Miraculous Medal - The Story and Symbolism

On many of my rosaries I have the Miraculous Medal as my centerpiece. If you ever had questions about what each of the symbols mean, this may be a great explanation for you. I found it on Pinterest and have it saved under Holy Rosaries on my Let Our Light Shine on Pinterest site.

God Bless,
Jen

Let Our Light Shine now ships INTERNATIONAL!

My Etsy store (https://www.etsy.com/shop/LetOurLightShine) now ships to the US and other International countries. Check out individual listings on Etsy for countries available. 

Let Our Light Shine has now been open almost a year and a half.  I see that we have views on this blog from countries all over the world.  As a storefront, when I originally chose to ship only to the US, only those in the US could view my online store.  Now, I have added hundreds of additional countries so my viewing area, beginning today, has grown significantly. Yeah! 

I'm SO excited.

If you live outside of the US and would like to take a look at my Etsy store, Let Our Light Shine, please visit the store links listed on this page.

Another exciting bit of news, that was announced today on Etsy, is that Etsy now gives Etsy Sellers the opportunity to offer gift wrapping during checkout. This means that if you purchase an item from my store and would like to have it gift wrapped and shipped to someone on your gift list, then you may select this option during checkout.  I have included a photo of my gift wrapping; viewable during checkout, too.  

Notes from my Etsy Store:  I also added a new set of one decade rosaries yesterday. The photo and link are listed below:

Divine Mercy and Lady of Fatima - One Decade Rosary

Christian Women's Bracelets

Christian Jewelry?

I looked around at some of the Christian Jewelry available from commercial stores and never found exactly what I was looking for so I decided to make my own.  I wanted a bracelet that was beautiful, yet represented our Christian faith. 

Matthew 10:33  King James Version (KJV)

³³ But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

The two bracelets below are both made with vintage Swarovski crystal beads. The first is a turquoise crystal beaded bracelet on silver wire with a silver cross charm.  The second is a one decade rosary bracelet also made with Swarovski crystal beads, brass wire and crucifix.

Both completely different in design, yet symbolizing our faith, prayers and our focus on the cross.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/558513915/womens-bracelet-handmade-wire-wrapped?ref=shop_home_active_13

https://www.etsy.com/listing/480660605/one-decade-rosary-bracelet-handmade?ref=shop_home_feat_1

In the near future, Etsy is going to add gift wrapping options within our Etsy stores during checkout.  I have all of my supplies ready so I'm excited to begin with this newest feature. 

**As always, no animal products are used in any of my store items or packaging. **

Vintage and New Swarovski Crystal Beads

In many of my designs, I use vintage and new Swarovski beads. I believe they are ALL absolutely beautiful.  When Swarovski originally designed these beautiful crystal beads, he said he wanted everyone to be able to afford a "diamond".  The idea being that his crystals looked like diamonds but were affordable. 

The following two sets of beads are in two bracelets that I have on my site, Let Our Light Shine. Each are beautiful in their on unique way.  One is vintage - one is new. Could you tell the difference?

Now, these two sets of photos do not have duplicate beads so the comparison is not exact, however, I share the two comparison sets of beads to share the beauty of both. The first photo is Aurora Borealis which gives the rainbow shimmer on each bead but the second design is not Aurora Borealis so you can see the visual difference.  Otherwise, both are turquoise, close in color, and have beautiful cut and design, looking completely uniform in every way, flawless.  

The first photo is a vintage pair of Swarovski 5000 round AB (Aurora Borealis) turquoise beads. They are vintage and I have had them in my collection for over twenty years.  Each bead is exactly like the next in that group and you see no bubbles within the bead; no flaws. 

The second photo is made with NEW turquoise Swarovski 5000 beads.  The beads in both photos are 8mm.  The new Swarovski beads are also flawless and have no air bubbles within the beads.  The facets all match and each bead is exactly like the next in that size, color, and shape.

In September 2012, Swarovski introduced a crystal which was virtually lead free.  I prefer to use Swarovski frequently in my designs as it is the most beautiful bead, in my opinion.  When I use other beads, if the design allows, I always include a Swarovski bead in the design.

If you want to read more about Swarovski beads, here are a couple of links for your reading pleasure:

https://www.swarovski.com/Web_US/en/brand

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swarovski

Wire-Wrapping with Stainless Steel Wire

When I am making a bracelet, rosary, or other wire-wrapped item, I usually use four basic wires: stainless steel, silver over copper, brass over copper, and copper wire.  The hardest and strongest wire that I use is stainless steel - 20 gauge.  I use 18 gauge for handmade hooks but normally 20 and 22 gauge are my go-to wire.

To be honest, I try to make one item with stainless steel wire and then wait a while before beginning another project using the same wire because it is so strong that it puts calices and sometimes cuts on my hands.  However, it is worth it to complete a finished piece that you know is very resistant to breaking and bending. If you are looking for an item that will last for years and years, stainless steel is a wonderful choice.  It all comes down to what you are looking for in your custom made item.

I love all of the wire that I use, each for different reasons.  For bracelets, I prefer a silver plate, bronze, or copper.  For rosaries and prayer beads, it depends of your personal preference, as they all make beautiful and long lasting items.

Another tip, if you are making an item with stainless steel wire, keep a different pair of wire clippers just to use with the stainless steel wire.  Since it is so strong, it tends to dull the standard jewelry wire clippers quicker than other wire, so keep a pair just to use with stainless steel wire.

Two items that I have currently designed using stainless steel wire are:

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/LetOurLightShine/tools/listings/order:ascending/455287730

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/LetOurLightShine/tools/listings/order:ascending/525029083

You can see how beautiful the stainless steel wire looks with the crystal beads, yet is amazingly strong and difficult to bend or break.

If you are looking for an heirloom piece that will last a lifetime, a great choice is stainless steel wire.

St. Francis Quotes - Franciscan Pet Blessing

I finished a new St. Francis Chaplet tonight for my Let Our Light Shine store on Etsy.  I will list and photograph it tomorrow and share photos.... As I worked on this chaplet, I was reminded of many of St. Francis' quotes.  I will share a few of my favorites.

(As a Christian vegan who loves all of God's creatures so much, this is a favorite quote of St. Francis:)

"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men."

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

"For it is in giving that we receive."

"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."

"Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love."

" If God can work through me, he can work through anyone."

"It is in pardoning that we are pardoned."

"Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self."

Rosaries - Love the Crucifix, Centerpiece, and Medals

One of my favorite things about making rosaries, in addition to mix and matching vintage beads, is choosing the crucifix and centerpiece and/or medal.  I try my best to make a variety of each so that my customers have a choice, and not everything is the same.  My focus, as I make items for my store, is for customers to find an heirloom or gift that will last many, many years and a unique rosary.  

When you open a shop, you have to decide if you want pre-made items that are available and can be mailed immediately or items that are made to order. I use vintage beads and a traditional rosary has 59 beads.  It would be unusual to have more than one set of beads that are identical and even if I did have more, I would not want to make two rosaries that are exactly alike.  The creativity of having each one unique and beautiful is my goal.  So, all of my rosaries are pre-made and there is only one item available exactly like the item for sale.  One of the joys for me in design, is to put together a rosary that I feel is special, just for you.  And when you look at it, you will know it is the perfect gift and the colors and design are perfect for you or your loved one. 

One of the most difficult things for me to do is not to order hundreds of crucifixes, centerpieces, and medals.  I have hundreds now, but I love to look and collect more.  I also love the wire available and want additional tools, that I really don't need, but would be a luxury item in my toolbox.   The artist in me wants more supplies and the business person in me says... wait, sell more first, then buy more supplies.  It is a balancing act for sure. 

Tonight I finished another one decade rosary. I have not posted it as yet and will post it tomorrow.  It is referred to as an unbreakable rosary. Look for it tomorrow.  I love the one decade rosary because you can pray the same as your traditional beads but with your rosary sitting completely on one hand.  

Earlier today, I posted a baby blue one decade rosary which looks like this:  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/459245156/rosary-handmade-catholic-gifts-one

The pearl glass beads were taken from a necklace from the 60s and the beautifully cut crystal, Our Father Bead, was also from the 60s.  They are simply beautiful and of course the crucifix and center match the blue theme.  They would make a wonderful gift or a special item to keep.

I hope you enjoy my daily story about my Etsy store: Let Our Light Shine.  I hope that through my rosaries many more prayers will be lifted up.  God Bless!  

Jen  

 http://letourlightshine.us

Let Our Light Shine - Rosary Etsy Store - Blog Overview

Let Our Light Shine - Rosary Etsy Store - Blog Overview

In each new post, I'd like to share my experiences setting up an Etsy store where I am selling my rosaries. I also want to highlight one of my favorite rosaries or chaplets often. 

This particular rosary is one of my very favorites....

My rosary and chaplet store is now open on Etsy.com, Let Our Light Shine, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share a set of beautiful green and iridescent crystal rosary beads that I have in my shop. This rosary is handmade by me.  

****************Let Our Light Shine *******************

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

****************************************************

Please read more about this rosary on the link below.  The two photos below are additional photos of the rosary that are not on the store site. Please take a look.  :-)

Handmade Iridescent Green and Clear Crystal Vintage Bead Rosary

The six Our Father beads are very unique.  Four are green and two are clear iridescent crystals.  They pick up color beautifully. Each is from my collection which I have had for over twenty years.  Most of the beads in my collection where already twenty plus years old when I purchased them in the 80s and 90s.  I love the fact that vintage beads are unique and have their own personality. Plus, they make an extra special gift. The photos don't really show all of the color in the beads, but gives you a good view.  Each rosary holds many future prayers and would be a wonderful heirloom piece.  

God Bless!
Jen  

Let Our Light Shine

Welcome to Let Our Light Shine Blog!

I'm very excited to share with you my new store Let Our Light Shine! It is a store that I just opened a couple of weeks ago on Etsy.com with my handmade rosaries and chaplets using vintage crystal and glass beads.  My idea of naming my shop Let Our Light Shine is that I wanted my rosaries and chaplets to be a way that we can let our light shine and share our faith in God. Each rosary and chaplet is a prayer waiting to be said by you or a loved one.  

Over twenty years ago, I stopped collecting beads but saved everything that I had previously collected.  At that time, I was making jewelry designs and incorporated these beautiful beads into my work. I saved these boxes of vintage beads and stopped making jewelry. 

My youngest grandson was being baptized and I decided to make him a pair of rosaries for his baptism. I loved every minute of making this rosary and work up one morning with the name Let Your Light Shine.  However, that name was taken as it is a popular scripture verse and so I decided to make the title so that it incorporated ALL of us! 

I plan to share each of the rosaries and chaplets I have for sale in my Etsy store and tell you a little about the beads and thought behind the design.

I hope you enjoy each design as much as I enjoy making it.

God Bless!

Jen  :-)

Let Our Light Shine - Rosary and Chaplet Store using Vintage Beads