New Czech Alabaster Opal AB Fired Polished Beads * Vintage Swarovski Beads * Five Decade Rosary * Stainless Steel Wire

New Five Decade Rosary - Czech Alabaster Opal Beads - Swarovski Vintage AB Clear

I am really pleased with my new white AB Czech beads and the way they look with the Swarovski vintage beads from my collection.  It is a great blend of the vintage and the new!

If anyone questions the value of stainless steel in a rosary, they would know how strong it is by the callouses on my hands.  When you are bending the wire, it takes added strength so it leaves its mark on the palms of my hands afterward.  However, knowing that the rosary will last a lifetime gives me great pleasure.  So, if you are unsure about which rosary wire to use, stainless steel is a great option because it is amazingly strong, yet light in weight.  It will continue to look the same for years to come. Anything will break if used inappropriately, but if used as it is made to be used, it will last for years and years.  My thought is that it would make a wonderful wedding gift which should look exactly the same when the couple is celebrating their 75th Anniversary!

Please check out this latest rosary on my Etsy site from my online shop: Let Our Light Shine!

 

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