Etsy Shop for coastmountaincrafts

Turquoise White Hearts - a luminescent strand of African Trade Beads

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:43:40 -0500

$24.00
African Trade Beads are among the most beautiful in the world! These beads have a long and rich history and future... will you join them along their travels?

This is a beautiful strand of 100 Turquoise "White Heart" beads, strung on raffia 20 inches long, bead to bead. Each Glass bead measures approximately 3/16 X 1/4 inches.

Beautiful to wear as is, or to cut and restring into a new creation! Enjoy!

Jade Dragons Vintage Tibetan Ring

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:43:40 -0500

$43.00
A very old and very beautiful vintage ring from the mysterious and magical world of Tibetan Buddhism.

Curling dragons sit on opposite sides of a long, white brass ring band.

Three polished, red and green Chinese jade cabochons run the length of the ring. Detailed filigree accents the settings and dragons.

The comfortable, smooth band is adjustable in width. The ring is measures 1 3/4" long.

Mod Dragons Italian Silk Wrap

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:43:40 -0500

$52.00
Dangerously gorgeous on him or her!

A long run of beautiful, Italian tie silk with perfect lightweight warmth.

Three watery silks join together for a symphony of style that can be worn formal or casual. The silk colors are cocoa brown, silver and black. The patterns include elegant dragons, bias-running stripes and embossed vines.

Handsewn with 100% finest Italian silk. The silk is a woven brocade - thick, rich, luxurious to touch, and saturated with vivid colors.

The long length allows a dozen ways to wear it - single wrap, double wrap, over the shoulders, wrapped around head, as a belt, etc.

Gorgeous with suits, wool coats, dress shirts, sweaters and even the right t-shirt and jeans! The fabric is formal and structured like a man's tie, but the design is young and fun.

Measures a slim 8" wide and 60" long. Dry clean only.

Ethiopian Prayers - a vintage strand of African Trade Beads

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:55:50 -0500

$38.00
Prayer beads are at the common core of all religions!

From Buddhism, to Christianity, Islam to Hindu... from ancient civializations to modern day... people have enlisted the help and inspiration of beads to connect with the divine.

This strand of African beads is a perfect example of why! Ethiopians have long been regarded as the best metal-workers of Africa! The care, attention, creativity and craftsmanship of their work has lasted through the centuries and I imagine will continue to do so!

The hand-hammered, oval metal beads conjure the heavens just by seeing them, holding them, or wearing them. They are so light, like a prayer itself!

Their simple shape inspires a quiet mind, while the colorful threaded tassel reminds us of our inner passion and soul!

This beautiful strand holds 65 prayer beads, assembled on string 34 inches long, bead to bead. Each bead measures approximately 3/8 X 1/2 inches.

Perfect for men - the metal is strong and masculine - but still gorgeous and elegant on women!

Golden Lotus Italian Silk Wrap

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:55:50 -0500

$52.00
Cosmic mystery. Blooming flowers. Quiet wisdom. The lotus flower.

Three watery silks join together for a symphony of style that can be worn formal or casual. Blooming lotus flowers blend with mandalas and geometrics in cocoa brown, buttery yellow and barn red.

Handsewn with 100% finest Italian silk. The silk is a woven brocade - thick, rich, luxurious to touch, and saturated with vivid colors.

The long length allows a dozen ways to wear it - single wrap, double wrap, over the shoulders, wrapped around head, as a belt, etc.

Gorgeous with suits, wool coats, dress shirts, sweaters and even the right t-shirt and jeans! The fabric is formal and structured like a man's tie, but the design is young and fun.

Measures a slim 6" wide and 58" long. Dry clean only.

Venetian Sunflowers - a Rare and Incredible All Matching Strand of African Millefiori Trade Beads

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:55:50 -0500

$460.00
This is the most beautiful, matched strand of Millefiori beads I've ever seen!

They are rare African Trade Beads, HEAVY with color, weight and years around the planet.

Millefiori Beads, "a thousand flowers", were made in Venice by fusing slices of smaller flower beads onto a molten glass base.

Old millefioris were traded to Africa, most likely West Africa, in exchage for many of th riches of the Africa continent. Trade beads such as these are now collected and cherished for their history, their stories and their striking beauty. These have been with me for many years and I feel it's time for them to travel.

You'll find exceptional craftmanship in these millefiori beads where cobalt blue, yellow and black colors prevail. They are "black core" - very rare, and suffer only a few minor chips here and there, which is part of their mojo and magic!

Measures 30" long and includes about 30 gorgeous beads.

Tibetan Victory - antique brass Nepalese prayer pendant with turquoise and sunset agate

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:55:50 -0500

$62.00
A medicine piece... not just a necklace.

A Nepalese Prayer Pendant with clear turquoise and glowing sunset agate.

The Tibetan symbol for "Victory" stamped on a brass pendant slides along two opposing African brass bullet beads. Then runs both turquoise chunks large and small and smooth, glowing carnellion. More brass aceents throughout.

The pendant is from Nepal, brought back by Cheppu Himal . The turquoise is from my friend's store - The Big Sur Spirit Garden - just back from Nigeria. (Both on the web.)

A gold-toned claw closure.
Double-crimped for added strength.

Length 23".

Rich Maroon Paisley Cotton Shoulder Bag

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:55:50 -0500

$42.00
Enjoy this sturdy bag on all your travels, chores, daydreams come true and magical nights yet to come.

The bag is constructed with a lovely screen-printed pasiley and leaf design. The deep maroon colors are rich and warming. An inner pocket, for the little things, . I've also sewn into the inside a loop to hang keys, cell phones, Ipods, etc.

Measures 13" deep and 19" wide. The strap is 3 1/2" wide and 44" long - perfect for over or across your shoulder, or tie a knot to create a shorter length.

Cold water wash, gentle, mild soap. Hang dry. Hot iron.

Turquoise Music Earrings

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:55:49 -0500

$14.00
An inspired pair of dangle earrings that jingle, chime and sing when worn.

Turquoise enamel is fused into an elegant filigree setting of oxidized silver metal. Dangling below from vintage Indian triangles are old silver brass clam bells - which sing with the sweetest voice in their their gentle swinging dance.

About a 2" drop from your happy lobes! Surgical steel French hook ear wire.

Fire Dragons Vintage Jade Tibetan Pendant

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:06:42 -0500

$32.00
A very old and very beautiful pendant from the magical and mysterious world of Tibetan Buddhism.

Luminous and large is the perfect disk of Chinese Fire Jade that centers the piece. It spins inside a double-sided setting of white brass or pewter filigree, rich with butterflies, flowers and dangerous twin dragons!

Make an incredible necklace or hang in a window for a reminder of daily mildfulness.

Measures a full 2" wide and 1/2" thick.

Liquid Gold - a gorgeous strand of African Trade Beads from Kenya

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:06:42 -0500

$17.00
Like liquid gold melting over your body, these gold brass metal Heishi beads from Kenya are among my favorite from the African Trade.

Heavy and full, these beads reflect multi-dimensional colors and light. They show a level of craftmanship not found outside of Africa.

These Heishi beads are beautiful worn alone as a necklace or a multi-strand bracelet. They are strung on many layers of soft cotton string so they have a flexible fit.

You can also cut the strand and use them as spacers for many, many beading projects. They will add authenticity and depth to any of your creations.

The strand measures 34 inches, bead to bead. Each brass bead measures approximately 1/4" wide and X 1/8" long.

Infinity Amulet Necklace with Robin's Egg Turquoise and Fair-Trade Hill Tribe Silver

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:06:42 -0500

$66.00
Her skin is oiled with roses and olives and it is tanned from long days in the sun. Her hair is thick and long and dark with henna. Her mind and heart dreams of the lover she left behind in a youthful and foolish moment long ago.

The turquoise around her neck was a gift from him and she will wear it everyday until she once again lays in his strong and foreign arms.

Her mesmerizing circular pendant is styled like the antique Eithiopian silversmithing you often see from the highlands of Africa's horn. The symbolism, looking much like an elaborate nipple and breast, represents fertility, femininity and life itself. It is surprisingly lightweight to wear and cool on the skin.

The elegant turquoise beads are 1/2" wide, flat-faced rondelles. They are Robin's egg blue with cinnamon brown veins running through them - undyed, natural, and fairly traded from northern Africa.

Spacing the tuquoise are a mix of Hill Tribe* pure silver beads and white brass beads, some ornately designed like leaves, fish, pineapples and some are just small rounds.

Strung on black, beeswax-coated, organic linen string. Finishes with a silver metal "whale tail" toggle clasp - sturdy ad strong yet so easy to take on and off.

Measuring 22" long, it will hang beautifully at the center of your decollete. Classic over a cashmere sweater and sexy inside a white button down shirt.

* The Karen Hill Tribe, from northern Thailand, use traditional tribal methods passed down from generation to generation. These beads are fairly traded and provide the Karen people with a reliable source of income. No two pieces are exactly alike, attesting to the handmade nature of these beautiful beads

Turquoise Snake Beads - an incredible strand of rare Bohemian-made African Trade Beads

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:06:42 -0500

$42.00
These snake beads were made in Bohemia, once part of Europe. They are at least 60 years old and might be much older!

Molded glass was made to simulate snake vertebrae, with curves that fit into each other like joints. The beads were then traded to Africa in exchange for the riches of the African continent.

These beads have traveled through at least three continents and have graced many owners. A few small chips in the beads have given them a patina - attesting to their old age!.

One of the most intriguing aspects to these beads is how they have survived a hundred or more years of wear-m-tear and cross-continental travel. Who had them before us? Who will have them after us? It's all part of their beauty and mystery!

Strand measures 24" long.

Mixed Padres - a vibrant strand of African Trade Beads

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:06:42 -0500

$23.00
African beads are among the most beautiful in the world!

Here is a beautiful strand to wear "as is", to add to your collection, or to restring into a new necklace for someone you love!

Along this colorful 24" strand, you'll find 86 gorgeous glass Padre beads in brilliant turquoise blue and orange-red.

These beads came from a third generation African bead trader and are in very good condition as you can see. He told me they were made in the 1900's and recently came out of Ghana.

* You will receive this very strand!

African Sunset - a necklace of mixed African Trade Beads and Gemstones

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:06:00 -0500

$36.00
Richly colored and bold is this strand of mixed African Trade Beads and gemstones. Gorgeous for a man or woman!

A 1" circle of polished African "Sunset Agate" centers the necklace. It glows a terracotta red and has thin veins of white and black.

Running up the sides are a mix of African Trade Beads... deep cobalt glass "Pony" beads, pure Lapis globes from Afganistan, lime Agate chunks and a very old Ventian red glass bead.

Measuring 18" long, the necklace is strung on beeswax-coated organic linen. A vintage bright red "Vaseline" bead loops through braided linen to form the strong and easy-to-use clasp.

Sacred Bears Gemstone Necklace - with rose quartz, amethyst and Big Sur jade

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:05:42 -0500

$68.00
A delicate and flattering gemstone necklace with hand-cut rose quartz, deep purple amethyst, Big Sur jade and sterling silver fittings.

Two pale-pink rose quartz bears oppose each other on the side of your neck, surrounded by hand cut rose quartz stars. A run of eight, perfect, deep-purple amethyst ovals sit center with more rose quartz stars at its side. Four runs of forest-green Big Sur jade alternate from there.

Historically, JADE has been more valuable than gold or silver. It protects tha mind and body and has been used in rituals since 5000 B.C. AMETHYST is the queen of the semiprecious stones and is said to ward of the negative spirits, esp. those of alcohol. And ROSE QUARTZ heals the heart and provides youthful hope.

All of these high-quality and expensive gemstone beads are geometric, faceted and polished smooth and shiny.

The piece sparkles with a polished sterling silver butterfly clasp and sterling silver accent beads.

Length - 21"

Strung on beading wire and double-crimped for added strength.

Ganesh the Wise Elephant - a Celebration of Life in Gemstones and vintage Brass

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:14:21 -0500

$62.00
Celebrate your New Year with Ganesh!

Ganesh, the Wise Elephant, brings joy and happiness to your family and removes obstacles from your path! He's been a good friend for a long time!

I wanted to share his wisdom and magic with this colorful necklace - a celebration of gemstones and vintage brass beads.

This loveable Ganesh pendant was made by hand in Nepal. It will patina with age and grow more beautiful.

Surrounding Ganesh are vintage brass beads and geniune Swarovksi cut crystals - reflecting light all around you. Vintage Indian brass clam bells chime gentle as you move and dance.

Polished gemstone roundelles call in the elements: Chinese Jade (for prosperity), Afgani Lapis (for depth), Tiger Eye (for vision), and Japanese Sea Opal (for mysticism). Their pure colors will electrify your look and life! Plus, new millefiori disks fill your life with flowers.

This 18" piece of jewelry art is strung with organic beeswax-coated linen string. It finishes with a brass barrel clasp, and was hand-knotted six times for super-strength.

African Christmas - 2 strands of mixed Trade Beads

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:14:21 -0500

$22.50
Vibrant in color and uplifting in spirit!

African "Christmas" beads, also called "Love Beads", were made in Venice and then used in the African trade during the early-mid 1900's.

These strands are a wonderful mixture of old glass trade beads, including white hearts, Padre beads, and chevrons.

You'll receive two full strands of these festive beads!

The tiny beads range in size (1/8" in diameter), while each strand measures 30"-34" long. These strands are in very good condition!

Wear them "as is" around your neck, around your waist (as the West African women do - hence the name "love beads"), or restring them into a new necklaces for someone you love!

Psychedelic Waves Silk Wrap - handsewn with the finest Italian woven satins

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:14:21 -0500

$52.00
Electric colors and wave patterns fill the long, thin length of this new silk wrap.

Three watery silks join together for a symphony of style that can be worn formal or casual. The retro-inspired silks include waves, stripes and paisleys with electric lime green, hot pink fuscia, navy and gold yellow.

Handsewn with 100% finest Italian silk. The silk is a woven brocade - thick, rich, luxurious to touch, and saturated with vivid colors.

The long length allows a dozen ways to wear it - single wrap, double wrap, over the shoulders, wrapped around head, as a belt, etc.

Gorgeous with suits, wool coats, dress shirts, sweaters and even the right t-shirt and jeans! The fabric is formal and structured like a man's tie, but the design is young and fun.

Measures a slim 6" wide and 69" long. Dry clean only.

Jade Buddha Vintage Tibetan Pendant

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:14:20 -0500

$32.00
A very old and very beautiful pendant from the magical and mysterious world of Tibetan Buddhism.

Luminous and large is the perfect disk of Chinese Jade that centers the piece. It spins inside a double-sided setting of white brass or pewter filigree, rich with butterflies, flowers and a happy, fat Buddha who holds a big smile and a mala for you!

Make an incredible necklace or hang in a window for a reminder of daily mildfulness.

Measures a full 2" wide and 1/2" thick.

Mod Boyfriend Silk Wrap - handsewn with Italian tie silk

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:14:20 -0500

$52.00
Sharp. Angular. Urban. For man or woman.

Made with 3 satin silks that are clean, geometric and uberly-Mod. Centering the wrap is purple silk with rounded squares highlighted in silver and black. Down the sides run a vibrating silver and black diamond silk and an elegant solid brushed silver silk.

Handsewn with 100% finest Italian silk. The silk is a woven brocade - thick, rich, luxurious to touch, and saturated with vivid colors.

The long length allows a dozen ways to wear it - single wrap, double wrap, over the shoulders, wrapped around head, as a belt, etc.

Gorgeous with suits, wool coats, dress shirts, sweaters and even the right t-shirt and jeans! The fabric is formal and structured like a man's tie, but the design is young and fun.

Measures 8" wide by 76" long. Dry clean only.

African Sunset Necklace - with Ghana Agate, Lapis, and old African Trade Beads

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:14:20 -0500

$36.00
Richly colored and bold is this strand of mixed African Trade Beads and gemstones. Gorgeous for a man or woman!

A 1" triangle of polished African "Sunset Agate" centers the necklace. It glows a terracotta red and has thin veins of white and black.

Running up the sides are a mix of African Trade Beads... deep cobalt "Pony" beads, pure Lapis globes from Afganistan, lime green agate, blue and red Venetian "White Hearts", and tubes of glowing "Sunset Agate".

Measuring 20" long, the necklace is strung on beeswax-coated organic linen. A vintage green glass "Vaseline" bead loops through braided linen to form the strong and easy-to-use clasp.

Canary Yellow White Hearts - a sunny strand of African Trade Beads

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:13:28 -0500

$18.00
African Trade Beads are among the most beautiful in the world! These beads have a long and rich history and future... will you join them along their travels?

This is a beautiful strand of 104 large Canary Yellow "White Heart" beads, strung on raffia 21 inches long, bead to bead. Each Glass bead measures approximately 3/16 X 1/4 inches.

Beautiful to wear as is, or to cut and restring into a new creation! Enjoy

Ghana Stripes - a strand of beautiful African Trade Beads

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:13:27 -0500

$22.00
African Trade Beads are among the most beautiful in the world. Many have traveled three continents!

Enjoy some time with these beads as they make their way through the world!

Vivid and dark blood red is striped with black and white, making for a sharp, geometric, vibrating style.

A wonderful strand to wear as is - so sexy on a bare neck. Or cut the beads free and see where they end up next!

About 150 beads strung on 23 inches of twisted raffia. Each glass bead measures approximately 3/16 X 1/4 inches.

Cast in Sand - African Trade Beads from Ghana

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:26:42 -0500

$27.00
African trade Beads are among the most beautiful in the world!

These beads have a long and rich life ahead. Will you join them along the way?

This is a beautiful strand of Ghana Sand Cast beads, with all the faded color of the beach itself. Soft yellows, greens, blues and pinkish reds dance in spirals and stripes.

This 38 inch strand has about 120 totally unique beads! Beads range in size from smallest -1/8 X 3/16 inch to the largest 3/8 X 5/8 inches. (You strand might vary slightly from the one pictured!)

These beads are made with fragments of broken glass that are ground into a fine powder which is then pushed into fired clay molds coated with kaolin, the powdery white clay that is a raw material of porcelain. Each African artist has his own techniques to create such individuality among the beads.

* Your strand may be slightly different from this one.

Gypsy Music Handmade Earrings

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:26:42 -0500

$14.00
Let your ears play some music!

These handmade earrings play perfect percussion!

Little bells swing from rings, chiming with sweet music as you move and dance!

Colorful vintage blue glass beads catch the light and draw the gaze to your pretty face.

The beautifully-shaped Middle Eastern-style findings pulse with sun rays and orante designs.

About a 2 1/2" drop from your happy lobes!

Turquoise Peace Amulet