Ode to a Dragonfly

crystal dragonfly

cast upon the breeze

fragile- like a dream

For The Love Of Larimar

I recently took my second trip to the beautiful island of the Dominican Republic.  It's pristine beaches, amazing all-inclusive resorts, friendly people, and relaxation keep drawing me back to the island shared with Haiti.

On my first trip to Punta Cana, I picked up a beautiful Larimar pendant set in sterling silver.  Larimar is a beautiful blue gemstone that is only found in the Dominican Republic. Its blue color is very similar to that of the tropical beach waters and because of its appearance, it is frequently mistaken for turquoise. Larimar stones are thought to have formed years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions. It is theorized that as magma was forced from beneath the earth’s surface, it mixed with a variety of substances such as aluminum compounds, sodium, calcium and iron.


Because larimar is indigenous to the Dominican Republic and because of its unusual beauty, there is naturally a lot of Dominican folklore surrounding it. It is often looked upon as a powerful, spiritual stone. It is said to soothe, heal and enlighten. It is supposed to enable one to view things from a different perspective. The stone itself represents peace, clarity and love and is recommended for people who are stressed. This is all undoubtedly due to its tranquil blue color. 


So I finally created a necklace using the pendant and some matching earrings.  I paired the Larimar pendant with some Czech glass roundelles and some bead capped vintage crystals.  I can't wait to wear (or sell) these pieces.  It will remind the wearer of the beautiful oceans and calming nature of the sea!!!

Two Opportunities To Help Cancer Patients, Survivors, And Families

Many of you don't know this about me, but in a past life I worked in healthcare.  I have a Master's in Public Health with an emphasis in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education.  This blog is primarily about my jewelry musings, but sometimes health and jewelry can mingle.


I have been volunteering my time in getting grants for The Gallery School of Pottstown, a non-profit community art school.  One such grant was recently accepted into the "online voting" phase and I could use your help, even if you don't live in the area.


Let me tell you a little bit about the program:

The Gallery School of Pottstown in partnership with The Pottstown Memorial Regional Cancer Center- a Fox Chase Cancer Partner- has been selected as a candidate for the 2012 LIVESTRONG® Community Impact Project. The project brings proven cancer support programs to communities across the United States and finalists will be determined through an online voting campaign. Applicants with the top votes per region will receive a financial award of support to replicate and implement a sustainable program dedicated to supporting families fighting cancer. Finalists will also receive tools and resources from the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

To support the Gallery School of Pottstown, click here and vote by no later than 6:00 pm EDT, Friday, March 23, 2012. 

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I am also involved on the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Organization signature event, Yoga on the Steps.  This will be my third year fundraising and participating with over a thousand other yogis all for the same cause.  The culmination of events is when we all do yoga on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum on May 20, 2012.

Part of my team fundraising is making jewelry to sell where 75% of the profits will go to the  LBBC Organization.

I have created two versions of the "Give a Hoot for Hooters" bracelets and they are for sale for $35.00 in my etsy shoppe.