I want to thank all of you for getting me through January, and now, we can get all fired-up for February.  Some of my friends are going to the Tuscon Show (the ultimate bead and gem show)and Gem Faire.  This is definitely the month for getting new stones and beads to make wonderful new creations, to get this year started right. Sooooooooo many beads, so little time.

We had a fantastic "Stamping on Metal" class (really, a party), and everyone wanted to get together again.  On Friday night, February 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., bring in one of your projects and a finger food, and let's have some more fun.  Please call ahead so that I can be sure that there are enough seats for everyone.  Think of a clever name, and let's do this every month.

AMETHYST, BIRTHSTONE OF THE MONTH

Purple amethyst has been highly esteemed throughout the ages for its stunning beauty and legendary powers to stimulate and soothe the mind and emotions.  It is a semi-precious stone by today's classifications, but to the ancients, it was a "Gem of Fire," a Precious Stone, worth, at times in history, as much as a Diamond.  It has always been associated with February, the month the Romans dedicated to Neptune, their water-god, and is the traditional birthstone of this month.  It is the stone of St. Valentine, and faithful love, and signifies ecclesiastical dignity as the Bishop's Stone.  It carries the energy of fire and passion, creativity, and spirituality, yet bears the logic of temperance and sobriety.

( Taken from Crystal Vaults)

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So, during this month, I'll be marking Amethyst beads and strands 20% off, and all Amethyst finished jewelry will be 10% off.  Be sure to come in and check them out, and even stick around and make something beautiful to wear.