The craft, the stones and the meaning behind everything Ellie makes.
What freshwater pearls are, how they differ from glass pearls, what people have long said they mean, and how to look after them. Handmade pearl jewelry by Ellie.
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What jade is, why it comes in more than one color, what people have long said it means, and how to look after it. Handmade jade jewelry by Ellie.
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What opal is, the difference between white, pink and precious opal, what people have long said it means, and how to look after it. Handmade opal jewelry by Ellie.
Read the article →What citrine is, why most of it is heat-treated amethyst, what people have long said it means, and how to care for it. Handmade citrine jewelry by Ellie.
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How to choose a handmade gemstone jewelry gift for mom, a friend or yourself, with ideas from $28 to $270. One of a kind pieces made by Ellie.
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A plain necklace length chart, which length goes with which neckline, and how to measure your own neck at home. Written by the people who make the jewelry.
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Which beads take the oil, how many drops, how long it lasts, and the safety basics. A plain guide to lava stone jewelry from Ellie's workbench.
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What people have long believed about healing stones, the meanings of the stones we use, and what the science says. A plain guide from the makers of handmade stone jewelry.
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What amethyst is, what people have long said it means, how to care for it, and handmade amethyst jewelry by Ellie. A plain guide.
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What rose quartz is, why it is pink, what it traditionally means, how to care for it, and a rose quartz bracelet handmade by Ellie.
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What agate is, the main types, what it traditionally means, and how to tell dyed from natural. Plus agate pieces handmade by Ellie.
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What turquoise traditionally stands for, the difference between natural, stabilized and imitation, and how to keep it looking its best. By Ellie.
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Three pink stones that get mixed up. How to tell them apart, what each traditionally means, and how to wear and care for them. By Ellie.
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What you can check at home, what needs a gemologist, and the questions to ask a seller. A straight guide to real, dyed and imitation gemstone beads.
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Left or right? What people say, what's practical, and how a gemstone bracelet should fit. From Ellie's bench in Markham, Ontario.
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How to choose, fit and style a choker, from a handmade wire-worked gemstone collar to a pearl one for a wedding. Made by Ellie in Markham, Ontario.
Read the article →Where the evil eye comes from, why it's blue, and how to wear an evil eye bracelet. With handmade jade and charm bracelets from Markham, Ontario.
Read the article →What rudraksha seeds are, their place in tradition, and how to wear and care for them. With handmade rudraksha malas and necklaces from Markham, Ontario.
Read the article →Can you wear it in the shower? What about perfume? How to clean and store gemstone, pearl and seed jewellery so it lasts.
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A lariat has no clasp and a free-hanging end. Four ways to wear one, which necklines suit it, and how to layer it. Handmade by Ellie in Markham.
Read the article →What tiger's eye is traditionally worn for, golden vs red tiger's eye, and how it pairs with agate, turquoise and rose quartz. Handmade bracelets from Markham.
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Crochet falls on the body and hugs your shape, so one dress fits sizes 12 to 16. Handmade crochet dresses and tunics by Ellie in Markham, Ontario.
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What to wear under, over and with a crochet dress, with ideas for Canadian seasons, dinners and weddings. Based on our own handmade pieces.
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How crochet and knit are made, how they wear and stretch, and which suits a blanket, a dress or a gift. Plain answers from a handmade crochet shop.
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Crochet and gemstone jewellery gifts sorted by who you're shopping for — from a small keepsake under $30 to an heirloom piece.
Read the guide →What a mala is, what its 108 beads mean, and how to use one for a quiet few minutes — or simply wear it.
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Why a handmade baby blanket becomes a keepsake, how to choose one, how to care for it, and how to order a custom piece.
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A gentle way to pick a piece — by the feeling you're after, calm, grounding, warmth or clarity — with the traditional meaning behind each stone.
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Handmade lace for the bride, for guests and for the little ones — plus how to order a custom piece in time for your date.
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The traditional meanings behind turquoise, jade, amazonite, citrine and more — shared honestly, as beauty rather than medicine.
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Hand-washing, drying and storing handmade crochet the gentle way, so blankets, dresses and knitwear keep their shape.
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