Just Sayin'...

Sometimes the most simple of designs offers the most fashion mileage. I made this beaded neck ring last summer, but I have worn it with so many different pendants! Because it is multi-colored in red, ivory, black, and various shades of blue it goes really well with bluejeans, which I have lived in for the past "stay at home" year. I've always loved the Laughing Buddha "Triple Happiness" pendant shown in the top photo and I've just finished the sterling silver hollow-formed "Prayer Box" pendant shown in the lower photo. It is adorned with a Lapis Lazuli focal stone and rose cut Garnet and Kyanite accent gemstones that blend so well with the Japanese seed beads that were used in the neck ring. Now, if you are wondering what a prayer box is, I'll explain...the idea behind a prayer box is that it becomes a talisman imbued with power by placing a special message or written word (i.e. courage, strength, love, etc.,) inside the piece, thereby imparting that attribute to the person wearing the prayer box. The message can be etched or drawn on the interior of the metal before the box is soldered closed. The word can also just be written on paper,which of course will burn when the box is soldered closed, but...it's the thought that counts, isn't it?