Freshwater Pearl Wrap Bracelet Charms - Secrets From The Deep

One of my favorite elements to use when building charms for handmade wrap bracelets is the freshwater pearl. I simply can't get enough of the shimmer, light, and delicacy of these amazing gifts of the ocean, and I love how they bring out the rich colors found in the silks I use. Pearls have always held a captivating place in my heart, and I am thrilled to get to work with them as an artist and a jewelry maker. I think that most women love the look and style of pearls, but did you know that they have a rich history, lots of secret meanings, and all kinds of spiritual uses?

In India, the freshwater pearl represents the Moon, known as 'Chandra'. The Moon is a symbol for the mind, the intuition, and the intellect - and the pearl is believed to purify and strengthen these things within the individual who wears it. Before a pearl is worn by a believer in India, a priest first purifies the piece and performs an elaborate ceremony to bless it and charge it with the energy of the Moon. Several times each year, the pendant or ring where the pearl is mounted may be used in various personal prayers and rituals to further its power. In my studio, I also put lots of intention, positive energy, and love into each freshwater pearl charm I create to ensure that you always get lots of great blessings when you wrap up with one!

Pearls are not easy to find. Making pearl charm bracelets begins with experts exploring the mysteries of the sea to find the perfect pearl-making oysters. One of the reasons that the freshwater pearl has been a symbol for the astrological sign of Cancer (and all June birthdays, as well) is that Cancer is a water sign and is connected to the mysteries of the deep oceans. When wearing a pearl, you are reminding yourself that sometimes the greatest universal mysteries aren't 'out there', but are actually right here on Earth - and often times within you as an individual!

Because freshwater pearls come from the ocean, they are associated with the Moon in many cultures across the globe - not just in India. The Moon greatly influences the ocean, creates tides, effects waves, and has an interesting connection with water itself. For this reason, the moon, the ocean, and pearls have always been connected. Wearing a pearl charm bracelet can bring the intuition, calm, emotionally balancing, and expansive awareness qualities that are traditionally associated with the Moon and the ocean at the same time!

Whether you have a June birthday, an intuitive mind, a love of the ocean, a fascination with the moon, or just an appreciation for the depth of beauty that the freshwater pearl charm has - you'll love what happens to a pearl charm when it shines on one of my handmade silk wrap bracelets. Click here to view my full selection of silk wrap bracelets, and see why pearl charms are such a popular choice!

Are you a pearl lover? Do you have any pearl jewelry that ranks among your favorites? Share your story in the comments section below!

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Buddha - A Symbol Of Serenity, Wisdom, And Compassion

One of my favorite symbols to work with when creating my handmade wraps is the image of the Buddha. I love his serene face, his gentle eyes, and the peaceful and compassionate energy that exudes from the images of him created all across the world. I love selecting different forms and artistic styles of the Buddha to use in my work to show just how universal his messages really are.

"Peace comes from within, do not seek it without"

Wearing a Buddha charm wrap is a great way to remind yourself that we create the world we live in by the things we think, and that we have the capacity to generate miracles in the world around us by taking the right action. By understanding and practicing the wisdom of Buddha, we can all cultivate a more peaceful and compassionate life for both ourselves and the entire world around us.

"It is man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways"

When looking at images of the Buddha on a charm wrap bracelet or anywhere else, it's important to try to see a little bit of yourself in him, or a little bit of him within you. The Buddha taught that we all have the ability to become Buddha - the become enlightened. His image is a reminder of that which we work towards, so we should try to be inspired and elevated every time we see his image.

"Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, man cannot live without a spiritual life"

One of the greatest reasons why I use the image of Buddha in my handmade silk wrap bracelets is that I want to have a constant reminder 'at hand' that I can be better, think better, act better, and choose to live in a world that is better at every step.

"The mind is everything. What you think you become"

Make sure to visit me on Facebook for a chance to win the Buddha Wrap Bracelet pictured above! Contest ends June 2, 2012, so hurry over! Click HERE to visit my Facebook page now.

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Featured Wrap Bracelet Charm - The Evil Eye!

I don't know about you, but when I hear about evil eye charms, all kinds of fun images come into my mind of mystery, protection, and magic. I have always been fascinated by these powerful little pieces of art - partly because I love the way they stare back when I look at them! The evil eye charm has a long history of use across the world, and many cultures have relied on it in one form or another in folk magic, superstition, spiritual practice, or creating positive space.

In the Middle East, it has been believed for ages that if a person looks at you with jealousy, anger, or hatred, they can influence your good luck in a negative way. There are even some translations of the Holy Bible that speak of the evil eye making people in the Middle East even more aware of protecting themselves from it.

Throughout the Hebrew and Islamic worlds, the evil eye is believed to be caused by strong minded individuals who glare upon another while thinking negative thoughts. In the modern day, this is usually interpreted as being a situation when someone stares at you with jealousy or anger in their hearts. For this reason, the Eastern evil eye charm is a popular, and really neat looking way, to protect ones self from any harmful effects of other people's state of mind.

Evil eye charms can also be found as far away as India, Greece, Ethiopia, Sicily, Latin America, Mexico, and The United States of America. In each of these cultures, various methods for dealing with the evil eye have been created, and in most cases the treatment is preventative in nature. For example, if a person found success and started becoming more wealthy, popular, or advanced in their lives, they may take measures to protect themselves from other people's negative, angry, or jealous thoughts by wearing an evil eye charm bracelet.

In Ethiopia, women are very careful when admiring a family member or a new born baby as to not give the evil eye inadvertently to their loved ones. In Greece there are tests performed with oil to see if the evil eye has been cast, and special ancient prayers that are said as a charm against the evil eye if it is present. Across Latin America and Mexico, women and children are believed to be most vulnerable to the effects of the evil eye, so an evil eye charm and special prayers for personal protection are often part of their daily rituals.

In today's world, we may not be quite as superstitious or attuned to these quiet energies as we used to be, but that doesn't mean they aren't still around! Having an evil eye charm in your life helps remind you that what other people think about you cannot influence your success unless you choose to let it in! You are in complete control of what kind of people, beliefs, thoughts, and energies you allow into your life, and the evil eye charm reminds us to always keep an eye open to the quieter influences that may surround us at ever step. I have used the evil eye charm wrap bracelet with great success and comfort, and have also combined it with the Hand Of God Hamsa charm and other meaningful charms of protection as well to really increase its meaning and power in my life. View them all here.

Here's to your success, growth, and joy - without ever letting anyone or anything stand in your way!

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Mother's Day Is A One Of A Kind Celebration

Have you ever stopped to think about where Mother's Day came from, who started this celebration of motherhood, and what the roots of this special celebration really are? I did some research this week and was amazed at the long and rich history of this special day - and how many forms it takes across the world! Most every country and culture on the planet has some special day set aside in honor of Mom, and each of them do it just a little bit differently. Here in America, we get to enjoy the nurturing of Mother Nature as the seasons change while we remember the nurturing qualities of our own Mother's as well.

In 1870,. Julia Ward Howe, a social activist and poet, made a Mother's Day Declaration - but it simply wouldn't stick. It took until 1908 when Anna Jarvis fought hard, made some great marketing moves, and finally convinced President Woodrow Wilson declared it an official holiday in 1914.

Mother's Day also has some ancient roots. The ancient Greek cult of Cybele may have been one of the first recognized dates of celebration for Mother's, and the traditional Christian holiday of Mothering Sunday also honors the earthy Mother's who love and care for us every day.

This Mother's day, there's no better way to spoil your mom and let her know that she's one of a kind than with handmade jewelry that's packed with love, meaning, and beauty.

This year I decided to do something special for all of the wonderful Mother's out there - I created a beautiful hand painted silk wrap bracelet with a sterling silver charm that reads 'mom'. To add something really special, blue, amethyst, and purple genuine Swarovski crystals have been added for color, shine, and depth.

My goal with this special Mother's Day 2012 gift idea was to allow you to select something truly unique for your mom that will really get your message across! I absolutely love this time of year, the changing weather, and the special opportunity to thank and celebrate all the Mother's in our lives! See the 2012 Mother's Day Gift Wrap Bracelet here!

From now until Mother's Day, use the code 'LOVEMOM' at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase price! Shop here.

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Have A Hand Made Mother's Day 2012!

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and people all over are looking for meaningful and special ways to celebrate mom. Traditional gifts for Mother's Day include flowers, jewelry, and of course a great meal - with handmade one of a kind items on the rise each year as a preferred Mother's Day gift. This year I was honored to be able to send my brand new 'mom' silk wrap bracelet to a list of celebrity mother's to be, and I decided to make sure that your superstar mom can have the same one of a kind piece! Expectant mother's who will be gifted my mom charm bracelet include...

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Molly Simms

Neve Campbell

Alyson Hannigan

Kourtney Kardashian

Nick Lachey

Tony Romo

Reese Witherspooon

Elizabeth Berkley

How exciting!

If you're looking for the perfect handmade mother;s day gift that will make mom look and feel like a celebrity, I'm excited to introduce you to my special 'celebrity mom' silk wrap bracelet!

This charm is made using a hand painted silk wrap ribbon and top quality elements to bring light, gratitude, and love to any mom who wears it. I've combined a special 'mom' charm in sterling silver with the power symbolism of the tree of life charm to show mom just how special she is. Blue, amethyst, and purple genuine Swarovski crystals dangle with the charms to complete the look and bring it all together.

If you are looking for a great way to make your mom feel like a celebrity, add her to the list above by giving her a hand made mother's day charm wrap bracelet this year! Use code;LOVEMOM for 20% off!

Order yours today by clicking here

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Featured Wrap Bracelet Charm - Hamsa Hand Of Protection

One of the most popular charms I use in my wrap bracelet designs is the 'Hamsa Hand'. This simple yet powerful symbol has roots all across the Middle East, and its symbolism is rich with meaning, power, and memory.

One of the most ancient forms of the Hamsa Hand, called 'Khamsa' for 'five' in Arabic, is its presence in North Africa and Tunisia. In this area, the palm of the right hand symbolizes protection from on High, and it is worn and drawn to invoke protection wherever it is needed most. From jewelry and wall hangings to tattoos and drawings, the Khamsa Hand charm is embraced by peoples across the North African area as a reassurance that things will always remain under the hand of the Divine.

Throughout the Islamic and Hebrew world, this same symbol is known as either the Hand Of Miriam (sister of Moses) or the Hand Of Fatima (daughter of Muhammed). In that area, it is worn as a symbol of protection, guidance, and providence. Once of the most beautiful aspects to the Hamsa Hand symbol is that in a part of the world where cultures and ideas are clashing in sometimes hurtful ways, a single symbol quietly unites and exists between them.

Throughout all of the Middle East and parts of Africa, the Hamsa Hand is known for protecting against the 'evil eye'. The evil eye happens when another person sees your happiness, success, health, or wealth and sends negativity towards you in the form of jealousy or anger. The evil eye may seem like an archaic superstition - but is it really? Many people believe that when other people hold negative space and you allow it to effect you, it really can cause problems. I think that having a symbol around you that reminds you to rise above the judgment, negativity, and anger that may come from other people really works! The Hamsa Hand

Isn't it amazing how one simple symbol can unite an entire part of the world and speak so deeply about life? Just looking at the Hamsa charm reminds me that I am always protected and guided if I just remember to place myself in to the open hand that is always there for me. I also love the aspect of the Hamsa Hand that reminds me to rise above the 'evil eye' no matter what form it may take in life! I use the Hamsa Hand charm in many of my wrap bracelet designs because it is a great reminder and a beautiful piece of history and symbolism.

Wrap yourself up in the protection and power of the Hamsa Hand! Check out the many wrap bracelet designs I have available right now!

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The Handmade Jewelry Trend

If you're a lover of handmade jewelry, you may have noticed that these days there are more ways than ever before to connect directly with artists who create one of a kind pieces that make the perfect statement. As a jewelry artist, I have had the fortune of meeting many other creative people who put love, intention, and expertise in to the jewelry they make just like I do. I am so pleased that handmade jewelry has become such a valuable and popular trend online lately, and I join other professionals in the opinion that one of a kind statement pieces are the next wave of fashion!

Wrist wraps, bracelets, and wrist jewelry offer an elegant, simple, and powerful way to add one of a kind handmade jewelry pieces to your collection without spending a lot of money. Many women are looking at ways to expand their personal jewelry wardrobe - but they are choosing to buy artisan made pieces instead of factory made replicas. This is a great way for you to become a real art collector while adding noteworthy pieces of your own personal jewelry collection.

Spring is a great time to start or add to your handmade jewelry collection because creative artists like myself tend to get a surge of energy at this time. We look forward to providing new styles, colors, and designs that compliment the changing weather, and we're excited to see people have some new wardrobe options as the weather warms up as well. This is a great time to find amazing artists and amazing pieces no matter what your personal style is.

If you want to add color, eye-catching design, meaningful charms, and powerful expression to your look while getting a one of a kind handmade jewelry piece at the same time, I invite to you to come visit my online store where some of the hottest wrap bracelet pieces are being offered right now. I am constantly adding to my inventory of pieces, and you are sure to love the elegant yet bold combinations of color, symbol, and style I create just for my customers.

Click here to visit Charmed Design online!

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Featured Wrap Bracelet Charm - Lotus

Of all the ancient Eastern symbols,the lotus charm seems to evoke the most mystery, power, beauty, and inspiration in those who work with it. Most of us are naturally drawn to beautiful things in nature like flowers, but the lotus seems to be in a category all its own. From Egypt to India, China to Arabia, the lotus has blossomed as a spiritual charm and symbol that has comforted, uplifted, and guided people for countless thousands of years.

Like most of the charms and symbols I use, there is a mysterious and interesting aspect to this sacred flower - its meanings and secret interpretations are stunningly similar in all of the various places where it is used. Across time, distance, and cultural differences, the pure elegance and beauty of the lotus has delivered the same timeless message to us all - that we can rise above!

Due to the delicacy and profound beauty of the lotus, you may be surprised to learn that it actually tends to grow in swamps, marshes, and even in dirty and muddy waters. The lotus rises up above the muck and blossoms in its full color only when it has conquered the surface of the water. For this reason, it has always been held as a symbol for rising up above one's problems and reaching one's true potential by becoming more than the people, ideas, and things that may try to knock us down.

The lotus sprouts in the dark and muddy base of the pond only to strive for the warm light, cool breeze, and authentic being that it attains when it passes the surface of the water. The lotus reminds us at every step of our journey that we have the power to reach further, grow stronger, aim higher, and blossom to be the unique and powerful person we truly are - no matter what circumstances may be happening in us or around us!

If you would like to bring the power of the ancient lotus in to your life - or if you know someone who could use a little 'miracle grow' for the soul, there is no better way to harness it than through one of my handmade lotus charm wrap bracelets. I combine the healing power of color, gemstones, and sacred symbols to help surround you and your loved ones in a moving meditation of greatness so that you can grow, blossom, and shine!

To view my full selection of one of a kind lotus charm wrap bracelets, click here!

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