Funky Jewelry

I know these little beads look like mini burgers strung with copper findings. Well, they aren't. These funky little beads are actually replica's of prayer beads.

Lore has it that when a monk passed away, a piece of bone was sliced and the core was a binder mixed with pieces of stone. These beads have coral and turqouise mixed with a binder. the beads, would be passed around to each of the monks and they added them to their strand of prayer beads, known as "rosary" or "mala". The beads were thought to have spiritual powers attached to them.

These beads are NOT actual beads from Tibet, BUT are made from cow bone and crushed coral and turqouise mixed with a non toxic binder placed in the center. I found the unusual treasures at BeadBabe in Sacramento, California. The beads are on hand wrapped wire. Accented with small copper glass beads and 6mm copper mesh spacers. The lobster clasp is antique copper and the necklace is about 19 inches.

Labor Day Weekend

It is Friday before Labor Day. The start of a long relaxing weekend. The weather in Sacramento has been so hot and dry lately, I may just stay home and work on my jewelry and blog. Work has been somewhat slow. (dental office). We had the opportunity to get real organized and put old things in storage.
My creative juices have not been good lately. I look at all the materials I have, and I get so overwhelmed with where to start. Maybe I just have too much stuff. I will go to a bead store "just to look", and come out with a bag of goodies. Just went to Michael's, and Joann's. Both new stores. WOW. I don't need a thing, but out I walk with materials. I guess I'm just going to force myself (yeah right) to relax this week end. Hope all of you have a great weekend.