Mary Devotions

Chains of bondage

2012-01-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

When I made my Consecration to the Blessed Mother, via St. Louis de Montfort's True Devotion to Mary, I was taught, by my priest, that "we wear chains because we are her slaves." The wearing of chains is one of the outward signs those who consecrate themselves to Jesus and Mary keep as a way of keeping our pledge to them new, and real.

Of the outward signs, de Montfort says:

The fifth is the wearing of a small blessed chain either around the neck, on the arm, on the foot, or about the body. Strictly speaking, this practice can be omitted without affecting the essential nature of the devotion , but just the same it would be wrong to despise or condemn it, and foolhardy to neglect it. Here are the reasons for wearing this external sign:
(1) It signifies that we are free from the baneful chains of original and actual sin which held us in bondage.
(2) By it we show our esteem for the cords and bonds of love with which our Lord let himself be bound that we might be truly free.
(3) As these bonds are bonds of love, they remind us that we should do nothing except under the influence of love.
(4) Finally, wearing this chain recalls to us once more that we are dependent on Jesus and Mary as their slaves. Eminent people who had become slaves of Jesus and Mary valued these little chains so much that they were unhappy at not being allowed to trail them publicly like the slaves of the Muslims. These chains of love are more valuable and more glorious than the necklaces of gold and precious stones worn by emperors, because they are the illustrious insignia of Jesus and Mary, and signify the bonds uniting us to them. It should be noted that if the chains are not of silver, they should for convenience' sake at least be made of iron. They should never be laid aside at any time, so that they may be with us even to the day of judgment. Great will be the joy , glory and triumph of the faithful slave on that day when, at the sound of the trumpet, his bones rise from the earth still bound by the chain of holy bondage, which to all appearance has not decayed. This thought alone should convince a devout slave never to take off his chain, however inconvenient it may be.

Every day I wear a Miraculous Medal and a crucifix around my neck, or Miraculous Medal earrings, but unless I look in the mirror, I cannot see them. They are not a reminder of my place that I have chosen, as a slave of the Blessed Mother and Our Lord. I decided for Christmas, to give myself true chains, to wear around my wrist so that I may constantly be reminded.

This bracelet is made from non-tarnishing bronze and silver loops. The larger bronze loops are cradled together in mobius rings, and linked with the smaller silver rings. Near the bronze clasp I have hung a small Miraculous Medal and small Miraculous medal cross.

If you are interested in a recreation of this bracelet, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar.

Rex et Regina

2012-01-03T14:58:00.000-08:00

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I love the center of this rosary -- the King on one side of the shield, and the Queen on the other, with a tiny little crown at the top of the shield. The mother of God is called Queen because she is the mother of the King, as all mothers of kings are queens. Our Lord Jesus is undoubtedly our King, and carries many titles as such: in the bible He is King of the Jews, but He is Christ the King, King Eternal, King of Kings, and King of All Nations. As well, does his mother, Queen of Heaven, Queen of Angels, Queen of Peace, Queen of the Rosary.

This rosary is a small reminder of who should be King and Queen in our lives.

The Ave beads are 6mm round Tiger Iron, and they are a variety of hues, from red, to green, to dark metallic gray, with some gold as well. The Pater Noster beads are beautiful, 8mm, topaz Swarovski crystals, cradled in copper caps. The beads are wire-wrapped with 20 gauge vintage bronze wire, for a virtually unbreakable rosary.

The center and matching bronze crucifix are hand cast from solid bronze in the United States and they match the wire beautifully. The center and the crucifix are set apart from the other beads with 4mm bicone bronze Swarovski crystals.

$35, plus $3 for shipping. If you are interested in this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

To purchase this rosary at my Etsy shop -- go here. The cost is slightly higher there to cover credit card processing fees.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, tenner

2011-12-31T07:46:00.000-08:00

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This tenner has 6mm, turquoise stone Aves, and an 8mm, indicolite (blue topaz) Swarovski crystal Pater Noster, cradled with bronze filigree caps. The Pater Noster beads are set apart from the Aves and the crucifix with 4mm bicone clear Swarovski crystals.

The beads are wire wrapped with 20 gauge bronze wire that is virtually unbreakable. The crucifix is a small and elegant bronze design, and the opposite medal is an Our Lady of Mt. Carmel with the scapular on the reverse. The crucifix and center are hand cast from solid bronze in the United States. The color matches the wire beautifully.

$18, plus $3 for shipping. If you are interested in this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

To purchase this rosary at my Etsy shop -- go here. The cost is slightly higher there to cover credit card processing fees.

Mary Immaculate, pray for us who have recourse to thee

2011-12-31T07:35:00.000-08:00

Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate,

we unite ourselves to you under your title of

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

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This five decade rosary is made with 6mm moss agate Ave beads, a soft green with gray and gold flecks. The Pater Noster beads are 8mm round, Colorado Topaz Swarovski crystals, cradled in bronze filigree caps. The center and crucifix are set apart with 4mm bicone bronze Swarovski crystals.

The beads are wire wrapped with 20 gauge yellow brass wire that is virtually indestructible. The crucifix is a beautiful antique brass style and the matching center is a Miraculous Medal.

$28, plus $3 for shipping. If you are interested in this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

To purchase this rosary at my Etsy shop -- go here. The cost is slightly higher there to cover credit card processing fees.

St. Michael the Archangel, Tenner

2011-12-31T07:05:00.000-08:00

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These tenner rosaries have become some of my favorites. It's such a nice size to keep in one's pocket or car. It doesn't take much time to pray ten Hail Marys, and over the course of a busy day, one can easily pray a whole rosary.

This tenner has 6mm, turquoise stone Aves, and an 8mm, light gold colored, Swarovski crystal Pater Noster, cradled with bronze filigree caps. The Pater Noster beads are set apart from the Aves and the crucifix with 4mm bicone bronze Swarovski crystals.

The beads are wire wrapped with 20 gauge bronze wire that is virtually unbreakable. The crucifix is a bronze Lily of the Valley design and the opposite medal is a St. Michael medal with Our Lady on the reverse. The crucifix and center are hand cast from solid bronze in the United States. The color matches the wire beautifully.

$18, plus $3 for shipping. If you are interested in this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

To purchase this rosary at my Etsy shop -- go here. The cost is slightly higher there to cover credit card processing fees.

I changed my name

2011-12-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

Well, not my name, name, but my rosary blog name. Because an Etsy shop with the name Prayerful Beads already existed before I opened my shop, I named my Etsy shop "Mary Devotions." That's what rosaries are...Mary Devotions. To Jesus through Mary.

So, while my blog address will remain prayerfulbeads.blogspot, my blog name and Etsy shop are the same. Thanks for reading. Wishing you a blessed Advent, and a beautiful feast day tomorrow.

Mother of Mercy, pray for us who recourse to Thee

2011-11-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

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This Seven Sorrows chaplet is made with shades of purple -- the color for penance, and the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent.

The Aves are 6mm rainbow fluorite, in shades between crystal clear and dark violet. The Paters, capped in bronze, are 8mm faceted, round, purple velvet, Swarovski crsytal beads. The center is a Seven Sorrows heart and the medal is an Our Lady of Sorrows medal, hand cast in solid bronze from vintage pieces. The beads are hand-wrapped and linked with 20 gauge vintage bronze medal -- this is a very sturdy rosary.

SOLD

If you are interested in this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

Most Merciful Mother

2011-11-22T05:29:00.000-08:00

Most merciful mother,

remind us always

of the sorrows

of your son, Jesus

This Seven Sorrows chaplet was created for a young seminarian at the request of his mother. The colors and materials were Spirit inspired and I think it turned out very nice. The Aves are 6mm blue dumortierite and the Paters are 8mm copper colored Swarovsi crystals capped in copper colored caps and bronze beads. The beads are wired by hand with 20 gauge bronze wire, matching the solid bronze Seven Sorrows center, and the Our Lady of Sorrows medal, both hand cast in solid bronze from vintage pieces.

click on images to enlarge

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary. If you are interested in a re-creation using these or other parts, contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar.

By the Might of Thy Holy Cross

2011-11-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

Assist us, O Lord our God;
and defend us evermore by the might of Thy holy Cross,
in whose honour Thou makest us to rejoice.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen

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This rosary is made with 6mm red jasper Aves and 8mm ivory Czech druk glass Paters set apart with brass caps. The beads are wrapped by hand with 20 gauge brass wire and the rosary has at its center a beautiful, antique brass shield with a cross embossed in the center. On the reverse side is a heart encircled with thorns. The antique brass crucifix matches the center in color and is a beautiful, sturdy, but ornate design. The crucifix and center are set apart with 4mm Swarovski bronze crystals.

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary. If you are interested in a re-creation using these or other parts, contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar.

Fly to His Sacred Heart

2011-11-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

I fly to Thee Sacred Heart of my Savior, for Thou art for my refuge, my only hope.

This rosary was created for a lovely woman who has asked me to make several rosaries now. She always has very specific ideas and they come together beautifully.

This rosary is made with 6mm honey jade Aves, 8mm Swarovski Fire Opal Paters, capped in bronze, hand wire-wrapped with 20 gauge bronze wire. The center is a brass scapular and the matching brass crucifix has cloverleaf ends. The center and crucifix are set apart with 4mm Swarovski god bicones crystals.

click on images to enlarge

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary. If you are interested in a re-creation using these or other parts, contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar.

Be our protection against wickedness

2011-10-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

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This one decade rosary -- called a tenner because it is just ten beads -- is a string of 8mm poppy jasper Aves wire-wrapped in vintage bronze 20 gauge wire, with an 8mm black onyx Pater capped in bronze caps. The crucifix is hand cast in solid bronze from a vintage piece, as is the St. Michael medal. On the reverse side of the St. Michael medal is an image of the Blessed Mother.

This rosary is perfect for a man because of the large beads and is perfect for him to keep in his pocket, in the car, or on the nightstand. It is very strong due to the large gauge wire and the hand-wrapping.

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary. If you are interested in a re-creation using these or other parts, contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar.

Defend us in Battle

2011-10-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

"The Rosary is the 'weapon' forthese times."
--Saint Padre Pio

These pretty tenner rosaries serve two purposes -- for praying the rosary, and as a reminder to call on St. Michael to help us in our spiritual battles.

These rosaries are identical except for the St. Michael medals -- one is round and one is oval. They are made with 6mm brown faceted glass Aves and a brown iris, twisted oval, glass Pater. They are wire-wrapped with 20 gauge non-tarnishing silver wire. The Pater, the crucifix and the medal are set apart by a shiny Swarovski crystal.

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~~~~~

For information on the Pardon Crucifix, go here.

Each tenner is $12 plus $3 for mailing.

If you are interested in this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

To purchase this rosary at my Etsy shop -- go here or here. The cost is slightly higher there to cover credit card processing fees.

Be Our Protection

2011-10-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

click on image to enlarge

This pretty rosary is made with 6mm crackled red Czech glass Aves, 6mm white Swarovski pearl Paters, capped in silver, a pewter St. Michael center and a pewter Papal crucifix. It is simple and yet, elegant.

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary.

Contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar to create something to suit your taste and needs.

Come Holy Ghost

2011-10-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

The mother of two young Confirmandi recently contacted me to create a rosary to commemorate their Confirmation in the Church. The rosaries turned out so very different, I was kind of tickled with them. Both rosaries are the link style and both have the Confirmand's name and date of Confirmation engraved on the back.

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The young lady's rosary is made with 6mm green and white agate Aves and 8mm opal chrystolite Swarovski crystal Paters, capped in silver. The center is a beautiful four-way pewter center and the crucifix is my favorite -- an ornate scrolled style.

The young man's rosary was made with 6mm poppy jasper Aves and 6mm onyx Paters capped in gold. The center is a gold tone St. Michael center and the crucifix is a four-way style.

SOLD

These are one-of-a-kind rosaries. If you are interested in a recreation of this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar.

Christ be with me, Christ within me

2011-10-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

I recently had a request to create a First Holy Communion rosary with a St. Patrick flair. St. Patrick is a wonderful patron for a young boy and this phrase of St. Patrick's prayer is one to remember on First Holy Communion Day:

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

This rosary is made with 8mm x 10mm green shamrock stamped beads, a pewter St. Patrick center and beautiful pewter Celtic crucifix. The back of the crucifix was engraved with the young boy's name and date of First Holy Communion.

SOLD

If you are interested in a recreation of this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar.

Holy Mother in Blue and White

2011-10-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

A recent request by a brother for a rosary for his sister resulted in these mirror image rosaries. The rosary with the blue Aves was mailed across country for a sister's birthday gift and the remaining rosary with the white opal glass Aves and blue opal glass Paters is available.

The beads are 6mm glass and the Paters are capped in silver nickel caps. The center is a Miraculous Medal and the center is a pretty style with a lilies behind and surrounding the Corpus.

click on images to enlarge

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary. If you are interested in a re-creation using these or other parts, contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar.

Pray for us who have recourse to thee

2011-10-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

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This bright and shiny rosary is made with 6mm turquoise Ave beads and sparkling oval-shaped crystal Paters. The beads are hand-wrapped with non-tarnishing, 20 gauge, silver wire for a very durable rosary. The center, a cut out Miraculous Medal center, and shiny silver crucifix both have a deluxe silver finish. The center and crucifix are set apart with 4mm bicone crystals.

SOLD

If you are interested in this chaplet, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

Protect and Pardon...a rosary giveaway

2011-10-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

This month of October is the month of the rosary. If you do not have a regular devotion to praying the rosary -- now is the perfect time to start. The prayers of the rosary and the mysteries are filled with scripture and as such, are a perfect bible study for busy mothers with little time to sit and study Sacred Scripture. There are many forms of scriptural rosary (I have posted before about them here, here, and here), but even without the scripture passages, the rosary teaches us about Christ Jesus, and the prayers, through God and Our Blessed Mother, lead us to Our Lord.

It often seems impossible for busy mothers to have enough quiet time to pray five decades of the rosary each day. Though it is a wonderful gift to make the time for all five decades at once, and scripture if you have extra time, it is often more doable to pray one decade at a time. By keeping a tenner rosary -- a string of beads -- ten Aves and one Pater -- in ones pocket or handbag, the time for a rosary a day can usually be found -- sitting in the car waiting for children, rocking a baby to sleep, or even waiting for a load of laundry to finish spinning in the dryer.

Today I am hosting a giveaway of one tenner rosary. I made this rosary with 20 gauge non-tarnishing silver wire -- it's very durable. The Aves are 6mm brown Czech glass beads and the Pater is a beautiful, iridescent brown, opaque, glass bead. The medal is a silver St. Michael the Archangel medal -- St. Michael, protect us -- and the crucifix is a Pardon crucifix. See the information below about St. Michael and the Pardon crucifix.

For a chance to win the rosary, leave your name and a way to contact you (please be sure to do this so I can find you later -- the internet is a huge place!) in the comment box by Tuesday at midnight and I'll announce a winner on Wednesday. Alternately, you can email me -- my address is in the sidebar.

~~~~~

St. Michael:

On Sunday April 24th 1994, Pope John Paul II recommended this prayer be usedby all Catholics as a prayer for the Church when he said:

'"May prayer strengthen us for the spiritual battle we are told about in the Letter to the Ephesians: 'Draw strength from the Lord and from His mighty power' (Ephesians 6:10). The Book of Revelation refers to this same battle, recalling before our eyes the image of St. Michael the Archangel (Revelation 12:7). Pope Leo XIII certainly had a very vivid recollection of this scene when, at the end of the last century, he introduced a special prayer to St. Michael throughout the Church. Although this prayer is no longer recited at the end of Mass, I ask everyone not to forget it and to recite it to obtain help in the battle against forces of darkness and against the spirit of this world."'

Amen.

~~~~~

Pardon Crucifix:

The Front of the Crucifix: Above the cruciform figure, the familiar I.N.R.I. has been inscribed with the words "Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum. "" Latin uses I instead of the English J, and V instead of U (Iesvs Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm). The English translation is "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." . The Reverse of the Crucifix: On the transverse arms are the words, "Father, forgive them.". On the vertical beam of the Cross are the words, "Behold this heart which has so loved men.". An image of The Sacred Heart of Jesus is shown in the center.

These indulgences have been declared upon the Pardon Crucifix by Pope St. Pius X in 1905, and have been approved in the pardon of the living and the souls in Purgatory in 1907. The lengths of the indulgences were repealed in the new Enchiridion, and the indulgences were granted to remit the guilt of the sin committed:

1. Whoever carries on his person the Pardon Crucifix, may thereby gain an indulgence.

2. For devoutly kissing the Crucifix, an indulgence is gained.

3. Whoever says one of the following invocations before this crucifix may gain each time an indulgence: "Our Father who art in heaven, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." "I beg the Blessed Virgin Mary to pray to the Lord our God for me."

4. Whoever, habitually devout to this Crucifix, will fulfill the necessary conditions of Confession and Holy Communion, may gain a Plenary Indulgence on the following feasts: On the feasts of the Five Wounds of our Lord, the Invention of the Holy Cross, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Immaculate Conception, and the Seven Sorrows (Dolors) of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

5. Whoever, at the moment of death, fortified with the Sacraments of the Church, or contrite of heart, in the supposition of being unable to receive them, will kiss this Crucifix and ask pardon of God for his sins, and pardon his neighbor, will gain a Plenary Indulgence.

Sorrowful Mother's Tears

2011-10-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

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This Seven Sorrows Chaplet is made with 6mm caramel Mother of Pearl Aves and 8mm round Golden Shadow Swarovski crystal Paters, capped in copper caps. The center is a Seven Sorrows heart that was hand cast in solid bronze from a vintage piece, as was the Our Lady of Sorrows medal. The center and medal are set apart with 4mm Swarovski bicone crystals. The chaplet is wire-wrapped by hand using 20 gauge shiny bronze wire. This rosary is super strong and virtually unbreakable.

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary. If you are interested in a re-creation using these or other parts, contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar.

By Your Holy Cross

2011-10-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

"We adore you oh Christ and we praise you,
because by your Holy Cross,
you have redeemed the world."

click on images to enlarge

This wire wrapped rosary has at its center a beautiful, antique brass shield with a cross embossed in the center. On the reverse side is a heart encircled with thorns. The antique brass crucifix matches the center in colors and is a beautiful sturdy, but ornate design. The Aves are 6mm leopard skin jasper in beautiful shades of brown, gold, green, and red, and the Paters are topaz colored 8mm round Swarovski crystals, capped in bronze. Small 4mm bronze, bicone crystals set apart the center and the crucifix. The wire is 20 gauge shiny brass coated copper wire. This rosary is super strong and virtually unbreakable.

$42, plus $3 for mailing

If you are interested in this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

To purchase this rosary at my Etsy shop -- go here.

Rainbow link bracelet

2011-10-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

A dear friend's daughter had a surgery a few months ago and I wanted to send her something special to help take her mind off her woes. I had these beautiful multi-colored metal links and decided to play with them. This pretty bracelet was the result. It took a lot longer to put together than I thought it would (whew!) but it was well worth the effort. I added the little silver cross to make it a "remember to Pray" bracelet, and a toggle clasp.

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This bracelet can be recreated in these colors or a variety of other colors/metals. Contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar to create something to suit your taste and needs.

Our Lady's Tears

2011-09-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

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I have written before about how Our Blessed Mother has used me to spread devotion to her Seven Sorrows Chaplet. Each time I make a chaplet with no intended recipient, it gets snatched up very quickly. There are so many souls out there that need the prayers of the Seven Sorrows Chaplet, I am only too happy to fill the need, in my own small way. This chaplet was intended for a fellow sister in Christ, as the pink shades of the beads are beautiful and feminine.

This is the second wire-wrapped chaplet I have made, and I must admit they are a lot of work. I worked on this chaplet all day Sunday, with few breaks, probably putting at least seven hours into it. The chaplet has just a few more beads than a five decade rosary, but it seems to take a lot more time. I can't say why. But it's a labor of love and I love knowing that this chaplet will be used for many, many years in prayer to Our Blessed Mother and Our Father in Heaven.

The Aves on this chaplet are 6mm round rhodondite. If you believe in the power of stones (I don't but I do find the meaning some find in stones to be interesting) you would know that the rhodondite is used to heal heartache and loss, help ease stress and for reflection. Our Blessed Mother would tell us that following her Holy Son is what heals heartache and loss and eases stress, and I would certainly agree. Praying this chaplet is a beautiful way to follow Jesus, by reflecting on the Seven Sorrows of Mary as they all pertain to the life of Christ Jesus.

The Paters are 8mm round rose Swarovski crystals, capped with antique bronze caps. The beads are wire-wrapped in 20 gauge vintage bronze wire, making an almost indestructible rosary. The center is a simple cross surrounded with an "M" and the medal is a beautiful bronze Sorrowful Mother medal. The center and medal are set apart with 4 mm bronze bicone Swarovski crystals. They center and medal are hand cast in the USA in solid bronze from antique pieces. They will patina over time and if you wish, you can polish them with a polishing cloth to shine them up again. The reverse side of the Sorrowful Mother medal depicts the crucifixion.

SOLD

If you are interested in this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

Clothed in the Sun

2011-08-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

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... A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman... clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. Revelations 12:1

This rosary is bright and clothed in the sun like the Blessed Mother. The Aves are peridot jasper, which is a very bright lemony yellow. I knew that they were called peridot jasper, and so I kept looking for the green, but when I asked members of my family what color they were, they all said "yellow."

The 6mm peridot jasper are paired with Swarovski 8 mm AB crystals capped in nickel silver caps and pewter balls. The beads are wire-wrapped to make a very durable rosary. The center is a unique Miraculous center and the crucifix is a pretty carved style.

SOLD

If you are interested in a recreation of this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

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Sorrowful Mother, pray for us

2011-08-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

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The Seven Sorrows chaplet is a beautiful rosary, similar to the five-decade rosary but meditating on the Seven Sorrows of Mary instead of the Joyful, Glorious, Sorrowful and Luminous Mysteries. On each of the seven sorrows, an Our Father is prayed followed by the seven Hail Marys.

It was several years ago when I was first asked to make a Seven Sorrows chaplet and I have been asked to make many, many since then, when Immaculee Ilibagiza revealed in her books and began speaking of her dedication to the chaplet during her life in Rwanda. The Blessed Mother, through Immaculee and the visionaries of Kibeho have renewed an interest in the Seven Sorrows chaplet and for that I am grateful.

This chaplet is made from 6mm fancy jasper beads and rectangular, bronze-colored, metal beads for the Paters. The beads are wire wrapped by hand using 20 gauge bronze wire. The Sorrowful Heart of the Blessed Mother is the rosary's center and the Seven Sorrows of Mary medal finishes the chaplet. They are both hand cast in solid bronze from vintage pieces. There are currently three beads below the center, but for those who prefer four, a bead can be added.

SOLD

If you are interested in this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

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St. Michael, and the Choirs of Angels

2011-08-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

I came across some photos on iPhoto the other that had been forgotten during a busy time for me. This pretty St. Michael chaplet was one of them.

The owner requested apple green beads, which is an unusual color for a rosary, but paired with these pretty millefiori beads I think it turned out very pretty. The green beads are 6mm Druk crackle glass, and the Paters are green and white with a red flower millefiori glass, capped in silver. They are strung on steel wire with crystal and white seed beads. The Italian St. Michael medal has a nice, clear image on it.

The prayers of the St. Michael chaplet are very powerful, as one prays the Our Father and Hail Mary following the prayers of intercession to St. Michael.

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary.

Contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar to create something to suit your taste and needs.

Etsy Shop

2011-08-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

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I finally opened an Etsy Shop -- Mary Devotions. Many folks ask me if I take Paypal for payment, but I try to save as much cost as I can when I sell on my blog. With Etsy I still save a lot of cost (compared to having my own website), but I have to pass on a little bit of "taking care of business" cost like credit card fees, so the costs there are just a tad higher. For convenience, however, now you can use Etsy for my available rosaries, and even custom rosaries.

Unfortunately my blog name, Prayerful Beads, was used at Etsy, so I am under the name Mary Devotions.

My new email address for rosaries is marydevotion(at)columbus(dot)rr(dot)com.

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Love with all your heart

2011-07-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

"He said to him, 'You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment.'" Matthew 22:37

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This rosary is a new one I made by using the wire-wrapped method. I am really liking this style of rosary -- something I never thought I'd say. I love the way it feels in my hands, and it's really super durable -- nothing is going to pull these links apart.

This rosary is made with 6mm jasper Aves -- all different colors, from deep reds to golds and deep greens -- very pretty. The Paters are 8mm round blue zircon crystals -- a lovely shade of bluish green -- capped with bronze caps and 4mm metallic light gold bicone crystals.

The wire is 20 gauge, shiny bronze wire and the center -- a heart-shaped center with a cross cut out -- and the crucifix are both solid bronze, hand-cast from vintage pieces.

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary.

Contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar to create something to suit your taste and needs.

St. Peregrine, pray for us

2011-07-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

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A month or so ago, a rosary friend asked me to create a rosary for a dear friend of hers, one whose family member had recently received a diagnosis of cancer. With the diagnosis of lung cancer, my friend learned that the colors of ivory and burgundy are the symbolic colors of lung cancer and she asked that I incorporate those colors, as well as the patron of cancer patients, St. Peregrine.

The Ave beads are 6mm Poppy Jasper, and the Paters are ivory Czech Druk glass capped in bronze and tiny grooved antique bronze beads. The Miraculous Medal and crucifix are solid bronze hand cast from vintage pieces, as is the beautiful St. Peregrine medal. On the reverse side of the S. Peregrine image is Our Sorrowful Mother. The links are antique bronze and "mother and son" chain is used between the Paters and Aves.

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary.

Contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar to create something to suit your taste and needs.

A Prayer to St. Peregrine for Sick Relatives and Friends

O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," the "The Wonder Worker" because of the numerous miracles which you obtained from God for those who have turned to you in their need. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being. You turned to God when the power of human beings could do no more, and you were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His cross to heal your affliction. I now ask God to heal these sick persons whom I entrust to you:

(Here mention their names)

Aided by your powerful intercession, I shall sing with Mary a hymn of gratitude to God for His great goodness and mercy.

Amen.

Ave Maria, gratia plena, ora pro nobis

2011-07-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

Fr. Adam's Rosary

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Our beloved associate pastor is moving on this summer, to a new parish and as pastor. We are overjoyed for this next step in his life, but will miss him greatly. He has been a wonderful shepherd for us -- he brings great reverence to the Mass and the Sacraments and we love his ways which help us to grow closer to God. Now he will bless a new community and help them to grow in their faith as well.

This rosary was a gift to him. It's another wire wrapped rosary -- a thicker gauge wire which I think he will find virtually indestructible. The Aves are 6mm Poppy Jasper, and the Paters are 8mm black onyx capped in bronze. Because of Fr. Adam's great devotion to the blessed mother I chose this center -- a very heavy and rather large Ave Maria -- it's beautiful. The crucifix is also heavy and intricate and looks beautiful with the center. Both the center and crucifix are solid bronze hand cast from vintage pieces. The are all connected with 20 gauge bronze wire, each bead hand wrapped.

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary.

Contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar to create something to suit your taste and needs.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us

2011-06-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

I am getting a bit quicker in making these hand-wrapped rosaries. Just a few weeks ago it was taking me several weeks to make one, now I can make one in less than a week. Still very labor-intensive, but much better. This rosary is made with a heavier gauge wire than the previous two, which makes it less dainty, but probably more durable in the long run. It feels practically indestructible.

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The Aves are 6mm blueberry quartz -- a beautiful transparent blue bead, and the Paters are 7mm mother of pearl beads capped with copper bead caps. The center is a Our Lady of Lourdes center, solid bronze, hand cast from a vintage piece, as is the beautiful matching crucifix. They are connected with 20 gauge bronze wire, each bead hand wrapped.

SOLD

If you are interested in a recreation of this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

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The Moon at her Feet

2011-06-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

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"And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" Rev 12:1

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The beautiful blue and the opal white glass beads of this rosary remind me of the moon, one a muted blue light, the other a bright luminescent one. Both could be the light of our Blessed Mother -- one shadowy and veiled next to the incandescence of her holy Son, Our Lord, and the other bright and resplendent leading the way to God.

The beads of this rosary are 6mm Druk glass, the Aves in a transparent pale blue and the Paters an opaque, bluish opal. The white opal Paters are capped with silver and they are linked together with a Miraculous Medal center that has a back that rotates showing the Glorious, the Sorrowful and the Joyful Mysteries, and a beautiful smallish crucifix with lilies.

SOLD

If you are interested in a recreation of this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

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Mother Most Pure

2011-06-21T05:02:00.000-07:00

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This sweet little rosary was created for a young girl -- a starter of sorts. Pink was the color of choice and these 6mm Czech Druk glass beads are the palest of pink. They are precious paired with 6mm white Swarovski pearls capped in silver, separated with white pearl and the palest pink Japanese seed beads. The Miraculous center has a back that rotates showing the Glorious, the Sorrowful and the Joyful Mysteries, and the crucifix has tiny flowers at the top and bottom and each side.

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary.

Contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar to create something to suit your taste and needs.

Our Lady of Hope, pray for us

2011-06-15T06:10:00.000-07:00

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The color of these amazonite beads first caught my eye. They are a beautiful color -- soft, but vivid blue green, not a color seen often in the natural world. I love using natural beads and so I bought them with no intended use. After I started making wire-wrapped rosaries, I decided that I would use these beads for that purpose because I love the contrast against the bronze wire.

When I did a little quick research on the stone I learned that those who believe in the "power of stones" consider amazonite to be a "hope" stone, as it is said to inspire hope and confidence in things to come. I must tell you I find all of that to be pure legend, conjecture, and I don't believe it for a second. I do believe, however, that one who prays the rosary, in earnest, using these beads, or any others, will most find hope, as well as faith and charity, and untold graces from God. That's a guarantee!

The Aves on this rosary are 6mm round aventurine, and the Paters are a flat oval, much larger, aventurine bead. The Paters are set off with small antique brass beads. The center is a beautiful antique bronze Ave Maria piece, and the crucifix is an ornate, slightly small antique bronze piece, both hand cast in bronze from vintage pieces. The beads are hand-wrapped with 24 gauge bronze wire.

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary.

Contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar to create something to suit your taste and needs.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us

2011-06-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

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This rosary shown today is one of those I made a few months ago for a young women and her sisters. The recipient asked for purple Ave beads and lamp work Pater beads, as well as an Immaculate Heart of Mary center. The end result was really a stunning combination. The pictures, I'm afraid really don't do just to the purple glass beads. They are a brilliant faceted glass, in a vivid, deep amethyst color.

The Aves are 6mm faceted amethyst Czech glass beads, and the Paters are a beautiful handmade lamp work glass in shades of blue, gray and purple, capped in silver and Swarovski crystals. They are separated by silver-lined crystal and pearl seed beads. The center is an Immaculate Heart of Mary center and the beautiful crucifix, one of my favorites, has a picot edge.

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary.

Contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar to create something to suit your taste and needs.

St. Michael, Vanquisher of Rebel Spirits, pray for us

2011-06-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

A recent request for a St. Michael Chaplet allowed me to use this beautiful bronze St. Michael medal I had on-hand. I really enjoy it when someone gives me creative license to create a sacramental such as this. I chose some turquoise beads, some beautiful oval crystals and these bronze pieces to create a lovely St. Michael Chaplet.

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The Aves are 6mm natural turquoise, the Paters are oval clear Czech crystals, strung on wire with silver lined glass and gold Japanese seed beads. The heart-shaped center and the St. Michael medal are solid bronze hand cast from vintage pieces.

The text on the medal is in French and on the side with Our Lady (not pictured) translates to: "O Mary Conceived without Sin, Pray for Us who Have Recourse to Thee." The St. Michael side reads: "St. Michael Protector of France, Pray for Us."

The prayers of the St. Michael chaplet are very powerful, as one prays the Our Father and Hail Mary following the prayers of intercession to St. Michael.

SOLD

This is a one-of-a-kind rosary.

Contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar to create something to suit your taste and needs.

Love is...

2011-05-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

I remember that scripture verse from my own wedding. It all seemed so true at the time...at the beginning, before we had lived through any tough times together. In reality, we know that the kind of love that comes after the wedding is often rude, seeks its own interests, and is most definitely quick-tempered. It is the love that comes through God, however, that is kind, patient and endures all things. Sometimes it takes many years of marriage to achieve that kind of love, but through God, and only through God, everything is most definitely possible.

My sweet younger cousin will be married soon and I made for her, and her husband-to-be, wedding rosaries. They were a delight to make, as I picked out each part specifically to go with the others, just for her.

click on images to enlarge

The bride's wedding color is a beautiful, vivid, peacock blue and I chose the Paters for both rosaries to remind her of her wedding day (I think the photo below of the crucifixes is most representative of the true color). The bride's Aves are 6mm cream Swarovski pearls, and the grooms are 8mm onyx beads.

The Paters are 8mm, faceted, aurora borealis, capri blue, Swarovski crystals capped in bronze. They are separated by bronze Czech and crystal Japanese seed beads.

The centers are a heart with a cross in the center and the crucifixes, also matching, have a heart at each side and top and bottom. The centers and crucifix are hand cast in solid bronze from vintage pieces.

SOLD

These are one-of-a-kind rosaries.

Contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar to create something to suit your taste and needs.

Pray, Little Child

2011-05-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

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"Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed"

I always loved the words of the Eucharistic prayer, which will be revised to the above words when the missal changes take place this Advent. These words, to me, spoke of the very essence of Christ's mercy and forgiveness..."Only say the word and my soul shall be healed."

click on image to enlarge

This little bracelet was created as a gift for a young girl's First Holy Communion, as a reminder to PRAY. The beads are 6mm, 32-facet, turquoise AB glass bead -- they are very sparkly, as you can see. They are strung on a steel wire with sterling silver round beads and Czech glass turquoise beads in between. The PRAY bead is sterling silver as is Celtic style cross, the clasp and the extender chain -- added so the bracelet can grow with her.

SOLD

Can be recreated

Faith...Hope...Love

2011-05-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 11:13

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This little bracelet was a gift to a sweet little girl for her First Holy Communion. The Faith, Hope and Love medals are sterling silver, as are the links, the clasp and extender chain. The beads are 6mm pink Swarovski crystal pearls.

SOLD

...For the Forgiveness of Sins

2011-05-17T05:19:00.000-07:00

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.'" Matthew 26:26-28

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This rosary is a beautiful girl's First Holy Communion rosary. The Aves are mother of pearl beads, and the Paters are silver-capped, blue Venetian glass, with yellow-centered daisies. The beads are strung on steel wire with silver-lined crystal and white glass seed beads. The center is a Chalice and the crucifix is a small dainty one. .

SOLD .

If you are interested in this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar . .

Jesus Carried the Cross

2011-05-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: Jesus Carries the Cross...

...that bears the weight of our sins.

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"Then he said to all, 'If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it."" Luke 9:23-24

This rosary has, at its center, Our Lord with His cross.The center is antique brass, as is the matching crucifix. The Ave beads are 6mm moss agate and the Paters are brass capped sesame jasper. They are strung on heavy steel wire with gold and silver-lined crystal seed beads.

If you are interested in this rosary, contact me by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar
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Gracious Mother

2011-05-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

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This rosary is another of the lovely rosaries envisioned by the sisters I spoke about at this post. The colors are a combination I would never have thought to put together myself, but I think it's very beautiful.

The Aves are 6mm rainbow jasper beads, the Paters are silver-capped 8mm sesame jasper, separated by gold and crystal silver-lined Japanese seed beads, with an Immaculate Queen center and picot-edged crucifix.

SOLD

Can be recreated
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For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion

2011-05-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

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I recently received a request from a lovely lady in the Philippines to make a rosary and a St. Michael chaplet for her. In the process of figuring out what she wanted on her rosary, she learned her sisters would also like rosaries, and some other devotional items as well. In the end, I was busy for quite a while making rosaries and chaplets, but I was happy to do the work.

I always enjoy when a friend in Christ contacts me and gives me creative license to make a rosary, but it's equally as fun when someone else picks out each particular part and all I do is I put them all together. The lovely sisters mentioned above chose each part of every item and all I did was assemble. It was great fun to see them all come together -- and they all turned out very beautiful.

This Divine Mercy rosary was one of those items. It is made with 6mm Swarovski ruby crystal Aves, 8mm ruby lampwork Paters capped in silver, a Divine Mercy center and a Pardon Crucifix, all strung on steel wire with crystal and red glass Japanese seed beads.

SOLD
Can be recreated

Thy Praises We Sing

2011-05-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

May is the month of our Heavenly Mother, Immaculate Mary. If you don't read Praying for Grace, you are missing a month of Mary posts -- all May long. This month also happens to be the month of First Holy Communions. How happy is must make our Mother to see all of the little children come to her Holy Son at the First Eucharist.

"O Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, I would like to be filled with love for You; keep me closely united with You, may my heart be near to Yours. I want to be to You like the apostle John. O Mary of the Rosary, keep me recollected when I say these prayers of yours; bind me forever, with your rosary, to Jesus of the Blessed Sacrament. Blessed be Jesus, my love..," ~~ Pope John XXIII, Journal of a Soul

This rosary is made with a tiny pewter Miraculous center, and a dainty, shiny pewter crucifix. The Ave beads are sparkly 6mm 32-facet AB turquoise glass beads and the Paters are silver-capped 8mm crystal glass. This rosary would be perfect for a First Holy Communicant or any woman.

$22, plus $3 for mailing

Contact me if you are interested by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

Jesus, Meek and Humble of Heart

2011-05-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

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I recently taught myself how to wire wrap beads simply because I previously didn't know how. I'm kind of like that, I just like to learn new skills.

I love the look of the wire-wrapped bead. It seems so, well, old, sort ancient. You can imagine that is the way monks made rosaries centuries ago. I especially like the look with the antique brass Scapular center shown here, and the antique brass crucifix. The Ave beads are 6mm chrysanthemum and the Paters are brass capped 8mm brown glass beads.

SOLD

Contact me if you are interested by leaving a comment or using my email address found in the sidebar

True Bread from Heaven

2011-05-04T06:39:00.000-07:00

So Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." John 6:32-33

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This First Holy Communion rosary is made with 6mm lilac colored glass Ave beads, 8mm silver capped crystal glass Pater beads, linked with a silver and enamel First Holy Communion center and dainty silver crucifix.

SOLD
can be recreated

Miraculous Mother Bangle and Bobbles

2011-05-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

I'm loving these pretty bronze rosary parts I've been indulging in lately. Antique bronze is so different from shiny silver, and while silver is pretty, I love the vintage look of the bronze. I created this pretty bracelet and earrings for some other lovely lady...maybe you?

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The links, rings, clasp and caps of the bracelet and earrings are solid bronze. The medal is hand cast from a vintage piece. The beads are purple druk Czech glass beads, 6mm, and the bobble on the bracelet has two Swarovski beads and the earrings each have one. The druk beads have a beautiful shimmer that reflects the bronze color of the metal. The medal has the scapular image on the reverse side.

SOLD

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Easter Turquoise and Bronze

2011-04-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

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I made this little bracelet to place in my son's girlfriend's Easter basket. It is made with 6mm turquoise beads, bronze eye pins and rings, a bronze toggle clasp and a crucifix hand cast in bronze from a vintage piece. I love that the turquoise beads have veins of the bronze color running through them. Very, very pretty. And God made them!

SOLD

can be recreated

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Who is like God?

2011-04-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

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Did you know the name Michael means "Who is like God?" It was the cry of the great archangel Michael when he defeated Satan. It is St. Michael we turn to in times of spiritual danger because he will defend us against evil.

The recipient of this rosary knows the value of having St. Michael on his side -- he is a little man receiving his First Holy Communion.

This rosary is a link rosary made with Chinese jade beads -- the Paters are capped with pewter -- a pewter St. Michael the Archangel center and a pewter crucifix.

click on images to enlarge

SOLD

can be recreated

On Fire for Jesus and Mary

2011-04-14T05:10:00.000-07:00

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I recently had a request to make a tenner rosary for a lovely, new, online friend, and my first thought was that this lady is on fire for her faith. She is the author of Truth Himself -- a very inspiration blog about the Eucharist. She is the definition of "on fire" for Jesus and Mary, and I chose the beads accordingly.

click on image to enlarge

The Aves are 6mm honey jade, and the Pater is an 8mm Swarovski crystal in Fireopal -- a blend of red and gold. The Pater is capped with bronze caps and the beads are separated with gold and red Japanese seed beads. The crucifix and Miraculous Medal are hand cast in solid bronze from vintage pieces.

SOLD
can be recreated

Cause of Our Joy

2011-04-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

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Another pretty bracelet made for a dear long distance friend -- the cause of my joy, in addition to Our Blessed Mother. I'm getting the hang of wrapping and have started my first wrapped rosary.

The bracelet is made from bronze wire-wrapped mother of pearls beads, has a Miraculous medal hand cast in bronze from a vintage piece, and a hand cast bronze toggle clasp. The earrings are made with bronze ear wires, hand-wrapped mother of pearl beads capped in copper and bicone Swarovski crystals in Crystal and Indian Pink.

SOLD

can be recreated
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Comforter of the Afflicted

2011-03-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

I have great confidence in Our Blessed Mother to care for her earthly children in their time of need. She is sympathetic to our needs, whether they are physical or spiritual. My 19-year-old niece recently started battling thyroid cancer and has had several surgeries in the past month or so. I wanted to give her something to remind her that Our Blessed Mother understands her suffering and will be faithful in her prayers when asked. This sweet little bracelet is featherlight, and very delicate, but Mother Mary is always there -- a constant reminder of consolation.

The bracelet is made with 6mm Blue Lace Agate, capped with copper caps and hand-wrapped with bronze wire. The tiny Miraculous Medal is hand cast from solid bronze. The bar and toggle clasp is also hand cast bronze. The matching earrings are also made with the 6mm Blue Lace Agate, copper caps and hand-wrapped with bronze wire, with a tiny Swarovski bicone crystal on the bottom, and hooked on French bronze wires.

click on image to enlarge

SOLD

can be recreated

Pope John Paul II, the Great

2011-03-18T05:53:00.000-07:00

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I was recently asked to create a special rosary for a young John Paul for his First Holy Communion, and after finding this great antique bronze center, his mom decided that it was the one. Paired with an antique bronze crucifix, blue dumortierite Aves, and dark red brecciated agate Paters with bronze caps, the John Paul II center is the stunning center of a very handsome rosary.

The 6mm blue dumortierite Aves, and the 8mm brecciated agate Paters are strung with silver-lined glass and gold glass seed beads on stainless flexwire.

SOLD

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Ora et labora

2011-03-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

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A dear friend recently asked me to create a rosary for her husband. Wanting it to be just right, and one which would last for a long time, she wrangled with the decisions -- what beads? what center? which crucifix is just right? I think she did a great job picking out the parts and it turned out to be a truly beautiful, yet very masculine rosary.

The Aves are 6mm lapis lazuli denim blue beads, and the Paters are 8 mm pewter beads with a textured surface. The center is a pewter St. Benedict medal and the crucifix is a very handsome pewter crucifix.

SOLD

Let no man put asunder

2011-03-05T07:02:00.000-08:00

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"Therefore now they are not two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." Mt 19:6

I was recently entrusted with an assignment: to create a pair of wedding rosaries. While giddy with the prospect of creating such an important gift, I was also very nervous that this gift be just right. When I finished the two and placed them side by side, I was pleased with the result -- it was just what I was looking for. The traditional black and white, crystal and silver, the wedding centers, the elegant crucifix and the silver caps...they spoke to the beauty of the Nuptial Mass: traditional, elegant, light and beauty. They will last for a lifetime, providing the recipients with a memory of the day in which God witnessed and blessed this glorious sacrament.

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The bride's rosary is made with 6mm white Swarovski pearls, 8 mm Swarovski crystals capped in silver, sterling silver pins and chains, sterling wedding center and elegant sterling crucifix. The groom's rosary is made with 8mm black onyx beads, sterling pins and chains. His silver-capped, 8 mm Swarovski crystal beads, sterling wedding center and elegant crucifix are identical to the bride's.

SOLD
can be recreated

St. Michael, Glorious Prince of Heavenly Armies

2011-02-25T10:03:00.000-08:00

I was asked to make this rosary for the mother of a soldier who was being deployed to Afghanistan. There is no doubt this rosary has received a work out, and Our Blessed Mother and St. Michael have receive some powerful prayer requests for intercession.

The beads are 6mm Swarovski white pearls with silver caps on the Paters. The center is a pewter St. Michael medal and the crucifix, also pewter, is small and simple.

Click on image to enlarge.

Can be recreated with the same crucifix and center. It would also be beautiful with a First Holy Communion center or with another patron saint center for Confirmation. Contact me for a price.

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Remember to Pray Bracelet

2011-02-25T07:53:00.000-08:00

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I recently re-made a bracelet I had made myself a few years ago, and I love the new look. Previously a link bracelet with just crystal beads and the PRAY bead, I re-made it with more silver, a chunkier look, and a little Celtic cross. It's a great style to wear every day -- it can dress up an outfit or fit right it with some other pretty bangles.

Click on image to enlarge.

The beads are clear, 6mm bicone, Swarovski crystals and 8 mm fluted, sliver-plated pewter. The PRAY bead is sterling, as is the Celtic cross. The ring and bar toggle clasp is sterling.

Can be recreated. Contact me for a price.
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Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Tenner

2011-02-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

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This one-decade tenner is made from caramel Mother of Pearl Ave beads linked in bronze with a Pink Opal Pater capped in bronze. The bronze Scapular/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel medal and the crucifix are hand cast from vintage pieces.

$18 plus $4 shipping

Baptismal Rosary

2011-02-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

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This rosary was created as a gift for the baptism of a baby boy. I have not made many Baptismal rosaries, so it was a pleasure to pick out the individual components for this one. The Aves are 6mm Blue Lace Agate -- a soft blue stone with some light variation in color. The Paters are 8 mm Mother of Pearl. The center is a pretty Miraculous Medal and the crucifix is simple, with tiny flowers at each point.

click image to enlarge

Can be recreated

St. Michael, Protector of the Military

2011-02-02T20:01:00.000-08:00

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I was recently privileged to work with a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps to create a St. Michael chaplet. He and I worked together to find just the right parts, from the Aves and Paters, to the Scapular center and, finally, a medal with the image of St. Michael on one side and the the USMC emblem on the other. It is such a pleasure for me to work with someone who wants to create a special rosary or chaplet because I know how very special that sacramental will become, and how well used it will be.

click on image to enlarge

The Aves are 6 mm blue fossil beads, the Paters are 8mm intricate pewter beads and they are linked together in the pattern of the St. Michael chaplet -- nine groups of three. The center is a pewter Scapular image and the St. Michael medal is also pewter, with the image of the USMC emblem stamped on the reverse side.

Spirit of Reparation

2011-01-21T13:08:00.000-08:00

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This black cocoa wood rosary features the image of Ecce Homo on the center -- the image of Our Lord during His passion and death. The crucifix is a simple design. The Ave beads are 7 x 9mm oval coco wood lacquered in black and the Paters are 7mm carved round cocoa wood.

click on image to enlarge

$17 plus $4 mailing and insurance

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St. Michael the Archangel

2011-01-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

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I recently went looking back on my blog to find pictures of the rosary I made for my son's Confirmation this past year and I couldn't find them. Then I checked my photo files and they weren't there, which leads me to believe I never took pictures of it.

My youngest son Noah took St. Michael the Archangel as his patron saint and Confirmation name and I wanted to make for him a rosary that would remind him to ask his patron for intercessory prayers and to follow his example as a mighty soldier of Christ. And because my third son has a beautiful head of red hair, I was attracted to the beautiful color of the beads.

The beads are 8 mm goldstone, and if you click on the image of the center below you can see the flecks of light reflected in the bead. Goldstone is actually a type of glittery man-made glass, and according to folklore it was an accidental discovery in an Italian monastery. The tiny glittery specks in brown goldstone are actual flecks of copper.

click on image to enlarge

The center is pewter with the image of St. Michael and "St. Michael Pray for Us" stamped around the edge.

The ornate crucifix, also pewter, is large and heavy and I had my son's name and date of his Confirmation engraved on the back.

Car Rosaries

2011-01-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

A dear friend asked me to create for her some car rosaries to give as gifts at Christmas. I posted a few of them before Christmas and below are the rest. Each one is unique and I was very happy with them. They can all be recreated. The magnetic clasp makes it easy to disconnect and connect again, so you can grab it for prayer time and hang it back up when you're done.

This rosary, modeled after this one, is so beautiful and feminine. The Aves are 8 mm purple Druk glass and the Pater is an 8mm ivory Druk glass bead with brass caps, separated with iridescent purple and ivory glass seed beads. The unique Madonna center and crucifix are studded with pearls.

click on the image to enlarge

This rosary is probably my very favorite in the bunch (though I think every rosary I make is my favorite). The Aves and Paters are 8mm red, green and white millefiori glass beads. The Pater is capped with silver flower petal caps and they are separated by silver-lined gray and silver-lined crystal glass seed beads. The center is an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

click on the image to enlarge

This rosary was also one of my favorites. Brightly colored and sparkling with light, the Aves and Pater are 8mm two-tone blue and green glass, with caps on the Pater, separated with silver-lined crystal and aqua colored glass seed beads. The center is unique, diamond shaped with the initials, IHS, of Our Lord in the center.

click on the image to enlarge

This car rosary is made with 8 mm green tiger eye Aves and an 8 mm capped black Onyx Pater separated by silver-lined gray and black glass seed beads. The center is a Miraculous Medal image of Our Lady with an M and a cross in the center.

click on the image to enlarge

Little Flower

2010-12-29T13:51:00.000-08:00

Like the pretty blue rosary below, this is another perfect rosary for a young girl.

The Ave beads are 6 mm pink aurora borealis glass beads, the Paters are base metal roses, and the center is an enamel depiction of the St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower.

click on image to enlarge

SOLD

Angel of God My Guardian Dear

2010-12-29T13:44:00.000-08:00

This pretty little rosary is a perfect rosary for a beginner -- maybe as a gift for a First Holy Communion or First Confession. The Ave beads are 6 mm blue aurora borealis glass beads, the Paters are base metal roses, and the center is an enamel depiction of the Guardian Angel.

click on image to enlarge

SOLD
This is a one-of-a-kind rosary. If you are interested in a re-creation using these or other parts, contact me in the comment box or using my email address in the sidebar.

Jesus Carries the Cross

2010-12-16T13:04:00.000-08:00

click on image to enlarge

This is another of the car rosaries I created recently, using some brass pieces instead of silver. The beads are 8 mm brecciated red agate, and the Pater is capped with bronze caps. The crucifix and center are antique brass, the image of Jesus carrying the cross is stamped on the center.

The magnetic clasp makes it easy to disconnect and connect again, so you can grab it for prayer time and hang it back up when you're done.

Can be recreated

Our Lady of Grace

2010-12-16T12:57:00.000-08:00

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I was very busy a few weeks ago creating car rosaries for a dear friend to give for Christmas gifts. I was really pleased with all of them (and hope she was, and the recipients are, too) and wanted to post them here to give you an idea of what can be done for a rosary to hang from your rear view window. The magnetic clasp makes it easy to disconnect and connect again, so you can grab it for prayer time and hang it back up when you're done.

click on image to enlarge

This car rosary is made with 6mm mother of pearl Aves, an 8mm aurora borealis with silver caps, all separated with white pearl and silver-lined crystal glass seed beads. The center is Our Lady of Grace and the crucifix is a pretty beribboned style -- all very feminine.

Can be recreated

Gate of Heavenly Rest

2010-12-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

When I saw this crucifix with the scene of the Crucifixion on it, I found it so unique that I bought it even though I had no particular rosary in mind. Though not expensive, I find it beautiful and I wanted to find just the right parts. Paired with these mother of pearl Aves, the 8 mm purple Czech Druk glass Paters, and this beautiful image of Our Heavenly Mother I think it is just perfect. The center has a back that rotates showing the Glorious, the Sorrowful and the Joyful Mysteries. The beads are separated with silver lined crystal and purple glass seed beads and the Paters are surrounded by pewter caps and round silver beads.

click to enlarge image

SOLD

Adventus

2010-12-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

click on image to enlarge

The word "advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus" which means "coming." I have to keep reminding my children that Advent means Christ is coming, not here. Coming in the future, not here in the present (in other words, we must wait). I think that's why I love the color purple so much in our liturgical calendar. The color purple, the color of penitence, offers a visual separation from Christmas. While we are seeing purple (and rose) it is not yet Christmas.

When I pulled these glass beads out of my stash and paired them with these gold beads and antique brass pieces, it just looked like Advent to me: adventus -- coming.

The Aves are 6mm purple glass beads, separated with gold and metallic purple glass seed beads. The Paters are 8 mm round, gold, Czech Druk glass beads capped with antique brass. The center is an antique brass medal with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Miraculous image of Mary. The crucifix is large, and beautifully ornate.

$36, plus mailing and insurance ($4 in U.S.)

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Blessed Among Women

2010-12-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Luke 1: 41-43

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This tenner rosary is made with 6mm blue fossil Ave beads, strung with white pearl and blue glass seed beads. The Pater, capped with silver caps and Swarovski crystal bicone beads is a grooved, vintage, white milk glass bead.

The center is a Pewter Miraculous Medal with blue crystals and the crucifix is matching Pewter with blue crystals.

SOLD

Mother of Christ Jesus

2010-12-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. Luke 1: 46-50

click on image to enlarge

This tenner rosary is made with 6mm jasper Aves, separated by ivory and antique brass glass seed beads. The Paters is an 8mm brown goldstone bead capped with antique brass bead caps.

The center and the crucifix are vintage pieces. The center has the image of the Madonna on one side of the heart, and the initials IHS on the reverse.

SOLD
This is a one-of-a-kind rosary and cannot be recreated except with a different center and crucifix.

$17

Suffering Servant

2010-12-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. John 19:16-17

This tenner rosary is made with 6mm black onyx Aves, separated by black and gold glass seed beads. They are strung on a steel wire, with an antique brass heart-shaped center, depicting the image of Our Suffering Servant carrying the cross. The Pater is an 8 mm obsidian bead capped with antique brass caps. The crucifix is an antique brass matching the center.

click image to enlarge

SOLD

St. Michael, protect us

2010-12-07T05:45:00.000-08:00

It has been my pleasure recently to make several St. Michael rosaries for men who are, or are becoming, soldiers. All have been gifts, and all are men I do not even know, but am pleased to arm with one weapon they can use at any time to combat evil. One soldier is in Afghanistan now, if you would remember him in your prayers. His name is Michael and he is a physician. He is most definitely in need of prayers, both for his physical and spiritual safety. St.Michael the Archangel, protect us!

This rosary is made with 6 mm poppy jasper Aves, 8 mm round metal Paters -- they have great texture, a St. Michael the archangel center and a beautiful beribboned crucifix.

Mother of Divine Grace

2010-11-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

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.This is the third of the rosaries I made for the silent auction (#1 and #2 are below).

click on images to enlarge

This rosary is made with 6 mm silver leaf jasper Ave beads separated by gold and antique brass glass seed beads. The Paters are 8 mm ivory Czech Druk glass beads set apart with twisted rope silver caps and Swarovski crystals. The center is a Miraculous Medal with picot and floral edges and the crucifix has an ornate picot edge.

Can be recreated

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Mary, Cause of Our Joy

2010-11-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

click on images to enlarge

This rosary is another of those I have donated to my son's school for their silent auction. It is made with 6 mm colonial jasper Ave beads, separated by gold and ivory glass seed beads. The Paters are 8 mm gold Czech Druk glass beads with antique brass caps. The Madonna center (Scapular on reverse) and crucifix are antique bronze hand cast from vintage pieces. The beads are strung on nylon coat flexible steel wire.

Can be recreated
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Miraculous Mother

2010-11-19T06:20:00.000-08:00

click on images to enlarge

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Each year my son's all boys' school holds a silent auction just before Christmas and each year I donate several rosaries for the auction. This year I made all strung rosaries and I think that they have a definite European look. The one pictured here is a tenner, with a bronze crucifix and bronze Miraculous Medal.

The Aves are 6 mm turquoise stone beads, and the Pater is an 8 mm Swarovski fern green round, with bronze caps. They are strung on a steel wire separated by gold and silver-lined charcoal gray seed beads. The crucifix and Miraculous Medal are hand cast in antique bronze from vintage pieces. The rosary is 8.5 inches from end to end.

Can be recreated

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Hail, Holy Queen

2010-11-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

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click on the images to see the details

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I recently received a request from a gentleman who asked me to make a rosary and a chaplet for his wife (how sweet!). He knew he wanted purple beads, her favorite color, but other than that he had no preconceived notions. He liked the purple beads I used on this rosary (who wouldn't - -they are gorgeous!), and with purple being the color of nobility, as well as having much significance in our faith, it was the perfect color for both pieces. Together we selected the colored medals for the chaplet and the center and crucifix for the rosary. They turned out very pretty and his wife was pleased. What a dear man to take care of his wife's spiritual needs. God bless him!

The chaplet is a link Seven Sorrows of Mary Chaplet, made with 8 mm violet Czech druk glass Aves, and medals depicting the seven sorrows for the Paters.

The Seven Sorrows Chaplet is prayed using these prayers, meditating on the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Mother.

The rosary (pictured above) is made with the same 8 mm violet Czech druk glass, capped with sterling silver for the Paters. The center is a simple sterling silver Miraculous Medal, encircled in a silver ring, matching the circle in the sterling silver Celtic crucifix (because the recipient is Irish). The links and chain are all sterling silver as well.

Sold
can be recreated
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Mother of the Poor

2010-11-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

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Our blessed Mother in Heaven, the Mother of God, is certainly the Mother of the Poor, as she is the mother of all. This rosary was made with another mother in mind as well, Blessed Mother Teresa, who cared for the poor, sick and unwanted of society for most of her life.

I recently had a request from an online friend to create a Mother Teresa rosary for her mother who is going to be having knee surgery this month. In thinking about beads and putting all the parts together, I thought, "It has to be blue and white, the colors of Mother Teresa's habit." Would we recognize Mother Teresa without her blue and white? I'm not sure, we have only ever seen her in her signature blue and white, blue for the Virgin Mary.

For this rosary, I chose 6 mm blue opal glass beads for the Aves -- they have just the slightest hint of blue -- and 8 mm Blue millefiori glass beads for the Paters -- they have a beautiful yellow flower on opposite sides. I capped the Paters with silver flower petal caps. The Aves and Paters are separated with silver-lined white and silver-lined crystal seed beads. The center has the image of Mother Teresa on one side and a relic on the reverse. The simple crucifix is a clover shape and has a white enamel background with a silver corpus.

Click on image to see details

SOLD -- can be recreated

Ear Bobs

2010-10-21T09:43:00.001-07:00

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I usually don't post pics of earrings because I have such a hard time photographing them. I realized recently, however, that the kind with French wires hang beautifully from crystal cordial glasses. They make pretty subjects when arranged properly. ;-) The bottom pair have spring clip wires.

All are gone, but can easily be recreated for less than $10 -- just leave a comment.

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Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Pink Glass

2010-10-19T17:29:00.000-07:00

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A week ago, in honor of our Blessed Mother's Feast Day, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, I gave away a pretty pink glass rosary at Praying for Grace. I want to post the pictures here as well because it can be recreated for anyone looking for a pink glass rosary, or the beautiful center or crucifix can be used with another style of bead.

click on any image to enlarge

The Aves are 5 x 8 mm rondelles and the Paters are 8 x 10 mm rondelles, both in facted pink glass. The Paters are capped with silver flower petals. The center is an Immaculate Queen image, with the words "Immaculate Heart of Mary" stamped in the back. The crucifix is a beautiful design with a picot edge.

Can be recreated

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Blue Opal Glass Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary

2010-10-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

click on image to enlarge

I recently had a request for five Seven Sorrows Chaplets made just like this, but as is the case sometimes with the small companies from which I buy parts, only four sets of beads were immediately available. Fortunately the person requesting them was open-minded to substitutions and I found these beautiful blue opal glass beads in the same size and shape -- 6 mm faceted glass. I really like the color and I suspect I will be using will be more of it in the near future.

The Seven Sorrows Chaplet is prayed using these prayers, meditating on the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Mother.

This chaplet can be made with or without the medals, substituting beads instead.

SOLD, can be recreated

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Fishers of Men

2010-09-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

click on image to enlarge

This past summer the pastor of our parish was reassigned to take on the job in our diocese of Director of Vocations. He was a very special pastor to us. He shepherded our family at a time which was important to our family's faith journey.

When he left, I knew that I would want to create a rosary for him, but I had a hard time coming up with just the right idea. I finally thought of some fish charms that I had used in prior years and this rosary's theme became "Fishers of Men" -- so appropriate for this priest who would now become a fisher of men of God.

Finding all the parts for this rosary was not so easy, but I think it came together beautifully. The crucifix, the center and fish charm are all antique brass. The crucifix is a large, beautiful variety with intricate scrolls on the ends. The center is a scapular medal, which I always like to use for priests as the use of the scapular dates back to early monasteries. The fish charm is attached just below the center.

The Ave beads are a smooth, round Ocean Jasper, appropriately chosen for its name and the many colors it brings together, representing the many different men following a calling to the priesthood. The beads are in shades of red, brown, gold, green and gray. The Paters, capped with brass caps, are brecciated agate in shades of dark red and gray, a stone then is formed when small particles of different rocks are naturally cemented together, as the priesthood bonds together men of different social classes, races, and backgrounds. Separating the Aves and Paters are antique bronze and gold glass seed beads.

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Our Lady of Sorrows Caramel and Cream

2010-09-28T09:31:00.001-07:00

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The title of this rosary sounds more like a decadent dessert than a devotional tool. That's alright. I don't think our lady would mind if we try to sweeten her sorrow with our prayers.

click on image to enlarge

The chaplet is made with caramel-colored Mother of Pearl Ave beads separated with ivory and silver-lined white seed beads. The Paters are ivory Druk glass beads with flower petal shaped spacers.

The prayers of the chaplet , one version of which has become very popular recently with the story of Immaculée Ilibagiza and her devotion to the chaplet, are beautiful, and like the rosary bring us closer to Jesus through His Holy Mother. I am amazed at how many people find me through the internet looking for an Our Lady of Sorrows chaplet. I am so happy to help others find a greater love for our Our Lord and His mother through this particular devotion.

I gave this rosary away on my blog Praying for Grace, but it can be recreated at your request.

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O My Jesus

2010-08-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

click on image to enlarge

The prayer that follows the Glory Be on the rosary, O My Jesus, is one of my favorite prayers. I often find myself praying it at different times of the day, even when I am not praying the rosary.

O My Jesus. Forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.

These words were given to us by Our Blessed Mother at Fatima, and this center and crucifix cause me to think of them -- our merciful Lord carrying His cross, suffering on the cross for our sins. Through His mercy, we are saved.

The Aves on this rosary are 6 mm howlite beads, the Paters are 8 mm onyx, with antique brass caps. The beads are set apart with gold glass and antique brass seed beads.

SOLD

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Immaculate Mary

2010-08-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

click on image to enlarge

This rosary is a beautiful combination of colors and light. It features a gold-tone Miraculous Medal at the center and a gold-tone Filigree crucifix. The Paters are turquoise-colored 8 mm glass beads, and the Aves are crystal 8 mm glass beads, set off with turquoise-colored glass and silver-lined crystal seed beads.

$25 plus shipping

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Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us

2010-08-28T09:41:00.001-07:00

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I am often the recipient of rosaries that have no home. I usually donate them to our parish church -- there is a receptacle for rosaries for those who don't have one, and I'm happy to pass them on. Sometimes, however, when a rosary has beautiful parts, or is not complete in one way or another, I re-purpose the parts as much as I can. I received this center and crucifix, and seeing how pretty they were, I decided to use them for a glass rosary. The Ave beads are 7 mm apricot-colored glass and the Paters are 7 mm crystal glass with silver bead caps. The center is silver tone with the image of Our Lady of Fatima.

SOLD

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Iesous Christos

2010-06-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

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IHS, a monogram of the name of Jesus Christ. Blessed be His Holy Name.

click image to enlarge

This rosary was created for a family friend. The stark black and silver colors are a beautiful contrast to each other, and very masculine. The Aves are 6mm obsidian -- each one a unique mix of gray and black. The Paters are 8mm black onyx, crowned with silver caps. They are set apart with black and silver lined crystal Japanese seed beads.

The silver crucifix features the monogram of Our Lord -- IHS.

The center is a silver scapular.

Can be recreated.

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Garden Enclosed, Our Blessed Mother

2010-06-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

click image to enlarge

This beautiful center featuring Our Blessed Mother at the garden gates was the inspiration for this rosary, made for a very kind family friend. The detail on this antique brass Miraculous center is perfect, as was Our Blessed Mother. From the stars above her head to the folds of her dress to the detail on each flower -- so beautiful.

The crucifix, also in antique brass is also so elegant.

The natural hues of the 6mm honey jade beads compliment the colors of the brass beautifully. Set apart with dark brass, and alabaster seed beads, the colors of the honey jade Aves range from golden honey to a rich amber. The Paters, set apart by brass caps, are 8mm pale camel colored Czeck druk beads.

Can be recreated

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Do This In Remembrance of Me

2010-06-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

This rosary was created with a young man in mind. Not any particular young man, maybe a First Communicant, or a young RCIA candidate, or maybe a young groom. I just thought it was very masculine, and because the beads are 6 mm, I thought it fit a young man, or an older man with small hands.

click on any image to enlarge

I love this crucifix and it was really the inspiration for the rest of the rosary.

The black onyx beads are dark and shiny, and I used antiqued silver chalices for the Pater beads, a reminder of Our Lord's teaching:

"Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever."

On the center, a Holy Family image appears on one side and the image of the dove on the other. Both sides are beautiful.

$19 plus $4 shipping

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Pray Bracelet

2010-06-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

A girlfriend's birthday recently gave me the opportunity to create some pretty baubles. I love this "Pray" bead and have used it for myself, my mom and another dear friend. Just a little reminder to keep God at the center of everything.

For this bracelet I used blue Venetian Glass beads (the flowered ones), Swarovski blue crystals, Swarovski pearls and sterling silver beads of varying sizes all strung on nylon-coated stainless wire with a U-shaped clasp.

click images to enlarge

The earrings are matching bicone blue crystals (at the bottom) and tiny dangling bicone crystals above -- like little chandeliers. They sparkle beautifully.

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Mystical Rose, pray for us

2010-05-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

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I recently gave this rosary away on my blog, Praying for Grace. Stay tuned there for a Father's Day giveaway.

This link rosary has dark blue Swarovski pearls for the Aves, large oval crystals for the Paters, a pewter heart-shaped, rose crusted Madonna and Child center, and scroll etched pewter crucifix.

click images to enlarge

St. Michael, protect us

2010-05-21T15:42:00.001-07:00

I recently had a request for a couple of St. Michael chaplets, and I was reminded how I love the prayers of this beautiful devotion. The meditations can be found here.

Made for a mother and daughter. The first of these chaplets is made from dark blue fossil Ave beads, strung with white and blue seed beads, and white, mother of pearl, silver filigree-capped Paters beads. The center is a beautiful, handmade, lampwork bead in green and purple and blue from Luxemburg.

Click on the picture for a closer view.

The second chaplet is a link-style with purple, fossil Ave beads, and silver filigree-capped, white, mother of pearl Pater beads.

Click on the picture for a closer view.

Holiest of Sacraments

2010-04-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more beautiful than a child receiving his or her First Holy Communion? The tradition, the beauty, the celebration -- it's all so truly awesome. For that reason, I love to make a First Holy Communion rosary. Often a First Communion rosary is the child's first "real" rosary, so it has a special significance. I recently made a very girlie First Holy Communion rosary for my friend Sara's daughter. She wanted pink and white and silver, and we chose a Miraculous Medal for the center. It's perfect for a girl to use as she grows into adolescence and womanhood.

The Aves are iridescent pink glass, the Paters are Mother of pearl, capped with silver filigree and in between are the tiniest oyster pearl and white silver-lined seed beads.

click on picture to enlarge

Mournful Mother

2010-04-22T08:36:00.001-07:00

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A recent request for a blue Seven Sorrows Chaplet had me scrambling for some pretty blue glass beads. On a whim, I picked up these cobalt blue beads and, as it turns out, I love them. The deep blue and iridescent shine is a beautiful combination.

The Seven Sorrows Chaplet is prayed using these prayers, meditating on the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Mother.

This chaplet can be made with or without the medals, substituting beads instead.

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Stained Glass

2010-04-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

click on image to enlarge

Many of the rosaries that I have made lately have been special requests. Lovely people contact me and ask can I put this center with that crucifix and use those beads. I never mind making a special rosary for someone -- I know it's likely to be used often if it is special. Occasionally, however, I get to pick out all the parts and make up something just for fun.

These beads were some that I bought because I had never seen anything like them. They are faceted, fire-polished glass, called vitrail, which is a French word meaning stained glass. They reflect the colors around them, as well as the light. I see a lot of green reflected and they become brighter in bright light and darker in dim light -- very pretty. I used them to make this Seven Sorrows Chaplet, prayed using these prayers.

SOLD

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Full of Grace

2010-04-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

click on picture to enlarge

I love the Miraculous Medal. Whenever I chose pieces for a rosary, I am always attracted to the Miraculous Medal. The story of the medal is a beautiful, faith-filled one, and the primary reason I love it so much is the promise of graces that Mary gives to those who wear the medal.

This rosary center is the Miraculous Medal, molded in pewter. The crucifix, a very ornate design, is also pewter. The bead are hematite -- a beautiful, heavy, natural, dark silver, shiny stone.

SOLD

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Sorrowful Mother

2010-01-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

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It's been so long since I've posted pictures of rosaries. I suppose that's because I haven't made very many lately. I've been busy knitting, quilting, cooking, and reading, but not making rosaries. I also loved having that beautiful purple rosary (Refuge of Sinners) at the top of my blog page.

My dry spell ended, however, when I recently gave my mother-in-law a CD of Immaculée Ilibagiza when she spoke at our Women's Catholic Conference last year. My in-laws were driving to Florida and I thought she would enjoy listening to Immaculée while they drove. Before they even got to Florida she called to tell me that she "needed" an Our Lady of Sorrows chaplet -- one in red and white. She also wanted one for her sister, who they were going to be staying with.

I got busy choosing beads, making trips to various bead stores for just the right colors and finally I had all the pieces together. I've afraid these pictures don't do this rosary justice. It sparkles and shimmers in such a beautiful way -- you'll just have to trust me, I suppose. ;-)

The Aves are oval mother-of-pearl beads, and the Paters and center bead are garnet crystal. The Paters are crowned with pewter spacers and silver-lined alabaster and garnet Japanese seed beads provide more color and sparkle.

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The prayers of the Seven Sorrows of Mary chaplet, as given by the Blessed Mother, to the visionaries at Kibeho, can be found here.

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