Chaplet of the Holy Family

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - The Holy Family

https://www.etsy.com/listing/482968359/handmade-holy-family-chaplet-swarovski?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/470391369/chaplet-of-the-holy-family-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_2

Prayers:

Introductory Prayers on the Crucifix:

Blessed by Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed by the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed by St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.

On the first set of three beads - Our Fathers - In honor of Jesus.
On the second set of three beads - Hail Marys - In honor of Mary.
On the third set of three beads - Glory Bes - In the honor of Joseph.

Concluding Prayer on the Holy Family medal:

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you!  Save souls!

Fifty's Jewelry, Now an Heirloom Rosary

When I began collecting jewelry in the 80s and 90s, it was because I loved beads.  Beads of every color, but particularly crystal beads.  My mom always loved jewelry and had boxes of bead necklaces given to her by my dad in the 50s and 60s and earlier.  We would look through these boxes together and talk about one, then another.  I know it was her love of jewelry that encouraged my love of beads. 

 

Rosary - Handmade - Catholic Gifts - Pink - One Decade Rosary - Vintage Pink Glass Beads - Pink Austrian Crystal Beads

The one decade rosary (above) that I finished last night and posted in my online storefront today at Etsy (LetOurLightShine) was one of those beautiful beads, transformed from a 50s necklace into this beautiful rosary.  Most of the glass and crystal beads during that period was Swarovski, Czech or Bohemian, Murano or Venetian, and West German.  This rosary combines the beautiful pink glass beads and Swarovski pink bicone and round beads.  Unfortunately, once these glass beads are gone, they are difficult to find.  

I am thankful that I collected beads because I love making rosaries and the design combinations are endless.  

The thing that stands out in my mind the most is that jewelry styles come and go but rosary beads are a link between you and your prayers and many are passed down through generations. I hope that the rosary and chaplets I design become a meaningful part of someone's prayer life and are heirlooms that they or a loved one will treasure forever.  

Quotes about the Rosary

The Rosary is the Bible on a String. Fr. Ronan Murphy

Gold Crystal One Decade Rosary - Vintage Beads

The Rosary is my favorite prayer. St. Pope John Paul II

The greatest method of praying is to pray the Rosary. St. Francis de Sales

If I had an army to say the Rosary, I could conquer the world. Pope Pius IX

The Rosary is the Weapon.  St. Pio

The Rosary is a prayer both so humble and simple and a theologically rich in Biblical content.  I bed you  to pray it.  St. John Paul II

Continue to pray the Rosary every day. Our Lady of Fatima to Sister Lucia

The Rosary is a school for learning true Christian perfection.  Pope John XXIII

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