manage all necessary responsibilities. It helps with fairness and flexibility in decision making.
• Citrine: Also a member of the Quartz family like Amethyst, this stone has been called the “Merchants Stone,” has been placed in cash boxes, and in the merchants store to build financial success, quality and excellence in service within the environment.

• Smokey Quartz has been used for releasing negative energies. It can then gently restore a balanced, positive energy allowing for health and growth in life. It can also be used to protect people and the environment from negative energies.

Tiger Eye This stone produces soothing vibrations wherever placed, bringing calmness to unsettled turmoil in life. It balances yin-yang energy, opens up passion for life and all its beauty. A great stone to balance one’s environment.

This mineral encourages the ambition to reach ones goals by eliminating hesitation with respect to action. It can be used to calm communication, give awareness and to encourage emotional expression such as subtlety and tact.