REBOOT. Rock Appreciation Day.

To get back into the groove of these I'm reposting an old Rock Appreciation Day from 2013. As these are all older images please excuse the image quality and old trademark.

For each 1st of the month a different stone or gemstone type will be highlighted and given information on. Jewelry examples using that month's stone will be featured along with current for sale pieces using the stone. As a general disclaimer, I am no lapidary (stone) artist nor gemologist. All information I post here is researched by myself and sources for stone/mineral information can be given upon request. 

For Rock Appreciation Day this month we have:  

King's Manassa Mine Turquoise

Manassa mine turquoise has also been called King’s Manassa turquoise, King’s turquoise, and was originally called the Lick Skillet mine. It is located in South Central Colorado near Manassa. The Manassa mine is reputed to be the oldest turquoise mining deposit in Colorado, and was speculated to have been mined by the Anasazi Pueblo peoples. The mine was “rediscovered”, or founded, by Israel Perviose King when he was searching for gold in 1894. He filed claim on it the next year. The mine has stayed with the King family and is now with his grandson Bill King.

The turquoise from this mine is some of my favourite. It is known for it’s deep greens with host rock rhyolite golden brown matrix, but can produce turquoise in a range of colours.

The turquoise can come in solid colour, bi-coloured, or with host rock webbing. It pairs beautifully with gold and some of the most saturated dark greens are among the most collectible. I love that turquoise from this one area has been used for over 1,000 years and is still seen as a prized and treasured finite commodity.

Below are photos of pieces used with Manassa turquoise that have been sold or claimed.

That's all folks!

If you have any suggestions for a stone or gem to be highlighted for next month please comment below!

Some Art News!

Well, once again it's been quite awhile since my last post here. I wanted to update folks about an exciting opportunity to acquire not just my jewels but work by local artists from Portland, Maine, where I now live! For those of you that follow me closely you know I have a studio space at The Dooryard Collective. I'm the only jeweler, and others work in mixed media, paint, printmaking, stencil art, installation, and bronze sculpture. I love being among these talented people, and two of them have recently created CSArt, Portland's first art share program. By purchasing full shares or half shares you can invest in several *surprise* art pieces by different Portland artists for the price of one of my larger pieces of jewelry. Many of these artists are from The Dooryard. The cost is an amazing deal for what you receive, and it's also a great starter package idea for anyone with bare walls calling to be covered.

Now because this is an art share program, I will be creating *ONE OF A KIND* works for it! This means one of a kind stacking ring or Cave themed ring sets, one of a kind earrings, plus keychains, rings, or leather necklaces for fellas. This is an opportunity to not only score some mystery pieces from me, but invest in some great talent for the price of one of my statement pieces.

You can check out the other artists participating here:

http://www.csartmaine.org

Sale, New Items-

In honor of the melt worthy heat outside, take 13% off in the main Stray Arrow shop with all orders over $25 (does not apply to custom orders).

***

NEW ITEMS

***

***

One of my very first rings from years and years ago with a rugged Pilot Mountain turquoise is now coming to the shop~

***

This wondrous statement piece that has been creeping in the corners of my Victorian curio cabinet will also FINALLY make a shop appearance~

**********

More news coming soon!

xxStray Arrow

New Items

A few new items will be hitting the shop throughout Sunday, made again in between filling orders. Long term custom orders are almost all complete so more pieces will be filtering in soon!

AND FOR THIS WEEKEND ONLY:

In the main shop enter in coupon code: FIREWORKS, for 10% off of your order.

(not applicable to custom orders)

*

*************

Check back to the shop tomorrow for these sweet and simple new pieces!

xx Stray Arrow

New Items...

A few new items will be hitting the shop this morning that I've created in between filling orders and custom pieces.

Here's a short preview...more news soon!

***

*********

xx Stray Arrow

SALE & New Items

I'd like to announce it's now the annual MAY SALE! All throughout the month of May in the main Etsy shop enjoy 10% off of your entire order by applying the coupon code: MAYBABY at checkout. The sale will end May 31st at Midnight, and does not apply to custom orders.

*

A few new items made in between working on custom orders will be added to the shop tonight. Here's a quick preview:

*

^Chained rings now made to order with your stone of choice.

*********************************************

Now, a little highlight on rutile & tourmalinated quartz, plus some photo candy:

********

I also just want to thank everyone for having patience with me while I was sick for several weeks, due to a reaction from some medication. All pending custom orders are still in the works and getting little extras! The Plugs shop will reopen shortly once I'm more caught up with orders.

*

NEW STOCKIST ALERT-

Small Home Studio in Brooklyn, NY now carries Arrow Ware by The Stray Arrow!

more news soon

xx

Stray Arrow

New Item Preview

These new pieces will be hitting the shop throughout the day and this evening!

Things have been a bit slow in the studio for various reasons. Now that the icy shores I've recently planted myself on are starting to show signs of life again, so will the shops! I'll be finishing up commissions (don't I always say that?), and creating more items for BOTH shops. YES, that means plugs too!

For now, here are new offerings:

*

^Old Grounds earrings, a made to order offering of dark silver, pyrite fool's gold, and deer hide straight from my annual powwow.

^WEAVER rings, all featuring a ring band with a textile/weaved patterning.

^new Cave Stack set with Fox mine turquoise. Size 7.5.

^Bangle bracelet with copper, bronze, molten silver, and natural Kingman mine turquoise.

These old lovelies will be hitting the shop again as a made to order item:

**********

That's it for now folks!

xx Stray Arrow

New Items!

These new items will be hitting the shop throughout the day and night

*

^size 9 Royston ribbon turquoise stacker in blackened silver.

*

^size 6.75 Blue Gem turquoise in gold fill and blackened silver.

*

^size 7.5 iolite gemstone Arrowvane ring with band detailing.

*

* Spheres and Tides ring, featuring Castle Dome and Manassa turquoise, will fit sizes 6.5-7.

*

^size 8 rustic ruby in zoisite stacker.

*

^size 6.5 Royston Ribbon turquoise with cut out bezel detailing and extra stacker.

*

^size 7.5 Kingman blue turquoise and dark silver stacker.

*

^size 7.5 CAVE STACK, featuring old stock Number 8 mine turquoise in gold fill, and dark silver.

*

^necklace with Blue Boy variscite, gold fill, and dark silver. 20" chain.

*

^White Buffalo Arrowvane earrings, 1.5" tall in total.

*************

That's it folks! Check back in the shop and be sure to use the COUPON CODE for 15% off of your orders over $25!

xxStrayArrow

Tucson Gem Show!

Alright folks. This is going to be a fairly long post, so hold tight.

To give a brief summary, I'm sharing my experience and rock haul from the Tucson Gem Show this year. Anything marked N/A in the photo is not available for custom orders. All other stones are up for grabs and will ONLY be fully reserved once you nail a design down with me and a deposit for said design has been paid. Please be aware that unless you've sealed a piece with me, I may be showing the same stones to others.

*********

So. I started in New England, looking at this:

Packed up jewels from my personal collection to sport in the sun:

Took a few planes...

....and entered a region where aliens are abundant. Aliens. Yes. They are everywhere, in bizarre variations that look inviting yet are secretly hazardous...

And yes. I'm talking about these:

I swear these are the weirdest, coolest things. I got so many, "Uhm how many photos of cacti is this girl going to take???" stares. I don't even care.

Oh yeah. There was also the huge gem show all over the city, that was cool too.

(^natural rough Sleeping Beauty mine turquoise)

*********

Now, onto conquests.

*

^Broken Arrow mine variscite. natural. straight from the mine owner.

^Burtis Claim Cripple Creek mine turquoise. natural.

^Royston turquoise and Royston ribbon cut turquoise. natural.

^Royston turquoise. natural.

^White Buffalo turquoise. natural. Straight from the mine owner.

^Blue Moon mine turquoise. natural.

^Royston ribbon cut turquoise. natural.

^ left to right: New Lander mine, Peacock mine, Carico Lake mine, Number 8 mine (!!! truly!), Damele mine.

All natural.

^the amazingly tight webbing in this one is hard to photograph.

^this one has a very high dome.

^ Sleeping Beauty mine turquoise. natural.

^Fox // Cortez mine turquoise. natural.

^old stock Number 8 mine turquoise. natural.

^Royston turquoise. natural. Along with some strays.

*********

That's the haul folks! I hunted and enjoyed the skies of the Southwest

Then I returned home to a series of snow storms. Fantastic.

Keep a look out as I'll be posting NEW ITEMS to preview here on the blog this coming Sunday before they hit the shops!

*********

SALE NEWS

From tonight until next Thursday at midnight, enjoy 15% off of your order in the Main Etsy Shop with coupon code:

SNOWVERDOSE

in honour of there being too much snow here and wanting to empty the shelves in the shop a bit for new items! Sale does not apply to custom orders, minimum purchase of $25 required to apply.

*

KEEP POSTED FOR SUNDAY.

In the meantime, if you aren't in a sunny land, stay warm and bundle up!

xx Stray Arrow

Giveaway and News!

Well folks, it's the first of the month. I think it's time to bring back the Rock Appreciation Days, what about you? Today VARISCITE will be highlighted. See the feature and photo examples of current and past jewelry pieces using variscite at the END of this post.

For now, I'd like to update you all. Studio access has been slightly limited in the recent past due to construction on the building. A big thank you to all who have placed orders for your immense patience during this time! The studio is now at full speed again and any work in my space has finished. Due to the slower production speed I have solely been keeping up with "made to order" items and custom items. I will finally be updating the main Etsy shop with new items next week. To stay posted on exactly when you can follow any of my social media seen at the right side bar.

In more exciting news,

I will be going to the Tucson Gem Show! 

This is a big deal for me, because it is absolutely huge and spanning a month's time, and I wasn't able to go last year. I will be gone from February 9-13th. Please note that I will keep both Etsy shops open during this time, but some "made to order' items may be deactivated. All orders will ship upon my return. As I am shopping for rocks, I'm giving you all an opportunity to weigh in. What kinds of stones would you like me to use more? Have a custom piece in mind with a specific kind of stone you want me to hunt for? If you have a serious hankering, please list your desires in the comment section below. I'll be adding it to my 'treasure hunt' list. When I return all new scores will be photographed and posted here. For the most up to date Gem Show experience you can follow my Instagram: @thestrayarrow.

*****************

GIVEAWAY NEWS

This giveaway will primarily be for Instagram. Any comments below on THIS post will also be included into the giveaway! Comment with stone opinions! Win the Feathered Band with Arrow Vane below, in your size. Winner will be chosen Feb. 14th.

*

***

On a more serious note...

I want to bring up something that often goes unsaid by most jewelers. It goes unsaid because of backlash. Because of people getting defensive. Because you take something that is "fun" and "aesthetically pleasing" to the general public and shed light on a negative aspect of the industry. That's right. Industry. This is a trade, not a hobby. I've mentioned this before and I want to mention it again. Creative rights are constantly being infringed upon. It is not okay, and should not be supported. It is morally bankrupt. Yes, there are others out there with technical skills, no, they do not have my mind, or the mind of a peer. If you see something that you *immediately associate with my work or think is mine initially* chances are fair that my creative toes are being stepped on. If you see someone using ALL of my main themes I've been working hard to curate for years-

(turquoise.wampum.myth.literature.Native American.Nordic.)

then yes. There's no respect being shown, and my hard work is being stolen. Unfortunately there is little to be done, and speaking with people who clearly have no respect for others OR respect for themselves is most often a dead end. Again. This is a message for you to be aware. Not to dictate whom you should be buying from. When folks purchase my work along with that of my peers I get excited customers enjoy our work all around. There are wonderful, talented, respectful artists out there with some true integrity. They spend years creating work that evolves into a personal aesthetic. I will always fight for my creative rights and the rights of my peers. Please be respectful of the creative rights of other artists. Please be aware of what you're looking at and who you are supporting. Lastly, please take this message as a celebration of those who know themselves and stay true.

ROCK APPRECIATION DAY

[DISCLAIMER: I am not a lapidary (stone) artist, gemologist, mine owner, or any other kind of authority on gems, stones, or minerals. I am simply an enthusiast who likes to share the information I’ve gathered in my goal to attain the perfect rocks for my jewelry pieces].

VARISCITE.

Variscite is an aluminum phosphate mineral, ranking about a 3.5-4.5 on the MOH's hardness scale. It is often confused with turquoise, although more often than not much greener. It is another popular southwestern stone for jewelry use. The most popular can be found in Lucin and Fairfield, Utah, and Esmeralda and Lander counties in Nevada. It also hails from Australia, Brazil, Spain, Poland and Germany. Many kinds of variscite, especially from the USA, can have host rock webbing in them again making it easy to confuse with turquoise.

Below are pieces I've made with different varieties of variscite:

(^from Australia)

*

That's it folks!

Have a good weekend~

xx The Stray Arrow

Eye Candy.

No. This isn't a post about rocks.

There will be one down the line, but not today!

I've been spending some time going over old photos, admittedly clearing space on my computer. I thought I would share some old and new that may not have made it to item listings, social media posts, or just been swept under the carpet of time...

**************************************

I hope everyone has had a lovely Holiday Season, whichever you choose to celebrate!

For future notice on a packaging change:

I used to send all bangle bracelets and bracelets in general in plain sweet little muslin bags. They'll now be going out a bit more spruced up, as such:

*

*

That's it folks!

NEW ITEMS will be hitting the shop throughout tomorrow, including two Chained in Turquoise rings, and two unique stacking ring types. 

xx The Stray Arrow

Inside The Stray Arrow...

Things are now settled, it's time to share the new place and new jewels!

Here is a tiny peak at my new place, and some detail shots of the new studio...

*

^Russian music boxes that each play a different theme from "Fiddler on The Roof", antique mirror with Stray Arrow Featherblade necklace, and my favourite designated CAVE LADY plaque. The music boxes represent an old memory from one of my grandmothers. The plaque was made for me by the dear Tory of ToryNova, featuring me in true Cave fashion on the left, and her in true T-REX fashion on the right.

^ My favourite old TURQUOISE TREASURE CHEST. I scored this favoured piece at an antique & flea market. The Marines illustrated fold out piece was acquired along the St. Martin Canal, Paris.

^ Three different Arrow Vane sizes. Painting of Muninn with oils, cold wax, and fire ashes.

^ My gargoyle Askewheteau ("He who keeps watch"). Dangling from him is one of the first finished necklaces I made 4-5 years ago. The necklace was an "East meets West" theme featuring a Southwestern Thunderbird and the three clans from the Kanienkehaka (turtle, wolf, bear). Dangling stones are white buffalo turquoise and Crow Springs mine turquoise.

*

The Bookcase

with some snippets of my vast collection...

*

JEWELRY DOCKING STATION

---where jewels await new homes---

*

THE STUDIO...

I'm now in a shared studio space with other artists. These are just a couple of close ups. To see peaks of my space throughout its evolution you can follow me on Instagram: @thestrayarrow

*

NEW JEWELS

---these new pieces will be added to BOTH shops by the end of the night---

*

That's it folks! Thanks for keeping up and supporting my work. As always, there's more to come!

xx The Stray Arrow

SALE.

CURRENT SALES:

10% off with code: BLACKCYBER, ends tonight at midnight

20% off orders over $50 with code: TODAYONLY, ends at midnight

25% off orders over $100 with code: KEEPINGUP, ends at midnight!

LAST CHANCE.

New items next week.

News, News, and New News

WHEW!

It has been quite awhile since my last posting!

I'm pleased to say after months of hunting and some set backs, I have finally found a  studio space near my new apartment. I'm excited as it will be my first time sharing space in an artist building with painters, printmakers, and a sculptor! While I'm getting ready for this next venture in my life, setting up my studio and plastering the walls with hanging tools and Cave items, another hurdle is gaining speed....Holiday Madness. To start off this Holiday season, I'll be holding a SALE in the main Etsy shop this weekend. From MIDNIGHT Thursday to MIDNIGHT Monday enjoy 10% off all items (excluding custom orders). Use the coupon code below to claim your discount at checkout. To be clear about shopping with The Stray Arrow, I have updated my SHOP POLICIES which I encourage everyone to read over thoroughly.

*

A couple new items will make it to the shop this weekend in my Cave line theme, including the mini goodies below. A new extra long Arrow Vane Shield ring will be available, plus this little Royston turquoise Arrow Vane. More new pieces are in the works in tandem with custom orders. Keep a look out as they'll be posted to my Instagram or Facebook page before hitting the shop.

To keep up with the studio space you can follow @thedooryardcollective on Instagram or Facebook- DooryardCollective. The Dooryard is the new home to The Stray Arrow Studio. If you're around Portland, ME come check us out! The Dooryard will be participating in First Friday Dec. 6, located at 108 High Street. Stop by for some drinks, food, jewelry, and all that other cool art stuff.

*

Have a good weekend everyone- whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, or just staying in to avoid shopping madness. I'll be in my new amazing space decorating and banging out orders with some cookies and coffee.

>>>>A Special Offer<<<<

For those following my blog here, I want to thank you for your support. For this weekend I'll be doing a 25% off sale when you spend $100+ in my shop for those larger items. Enter in the coupon code: KEEPINGUP at checkout.

xx The Stray Arrow

Secret Mini Contest!

While I've been busy in the studio there's been a slightly diminished online presence. I'm still banging away on jewelry as ever. Custom orders have been churning out steadily and my silly slow move has been coming along. Soon the new place will be fully set up with a new organizing system for jewels and stones. I'm excited to share photos upon completion! In the meantime, please don't forget that the October SALE ends next Friday! See the shop for details about the sale.

Now! For some spur of the moment fun...

For a one time, one use coupon code for 20% off in the main Etsy shop...

FIND THE FOUR LEAF CLOVER!

*indicate the four leaf in the photo and email or message it back to me either on Etsy or at: stasia@thestrayarrowjewelry.com

First person to properly locate it will win, and I'll message them the coupon code.

GOOD LUCK!

xx The Stray Arrow

New Items, A Taste of Home, and NEWS-

Firstly, a brief photo viewing of the pieces that'll be listed today, Sunday. Then some photos of the outdoor ventures in this lovely New England Autumn weather. Lastly, some very important news concerning the month of October for my shop and all jewels.

*

*

...HOME...

*

I've been swooning over this delightful weather lately. I've been opening all the windows and the door to the studio to let through the nice crisp breeze. I love hearing the leaves rattle and fall....

**************

NEWS:

I am excited to say I am moving my home and studio from the woods to a city. This is going to be a hectic and semi slow process, so in the coming month a few things will change in the shops:

***THE ETSY SHOPS WILL REMAIN OPEN***

There may be a few 2-4 day spans when they're on "Vacation", but on the whole they'll be open. Many of the "made to order" items will be deactivated. Mostly "ready to ship" pieces will be available. If you're looking for something you were hankering for and no longer see it listed, convo me either on Etsy or email me here: Stasia@thestrayarrowjewelry.com.  I may have studio time available to whip it up. If something is listed, it means I CAN make it. Production time will extend on all orders to 2-3 weeks.

*FOR CUSTOM ORDERS*

If I have started conversing with you about a commission, don't worry. I still have a studio to work in and we can create something lovely for you in a timely manner. I will NOT be taking custom orders during the month of October UNLESS it is a very desired and needed gift for someone (I've got a soft spot). If you do have an idea for a custom order you're serious about, contact me to plan for it come November/December.

Everything should be settled by November in PLENTY of time to handle the Holiday season which I am very excited for this year. If you have any questions about any of this feel free to contact me! I will update moving status on my Facebook and Instagram (@thestrayarrow).

************

I hope you're all enjoying the season!

Another blog update will occur Tuesday, Oct. 1 with further (happy) news! Stay tuned folks-

xx Stray Arrow

Soon....

Hey folks!

I've been traveling out of state. Rock Appreciation Day will be up tomorrow night with....

VARISCITE.

xx Stray Arrow.

New Item Preview...

These couple of new rings will be hitting the shop today, ranging from size 6-7.

Check back to the blog late this afternoon or tomorrow to see the AMAZING new haul of gemstones and stones I got at the rock show yesterday!

*

*

That's it folks! Check back soon. The stones posted later can be reserved for custom orders

xx Stray Arrow

New Item Preview

I've spent a little time lately outside of the studio, doing inventory of the pieces I already have made up. A ton of jewels have been sitting quietly and patiently in the corner, waiting to be photographed and listed. I'll be posting some of these throughout today (Sunday) and tomorrow. I've also reshot some oldies but goodies. Oldies will be posted first, followed by newer pieces. If you've been keeping up with my Instagram (@thestrayarrow), you may have seen some of these already!

*

*

NEW JEWELS

*

(ghost echo)

*

Check back to the shop for these new pieces soon!

xx Stray Arrow

New Items, New Thoughts.

This post may be a bit longer, as I feel text has been slightly dwindling from this blog. Firstly, new items! These will be hitting the shop later tonight and tomorrow.

*

Stone rings in natural old stock Royston and Manassa mine turquoise, and a luscious pink rhodochrosite.

*

Other newer pieces include mini "Sweet Sayings" rings. These sterling bands feature delightful short quotes by yours truly. Each ring features a different quote, but they can be made to your size upon inquiry. Currently made are: "We are the brazen bold", and "A darling day for rain" (for the English). These sterling bands are patina darkened and then  polished to a steel like finish, with the darkened quotes hidden on the inside of the ring band. On the outside is my jeweler's mark. These also make great knuckle rings.

*

A wampum necklace with mini wampum beads, old stock cut of green Manassa mine turquoise, wild horse magnesite Crossed Arrows dangles, and silver & rose gold stackers will be joining them.

*

*

It's also been pretty evident that I've been somewhat neglectful of the Stretched Ears Jewelry shop. The Arrow Vanes, signature Stray Arrow wear, will soon be available in multiple gauge sizes in the shop. I'll also be making more plugs featuring rare turquoise (Blue Moon mine), and other designs quite soon.

*

Now for my favourite new addition. Awhile ago I made a necklace for myself that, along with The Stray Arrow necklace, has become a signature daily piece. Out of bronze and silver sheet metal I made a 5 string banjo. Completed with a wrap around quote on the body, and sawed out arrow in the back. I'll be offering these in the shop as of tonight as a *CUSTOM* piece. The quotes and backing design can be customized. Four string banjos are also available. They'll put a little folk mountain life in you. No templates, all hand forged.

*

That's it for new items for the next few days. I've also been working on some custom orders that'll be shown here and the usual outlets (Tumblr, Instagram @thestrayarrow, Facebook), once finished.

A Note-

I've been noticing people imitating my work. While this is a touchy subject that seems taboo to talk about, this is getting unavoidable. Artisan one of a kind jewelry design is a difficult art to protect when compared to other art fields. Copies will happen. "One offs" are tolerated and occasionally flattering if the artist is *given credit* as being behind the inspiration. This is unfortunately not the case. I have been seeing people not only imitate my very specific signature materials (not that one can ever claim to own such a thing), but my writing descriptions, photography style, work title style and themes, and my overall aesthetic entirely. A continual 'paraphrasing', if you will. Most people have the grace to come up with their own designs, for those that don't they bring down the work of others. I want to reiterate and remind everyone that if there is space to stamp my half inch "STRAY ARROW" logo onto an original piece, and it is not there, it is not made by me. This means that it is not backed by my quality guarantee, nor my 6 years of turquoise study experience. Just because a piece of turquoise is claimed from a mine does not equal good quality. I am an artist with eccentric interests, and my jewelry work is an extension of that. I try to be respectful of everyone's creative and intellectual property, and truly wish the same in return.

*

In other news, I've been in the process of taking some jewelry group shots of pieces for things like packaging, cards, and promos (hint hint *soon*). Below are some of those shots, as well as some really great folks wearing my jewels. Click on their photos for their respective work links and check them out!

*

^lady Arlie, of Urban Revisions in 14k yellow gold and dark silver faceted sapphire gem ring. Paired with her new white glass jewels!

^the extremely talented Rachel (photographer), in Royston turquoise and dark silver necklace.

^Dominique of Couture Vulture wearing Stray Arrow No-see-'ems, and mini crystal rings by Concrete Polish.

*

Cave Ladies, Shooting in The Dark,

still a favourite.

*

That's all folks! I leave you with an illustration from one of my favourites, the Pink Fairy Book~

*

xx The Stray Arrow