Gentle Spirit Creations

Perfect Combo

Janine — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:12:37 +0000

I had fun making this special order bracelet today. Trying new combinations is partly what keeps me interested in making jewelry. There seems to be no end to the possibilities!

Pearls were never something I liked very much in the past. When I was a kid, it seemed that pearls were only used in ultra dressy situations and usually were strung all in a row. And they were each perfectly round and matched. That just screams BORING to me! So, pearls were off my wish list.

But I have come to love pearls. I still seem to gravitate to unusual shaped pearls or strands that are not completely uniform. And I must combine them with something else! I loved putting pearls with leather in this bracelet….the super dressy with the ultra casual. The result is just perfect! And definitely me. Is it your style too? How do you feel about pearls? Please leave a comment below!

Breakfast Smoothie

Janine — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:36:02 +0000

I decided to make something different for breakfast. Due to health reasons, I can’t have most breakfast foods…wheat, corn, oats. So usually I eat eggs. Lately, I’ve gotten really tired of eggs. My hubby suggested a smoothie. But most smoothies are pretty sweet and I just can’t handle a lot of sweetness in the mornings. So, I came up with a smoothie that isn’t too sweet but healthy and satisfying. Here it is:

1 Apple

1/2 Banana

Fresh Pineapple Chunks

1/4 Cucumber

Handful of Spinach

1 Celery stalk

1/2 cup Vanilla Yogurt

1 T Ground Flax Seed

Handful of Walnuts

1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1 Tbl Rice Protein Vanilla

Water

Ice

I’d love to hear if you try it! Have a blessed day!

Copper and Pearl Nest Earrings

Janine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:08:00 +0000

I’m always trying something new. This idea had been floating around in my mind for days. Finally got to create them! I had fun making the pearls nestle on the copper discs. And of course, I love stamping the design!

Creamy peach pearls nestled in sterling wire on hand stamped copper discs. Discs are quarter sized. Sterling earwires. One-of-a-kind designer earrings.

Click on photos for larger view.

Crystal Moon Earrings

Janine — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:36:50 +0000

These dangly earrings are real statement pieces! Classy and sparkly. The lustrous coin pearls remind me of the moon. These earrings would make a lovely gift!

Handstamped Copper Discs, Sterling Wire and Swarovski Crystal Earrings

Janine — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:13:51 +0000

It all started with a sheet of Copper and some Sterling Silver wire. After cutting out 2 discs, I used a metal stamp that my father made to create a subtle ray pattern on the copper. Then I domed them. Next the Sterling wire was hammered and bent. I added Swarovski Crystals that really sparkle. After antiquing the metals, I polished them. What fun to start with basic materials and make wearable art!

The pattern on the copper reminds me of the rising sun that brings a new day. The dangles represent the surprises that the day will hold…some sparkle, some difficult things (hence the hammering) and some growth opportunities (the bending). These earrings are sure to brighten each new day!

Sterling Silver, Copper and Swarovski Crystal Earrings.

Aquamarine and Pearl Earrings

Janine — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:57:53 +0000

Faceted Aquamarine, Freshwater Pearls, Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver Earrings. Just perfect for that special someone!

2012 Italy Photography Calendars

Janine — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:21:58 +0000

My husband and I were blessed to travel to Italy in October! I had such a wonderful time and really enjoyed taking photos. Photography is another passion of mine and I was in heaven with all the beautiful scenery. I decided to make it into a calendar and offer it to you! Enjoy!!

Rising Sun Earrings

Janine — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:49:57 +0000

It all started with a sheet of Copper and some Sterling Silver wire. After cutting out 2 discs, I used a metal stamp that my father made to create a subtle ray pattern on the copper. Then I domed them. Next the wire was hammered and twisted. I added Swarovski Crystals that really sparkle. Then I made earwires with swirls from Sterling. After antiquing the metals, I polished them. What fun to start with basic materials and make wearable art!

The pattern on the copper reminds me of the rising sun that brings a new day. The dangles represent the surprises that the day will hold…some sparkle, some difficult things (hence the hammering) and some growth opportunities (the twisting). These earrings are sure to brighten each new day!

Sterling Silver, Copper and Swarovski Crystal Earrings.
Item # 1405 $54

BLING!!

Janine — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:15:23 +0000

Today I worked on a Special Order. My customer wanted a dangle bracelet with lots of sparkle and chunkiness along with earrings to match. This was a blast to make! Swarovski Crystals, Pearls and Sterling Silver.

It’s All Up Hill From Here

Janine — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:41:05 +0000

It’s all up hill. At least that is how it feels sometimes! This heat is something, isn’t it?! It seems to be getting everyone down…making life a little more difficult….causing health problems….slowing us down. Life is hard enough as it is. And just when you think you are catching a break and things are getting better, something else comes to slam you back down to the bottom. And then you think, there is no place to go but up from here.

But that is life, isn’t it? A journey up? Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

This life is all about trouble and what we do with it. Will we become discouraged and then take it out on those around us? Or will we remember that Jesus loves us and knows our trouble. He is with us and will help us. When the bad days come…and they will come, God will bring us through.

So, keep plugging away at that hill….and keep your eyes on Jesus!