crudeco etsy

My first year here on etsy I received numerous compliant laid-en convo's regarding my use of recycled leather from fellow vegan-minded folk. At first I didn't take much concern about the convo's. Until I was told that my shop would be boycotted by the 'team vegan folk'.

The handmade gift boxes I made and tried to sell on my first born etsy, were not selling. Thus, I developed a sock-puppet account of 'ecovintagevegan', account is still open. I was surprised at how fast the etsy vegan public accepted eco. Even with a declaimer clearly described in my policy's, that I was the shop owner of both entities - as required by etsy law.. I began to be greeted fondly by vegan and veggie minded folk, people who openly stated that they were vegan and how much they appreciated that I was too.

This month I moved all my inventory from eco to crudeco. I don't see the need to pretend to be something I'm not in order to shlepp my handmade products.......but I wasn't very pleased about being boycotted, receiving the threat of being boycotted or the idea that that action could possibly happen.

Sure I contacted all the admin powers that be. And was given the same 'statement' of fact to avoid 'said' boy-cotters convo's and not to exchange convo with them.

Visiting Christmas - 2011

One of my favorite Christmas Stories, and one that I heard at a AA meeting while living in New Hampshire, while my Ex was attending a recovery program. Many of the men's stories were so heart breaking that I cried throughout the entire session. Certainly meant to bring awareness to their own self-healing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Recovery and A Life Long Commitment:

In the 80’s when my ex was attending recovery programs and AA, I attended and supported his process by learning about my own self-worth. There were many weekend family retreats, long distance drives, schedules and meetings that seemed daunting and even time consuming. Young and optimistic about mending my marriage I went to every scheduled site, every late night meeting and every religious setting to accomplish that which I thought would make his life better…………….there was love there at one time.

The relentless desire to “make good”……heal, help, assist,….uh, co-dependent the addiction, the addict. Guilty myself of dipping my toes into the methamphetamine scene to comply, join, and belong to his life in some way or another and reaching for a love that wasn’t in actuality even reachable.

I recall a meeting that changed my life forever, a pivotal moment, a gut reaction that assisted my growth process and pushed me into focusing on myself. A seasoned recovering addicted with ten years sobriety under his belt shared a story (maybe his story or maybe a passed down story, who knows really if it were his personal story) I only know that after I heard the story my heart and mind were changed forever…...and the story goes.

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

A man comes home from work, as he strides through the living room headed for the refrigerator he stumbles over his eight year old sons fire truck and all his collected play things on the floor. His son greets his dad with, “Hey, Dad will you play with me?” Grumbling passively his father replies, “NOT Now!” And opens the refrigerator and grabs a tall boy from the shelf. He turns and walks to his Lazy Boy. Again his son tried to greet him with a suggestion of play time.

“Damn It …..I don’t want to play…..leave me alone.”
As his father sits and sucks down his brew, the son continues to play at his feet. “Please dad, will you play with me?” Angry by his sons persistence the father yells at the boy, grabs a magazine from the among the boys toys on the floor, opens it up to the center and rips out a single page with an image of the nautical world. He then tears that page into many tiny pieces, and throws those pieces at his son. He exclaims, “when you’ve put the picture of the world together I will play with you!”

Minutes later, the son approaches his father who now has polished off a six pack of tall boys, his son hands his father a taped up picture page of the world. “Here dad I did it! Can we play now?” In a slightly ‘buzzed’ state his father said, “How did you do that?” The son said, “Oh, on the other side of the page is a picture of a MAN, when you put the picture of the man together the WORLD takes care of itself.”

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

I can’t say for certain that this recovering addict’s story was factual, personal or for a listening co-dependent audience, but for me it changed everything, my future with my husband, my own addictive behavior, my co-dependency and my own self-worth.

It also brought back childhood memories and my father’s own alcoholic behaviors and how he belittle, berated and beat my mother after his drunken stupors of partying with railroad buddies and other women and The Green Mill Bar in Rawlins Wyoming.

This simple story stays with always.

Mexican Agate Ear Rings - The Only One - T.O.O.

The Only One

In this listing one handsome "T.O.O. the only one" set of Mexican Agate ear rings. Slabbed and tumble polished in the traditional Crude Company style. These special little agates feature a brilliant orbicular egg in the center of each agate. There's just something very special about owning a pair of ear rings that no one will ever have a pair of.

These little beauties come from a vintage collection from the forties. Consecutively cut and slabbed, then tumbled to a mirror polish.

Sweet, elderly lady I met last fall collected rock with her father during the thirties and forties in Mexico, New Mexico and Arizona. Its not often I am able to discover vintage and antique collections that haven't been depleted or dismantled.

Every nodule that I've cut into has been spectacular, many completely take my breathe away. Sure, I'm a rock geek.....I own that.

These beauties have been wire-wrapped in 12 carat 22 gauge gold filled wire. Completed simply with golden French ear wires. The pair measure 1 1/4" long, and hang down from the ear lobe at 1 1/2". Made asymmetrically, not intended to be
matchy-matchy but they can be switched off to wear in alternating ears.

The last image is the reverse side of the agates.

These ear rings will arrive in a handmade gift box from my ecovintagevegan shop.
Sent Priority mail.

My Favorite Fossilized Mud - Blue Biggs Jasper

 I often wish that people could be as honest, clear and solid as the rock I work. Our past, our childhood and the path we've led interrupts our abilities to be genuine with our friends, family and co-workers. Only as I get older have I realized how many folks I've hurt, cheated and discarded because I wasn't mature enough to be honest. Thank goodness for age.

Three shadow box framed Blue Biggs Jasper slabs. Biggs a coveted porcelain type jasper originating near the Owhyee Mountain range between Idaho and Oregon. This jasper is wildly collected and loved by lapidary folks for their true "picture-like" qualities. Biggs is one of my favorite fossilized mud's.

All three slabs have been mounted to a back ground of muslin with foam core cubes. The largest slab in the middle viewing has been wire-wrapped at the corners with copper wire. All three slabs are 5/8" thickness and in perfect rock-like condition.

The center and largest slab measures 8 x 6" and the black wood frame measures 15.5 x 15.5 x 3".

The second slab and on the viewing left measures 7 x 4" and the black wood frame measures 15.5 x 12 x 3".

The last slabettes, mirror images of the other, measure 6.5 x 3.5" and the black wood frame measures 15.5 x 12 x 3".

These three Blue Biggs Jasper displayed together often provoke curious questions from visitors. Disbelief that they are not hand painted by me or someone else. Pure natural beauty at its finest.

The three framed slabs will be sent Parcel Post with insurance, wrapped, bundled and protected from the woes and force of shipping.

Additional flickr images:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crudeco/?saved=1

Raw Amber Nugget Drop Pendant

 

One multiple drop raw amber pendant. Natural Colombian amber in its natural rough raw state. Specimen amber are older, from my collection of hygrade.

Each amber chunk has a gold filled bell cap attached at the top suspended with a gold jump ring and linked together with 4mm gold beads and 8mm carnelian stone beads. Doubled 1mm tan goat skin leather and a vintage Bakelite button clasp. Neck length 16". Matching amber ear drops complete the set.

Eight raw amber chunks total in this set, seven for the necklace and two for the ear drops. The amber is softly tumbled to just clean off the natural matrix. Each amber chunk measure right at 1".

The raw amber necklace will arrive in a handmade gift box sent Priority Mail.

Mexican Lace Pendant

One large stone drop pendant of Mexican Lace Agate. Each stone has been slabbed and tumble polished to a mirror finish, then wire wrapped in sterling silver round.

These are natural Mexican Agate stones, cut from one nodule, they have excellent lacing and flowering pictures.

The stones are linked together with doubled 1mm tan leather cord, vintage Mother of Pearl cylinder beads, 5mm sterling silver beads and vintage Mother of Pearl button clasp. Neck length 18". (Option for a shorter neck length easy to adjust.)

The largest and center focal stone measure 3 x 1 1/2", the stone on the left measures 2 1/8" x 1 1/2" and the stone on the right 2 1/2" x 1 1/2". The stones lay nicely against the upper chest. Thickness for each stone 1/8".

The pendant will arrive in a handmade gift box sent Priority Mail in the states.

Vintage Glass And Ceramic Shards - Pendant - Vegan Friendly

From the second born etsy shop of crudeco....ecovintagevegan.

In this listing one drop shard pendant. Five glass/pottery shards wrapped in 20 gauge sterling silver round wire, completed with 2mm sky blue rubber cord, four lamp work beads made from recycled Idaho Prairie Glass and a vintage plastic and cloth button clasp. Button is buttoned on the left to allow the shards and glass to lay as designed against the chest.

From left to right viewing:
aqua porcelain canning lid shard, dark green ceramic Roseville shard, white ceramic plate shard(center), vintage rosette plate shard, and another aqua porcelain canning lid shard. Neck length 16". Shards measures in at 1 1/8" up to the center shard at 2", descending smaller as the shards go back.

In my travels and rock digging I often find and un-earth shards of depression glass, elixir bottles and ceramic shards. Often the ceramic shards come from Silver City, where a friend has property. The Idaho Prairie Glass and Amethyst glass is obtained all over the Western/Southern States, similar to its cousin "sea Glass" it also is trash glass. After stabilizing each piece is wrapped and made into eco friendly jewelry.

Drop pendant will be sent in a handmade gift box, shipped Priority Mail, First Class or parcel Post....in time for the holiday celebrations.

Bigfork Montana.....I love you.

Don't discount summer art fairs in your collective marketing for your etsy shop. Take the leap and try an out of state art festival. I just returned from a fabulous art festival in Bigfork, Montana. I love you BF. Not only was it a extremely successful art show, but the customers were friendly, happy, and generous. There were times I had people standing "waiting" to pay....and waiting patiently. On the higher end of what I normally pay to do a show, $175.00, the expenses, and room totaling $450.00. I shared a room with another artisan and packed my own food and beverages. Didn't trade or buy from others and kept my pockets closed when we went out shopping after. I won't give the total sells....but lets just say I my face is sore from smiling. I had tested a new display setup, more customer friendly and we had to setup and take down both days. That alone was grueling and tough on this seasoned gal. But certainly worth the effort. The drive from Southern Idaho was a bit weary, but the scenery and mountain ranges were to die for. The area of Bigfork and Kalispell known for the native Flathead Indians. Every sign, by-way and landmark acknowledged and paid tribute to those native people at every turn. The show area was located around the Flathead Lake, a natural, the largest body of water West of the Mississippi. I love Montana. Mickey

Apache Tear Bracelet

In this listing one handmade Apache Tear bracelet.

I have collected and tumbled these little Apache Tear beauties to a mirror polish. They are linked together with 1mm black leather cord, red crow beads, a recycled dream catcher beaded charm and a lovely orange vintage button. All Crude Company bracelets are finished with a vintage button clasp and leather loop to allow you to simply button the bracelet securely to your wrist.

The measurement is 7 inches, and after wearing for a time the leather will give an average of 1/4".

The bracelet is guaranteed for life. I will repair and restring if the leather cord should wear or break....sometimes I can replace the stones if I have them on hand. Customer pays shipping both ways.

Bracelet will be shipped First Class in a handmade gift box from my ecovintageveagn shop.

Phallic Blossoms NO Va Jay - Jay - Adult MATURE

In this listing one set of phallic blossom's concretions with assorted vintage agate beads, recycled copper disk, copper and sterling silver 4mm beads and a tektite meteorite specimen. This is ornament for your vehicles rear view mirror.

All three stones have been wire-wrapped in 20 gauge sterling silver round wire. BOTH phallic specimens stable and durable, one measures 3 1/4" and the partner phallic measures 3" and the tektite measure 1" square".

These solid but also delicate concretions are made of fine sand and clay, they have been sculptured and solidified by nature 10 000 years ago.

HISTORY
The originality and the unique forms of these rare stones are a phenomenon proper to Northern Quebec, especially on the bottom of the big lakes with a glacier origin. These specimens are found in the soft deposits of the Quaternary in the pounds having occupied the depression of the retreat of the glacial front.
The face of the concretion is usually smooth and regular; the other face is often rough with puffed-up spheres. The irregular lines on certain stones are caused by traces left by miniature worms or organic remains, as if the earth wanted to keep them in memory...
LEGEND
When the first Algonquin’s came up the river towards Northwestern Quebec a long time ago, they picked up the pebbles from the shores and they carried them as good luck charms when they went on fishing or hunting expedition. Lovers offered the most beautiful stones to their loved ones. The biggest specimens occupied a place of honor in their homes, or according to the legend, these stones assured protection against bad spirits. They also brought good health and prosperity to the occupants of the premises.

The etsy shopper will receive both phallic blossoms, the tektite and the black leather strap to secure to your mirror.

NOTE: If an etsy buyer did not want this item to be listed in their "items" purchased. I will and I can cancel this listing and then re-list as a "special order" with no photos and little (or no) clinical description. This would provided a secret transaction and anonymity.

Item will be shipped Priority Mail in a handmade gift box from my "ecovintagevegan" shop.

Natural Rare RED Coral Branch - Vintage Specimen

In this listing one lovely branch coral pendant, wrapped in 20 gauge sterling round wire. Large open bell to allow for a chain.

The rare red coral branch measures 2" long and 1 3/4" wide and weighs 2 grams.

Pendant will arrive in a handmade gift box, sent Priority mail. *Note: Coral branch comes with an 18" "recycled" vintage sterling silver 1mm snake chain.

Twice in the last 15 years I've stumbled onto lapidary men with rare Chinese Coral branch, once in 1995 and again at a rock club show in 2002. Each meeting I purchased all the coral they each had to sell. In each case their collection had come from estate sells where the collectors acquired their coral before the Great Barrier Law. My understanding of this red coral is that I am able to use it in jewelry and for collecting. I have had customers ask me about the "laws" regarding selling rare branch coral. And in each case, I refer to our rock club by-laws regarding collecting. If the coral was obtained and sold prior to the species act in 1970, then a collector can resale or create jewelry to resale.

“Red Coral helps one to become in harmony with the natural forces of the universe and with the wilderness within ones own being. It provides for practically with respect to ones avocation, balancing the material with the spiritual, and further aligning one with the source of all wisdom. It both opens and activates the base chakra, stimulating the energetic pursuit of predetermined goals.” Reference guide: Melody – Love Is In The Earth

Fringed Leather Leaves and Gemstone Treausre Ornament - Crudeco

In this listing a handsome fringed leather and gemstones necklace. Individual hand cut leather leaves, black strap and my favorite assortment of gemstone charms collectively make this ornament a festive design

From left to right: Blood Jasper cabochon, Tibetan DT Smoky Crystal generator, Blue Amber heart (although not really blue from a mine in the Caribbean, title as such, but still true amber), and obsidian needle. All have been presented wire-wrapped in 20 gauge sterling round and linked together with adjustable 2mm black leather cord, vintage lamp work beads, sterling silver feather, gecko charm, vintage turquoise nugget and carved bone beads.

The neck length an adjustable 16" pull out up to 20" with a slip knot.

Recycled leather leaves and strap hand cut from my remnants of making pouches.

The DT crystal measures 2" long, the natural amber heart is 1" wide, the Blood Jasper is 1 3/4" long, and the natural obsidian from Burns, Oregon is 2" long.

This ornamental necklace will arrive in a handmade gift box from my other etsy shop "ecovintagevegan".

Sent Priority Mail.

Pure Purple Amethyst Phantom Brandberg Crystal - February Birth

One huge handsome natural, un-cluttered, un-blocked and un-changed Brandberg Amethyst crystal. Both top and bottom of the shaft is free, clear and naturally exposed with no wire or metals to inhibit the natural healing energy flow.

The crystal offers a natural purple phantom within the host quartz body. The crystal measures 3" long by 1" thick. Front face has an attached dolphin and a small family of tiny crystal just in th end of the shaft point.

Branberg (Brandberg) Amethyst, Clear or Smoky crystals yield from Nambia, most all contain rainbows, prismatic veils, enhydros and true hematite or lepidocrsite inclusions either within or surrounding the host crystal. Certainly all contain superior beauty but are also magical and healing. Those Branberg specimens in my collection inhabit most all those characters and it’s not often I choose to part with any of them.

Besides the natural healing characteristics of quartz' balancing and clarity this stone can also be used for third eye meditation and amethyst traditional healing properties.

Crystal is completed with 2mm tan leather cord and a lamp work bead form the shop of "skaramouche". Neck length 17" up to 24". Wrapped in 12 carat 20 gauge round wire.

Crystal has been cleared and smudged. Pendant will be shipped in a hand made gift box Priority Mail.

February Amethyst Birth Month - Brandberg Crystal

One sweet thin natural amethyst Brandberg crystal. A simple small crystal packed with amethyst coloring and a small smoky phantom pocket. The crystal measures 1 3/4" long by 4mm thick. Clear perfect Brandberg form and coloring.

The crystal has been wrapped in 12 carat 20 gauge round wire and complete simply with doubled 1mm black leather cording and vintage paua shell button clasp, three symmetrical 4mm 12 carat gold beads on either side of the crystal top. Neck length right at 16". The crystal has been cleared and smudged. No wires or metal detract from open ends or the natural energy of the crystals shaft or point.

Healing properties included quartz, amethyst and the collective energies of Brandberg Nambia crystals.

Branberg (Brandberg) Amethyst, Clear or Smoky crystals yield from Nambia, most all contain rainbows, prismatic veils, enhydros and true hematite or lepidocrsite inclusions either within or surrounding the host crystal. Certainly all contain superior beauty but are also magical and healing. Those Branberg specimens in my collection inhabit most all those characters and it’s not often I choose to part with any of them.

Crystal pendant will arrive in a handmade gift box shipped Priority Mail.

Greenland - Nuummite - The Oldest Stone

Nuummite is found in an area north of Nuuk Greenland. The formation from which it comes has an origin which dates back almost 4 billion years making it some of the oldest rock formations on the planet. It is of volcanic origin and is believed to have formed about 3 billion years ago. Subsequent influences on the rock (metamorphism) have given rise to the striking mixture of crystals which gives Nuummite its unique appearance. Although this stone has been found in other areas of the world only the stuff from Greenland is developed enough to be suitable for gemstone use.

Nuummite's schiller effect is amazing. The different bandings created by crystalization creates an optical golden brown glow effect. The effect is called iridescence and really comes out on polished surfaces creating an effect almost like flames in a fire.

Metaphysically it is a powerful stone which brings to us the understanding of the power of the void in the potential of creation. Used in meditation it takes us deep within the subconscious to access other times and existances. It is an excellent grounding stone as well as a protective stone. It is useful for both when manifesting the highest vibrations available to us. It can be used to increase psychic abilities and intuition. Along with this it assists one in becoming one with or synchronizing with the elemental forces of the Earth. It's defensive qualities make it an excellent shield against negativity.

Along with Nuummite other unique minerals from Greenland are starting to grace our community. People native to Greenland have been working with these minerals for years. Only now is some of this information becoming available to us. I encourage you to check out Nuummite as it truly is an amazing stone and while your at it check out some other minerals from this locale. Although not much has been written to date working with them is well worth the effort.
Site assistance and information:
Nuummite - MysticWicks Online Pagan Community and Spiritual Sanctuary

HEART - LOVE ME LIKE A ROCK - Choice Of Four Hearts

www.crudeco.etsy.com

In this listing a choice of ONE of the four stone heart pendants listed.

Each necklace strapped and ready for wearability, each is a collectible stone heart for the loved one in your life. Not just for Valentine's Day, but for remembering the love you share, the love you give and the love you desire.

Select one heart that calls to you, type the "heart" name in the "message" portion of "check-out" and it will arrive in a handmade gift box for you to gift to your sweetie.

1) Picasso Jasper Heart, 2" x 1", wrapped in sterling ilver 20 gauge round wire, completed with 2mm tan leather cord, and an adjustable slip knot for a neck length of 16" up to 20".

2) Autumn Leaf Jasper, 1" x 1", wrapped in 12 carat 20 gauge gold round wire, completed with 2mm tan leather cord, and an adjustable slip knot for a neck length of 16" up to 22"....two small glass crow beads in rust and green accent the facing left side.

3) Ruby in Zoisite, 1" x 1", wrapped in 20 gauge sterling silver round wire, one pink lamp work bead from the shop of "skaramouhe", completed with 2mm tan leather cord and a older pearlized button clasp, neck length a fixed 14" for a choker style.

4) Thulite (Zoisite Cousin), 1 1/4" x 1", wrapped in 20 gauge sterling silver round wire, left viewing side lamp work bead from the etsy shop "skaramouche", completed simply with 2mm tan leather and a vintage Mother of Pearl button clasp, neck length 14" for a choker style.

NOTE: Stone hearts were a purchased product, I had no involvement in cutting or polishing these rocks.

Item will be shipped Priority Mail.

Metaphysical Smoky Branberg Crystal Scepter

In this listing one handsome large Branberg (Brandberg) amethyst quartz scepter with a Smoky point and clear amethyst shaft.

The scepter is in its natural formation, it has been smudged and cleansed. It is offered to you unwrapped, for the etsy shopper I will wrap in either 20 gauge sterling round or 12 carat 20 gauge gold round for the listed price.

This crystal has been in my collection since 2002. It measures a generous 3 7/8" large and 1 1/4" wide. Brandberg Crystals are from Gobobos, Brandberg, Namibia and are some of the most powerful Crystals on earth. Brings the energy of the stars into the soul. Produces a naturally balanced, solid state, energy field. Amplifies both body energy and thought.

Additional images can be seen at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/crudeco/?saved=1

"Branberg (Brandberg) Amethyst, Clear or Smoky crystals yield from Nambia, most all contain rainbows, prismatic veils, enhydros and true hematite or lepidocrsite inclusions either within or surrounding the host crystal. Certainly all contain superior beauty but are also magical and healing. Those Branberg specimens in my collection inhabit most all those characters and it’s not often I choose to part with any of them.

Motherhood Pendant - Algonquin Stone - Fossil Concretion

One lovely natural fossil concretion from the Algonquin Lakes area in Canada. The fertility Motherhood pendant is much like a Talisman from front to back. Picturesque, these stones often resemble animal, human form and insects.

This Algonquin lady measures 2 3/4" long and 1 3/4" wide, and weighs 2 ounces. Crude Company raw ornament is not meant for the self-conscious or the conservative wearer. Crude Co. jewelry is more about your undeniable spirit.

This lady is wrapped in 20 gauge sterling round and completed simply with 2mm black leather cord. Worn at a comfortable 18" with a elk picture button clasp.

Algonquin Stones:
This solid but also delicate pebble is made of fine sand and clay, it has been sculptured and solidified by nature 10 000 years ago.
HISTORY
The originality and the unique forms of these rare stones are a phenomenon proper to Northern Quebec, especially on the bottom of the big lakes with a glacier origin. These specimens are found in the soft deposits of the Quaternary in the pounds having occupied the depression of the retreat of the glacial front.
The face of the concretion is usually smooth and regular; the other face is often rough with puffed-up spheres. The irregular lines on certain stones are caused by traces left by miniature worms or organic remains, as if the earth wanted to keep them in memory...
LEGEND
When the first Algonquin’s came up the river towards Northwestern Quebec a long time ago, they picked up the pebbles from the shores and they carried them as good luck charms when they went on fishing or hunting expedition. Lovers offered the most beautiful stones to their loved ones. The biggest specimens occupied a place of honor in their homes, or according to the legend, these stones assured protection against bad spirits. They also brought good health and prosperity to the occupants of the premises.