Rose of Sharon Jewelry

A recent Scientific Mind article pondered reasons why depression has increased in the Baby Boomer and younger generations. It seems that moving away from work activities that engage the hands and mind plus result in a tangible reward may be a cause.  And one potential “treatment” may be crafting!

In the not too distant past, we physically raised our own food, chopped our own wood and made our own clothing.  The rewards of a healthy, tasty dinner, a warm place to sleep and enjoying a soft new sweater were a direct result of our actions!

Studies have shown that this action/reward pattern stimulates the parts of the brain that relate to happiness and our feelings of well-being. Work has become disconnected from rewards.

We now earn money (that we never even hold in our hands) in a less physical manner and our brains miss out on the rewards. We run for take-out, pay the electric bill, shop online for shoes while we collectively feel more unhappy or depressed.

The rewards we are giving ourselves aren’t as fulfilling now and simply don’t last very long. That’s why scientists who study happiness believe more and more people overspend. Don’t we all know someone who has a dress or two in their closet that has never been worn? The high evaporated before they got home.

Rebuilding the action/reward connection may be as simple as starting a new hobby that requires your hands, multi-step learning and complex brain activities. What better way to do that than to craft?

So get off the computer, turn off the TV and get out the knitting needles or pick up a pair of pliers. Knitting, crocheting, polymer clay work, intricate beading and other crafts can be a great way to ward off depression.

As my Granny always said “busy hands mean happiness.”

The “creative title” you give yourself tells a story. Words set an image and affect how potential customers approach you. When introducing yourself, how do you describe yourself and your  creative work? Do you say you’re a busy Mom trying to earn some extra money, a Artisan with original work, a single gal with expensive hobbies or a devoted Grandma who does some crafting to keep busy?

How you present yourself tells people how you value what you do. Earning money from your talents is an honorable career. Don’t undermine your image by diluting your work story with “poor me” talk – I’m just trying to make some extra money, I need to pay for my hobbies, etc. By definition, if you are selling your creative work – then you are a professional. And you do not have to have formal training!

For example, people often mistakenly believe Artists are more talented or produce more “important” work than Crafters. In spite of multi-millionaire Martha Stewart working diligently to advance the image of Crafters, many of us still have to “upgrade” our titles.

Professionals have “titles” that have perceived value (notice the word perceived does not mean actual). Unfortunately, that’s the way the world works and if you want to earn money from your art/craft/creative work, you need to be sure you are representing yourself as a valuable, creative talent.

For many years during my early writing career, I never told people I was a writer. I was just a Mom, a wife and freelancer. A wise Life Coach made me introduce myself every morning to my bathroom mirror. I’m a professional writer who specializes in….

She also made me carry my business cards everywhere and to assertively introduce myself to as many people as I could for 2 weeks. That was a hard task for me! It made my knees shake every time. BUT, at the end of the 2 weeks – I knew I was a professional writer and published author.

So when I launched Rose of Sharon Jewelry, I proudly announced to everyone that I am a professional Jewelry Artist. I’m not a Grandma stringing necklaces, a wife making money on the side or a woman hoping to pay for her bead addiction – I’m an ARTIST!

So this week, rework your story, update your Twitter, blog, Facebook or MySpace profile to reflect your position within the creative world. Announce proudly, who you are (not who you are in relationship to others). Put it on your business cards and get out there and tell everyone!

 

Good Luck!

 

P.S. Never be embarrassed that you want to be paid for your work! What you do has value beyond money but money is a good start. LOL

I know it’s February but it feels like Spring. Sun is shining and I’m planning several Spring-themed necklaces for release soon. I like working ahead of the curve – keeps me motivated. What do you do to keep yourself motivated?

I’m a person who’s always looking for something new to create or learn. Going to try yoga this month to help with flexibility, learn a new wire weaving technique for bracelets and teach Hunter to make fresh pasta.

Do you need a touch of Spring in your life today? Here’s a two of my favorite Rose of Sharon Jewelry designs guaranteed to make you feel the warm sun on your skin, hear the birds sing and watch Mother Nature come alive again.

 

Capturing the Sun – natural rough tumbled Citrine bracelet

 

 

 

Green Blossom – carved Jade flower pendant with lilac to deep purple Fluorite beads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I cannot wait for the garden catalogs to start arriving. What are you ready for in February?

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Our apple tree was laden this fall so Mom was busy thinking of ways to use them up. I found this recipe in an old Country Living Magazine. Mom made two batches since late September and I’m hiding a half-pint for Christmas morning.

I thought I’d share this today so your family could enjoy this homemade Apple Butter on their morning toast or favorite muffin. The recipe is not overly sweet which I prefer; however you can add 1 more cup of sugar if you have very sour apples or just like it sweeter.

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

12 cooking apples (Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, firm sour)

14 cups peeled, cored and sliced

2 cup sugar (white)

1 ½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp ground cloves

½ tsp ground Allspice

• Put apples into a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Stir in sugar and spices.
• Cook on high for 4 hours. Stir and uncover.
• Cook uncovered on high for 2 to 2 ½ hours more until apples are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
• Cook 1 hour (or up to overnight).
• Process with immersion blender, food mill, potato masher until all chunks are gone and you have a smooth butter.
• Ladle into half-pint freezer containers.
• Keeps for 3 weeks in the refrigerator or up to a year in the freezer.

Makes 4 half-pints.

 

Don’t forget to leave a comment after you made your first batch!

I’m a stickler for holiday traditions (even those with Jell-O). My sis-in-law Olivia asked for the recipe so I thought I’d share it with all my readers.   And yes they do need the rum!

Joe Froggers are molasses cookies my Grandma made regularly in the winter. She stored them in coffee cans for us to dig into. A few years ago, I spent the afternoon with her (she was 100 then) making a batch of these spicy soft tummy warmers.

Enjoy! 

 

Joe Froggers

3-1/2 cup flour – sift together with the spices below

2 tsp salt

2 tsp ginger

1 tsp cloves

1/2 tsp Allspice

1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (use a bit when using pre-grated)

1 tsp baking soda

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1/2 cup shortening

1 cup white sugar

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup dark rum (Myer’s Dark Rum or your favorite)

1 cup dark molasses

 

• Cream together the shortening and sugar.  Sift together the flour, spices and baking soda above. Alternately add the flour/spice mixture with the liquid ingredients (water, rum molasses). Mix until thoroughly blended.
• This is a heavy dough so you’ll get a work out. If you use a mixer, use the paddle attachment.
• Form dough into a ball or log (I prefer the log as it makes the next step easier), cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour and up to 12 hours.
• Roll the dough on a floured work surface into a rectangle (that’s why I use the log) about 1/4 inch thick.
• Cut into 4-inch circles (or your favorite size) and bake on parchment paper covered cookie sheet. Non-stick Silpat sheets work great too.
• Bake at 375 degrees until the tops just start to crack. Here’s where handed down recipes sometimes go astray – I never questioned Grandma’s instructions so grab a drink and watch them.
• The cookies will firm up when cooling and should be soft with a little chewy texture.

Joe Froggers are great shippers providing you put wax paper or plastic between them. They also store for long periods thanks to the rum!

I’ve got to share this recipe with my 12-year-old grandson, Hunter. He loves to cook and he needs to know how great these taste.

 

According to lore, the recipe dates to the late 1600 in Marblehead, MA where a African American tavern owner made these for his children and patrons. I think these cookies would actually go great with a beer but I personally prefer a glass of milk. Thanks Liv for asking for these! 

Inspiration for creating handmade jewelry can come from anywhere. My new At Dusk necklace started with a thumbnail picture on eBay. The pictures weren’t the best but something about the long oval scalloped beads just said “Buy ME!”

I could tell the pressed glass had a vintage look including the slight edge around each bead. The picture showed swirly, soft hues of cream, white, lilac, brown and pink. Something just told me I had to have these.

When the package came, I was thrilled to discover that my instincts had been right. The shape is wonderful and the colors better than I anticipated. See for yourself below -

So now I had 5 new glass beads. Time to dig! My beads are divided by color so I pulled out yellows, browns, pinks, creams and whites. I quickly decided against yellow or white as they created to much contrast.

I was thrilled when I found the perfect Rhodochrosite beads in medium pink with just a touch of brown to soften it. Next was a strand of brown Rhodochrosite that I had bought the month before.

Rhodochrosite beads usually are a blend of colors such as both pink and brown stripes or swirls. The beads I had were color sorted and came from two separate vendors.

Keeping the vintage element in mind, I added antiqued gold over brass bicone beads and daisy spacers and a antique gold over pewter toggle clasp.

A simple single strand of straight stringing just seem best for this piece where the color theme is the most important part of the overall design.

 

The creative and planning process took over an hour as I sorted through all my options.

No, No, No, Maybe, No, Yes, No, Yes, Yes, Yes!

 

At Dusk is available in the Rose of Sharon Jewelry store.

 

 

 

I love the finished necklace which I call At Dusk and hope you do too. Enjoy the pictures and don’t forget to leave your comments.

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A critical key to happiness is gratitude. A recent post on the  Nurturing Creativity blog discusses creating your own gratitude list. What are you grateful for? Here’s my partial list – look forward to reading yours.

 

1. A devoted husband of 30+ years who works hard to protect and provide.
2. A Mother who is always caring for others (including me and my broken ankle).
3. A son who shares our passion for progressive politics with his 12-year-old.
4. A loving daughter-in-law equally dedicated to her family and her education
5. Grandson  Hunter (12) who shares his wisdom and loves to stay up late watching my favorite B movies like Jason and the Argonauts.
6. Kael and Orion (3 1/2) – who love coming to Grandma’s house. Kael is the “big” brother and scolds me for reprimanding Orion and let’s me play with his train. Orion is the snuggly one with a devilish personality who loves to chase me with the water hose.
7. A warm, safe and comfy home (thanks Arden) where I can work, create, laugh and share all the goodness that comes from my family.
8. My passion for learning – always challenges me and keeps me entertained.
9. My writing talent is a source of pride and enjoyment.

Leave a comment today and tell us what you are grateful for.

 

Hunter before his first Kart race this past October in Sonoma, CA.

Mom and I have been spending our time creating dozens of wonderful new necklaces, charm bracelets and Christian jewelry to add to all three Rose of Sharon Jewelry venues.

AFF Jewelry at Etsy New Life Jewelry Art at ArtFire Rose of Sharon Jewelry main store

Since December is a big bridal month, we’ve create several stunning wedding necklaces – all one of a kind. We’re knee deep in Swarovski crystals and pearls. I’m enjoying adding some color to our handmade wedding jewelry as the look has become so much bolder. Mom has a magnificent pair of long, long, long freshwater pearl earrings. These would be great with a strapless gown and upsweep hairdo. I fashioned some little girl’s Christian cross necklaces in delicate faux pearls and sparkling crosses with crystal CZ accents. Adorable and a wonderful gift! Don’t forget all our products are shipped in our eco-friendly signature purple gift boxes.   Here’s one of my favorite cross necklaces – Abiding Faith. Green and gold combos are a wonderful choice for year round enjoyment.  

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