Author Archives: TheStrayArrow

New Koroit Opals…

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Sorry for the delay folks! I had meant to post these Friday, but this past week was a little hectic. Below are my newly acquired treasures: some lovely smaller sized Koroit Boulder Opals from Queensland, Australia. I have tried to photograph them at different angles to show the extent of their flash and colouring. The detail in these stones are divine. All *except* the blue stone on the right in the photos of three cabs are up for grabs. Custom orders will resume July 1st unless I am currently working on a piece for you. 

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Also new July 1st: my first official Rock Appreciation Day! A friend suggested an in depth post of a single stone type, so from now on, the first day of each new month will feature a new kind of stone. Pieces that have either been sold, commissioned, or are up for sale in the shops featuring the stone will be shared. Check back July First to see what kind of stone you can learn about and how I chose to work with it!

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I have several pairs for the stretched earlobe folks in the works. Many are dangles and hoops for tunnels in 12 gauges. These will be in the http://www.gaugedbystasia.etsy.com shop *next week*. Preview photos will be posted prior to being listed in the shop! Subscribe to the blog or check http://www.facebook.com/TheStrayArrowJewelry to find out when.

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Next week: new plugs and dangles for tunnels, and some secret new goods for the main http://www.TheStrayArrow.Etsy.com shop!

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In other news, saw these folks Friday night. They play a great live set!

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xx Stray Arrow

In The Shop Tomorrow!

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These will all be in the Etsy shop- TheStrayArrow.Etsy.com – tomorrow! They’ll be listed all throughout the day, so keep checking back…

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ah-mazing items for those with stretched earlobes will be coming to the GaugedbyStasia Etsy shop next week!

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Check out the shop tomorrow!

xx Stray Arrow

A Phalange Filled Week and some Arrow-Garble

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Some rings have been added to the Etsy shop today-and a few more are coming tomorrow! The majority of the newer pieces from the last post are now in the Muses Window Boutique on Main St., in Concord, MA. Joining them were some main pieces of the Etsy shop (snooze you loose!) including the Thunderbirds and Turquoise bird dangles, as well as all turtles. These sweet little wampum dangles also made their way into the boutique…

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In the Etsy shop tomorrow will be these two fat cats, as well as the Turquoise Compass Ring (size 7 1/4)-I know, I know. It has been a long time coming, but it’ll finally make it’s appearance tomorrow!

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I normally only post about stone or jewelry related things on the blog, but I know many people like to share, and share, and over share. To change things up a tish, how’s about a little music sharing? I’ve been listening to the Milk Carton Kids (they’re a throw back to Simon&Garfunkel and Donovan), and The Devil Makes Three-who are officially the best Bluegrass band with an edge to rock out in your car to. No, really. Do NOT let the term “Bluegrass” scare you away from a listen, this three piece plays raw and dirty music with lyrics that dig down deep into untapped themes. Being a very short person, I’ve decided to make their song, “Ten Feet Tall“, my theme song. One band I’ve been completely enthralled with (and admit though they’re growing in popularity VERY fast I’d only heard about them last week) is Of Monsters and Men, from Iceland. They’re music video for their single “Little Talks” captured me with all of their interwoven mythological references (two headed ravens, fire birds, and Krackens, anyone?). They smartly used them all to make their own mythology to explain their song through visuals. Not to mention, the song itself is all bounce&groove! How could they not be found adorable? I’m loving the little legs on the band members.

xx Stray Arrow

To Make Much of Time…

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This line pretty much sums up the past few days for me. I have been in the studio every night, hammering away. One theory would be because the sun heats up the studio via the glass walls-making it unbearable to work during daylight. Another would be that at night, the lights outside the studio attract so many creepy crawlers, it just makes sense to work until the sun rises and they all disperse. I myself like to think it is my amazing work ethic….but really. I think it may be the bugs. In homage to all things bug, flower, and summertime related-I have created more of the Petals Line for the shop, along with some other random works.

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*these will be hitting the shop Tuesday afternoon

along with some surprise pieces!*

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Some of these pieces may or may not be going to the Muse’s Window boutique, in Concord, MA. I may potentially be sending some of the pieces currently in the Etsy shop over that way as well, so if you’ve been watching a piece-now is the time to snag it before it goes! The shop will be closed Tuesday morning and reopen Tuesday afternoon with the new pieces. 

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To see new pieces I create from tonight through Tuesday, visit http://www.Facebook.com/TheStrayArrowJewelry

all fresh goods will be posted there before hitting either the online shop or the boutique!

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xx Stray Arrow

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Preview and Past Customs

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This past month I’ve been working on mainly custom orders as well as some new goodies for the shops. Below are pics of the custom pieces I’ve been creating in the past few weeks, and after…a preview of the new jewels before they hit the main shop!

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PREVIEW:

Hitting the shop over the next couple of days, we have iolite gemstone ‘Starry Night’ earrings that are screw backs for those with no ear piercings~

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For the fingers, we have fresh additions to the Petals theme and the White Sands-White Buffalo Turquoise. A crinoid fossil ring of silver and gold will be joining them~

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Now for my favourite new addition. Hand sawed of bronze and silver, turquoise flower hair pins and braid ends! These hair adornments can double as hair ties, or can be slipped onto a bobby pin. Sold in singles and pairs, below are examples of custom orders~

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That’s it for now! Also in the works are new goods for the Gauged by Stasia shop, and ever so slowly, the RUNES line is becoming fully realized…

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PEER VENTURE:

In other news, fellow artist Tory Novikova has released a new line of spritely summer bags in her Etsy shop! As many artists, we each agreed to a trade-a turquoise hair tie for my very own FOX bag. These are 100% cotton, slightly sheer, and EVER so much more sturdy than you could possibly imagine. It is now my staple “going to the Post” tote, and can take a great amount of weight. The antique faded colour palettes of these three designs (FOX, POLAR BEAR, and OWL), make these the perfect beach bag. The adorable subtle tags on the inside give them an extra level of professionalism and class. I also hear that a fairy&mushroom theme will be forthcoming! These make spectacular gifts. Behold the lovely artist and her newest creation!

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find them in her shop @ ToryNova.Etsy.com

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Check back to the Etsy shops over the next couple of days for these new creations to emerge, in the meantime, why not take a peak at my new Facebook page? You can now find studio pics, custom creation pics, and more at http://www.Facebook.com/TheStrayArrowJewelry. Also now posting on Instagram under thestrayarrow. 

 

xx Stray Arrow

May Sale and Preview Night…

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The Etsy shops are back open with some new pieces coming soon. I’ll be showing off a few before they hit The Stray Arrow shop tomorrow, but first please read on for information about this month’s sales!

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May is my birthday month, and my official Customer Appreciation Month. I’ve been fortunate to work with some very fantastic, patient, and creative people for custom works. I’ve also had people leave very sweet feedback notes, all around a grand huzzah to you all! I could not be doing what I love without your support. In honor of that, ALL items in both shops have been reduced by 10%. If you have one of my “Third Time is A Charm” repeater cards, go for it! They’ll still work for either shop on top of the 10% discount. For all of those enthusiasts who read my blog-why not take another 5% off? Just enter the code “BLOGREADA” at checkout. Any sales this month will not be applying to custom orders.

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I unfortunately will *not* be taking on any custom orders for the month of May, unless I have already started conversations with you. I have an entire work bench full of half realized projects I have been yearning to complete! In order to empty some space on the bench-and ideas floating around my head-I need a little time off from custom works. I’d like to be able to expand some of my lines and themes past the usual 5 or so pieces and really dig into some of these vague notions to form some really unique works. 

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Now, onward to new pieces! Coming to the shop tomorrow, a few more pieces added to The Birds theme that has been slowly making its way into both shops. The necklaces and rings will be *made to order*. A pair of turquoise Black Bird earrings will be joining them.

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As it is now Spring, I thought it was only fitting for a little floral flair. Out across the yard are little sweet and tiny four leaf white blue flowers. I love these little four point Morning Star shapes. They also reminded me of the ever elusive four leaf clover-an old friend I always find come Spring time. With these two natural elements in mind I have created little domed flower shapes with the four leaf petals safely snug inside larger domed blooms. Made to order silver domed Petal Drop earrings studs and rings will be a mainstay. Dainty Petal earrings with precious turquoise and cluster stone rings will also be added and more to come.
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Merry Beltane, Happy Spring, may the new Season bring you some luck! Check the Stray Arrow Etsy shop out tomorrow (www.TheStrayArrow.Etsy.com) for these pieces plus a few more! 
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xx Stray Arrow

Spring Gems & Shop Info…

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Alright, so I said I wouldn’t do it. I *expressly* told myself, “no more gem shows, we have enough rocks and stones to play with for years to come”, but do I listen? Of course not. Behold, all the new lovelies from the gem show I’ve just returned from in Maine:

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below is a big fat raw RUBY gem, with a natural STAR shape within it…that has proved exceedingly difficult to photograph…

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A-MAZING cloudy coloured Koroit Boulder Opals from Australia. One looks like a shark tooth, the other a shield:

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

some kind of plume agate-mostly likely marfa, golden rutile *faceted* quartz gemstone, a REAL genuine slice of rounded meteorite!!!, a black tourmaline quartz gem with a natural cross inside, and a sweet & small Mexican boulder jelly opal.

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last we have some seriously high grade fan-tastic bi-colour watermelon tourmaline gemstones. These are HUGE and juicy gems, one of them is tri-colour (rare!):

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this one is especially large and grand, with mini sparkling flashes:

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THIS WEEK FOR THE SHOPS:

both shops will be CLOSED until May 1st while I do a little Spring cleaning. In the meantime Ill be finishing ALL pending commissions and working on more of my Birds pieces and the new Dainty Petal Wear line that’ll be coming this May. All “made to order” items that have been purchased will be created and shipped out as their timelines are described in their listing regardless of shop status. Any and all convos will still be answered through Etsy.

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xx Stray Arrow

Rock Goodies…

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Well, it looks like I’ve been neglecting the blog again. Since my last tidbit, I’ve been banging out commissions and slowly collecting some more turquoise and gemstones. I thought I’d share a few…

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below, we have a BEAUTIFUL 2.79 carat emerald cut natural green Columbian emerald. I know I’m always ranting about turquoise, but there’s a special nook in my heart for my birthstone…

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next up, natural chrysoprase on the left, and pink & dark green tourmaline on the right-all fantastically microfaceted for maximum sparkle!

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A stunning .44 carat natural conflict free terra rose coloured rose cut DIAMOND means it is time for me to start getting fancy! Kyanite gems, and grade AAA wampum join the other sparkling gems in the treasure chest…

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As for turquoise, we have ribbon cut White Buffalo Mine turquoise from AZ, Southwest, and light sky blue Campitos Mine turquoise, perfect sizes for rings~the White Buffalo ribbon cuts can be seen in the “White Sands” series, of which two have sold…and another will be joining the shop sometime Friday…

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Last, we have some seriously high grade Koroit Boulder Opals from Queensland, Australia. You may have seen these stones around as they’ve been growing in popularity within the jewelry world. I decided to do some digging and found an amazing source. These stones are BRILLIANTLY cut, with glowing opal orbs, and the most unique designs I’ve seen. I cannot wait to start using these, but thought I’d let you all take a peak first. If you fall in love, let me know ASAP. These may go quickly!

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That’s all for new rock goodies!

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COMING SOON:

I’ll be working on finishing up commissions, and slowly cooking up the “RUNES LINE”. I also have several super ornate lovelies for the Gauged by Stasia shop in progress that’ll be hitting the shop by the end of next week. Get ready for some Spring flowers people! “Dainty Petal Wear” will be arriving shortly…*que mystery music*

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xx Stray Arrow

Stone Adorned Digits….

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Well, its been awhile. I have essentially been knocking out commissions and custom orders these past few weeks, thus the lack of new items in the shops (no complaints, though!). I also have brilliantly hurt my right wrist (possible minor sprain? something pulled? who knows), so I have been sawing away with a brace. Speed has been picking up! The weather has been lovely- perfect for open windows and doors with blaring tunes in the studio! The snow from storms has slowly melted and dim sunlight has lead to creepy and inspirational views…

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Just before my Business trip to Tucson, AZ for the gem show, I was able to make myself two pairs of earrings to wear down there. These lovelies are the first things I’ve made myself in years! Both feature birds from my “Stormy Night” series styles…

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I have several piercings on each ear, so these Wampum Birds fit my first and fourth piercings~the tips of the wings has *detachable* studs through them! The wampum was carved by Native artist Mark Changing Bear of buffalocarvings.com. The beauties below feature natural Royston teardrop turquoise stones…

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Other recent completions include a (surprise!) Bird ring for a friend, featuring a STUNNING and deep boulder opal that almost crackles with energy!

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AND NOW:

A PREVIEW

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SHOP UPDATE THURSDAY EVENING!

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A bunch of new fancies for the fingers! Stones include petrified wood, landscape jasper, wild horse magnesite, raw turquoise, Nacozari blue turquoise, old stock Kings Manassa turquoise, and what I’m going to call lily pad jasper (its been called many names):

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IN THE WORKS:

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For the Gauged by Stasia Etsy shop: more BIRDS! A slight difference from the Stormy Night style of having birds flanking round moon-like stones or gems. Featuring HUGIN & MUNIN from Old Norse mythology. They are Odin’s ravens and are often seen each to a shoulder. One stands for Thought, the other for Memory

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and, some new further development of…

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Watch the Etsy shops for updates THURSDAY! A future notice that I WILL NOT be taking any commissions or custom orders for the month of April. If I have not at least started conversing with you on ideas for a custom piece by April 1st, you’ll just have to wait…..and see what I create that month 🙂

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xx Stray Arrow