Cindy's Art and Soul Jewelry

Getting Grounded - Amidst Chaos

2025-06-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

Growing up in the age before the internet and "smart" phones, I have a part of me that knows what that is like. I know what it's like to have only 12 channels on the TV, and I know how it feels to answer the phone without caller ID. Actually, it was OKAY. Life seemed simple. Calmer. Less chaotic. Now, I know that when chaos starts creeping into my soul, I know where it comes from and how to heal it. Disconnect from the chaos by turning off the technology. And I am not saying technology is *bad or that we should live off grid. Although that idea is sounding sweeter these days... Despite the ways technology has brought us closer together, it has left us more disconnected than ever from our Spiritual Selves.

Gregg Braden talks about the dangers of the transhumanism movement. Honestly, it sounds a little crazy, but if you allow yourself to think back 20 years (if you're old enough) and consider all the ways life is different now, that may have been crazy talk back then. You'll know that anything is possible now. With computers merging with the human brain, giving some people the ability to communicate who were previously rendered powerless by a disease, it sounds like a good thing. However, in the wrong hands, or used to change us, what are we then? Not human?

The point being, how far we allow technology into our lives, right now, is up to us. The content we consume is up to us. Right now, we have the power to step back from constantly being "connected" via our phones, apps, and TV, and get right with our Spirit. Connecting to the energy of the Earth, grounding, walking barefoot, eating whole foods, spending time (in person) with other humans who are "disconnected".

Spending time with a friend or loved one, without screens or checking your phone "real quick." Just being.

The antidote to fear, dread, anger, worry, and chaos is Spirit. It is oneness, it is friendship, and love. Love for friends, family, pets, the Earth, God, and Spirit.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the news? Shut it off. You have the power. You are the only one who controls the content you consume. You are in control.

Now, go outside. ❤️

Basic Black Earrings Beach Stone Jewelry

2024-11-17T16:59:00.002-08:00

Basic Black Earrings Beach Stone Jewelry

What is the main color that fills your closet? Mine has a lot of black. I don't want to be that "emo" girl who always wears black but I am drawn to it. (no offense emo girls!) I love wearing black and it's easy to fit any other color with it, so it's a good go-to accessory & clothing color.

These earrings are another take on my beach glass/stone earrings. The only two stones I found that were so beautifully smooth and really *black. All the other stones I collected on this day were some sort of gray. I really love the look and feel of these smooth stones.


photo by Cindy Pack free for personal use

They pair well with the silver and add a nice contrast to the metal, even in it's rustic patina'd state.

My original idea was to have the asymmetrical rings hanging side by side. But I was inspired by some of the many asymmetrical earrings I've seen here on the EE blog and I mixed it up a bit. I'm really pleased with how they came out.

Part of my "Peace, Love & Rocks" Collection

Found black stones, handmade fine silver rings,
and black stone beads from Alexanders Bead Bazaar (Seattle, WA).

What's your go-to color?

(original post date Oct 2014)

Lucky Girl Sea Glass Earrings

2022-10-12T14:39:00.008-07:00

Lucky Girl Sea Glass Earrings

I don't want to use the word addicted, but I don't know any other way to explain my feelings about sea glass. I have a nice stash, and I can get carried away for an entire day if time allowed. I feel time stands still when I am picking out pieces.

I lay out a towel on the floor and dump out a box (yeah, I have more than one) and put on my close-up glasses, and light the lamp. Kneel down close, and my heart quickens... LOVE just pawing through it.

What is it about tiny things that get us excited?

Beads, buttons, shells, beach rocks... any of it!

As a young girl, one of my favorite things was the button basket. Dumping them out, picking through them, and maybe keeping just one with me. Probably to eventually lose it around the house. I was a lucky girl to live with my aunts and grandmother growing up.

And there were lots of buttons!

Fast forward to today...

Now my bead obsession not only makes sense but also carries over to the sea glass. And still, I am a lucky girl. Getting to paw through it and make beautiful adornments for others and for myself if time allows.

Thank you for allowing me to share (ramble) about one of my greatest passions.

These earrings are a riff on a previous set I made several months back. The Peace earrings these were born from had a lot going on. This is a scaled-down tiny piece of that design.

I managed to find two sets of glass pieces that semi-matched.

And managed to drill eight holes without any breakage. Lucky again?

Natural found sea glass, Lapis Lazuli, Czech glass, and fine silver.

Halo Earrings in Wintergreen

2022-10-12T14:34:00.009-07:00

Halo Earrings in Wintergreen

I've been reluctant to use and share my new ceramic components. But with the encouragement of friends, I am revisiting them and warming up to them a lot more! It's like when you think something will be one way, and then it ends up being something else. But then you realize that what it came to be is just as great or even better...

Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself with talk of winter when last week I was admiring the autumn leaves? It's cold, and more cold is moving towards us from Canada, according to the weather reports.

I am bundling up my winter coat and will dig my gloves out today!

I think this set would look great with a big fluffy white or pale blue-green sweater & jeans.

Casual, rustic.

For this set, I have used a set of my own hand-fused fine silver rings. I have hammered on one side to reveal a smooth silver surface on the other. I love smooth silver - and often turn the hammered side away.

The ceramic beads and dangles are handcrafted (Cindy's Art & Soul).

How do you see Winter? White and fluffy or maybe red & green? Or maybe neither of those? Maybe you are headed to the beach for a swim? What color is your winter?

☮ Cindy
Cindy's Art & Soul

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Through the Looking Glass - Cindy's Art & Soul

2019-12-17T06:33:00.002-08:00

"I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again."
— Lewis Carroll (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass)

Look closely you'll see water bubbling under the ice... cold, inspiring, sparkling icy water that used to feed the tiny birds that would flock to our yard in the summer months. Now still.

Inspiring all things shiny and bright...

Wings of Hope.

Fine silver nugget earrings featuring winged hearts.

Beauty All Around Us

2019-07-14T14:28:00.005-07:00

Sunday, July 14th. I woke up feeling grouchy. Something... wasn't as I expected or planned for or wanted and it kind of set my mood low, early in the day.

But as the day progresses, I see so much beauty around me and so many things to be grateful for. It's easy to let go of the negativity when I can bring forth a bit of mindfulness.

We set out early for our walk today, knowing the temperatures are expected to reach 80 today. Miss Molly was ready and eager to get to the lake and smell all the smells. As dogs love to do...

The sun is glorious today and it feels so good to have that warmth on my skin. I pay no mind to the exhaustion I feel after pulling weeds and cleaning up the yard. I love being outside on days like this.

Our backyard is mostly concrete and black rock landscaping. If you can imagine it's quite hot. In fact it feels about 10+ degrees warmer than the front yard which is mostly grass.

Late in the day we headed for some relief from the heat and rest on the shady side of our home. Molly was happy to lay in the soft grass and relax. Sitting with her, and BEING there. Just *being*. I feel so much Joy.

I could not help but notice the incredibly soft petals and flowers blooming on the Hosta plants beside me. I had to grab my camera to preserve this memory.

These plants are gorgeous when they bloom. I had it in my mind that I would remove them this year after blooming and plant Ferns. I also love ferns... and this is a really nice area for shade loving plants. But after seeing these blooms... I don't know...

Peace & blessings

Courage Of Winter

2018-12-21T03:00:00.002-08:00

Courage Of Winter

"But winter darkness has a positive side to it. As we gather to celebrate the first turn from winter to spring, we are invited to recognize and honor the beauty in the often unwanted season of winter. Let us invite our hearts to be glad for the courage winter proclaims. Let us be grateful for the wisdom winter brings in teaching us about the need for withdrawal as an essential part of renewal. Let us also encourage our spirits as Earth prepares to come forth from this time of withdrawal into a season filled with light."
from The Circle Of Life by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr.

We've just passed the Winter Solstice and the days will be getting longer now in the Northern Hemisphere. The trees are bare, and still I am drawn to the colors of the forests. The deep green and rich browns catch my attention everywhere I look.

These earrings are my courage of winter, my gratitude for the wisdom and my retreat from the light.

Handmade embossed copper charms have fine silver stamped rivets with tiny spirals. Paired with green African Opal stones and handmade ceramic beads by Cindy's Art & Soul. Wrapped in sterling silver, dangling from sterling silver ear wires.

Available at WWW.ArtandSoulJewelry.COM

☮ Cindy

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Hello Spring I've Missed You.

2018-03-19T21:08:00.002-07:00

I don't know if it's me getting older or if the weather really has gotten colder and the winter longer. I feel like winter is dragging on and it's so cold. I don't want to be outside at all. My poor sweetheart, Molly is so bored and depressed, and missing our time at the lake too.

Thank goodness Spring arrives tomorrow! Even if it's still bitterly cold out I know the warm is coming.

Little tulips and crocus flowers are popping up. My favorite. And the trees down the way are all in full PINK bloom. It's glorious. Soon their petals will line the streets to resemble snow but - so much prettier.

We had a break last month and decided to go to one of our favorite spots on the coast.

The first night was at Dungenous Forks Recreation Area. A place we've been but not stayed before. It was great. I loved the quiet and peaceful feeling here. The camp host was super sweet and most gracious.

We drove into Fort Townsend the next day and stopped at Wynwoods Bead Gallery to find some treasure. Lois was working the counter and I got to say hello. She is one of my favorite artists and she's (semi) local for me. So, I love being able to shop with her, in person.

This little flower charm is one of hers. It's white bronze with her signature stamp LV on the back. Love the rustic, feminine look to her pieces. Beautiful.

Aquamarine Gemstone Bracelet.

The weather was changing, quickly. We dove South hoping to outrun the snow. But that night the snow feel. And Oh, it was so pretty.

Thankfully we camp *inside* a trailer so we were able to stay warm. Others were camping in tents! I was surprised the campground was almost full. But then, the rain forest is always beautiful no matter the weather.

I knew the roads would only get worse so we headed farther south about midday when the temperatures rose above freezing.

We camped at Kalaloch at a spot on the bluff above the beach. Normally, I would love this spot but at 27 degrees it was a bit cold to enjoy.

I can't complain tho. Camping anytime, almost any where is good for me. I love being in the woods or at the beach. At the North end of WA we have both.

Recharged. I'm ready to get back to work...

Updates to the shop include a two new collections. Boho Bliss Jewelry featuring the softer side of bohemian.

And Embers and Ash; deep red paired with black and soft gray.

Some items have been added already and I will continue to add more over the next three days. If you receive my newsletter, please look for it tomorrow for more on what's new and special offers.

Happy Spring!

Hitting The Reset Button

2018-01-07T18:26:00.003-08:00

This is the time of year we hear a lot of talk about resolutions and staring new things, or ending bad habits. Honestly, I'm not one who makes "new years resolutions". I first heard of this tradition when I was about 12. Or that's the first time I remember hearing of it.

I vaguely remember getting together with my cousins, who were my best friends back then, and writing out our resolutions on tiny strips of paper. The paper then went into balloons and somehow we picked the ones that landed face up when we popped the balloons or some nonsense like that. Well, we were kids!

However, I do believe in hitting the reset button so to speak. We have times that *feel like beginnings and those times can inspire us to pick our hearts up off the ground and begin again. To start new projects or end old ways that are destructive.

These times include, but are not limed to new years day (month!), a start of a new week, a new moon, a celestial event like the solstice or a holiday. Maybe a birthday, a new decade. Any marked change of time. Hell, even a new day. We feel that change internally and we can use that to build on.

I'm one of the weird people who LIKES Monday... for this very reason. It feels like a new - something. It's a fresh day a fresh week. Leaving last week behind and begin again.

Maybe you don't believe in that. Maybe you don't *need that, you say. Whether you believe in it or *need it, it's there. It's a part of who we are as humans. If it weren't, we would not have little stars on our calendars to mark special days. Days would all blend together and have no meaning.

These pictures are some I took Christmas morning. I woke up and everything was encased in ice. It was so peaceful and quiet and surreal. I wanted to remember this moment and breathe it in. It's like walking in the rain, or a wind storm, this feeling of frozen - everything comes over you and fills you with peace. Also sort of a reset button. It has to be. Because for a time, everything stops and is commanded by it. Nature.

I believe it is good to notice the change in time and celebrate that if you feel inspired to. It feeds the soul and nourishes our spirits. Pause, breathe, hit the reset, begin again.

Love and Peace~ Cindy

A Year In The Life

2017-12-23T08:55:00.013-08:00


Glacier Peak Campground, WA

This year has been a time of change just as I knew it would be. Focusing on the positive has been difficult at times but I am keeping the faith that good things are coming.

My jewelry/artwork has slowed this year as I have concentrated on other things. I decided early this year to further my education and take some college classes. It was a real eye-opener for me. I hate to say, I'm not as quick a learner as I used to be. However, I found sort of pride and strength in the will to go on and pick myself up after each failure.

I have immensely enjoyed the last few weeks of working on jewelry/ceramics again (and also camping!) while on school break. Immensely. It truly feeds my spirit. I know now that I cannot live without it in my life. It sustains me in so many ways I cannot describe.

Classes start up again soon and I'll be deep in studies. I am afraid. I am worried I wont do well, I wont be able to keep up. I wont understand the work. But I'm going anyway. I am trying it all the same. Deep breathe. One foot in front of the other.

Meantime, I have about a week left of working with silver and ceramics. I will take custom orders up till the end of the year. After that, it will be as I have time.

Plans and goals; more inspirational jewelry, more sculpting, and clay work. Growing a new collection called Embers and Ash. Growing my Peace, Love and Beach Rocks collection. Taking more naps, more dog cuddles.... eating more veggies, practicing yoga daily.

Motto for the coming year; do all things with love and you can't go wrong.

to those who are celebrating, may your Christmas be filled with laughs and love, and may you be surrounded by family and friends.

Cindy

Fresh!

2017-01-26T10:49:00.001-08:00

Fresh from the kiln, new porcelain buttons for bracelets and luscious new beads and hearts in Winter Blues... listing will be updated over the next few weeks. Message me for requests.

Of The Earth

2016-01-12T07:19:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Hiking at Cape Disappointment, WA 2012

It's winter here in WA state. The landscape is a lot of gray, and muddy browns. I'm not one that dislikes one season or another, one day over another.

Yes some are easier than others. Some more enjoyable. But I like to keep an open mind and take in all that my surroundings have to offer.

My jewelry work is largely inspired by nature and the beauty I can find there. No matter what the season, no matter what the weather.

Winter brings cold and rain and mud. It also brings green trees, red holy berries, water puddles for children to stomp! Just remember, it's all good.

Of The Earth.

Silver, Gemstone, Ceramic Earrings, Art & Soul Jewelry

I found these gemstones at a bead show in Portland, OR. Purchased from Dava Bead & Trade. I clearly remember picking up the strand... mulling it over in my head. Why I should I buy these? They were on the $$$ side and they were mostly flawed stones.

The woman in the booth saw me and she must have read my mind because her words to me where that these stones are Of The Earth. Each one special and precious and the cracks and flaws are actually what make them beautiful. And I must have believed her because I bought them, and have loved them ever since!

None are matching. Yet I have still managed to make several great looking pairs of earrings with them. I love the facets, the deep brown color and how each one is unique. And yes, they are Of The Earth. How can that ever be bad?

Silver, Gemstone, Ceramic Earrings, Art & Soul Jewelry

I have wrapped them in .999 fine silver wire. And paired with some handmade ceramic beads finished with a two part brown and red glaze. Ear wires are hand forged, .925 sterling silver. Available at Art and Soul Jewelry.

I see this set with a soft, red, long sleeved sweater. Maybe a V neck or deep plunging neckline. A pair of soft brown corderory jeans and some tall boots. I'll leave that to your imagination.

Looking for handmade ceramic beads? Check in with me the last week of this month! I will be offering sets of handmade beads! http://www.artandsouljewelry.com/

Peace and Love,

Winter Solstice in the Desert

2015-12-30T14:30:00.005-08:00

Winter Solstice in the Desert

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

I took a trip to the desert last week, which happened to be Winter Solstice and a huge, full moon. I can't even begin to describe how beautiful and perfect it was. Both are eye-opening and jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

At a glance, the desert appears dry and lifeless, but once you soften your view and relax, you'll see it's teeming with life and magic.

Just back home yesterday, I wanted my next creation to reflect the colors, look and feel of the desert. Prickly plants, enormous rock formations, sandy earth, tall grasses, Joshua trees...

Joshua Tree Park, CA

It's funny because I have always considered myself a mountain girl. But I've discovered that I truly love the desert, and I hope I am fortunate enough to go back one day.

Sterling silver earrings feature: disk charms- mill rolled with fabric, Agate stones dangling on ball-tipped pins, Handcrafted ceramic beads, green Grossular Garnet gemstones, and hand-forged ear wires.

Available at Cindy's Art & Soul.

May Peace and Love be with you in the new year and always!

Soul Of The Sea Earrings by Cindy's Art and Soul

2015-03-15T08:10:00.002-07:00

Soul Of The Sea Earrings by Cindy's Art and Soul

This holiday weekend I am at the beach. Looking outside at the clouds and sea mist coming in making the grass and road wet... feeling so grateful to be here.

Yesterday was fairly dry and I took Miss Molly for a walk down on the beach. She loves to run free and chase the seagulls. I call to her and offer treats to keep her close.

We saw a lot of garbage that has washed up. Maybe from the Japanese tsunami? Reports say it may be washing up for years.

Inspiring is how nature takes things over

and makes them her own...

The blue on these sea shells are exactly what I had in mind when I was making these earrings. The lampwork beads are Bubby and McGurk Beads... fantastic colors!

I wanted to add some shimmery blue kyanite stones (which matched perfectly!) but I felt like the lampwork was enough. They really stand on their own and do not need anything more!

The starfish charms add a feeling of being "at the beach". Capped in hand-forged sterling silver
wrapped in thick 20 gauge ss wire.

Hoops are hand-forged and fused 14 gauge fine silver.
Oxidized for beauty and character.
Hand polished.

Available for purchase at Cindy's Art & Soul Jewelry.
(update: sold!)

Peace & Blessings~

Wild Child

2015-01-30T14:25:00.002-08:00

Wild Child

These earrings were inspired and created to match a necklace I recently made, using similar components and beads. The inspiration necklace included a beautiful artisan lampwork focal I picked up in a tiny little (The best kind!!) bead shop in AZ last year. Really nice workmanship. I love buying artists' beads. Knowing that I can contribute to someone else's art while feeding my own creative needs is the most rewarding experience for me.

The artisan lampwork bead has shades of black and gray and a bit of a lavender hue as well.

I played off the colors of the bead by adding in some lavender jasper (from Alexanders Bead Bazaar- Seattle, WA) along with some gray labradorite, white African glass, and finally, some handcrafted ceramic beads (Cindy's Art & Soul) in shades of gray.

Black stone, Periwinkle Jasper, and Handcrafted Ceramic Earrings by Art & Soul Jewelry

With the earrings, I had to get creative since I didn't have the large focal to work with - I chose some small (found) black stones. The stones were hand-picked from the beach here in WA - just last week! I drilled them and wrapped them with fine silver wire - adding in the lavender Jasper and handcrafted ceramic beads by Cindy's Art & Soul. The ear wires are hand-crafted, sterling silver.

You can find these earrings and the matching necklace at Cindy's Art & Soul.

Peace & Blessings,

Rustic Moon Face Earrings

2014-08-26T14:23:00.001-07:00

Rustic Moon Face Earrings

Inspired by soulful days spent inward, creating and humming to Anugama - Shamanic Journey. Dancing around the room, eating chocolate sort of days. Carefree and filled with Peace days.

Yeah, I had a really nice today and did all those things.

My offering this week was born of today's soulfulness.

Hand-carved (bone) moon faces from Indonesia. I found it at a wonderful bead shop in Seattle called Alexanders. A small totem of beads dangles below, including tiny white porcelain and Czech glass wrapped in dark oxidized copper wire.

The hoops are hand-fused and forged pure copper with a dark oxidized patina.

Sterling silver handcrafted ear wires are also oxidized for a rustic, aged look.

☮ Cindy
Cindy's Art & Soul Jewelry

Tuesday, August 26, 2014