Friday 28 February 2014

Sterling Silver Link Charms!




New! Sterling Silver Link Charms


 We are excited about getting these sterling silver link charms in store! 
A current trend is to incorporate a charm link into a delicate strand, creating a sweet,
simple bracelet ~ these charms are perfect! 
Hamsa Hand Link Charm


Evil Eye Link Charm


Lotus Link Charm

Star Link Charm
Ohm Link Charm
The links come in a variety of designs and can be used with a wide range of materials including various strings, cords or chain. Play with texture, colour and size to achieve the look you want.


Below is a step by step tutorial on how to create an elegant and stylish link charm bracelet.


 Materials


1 meter of Knotting Cord
l Clasp
2 Crimp Covers
Sterling Silver Link Charm
2 Jump Rings
2 Fold Overs


Instructions

1.
Cut your nylon to size. In this design the nylon is doubled up on each side. 40cm length will make an average size bracelet. Adjust the length as needed.
2. Attach each side of nylon one at a time.
Divide the nylon in 2 and slide on the link charm.



3. Tie a knot in the nylon.
 4. Use a crimp cover to cover the knot.


5. Attach a fold over to the end of the nylon.



6. Add a jump ring.

7. Add a clasp.


8. Repeat steps 1 to 6 to add the nylon cord to the other side.

 

Try different cords and chain to make different style link charm bracelets.
Macrame style using waxed nylon cord


Sterling silver chain with green tourmaline drop  

Visit us in store to make your bracelet at out table with our tools or place your order online today!

Tuesday 18 February 2014

Rain, Rain Come and Stay

I know, most people don't like the rain. The cold, wet grey skies make many feel blue and drab, but have you ever noticed how vibrant colors are against a grey back drop?  Have you seen how green green can be? How yellow can pierce through the gloom?  And what is better than a steaming beverage and a fuzzy blanket on a couch near a window.
To me, rain is a blessing. Maybe I have read Dune* one to many times, but every time it rains I feel a surge of gratitude for the cleansing and nourishing water that just falls from the sky. There are so many reasons to love the rain.  Here is a list:
  • rain nourishes all of life
  • it washes away dust and funk
  • it leaves the world fresh and crisp
  • shades of grey, blue and lavender seen in a rainy sky
  • the way color comes out in rocks and stones! (magic)
  • the element of water relates to emotion
  • what better weather to stay home and rest, read, create and get things done
  • what better weather to stay home and bead all day?
  • you need water to make tea
  • swimmming
  • bathing & washing
  • puddle jumping
  • rainbows!
Honestly every time it rains I just feel incredibly lucky to live in the middle of a blue green rain forest.
Dark stormy grey rainy days remind me of Labradorite. What's not to love about that?



* Dune is sci fi novel written by Frank Herbert in 1965. A perfect novel for a rainy day.

Thursday 6 February 2014

Love Stones


Feel the love

Valentine's Day is coming up on February 14th - with this in mind Country Beads is embracing Rose Quartz as the one of the perfect stones to share the love.

Being pink in colour Rose Quartz is directly linked to the Heart Chakra.
Rose Quartz emanates properties of unconditional love, emotional release, peace, comfort and healing. Rose Quartz can be used to balance emotions and bring peace and calm. Making it the ideal stone to share with the ones you love.

Enjoy and share the love of Rose Quartz with our Valentines Day Rose Quartz Sale!  All rose quartz in the store is 20% off, and select cuts are 50% off until and including February 14, 2014.


 Rhodochrosite - Self love! Not the ego-maniacal kind, but the type of love that heals those parts of you that block you from loving yourself. Rhodochrosite can help bring your true talents back to your awareness which not only benefits you, but enriches the entire population.


 Carnelian - Carnelian is a stone of creativity and sexuality. Perfect energies for Valentine's Day.



Malachite - a Heart Charkra stone. This is a stone of a healed heart. A stone of enlightened leadership. This stone can benefit the physical muscle that is your heart.

 
Ruby - A stone of passion, this stone is sure to stir those romantic feelings of love within.