Etsy Treasury Time

Just thought I'd share a few recent Esty Treasuries to show off some wonderful, handcrafted goods. (Treasuries are lists of Etsy items curated by Etsy members in order to showcase each other. As we try to make them beautiful, treasuries have become an art form in themselves.)

Firstly, a couple of Valentine treasuries that I made to promote fellow members of the Crafty Ireland Team (Etsy Ireland.)

The Darker Side of Love (Crafty Ireland Team Treasury)


Fabulous February (Crafty Ireland Team Treasury)

My own items appeared in a couple of treasuries in the last couple of days too. This gorgeous one features my flame-coloured agate purse charm:

'Mud and Rocks' by Nancy and Mike of Hilltop Pottery

And my Connemara Marble Heart Pendant featured in this beautiful, Valentine list:
''Who Said Hearts have to be Red' by DesignsBloom

Then yesterday my Irish Sea Pottery Pendant featured in this stunning Celtic collection:

'Twilight Blues' by Karen of Capallglas Studio

I hope you are drooling over all these lovely items made by small, independent artisans around the world. I know I am!

If you are an Etsy fan and would like to know how to make a treasury, here is an article I posted last year for the Etsy Ireland Blog: Step by Step to Making Treasuries. Have fun!

Purple Amethyst, February Birthstone

Is it any wonder Amethyst is the gemstone associated with royalty? The rich, purple tones of this semi-precious stone are classically regal. The most highly prized variety of quartz, the amethyst is elegant and enchanting, demure yet delightful and quite simply, stunning. This is a stone fit for a Princess. Born in February, it's my birthstone and one of my favourite pieces of rock.

Amethyst Teardrop and Sterling Silver Heart Pendant, Violeta

The stone gets its name from the Greek term 'Amethystos' meaning 'not drunken.' The ancient Greeks believed it would help keep them and their guests sober, so wine goblets were often encrusted with amethysts.

Lavender Amethyst Earrings, Lila

It can be a very pale lavender or a darker, damson purple. The darker variety is more valued, but pale amethyst can be very spectacular. The gem is particularly beautiful when faceted for extra light and sparkle.

Amethyst Necklace Extender

Matt beads are shaped between grinders and drilled. They are quite affordable for beading or for making dangly earrings etc.

Lush Purple Earrings, Damson

Sunlight can fade the colour, so if you own a specimen crystal or a lush piece of amethyst jewellery, best not to store it on a window sill!

Amethysts have been used by healers for centuries. The power stone is believed to help with insomnia, balance energies and keep one grounded. It is also considered to be a spiritual stone, particularly in Tibet. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that amethysts 'quicken intelligence'...hmm, don't know about that one...

If you are a February baby: Happy Birthday!

2012 Starting Afresh

Welcome to my new blog! Anne-Marie of Handmade by Amo'r aka 'byamor' here wishing everyone a Happy New Year. May 2012 be a better one for us all!


My Etsy friends may know my Irish blog but having written from time to time for Etsy Ireland , I kind of missed the simplicity of Blogspot.com. So here I am, starting afresh in the hopes that I will post more often. Once I get my blog looking a little prettier, I am looking forward to posting How To's and tutorials for beading and wire work beginners as well as articles of interest for lovers of gemstones, beach glass, Ireland and all things handmade....and whatever else pops into my crafty little head....Please do join me!