Alex's Birthday Rosary

Today I made this rosary especially for my Etsy friend Alex's Birthday. She is also leaving soon to travel to South America for medical treatment - an illness that we both share. When I asked her what was her favorite color. she said royal blue. I couldn't find any royal blue beads that I liked but I did have these cobalt blue beads in my stash - they are sort of a dark royal blue right? The crucifix and rosary both have white lilies on them, which is my favorite flower and the flower used throughout the artwork of Stairway Heaven. To the rosary, I will be adding a medal of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the connector, because She is Alex's Lady. The medal will be in the shape of a scroll because we book love to read. So it's a rosary that shares the two of us who are very much alike.

The Religious Art of Nat Ewert

St. Therese Pendant

I was doing my usual browsing on another sleepless night and I ran across this artist, named Nat Ewert, who does some lovely religious art. So lovely that I've commissioned a painting from her. Shhh....It's a secret until it is complete. Here are some of her paintings and jewelry art with religious themes that I would like to share with you. Her Etsy site for her paintings and prints is called Natamon: The Dishy Thicket. Her Etsy site for her jewelry, including religious jewelry and rosaries, is named Dreamtrappings:  Jewelry Creations of Artist Natalie Ewert. You can find her blog and facebook sites through her etsy sites too. She is a very interesting artist and loves doing religious art. Please read her etsy and facebook profiles to find out more about her. In my blog today, I'd like to include some of the artwork that she has done that made me fall in love with her art. It's unique and lively and lovely, in my opinion, and she's a wonderful person too. I hope you enjoy this showing of her art as much as I do.

Click on the thumbnail images to see a larger image. Click on the caption to take you to the etsy site for that item. My personal favorite is Laughing Saint Therese with Roses. But it seems that she is sold. However, there will be prints of smaller versions of her, but the original went to a good home. :) Thank you and God bless.



Saint Clare Silhouette







Laughing Saint Therese with Roses
SOLD

  



Mary's Tears Rosary





St. Francis of Assisi Silhouette





Jesus Is Love Original Iconography Artwork







Children Protection Rosary

The Face of Christ



Sacred Heart Brooch 1




Another Treasury? Yes.

CEAG Original Artwork: Our Lady, The Virgin Mary



Art4theSoul



This treasury looks at some of the original paintings or illustrations(some now in prints; some colored digitally) done by members of the CEAG, Catholic Etsy Artists Guild, specifically depicting Our Lady, the Virgin Mary.



Because of the subject, this treasury contains many of the same artists' paintings. I thank you for your beautiful artwork.





JuniperPlum



SmilePumpkin





Treasuries: Remembering the Freedom of Religion on Independence Day!

These three CEAG, Catholic Etsy Artist Guild, treasuries are to celebrate Independence Day, including the First Amendment and the Freedom of Religion. I chose items with religious themes and Independence Day colors: Red, White, and Blue.

StLukesBrush



CraftyMule



RaesSpirit

Freedom of Religion - Independence Red - CEAG  

Freedom of Religion - Independence White - CEAG

Freedom of Religion - Independence Blue - CEAG

Summer Sale on Etsy Continued Plus Extra Deal

StairwayHeaven

Remember: SUMMER25

The sale continues until September 31. I am offering 25% off all Etsy items except PIFs and gift certificates. Even custom items are on sale. Once we establish a price for your custom item, you will receive 25% off that price. Gift certificates can still be used to purchase an item and then receive 25% off that item. Just put in SUMMER25 into the discount code box to receive your discount.

Please visit my Facebook page and Blog. You will receive an additional 5% off if you "Like" me and "Follow" me, respectively.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stairway-Heaven and "like" me.

http://stairwayheaven11.blogspot.com/ and "follow" me.

For those who have already done both, you are eligible for this deal and an extra 5% (40% total!!), just let me know in a conversation please.

Thank you and Blessings,

CEAG and 2 New Treasuries



Benerita's from Etsy
Elements of the Earth Sterling Cross Necklace



OK. I had so many "hits" that I made two volumes of one Treasury.

The Earth is the Lord's and All That Fills It - Psalm 24:1 CEAG Volume 1

The Earth is the Lord's and All That Fills It - Psalm 24:1 CEAG Volume 2 

These two treasuries are devoted to all the things that God has made for us in nature: the earth, water, wind, fire, sunshine, rain, etc. The inspiration for this treasury came from Benerita "Elements of the Earth Sterling Cross Necklace". Thank you for the inspiration Benerita. Thank you, Lord.

I did include several entries without teamcatholic b/c they were so cool - plus we might have some people who don't know about us come to find out more about us and/or tell their friends that they are in a treasury. At least I hope so. I couldn't help myself. <goofy grin> CEAG does such beautiful work but these others just fit in perfectly with the theme. :)

CEAG and Treasuries II

Good day,

I have made 2 more treasuries inspired by the artwork of the Catholic Etsy Artist Guild.



Military Heart Rosary



1. Army of God and CEAG -

This treasury is to thank the dedicated men and women who serve or have served in the US military for our freedoms, including religion. God bless them all. FYI: There are groups seeking rosaries for our military. Please google military rosary kits or military rosaries to find instructions to make your own military rosaries.

A. http://www.rosaryparts.com/pages/store/10expand.asp?ProductCode=73-T

B. http://www.aquinasandmore.com/rosaries/Military-Heart-Rosary-Kit/sku/59268

C. http://www.dakotarosaryworks.com/drw/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=166

2. Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi - CEAG

Saint Francis of Assisi ((born Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone; 1181/1182 – October 3, 1226). was an Italian Catholic friar and preacher. He founded the men's Franciscan Order, the women’s Order of St. Clare, and the lay Third Order of Saint Francis. St. Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in history.

St. Clare of Assisi

Clare of Assisi (sometimes spelled Clair, Claire, etc.) (July 16, 1194 – August 11, 1253), born Chiara Offreduccio, is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and wrote their Rule of Life—the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman. Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the Poor Clares.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Francis_of_Assisi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Clare_of_Assisi
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04004a.htm
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06221a.htm

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=215
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=50

Etsy Rosary Guild Team: Irish Penal Crucifix Symbols and Meanings

Research by Christine Stanton of Prayerbedes

Irish Penal Crucifix Symbols and Meanings:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76469180/irish-penal-era-rosary

Article written by Christine Stanton of Prayerbedes and continued on the Etsy Rosary Guild Blog.

As I was working on this new rosary today, I was reminded that I have wanted to...research and write about the symbols and their meanings found on the Irish Penal Crucifix.  For a few years, I have been collecting the information I find on the internet regarding the subject and putting it in a folder for this purpose.

One thing that I have been particularly sensitive to lately is the accuracy of information found on the internet.  With that, I have also become aware of the reality that even historical information written in books could be one individual’s interpretation of the facts–especially if it is written many years later.




Chaplet made by Christine Stanton
of prayerbedes on Etsy

So, as I relay this information, I would like to add the disclaimer that though this information is taken from multiple sources, discovering what is fact versus what is fiction can be difficult.  But, just as historians often need to interpret their findings, I am sure that people who lived during the Penal Era in Ireland could also have had some varying ideas of the meanings of these symbols.

Still, there are some symbols that have been recognized by Christians going back as far as biblical times.  Many of the symbols and their meanings on the Irish Penal Cross fall into that category.  Unlike many historical writings, much of the New Testament writings date back to the to the times of Christ.

The Crucifix itself is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Our Lord, and so too are the symbols that surround the Corpus on the Penal Cross....

Article written by Christine Stanton of Prayerbedes and continued on the Etsy Rosary Guild Blog.



















CEAG and Treasuries

Good day,

I have done 4 treasuries inspired by the artists of the Catholic Etsy Artist Guild (CEAG), also known as teamcatholic. Please take a look and make comments if you think they are interesting. I love the work that CEAG does and the people are so kind and charitable. I feel blessed to be a part of them. Please click on the green or gray links to visit each site. Thank you.





Rose Window
National Cathedral

1. Our Lady and the Rose - The rose symbolizes the Virgin Mary. Our Lady is called the Mystical Rose. The rosary is related to the rose. St. Dominic's chaplet was scented with roses. Monks' rosaries were made with hardened rose petals.

2. Light Through a Rose Window - CEAG - The beautiful bright items in this treasury remind me of the light coming though a rose window or a stained glass window. I could watch for hours as the colors shift and blend. God's beauty. Humans' art of love.

3. I have held thee in the palm of mine hand. -- Isaiah 51:16 - A baptism is the joyous beginning of a lifetime of loving and serving the Lord.

4. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. - And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 The items in this treasury are dedicated to marriage, weddings, and mostly love, for the greatest of these is love.

I hope you enjoy looking at these treasuries as much as I enjoyed making them. The artists in the CEAG are so diverse and they do phenomenal work. Please take a look.









Original Watercolor of Miraculous Mary

Miraculous Mary Medal Painting

I received my original watercolor painting by Dina Staggs of Risen Phoenix Designs. The painting uses elements of both the front and the back of the Miraculous Mary medal and this painting is beautiful. The colors are much more vivid in person and I am so happy I received today. It's a wonderful painting, Dina. Very original and very lovely. I cannot thank you enough. I hope you enjoy the rosary and prayer beads which I traded as much as I will enjoy her. Thank you and Bless you.

From the artist:
""Miraculous Medal" is an original watercolor painting inspired by the Miraculous Medal (a devotional medal depicting Jesus' mother Mary.) The Miraculous Medal is often worn by Catholics as a devotional prayer.
Title: Miraculous Medal
Type: Original artwork. NOT a print or reproduction.
Paper Type: Lightly textured, acid-free, cold press watercolor paper. The paper weight is 140 lb(300g), chosen for its versatility and durability.
Size: 11x15 inches
Mediums: High quality watercolor pencils were the primary medium for this painting. The colors are layered for rich color-tones. Details were drawn with archival-quality ink.
Signature: The painting is signed in the lower right-hand corner."

Summer Sale on Etsy

Remember: SUMMER25
Through July 31, I am offering 25% off all Etsy items except PIFs and gift certificates. Even custom items are on sale. Once we establish a price for your custom item, you will receive 25% off that price. Gift certificates can still be used to purchase an item and then receive 25% off that item. Just put in SUMMER25 into the discount code box to receive your discount.

My First Etsy Treasury - Our Lady and the Rose

I did my first Etsy CEAG Treasury entitled Our Lady and the Rose. I hate that I couldn't include my resources and full description so here it is:

Our Lady and the Rose

Resources:

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/frear/rose_img.htm

http://www.metmuseum.org/htmlfile/gallery/cloister/cloister.html

http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/rosarymarkings36.html



RaesSpirit



During the Middle Ages, the rose, seen as the queen of flowers, the symbol of the Virgin Mary, represented romance, religion, and healing. The rose symbolizes the Virgin Mary (white roses in Paradise are said to have blushed red when she kissed them). The red rose became a symbol of martyrdom, due to its color. When St. Frances of Assisi received the stigmata, his blood was said to have become roses when it fell upon the ground. Roses are found in the unicorn tapestries, in which the unicorn symbolizes the bridegroom. The unicorn, tamed by a virgin, is no longer fierce. So too, God became gentle through the Virgin Mary. The thornless rose was also the symbol of the Virgin Mary. Our Lady is called the Mystical Rose. The golden rose stands for the glory of the Virgin Mary. The Order of the Golden Rose, founded by Pope Leo VIII, was originally founded as a means of honoring virtuous women later including men. The rosary is related to the rose (see the intricately carved German rosary bead at the Cloisters). The rosary chaplet presented to St. Dominic was scented with roses. Monks' rosaries may originally have been made with hardened rose petals.





15Promises









ArtfulPurpose



Axis Mundi Designs







Featured Item - First Time!

My rosary R06, has been featured in a CEAG Treasury "The Song of a Hummingbird".

Prayer Beads

Today I made a new set of prayer beads. As some of you know, my focus is on making rosaries, but I enjoy making prayer beads as well because I love learning about religions in addition to Catholicism. The prayer beads that I chose to make today are Protestant - Anglican Prayer Beads, a form a contemplative prayer. The King of Peace website is a good resource to learn more about this form of prayer. Although in theory, i.e. to keep count of your prayers as you say them, these prayer beads are similar to the Catholic Rosary in the prayers prayed. However, prayer beads typically have a cross, instead of a rosary crucifix, as its focus followed by an Invitatory bead, four cruciform beads, and four groups of seven beads to form the weeks. The prayer beads I made today have a vintage brass cross, a dark wood Invitatory bead, gold glass druk cruciform beads, and vintage brass rondelle week beads. I have included some pictures of these prayer beads, designated simply PB14, for my own information and for when they are listed on Etsy.

Protestant - Anglican Prayer Beads

Cross, Invitatory Bead, and First Cruciform Bead

Three Cruciform beads and Week beads

Todays New Craft: Chainmaille

Today I spent the day working on a kit given to me by an etsy store, UnkamenSupplies. Although I tried two classes in chainmaille before, I failed miserably. But this kit was great. The instructions were on YouTube and I pulled some directions off the web and off I went. The kit was a parallel weave, also called helm weave, bracelet with sterling and turquoise clasp and enough rings to make earrings. The rings were copper and sterling. I think they came out very well and I'm very happy my new bracelet and earrings, which still need wires. Thank you to Ralph and Karen!