This rosary bracelet was originally a custom item and is now being sold here on Etsy.

This rosary bracelet was a custom item.

This rosary bracelet was a custom item.

Since it was a mere -15 degrees out, we decided to walk through the city, over the bridge into Ulm (we started in Neu-Ulm) and ended up walking through practically the entire city before deciding on Henry’s Café for dinner. I have to say I was really surprised about how much I was taken by him. He definitely still looked almost too young for my taste, but at the same time, had an air about him that made him attractive.

After dinner and tripe conversation, we went back over the bridge to Neu-Ulm and back to my apartment to sip tea until his train left. We ended up watching Pitch Perfect (in German, since he doesn’t speak English), which led to making out because, let’s face it, Pitch Perfect isn’t the most attention-grabbing film, and I have been extremely under-sexed recently.

My new bracelet

Sometime during the make-out session, I asked about his bracelet, which was decorated with those tiny biblical pictures that you normally see on those Mexican candles at the dollar store because it made me think of this college guy Brad whom I dated when I was in high school.

Brad wore a cross necklace and wasn’t outed at the time we dated, and the first night we met, we ended up going back to his place and sleeping together seven times during the night until I made him cry by saying I thought I was straight, just so I could get some sleep. Anyway, when we first began making out, Brad had to stop and remove his cross necklace before doing anything else, and I asked him why. “Oh, you noticed?” he asked. “It’s kind of hard not to notice you stopping making out with me to remove the cross you’re bearing.”

He went on to explain how he wasn’t outed, and yes, he did have a problem being religious and knowing he was gay, etc., etc. I don’t remember what else he said because I was bored, so I just began making out with him again so he’d stop talking.

Anyway, I asked the tyke about his rosary bracelet because I was curious to know what kind of story he’d tell. I know he also isn’t outed to anyone. But as it turns out, the story was rather boring. Everyone in his village seems to wear these as just a fashion statement, and he has them in multiple colors: white, brown, black. And since I had never seen it before, he found that pretty appalling, so he gave me his, which in a way is kind of a nice gesture and bracelet. And then we continued to make out.

The kid is really cute, I must say, but it’s hard for me to really see this going anywhere. I mean, it’s pretty much doomed from the beginning. I’m not trying to be negative, just realistic. And it’s better for me to be so because this kid is going to get really attached, I fear. Even before we met he sent me over 100 texts a day and gets excited when I don’t immediately respond. Also, I don’t even know if I’ll be staying in Ulm for that long. I’m trying to get out of here or at least find a job with a contract. Let’s also not forget the fact that I’m newly single. I think I just want to date a while and see where things go with people. I’m not looking for anything better, but I’m not ready to be absolutely committed to one person right now. Well, I don’t know if that’s completely true…

There may be someone I could honestly picture myself with and whom I’d be ready to just spontaneously marry, so that’s getting rather confusing for me. I mean, we flirt every now-and-again, but is this joking and flirting serious? I guess it would be, if I weren’t living on the other side of the world, but still…

Anyway, enough pondering and mulling over silly thoughts. I’m off to the gym.

This rosary bracelet is being sold here on Etsy.

This rosary bracelet is being sold on Etsy.

This rosary bracelet is being sold here on Etsy.

This rosary bracelet is being sold here on Etsy.

Ave beads – 6mm Red Jasper
Pater beads – 8mm Red Jasper
TierraCast Antique Silver 5mm Talavera Star Bead Caps
Silver oxidized Compassion Crucifix with Mary and Jesus & silver oxidized Holy Spirit Medal sarying “Pray For Us” on reverse side imported from Italy

This rosary bracelet is being sold here on Etsy.

Woke up with this from my older son, James. He got this for me from his retreat. He also got one for his younger brother and stepdad =)

I love summertime!  Except for the heat.  And the mosquitoes.  It would be perfect except for those.  But in order to enjoy what God gives us for the summertime, we have to endure the not so nice things, too.  Believe me, there is more to enjoy than to simply endure.

The smell – I love the smell of summer.  Have you ever noticed that when the heat is on, the scent of flora and fauna is more intense? (try saying that three times)  And the smell of fresh-cut grass, yummy.  Can you remember the smell of the lake?  The sand and surf?  Did your mama take you to the library in the summer?  I can smell that even now as I type.  And need I mention the delicious scent of BBQ?  The smell of tomato plants?

Something else I’ve attributed to summertime is the fact that there seems to be more wildlife activity.   Early in the morning, noisy birds could care less who they wake up with their cackling songs.  In the evenings, crickets and cicadas sing you to sleep with droning lullabies.  Squirrels come out of hiding, opossums and crafty raccoons ransack garbage cans as armadillos root up your garden.  Oh, and don’t forget those cold-blooded snakes slithering onto the hot pavement to warm themselves (run over those suckas!).  In the area where I live, it’s not unusual to see the occasional alligator taking a short cut through the yard on the way to the lake.  Don’t forget butterflies.  They are the best, aren’t they?  As a child, I imagined them to be angels, seeing as how they drift and float and delight in the beauty and sweet nectar of summer flowers.  I love butterflies.  I have a lot of flowers in my gardens and butterflies are everywhere.  Summertime butterflies.  And speaking of summer time sights – look up, see the night sky filled with heavenly diamonds so much more prevalent this time of year.

Summer noise:  kids splashing in the pool, laughing at the playground in the park, calling to each other while they ride their bikes, the tic-tic-tic of an old sprinkler, lawnmowers.  We used to hear screen doors slamming in the summer, but not anymore.  Now we hear air conditioning units constantly groaning under the oppressive heat that global warming has insured.

Vacation Bible School.  Remember that?  For a few years now, I’ve volunteered to help out at our church for summer VBS.  The thing that’s different about it at this time in my life is that I get to bring my grandchildren with me.  Joy!  What joy!  I love it, although I will ask for your prayers because I’ll have three grandchildren here for 6 days.  Lordy, help me.  Luckily for me, our VBS director understands my -shall we say- peculiarities and allows me to man the video room.  When the lights go out for the dvd show, all of the kids get quiet and I stay calm.  LOL!

Summer vacations!  Although I have had very few traveling vacations in my adult life, those that I have had were way over-the-top!  This summer, our vacation took the form of two days, one night in NOLA, that is, New Orleans, Louisiana.  We met up with some very dear friends celebrating their tenth anniversary and, as usual when we get together, we had a great time.  I love NOLA, and though she is a hot city in the summertime, she is the heart of our great state.  What a generous, great lady!

Now for the shameless plug.  If you have followed what I have been doing lately, you know I have learned how to do a little bead weaving.  This is a red and black watch that I put together using the bead weaving technique.

Another bracelet I’ve been working on is a complete five decade, five strand bracelet made out of smokey gray faceted Czech beads, aurora borealis beads, and seed beads.  Very fancy.

Finally, let me show you a tribute to my fair Louisiana:  A rosary made with linked jasper the color of earth, with bronze Fluer Di Lis Paters, and a special hand-cast bronze center featuring the chalice and host of the Holy Eucharist.

If you would like to see more of my work, visit my etsy shops:

www.etsy.com/shop/nanaspocket

www.etsy.com/shop/ToLoveAlways

Use this coupon code for a great discount at check out:  BLOGFAN1

Please consider rating this blog, sharing it, or dropping a comment for me.  I’d really appreciate it!

Simple and elegant olive wood from Bethlehem and sandalwood from India. Single decade rosary bracelet. Very popular item! Great price!

Heart Millefiori Bead Rosary Bracelet

Rosary bracelets are not common. A rosary is not a talisman, rather it is an aid to meditation. By tradition, there are three sets of mysteries (joyful, sorrowful, glorious). For a reference on rosaries may I suggest wikipedia.
A rosary bracelet consists of 10 beads ( one decade); a cross (crucifix), and a medal. Think of it as a condensed version of the rosary.  Since it can be worn on the wrist, it is sometimes used to show devotion.  It can be given as a “first communion” or confirmation gift. Although not a chaplet or pocket rosary, they may be kept in a purse or pocket.

Please visit LuckySammy.Etsy.Com for a selection of rosary bracelets.

The rosary bracelet shown consists of  wonderful heart shaped millefiori beads. This bracelet has a magnetic clasp that makes it easy to wear. It is 8 1/4 inches long and weighs approximately 3/8 ounce. “Millefiori is a glasswork technique which produces distinctive decorative patterns on glassware.” (source wikipedia)

At FaithBeads, all orders will be shipped for free!  No minimum and no coupon code necessary.  And your order will be shipped in time to arrive before Christmas Day.  After December 16th, you will have to request Priority Mail shipping (at a cost of $5.50) for your order to arrive in time for Christmas and the shop will be closed December 19 thru 26, so I can have some time to wrap presents, bake cookies for Santa with the kids, sing some Christmas carols and eat way too much food.  To see all the participants and get ready for some last-minute shopping, click below:

In other news, Zechariah’s fund is up to $892!!  Only $108 more needed to reach the Angel Tree goal.  Thank you for the support and see this post for more information.

As the story goes, Saint Gerard once dropped his handkerchief in the street. A woman picked it up and tried to return it to him, but he told her to keep it for some future use. When the woman was having a difficult labor with her first child, she placed the handkerchief on her belly and her baby was delivered safe and healthy.

faithbeads.etsy.com

Many wonder why St. Gerard is so often depicted beside a skull.  I admit, it’s not all that inviting.  St. Gerard is considered a penitent saint, alongside others such as St. Jerome, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Aloysius, who all can be seen in images with a skull.  St. Gerard spent a great deal of his life on earth reflecting on his own sins and seeking forgiveness and purity of spirit.  He was also known as being very reliable in his ability to predict future events.  He even predicted the date of his own death.  The skull is the traditional symbol for mystical theologians.

Saint Gerard is the patron saint of those who wish to achieve pregnancy, expectant mothers, childbirth, motherhood and the pro-life movement.

Prayers to Saint Gerard:

faithbeads.etsy.com

Prayer for Motherhood

O good St Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder worker of our day, confidently I call upon you and seek your aid.  On Earth you always fulfilled God’s designs, help me now to do the holy will of God.  Implore the Master of Life, from whom all paternity proceeds, to render me fruitful in offspring, that I may raise up children to God in this life, and in the world to come, heirs to the Kingdom of His Glory.
Amen. 

Prayer for a Safe Delivery

O great Saint Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and devoted child of Mother of God, enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in your heart and made you an angel of love.
O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, you did bear, like your Divine Master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men, you have been raised up by God as the patron and protector of expectant mothers.
Preserve me from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, and shield the child which I now carry, that it may see the light of day and receive the purifying and life-giving waters of baptism through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer in Thanks of a Safe Delivery

Good Saint Gerard, patron of mothers, assist me in thanking God for the great gift of motherhood. During the months of my waiting, I learned to call upon you and placed the safety of my child and myself under your powerful protection. The great lesson of your trust in God sustained me; your slogan, “God will provide,” became my hope and consolation. I thank God for my child and for motherhood. Help me to prize the great treasure of motherhood and obtain for me the grace to raise my child as a child of God.
Amen.

Prayer for a Special Favor

O Most Blessed Trinity, I your unworthy creature, thank you for all the gifts and privileges which you have granted to Saint Gerard, especially for those virtues with which you have adorned him on earth and the glory which you impart to him in heaven.
Accomplish your work, O Lord, for the greater glory of the Holy Church. 
Glorify him before men and women and through his merits, in union with those of Jesus and Mary, grant me the grace for which I ask …(mention your request)
And you, my powerful intercessor St. Gerard, always so ready to help those who have recourse to you, pray also for me.
Prostrate yourself before the throne of Divine Mercy and please do not leave it without being heard.
To you I confide this important and urgent affair.
Graciously take my cause in hand and let me not end this novena without having experienced in some way the effects of your intercession.  Amen.

Prayer for a sick child

O most beloved Saint Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children and by your prayers freed many from disease and even death, listen to us who are pleading for our sick child. We thank God for the great gift of our son/daughter and ask God to restore our child to health if such be the holy will. This favor we beg of you through your love for all children and mothers.  Amen.

faithbeads.etsy.com

Search for St. Gerard items in my Etsy shop here.

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This piece is for sale!

The bracelet itself features five sets of nine beautiful 4mm fuchsia-dyed freshwater pearls, four funky (and large!) upcycled vintage beads rescued from Goodwill, and tiny silver Czech glass seed beads. The tail, which is attached by a lobster-like clasp, includes a small, lacy heart connector, several more freshwater pearls, a silver-plated moon and star charm and two silvery india bells. I’ve left approximately 1/2″ of the sterling silver-plated stainless steel memory wire exposed to leave room for you to move the tail around, and also to allow movement of the beads while in prayer or meditation.

For my fellow Italians and others interested in protection from the Mal Occhio (Evil Eye), I’ve included a small dangle with a silver-plated Corno/pepper charm and a red Czech glass bead, suspended from a second lobster-like clasp. With this combo, you don’t even have to remember to wear your ‘something red’ to boost the effectiveness of the pepper!

There is also a cute ‘Made with Love’ stamped heart charm dangling from one of the end loops; I can remove this if you’d prefer. The vintage beads were upcycled from a broken necklace found at a thrift store. I’m unsure of the material, but these beads are in great shape and are very unique!

When using as a functional rosary or as prayer beads, you can attach the tail to one of the end loops, or wherever makes the most sense to you.

For everyday wear/use, you have options…
- Let the rosary tail dangle from the bracelet (at whatever position you prefer) while you wear it.
- Attach the rosary tail to a necklace. Worn in this fashion, it’s truly stunning and makes a matching set!
- If you’re like me and never remember to bring along a calculator when you go shopping, use the tail and/or Corno dangle as markers/dividers and turn your bracelet into a temporary abacus.

I may be biased, but I really think that this is a clever design and a gorgeous application of said design.

The bracelet features the above-mentioned beads and charms, all strung on approximately 16″ of memory wire.

Metaphysically speaking, pearls symbolize purity, spiritual journey, charity, honesty, wisdom and integrity. They can also heighten our ability to receive spiritual guidance. They are also undeniably sensual and feminine.

Silver increases perception and balances emotion. It enhances the moon’s energy and can be helpful in energizing other minerals during full and new moons.

In all, the elements used in this piece should help draw a bit of positive energy to anyone wearing it. I also work to infuse every piece I make with positivity, healing energy, love and strength. Plus it’s just beautiful!

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These pieces are available for sale (here and here)!

The bracelet itself features beautiful 4mm white glass pearls for the Hail Marys, creamsicle swirled vintage beads for the Our Fathers, and tiny gunmetal spacer beads. The tail, which is attached by a lobster-like clasp, includes a small, beautiful Sacred Heart connector and a mini pewter cross in addition to the glass pearls and vintage beads. I’ve left approximately 1/2″ of the sterling silver-plated stainless steel memory wire exposed to leave room for you to move the tail around, and also to allow movement of the beads while in prayer.

For my fellow Italians and others interested in protection from the Mal Occhio (Evil Eye), I’ve included a small dangle with a silver-plated Corno/pepper charm and a red Czech glass bead, suspended from a second lobster-like clasp. With this combo, you don’t even have to remember to wear your ‘something red’ to boost the effectiveness of the pepper!

There is also a cute ‘Made with Love’ stamped heart charm dangling from one of the end loops; I can remove this if you’d prefer. The vintage beads were upcycled from a broken necklace found at a thrift store. These beads are acrylic; the creamsicle swirl coloring is a coating, and this has worn a bit around the holes on some of the beads but is not noticeable unless you are intently seeking small imperfections. I think this just adds to the charm of these vintage beads.

I also have matching earrings posted (blue and orange).

When using as a functional rosary in the traditional manner, attach the tail to one of the end loops and start your prayers at the opposite end.

For everyday wear/use, you have options…
- Let the rosary tail dangle from the bracelet (at whatever position you prefer) while you wear it.
- Attach the rosary tail to a necklace. Worn in this fashion, it’s truly stunning and makes a matching set!
- If you’re like me and never remember to bring along a calculator when you go shopping, use the tail and/or Corno dangle as markers/dividers and turn your bracelet into a temporary abacus.

I may be biased, but I really think that this is a clever design and a gorgeous application of said design.

The bracelet features the above-mentioned beads and charms, all strung on approximately 12″ of memory wire.

Metaphysically speaking, glass represents transformation, as well as communication, rebirth and the blending of elements. Think of how glass comes to be, with sand (earth) being formed into a new material with the use of fire, which cannot exist without air.

Silver increases perception and balances emotion. It enhances the moon’s energy and can be helpful in energizing other minerals during full and new moons.

Dark colors, like the black and gunmetal used here, are associated with the Root Chakra, which governs our relationship with the physical world and self-preservation.

In all, the elements used in this piece should help draw a bit of positive energy to anyone wearing it. I also work to infuse every piece I make with positivity, healing energy, love and strength. Plus it’s just beautiful!

I’ve just added the bracelet to the following page. I’m also working on creating some Men’s religious jewellery, some strong designs incorporating Faith and Hope. These designs will be added in a few weeks, and I’ll keep you up to date on my progress and ideas.

New rosary bracelet designs will also be added to my site, using gemstones in earthy tones and rusty reds. If you have any requests, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Until next time, wishing you a beautiful and blessed day! God bless, Emma x x

I’m currently making rosary bracelets this morning, and researching new religious charms to add to each bracelet. I often use crosses, stars and hearts on my faith bracelets – and prayer boxes too (which are my favourite!). I’d like new charms, so I’m having a good search on the internet for more. (If you have any special requirements, please let me know and I’ll be happy to help).

Until next time, wishing you all a truly blessed day,

God bless, Emma x x

I’m nearly finished – and I hope she loves her new prayer box bracelets. They’ll be sent very soon, wrapped in ribbon and dispatched with love. Here’s a sneak preview at her Swarovski pearl design, I hope you enjoy it too -

Until next time, wishing you a blessed day!

God bless, Emma x x

UNAKITE PENDANT NECKLACE

I have been known for my specific style of Rosary bracelets.  I have seen some amazing bracelets but some of them just never really catch your eye…  This bracelet does just that, it catches your attention.  The stones that she uses are very symbolic to this piece and really speaks to the soul.

SACRED HEART RED ROSARY BRACELET

So if this has intrigued you enough to see what other goodies are in store for you, here is the heart to her shop.

Suzbax ArtFire Shop - Jewelry to Keep