Fashion Trends in Jewely: the Pearl Connection

Pictured is a pair of Amethyst, Fresh Water Pearls & MOP Earrings

I love working with healing crystals and find that making them into beautiful jewelry gives people an opportunity to not only benefit from the crystal's healing energies, but also from the beauty of the artisan-crafted piece itself.

Lately I’ve been making several necklaces and bracelets featuring freshwater pearls, as well as incorporating pearls into a variety of earrings.

I thought it was just a fluke on my part (well, I was inspired by a local jewelry store advertising a variety of pearl earrings and necklaces.) What I discovered, though, is that long, swinging pearl earrings are the number one fashion choice.

Yep, sensuous, shoulder-sweeping pearl earrings are being promoted as The Way to be glamorous and in on the latest fashion trends.

I’ve been taking my designs one step more, using MOP teeth (mother-of-pearl) mixed in necklaces and earrings. The one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces are absolutely incredible. Even similar looking pear dangle earrings differ because each pearl, as a unique natural product, has its own character.

Right now I have some of the earrings up on EBAY, either in my EBAY storefront or at auction. More of them are here at the shop, and I hope to get some listed in my webstore as well.

Check out all the gemstone earrings, and wire wrapped pendants, as well.

Amethyst

A “Stone of spirituality and contentment.” Clears the aura. Brings stability, strength & peace. Used for meditation. Opens and activates the Crown Chakra. Protects against psychic attacks. Encourages and supports sobriety. Used to treat insomnia and clear pain from headaches and other physical problems.

Pearl
Signifies faith, charity & innocence. Enhances personal integrity. Focuses one’s attention. Allows for a clean channel for receiving spiritual guidance. Brings truth to situations & loyalty to causes.

Mother of Pearl, Paua Shell,Abalone

Abalone is a Mollusk (shelled fish) in the Gastropod class. Gastropods also include snails and whelks. Abalone is prized for its meat as well as its beautiful shell. The pretty part of the shell in on the inside, where nacre (mother of pearl) of a variety of colors can be seen.The word "Abalone" comes from the Spanish word aulone, which is the name of the animal. The shell is also called Paua Shell.

Crystal healers use Abalone for a large variety of purposes. It is thought to be helpful in disorders involving joints, bones, and muscles.It protects against uncooperative attitudes, stimulates creativity, and promotes calm. Not surprisingly, it also helps in calcium deficiencies.
Since Mollusks often have to leave their shells to find larger ones when they grow, all shells are considered to bring boundless growth in life and thought.
The Abalone that you often see in jewelry is a brilliant blue or purple.
It is sometimes known as a "Sea Opal" due to the changing opalescent hues.

Silver
Patience. Perserverance. Perception. Silver has long been thought to destroy evil--hence the legends surrounding silver bullets killing werewolves and vampires.

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pearl dangle earrings, fresh water pearl earrings, diamond Swarovski Crystal earrings, swarovski crystals, designer jewelry,
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Beads N Botanicals Celebrates Its Second Anniversay

Beads N Botanicals Second Anniversary with Holiday Open House

Beads N Botanicals' Second Anniversary Holiday Open House takes place on Saturday, November 17, 2007, from 10 am to 5 pm

There will be door prizes, refreshments, gift ideas, special discounts, craft demonstrations, one-minute tarot readings and more.

“It’s been very satisfying to see how so many people have come to our shop in Hoopeston,” says Catherine Novak, proprietress of Beads N Botanicals. “Whether someone is interested in learning how to make jewelry, or reduce stress in their life through meditation, they’re finding out how to do that here.”

The shop, which opened in 2005, features aromatherapy, crystals, essential oils, books, handmade jewelry, handcrafted oil blends & incense, soaps, bath salts, candles, herbs for tea, medicinal and culinary use; beading and wire wrapping supplies: including sterling silver wire, seed beads, semi-precious stones, sterling silver beads, milfoil, seed beads, Swarovski ™ crystals and much more.

Can't make it on Saturday? Don't worry, we'll be celebrating the whole week of November 20 through November 24 (but remember, we're closed on Thanksgiving!).

New at our shop....REED DIFFUSERS. Don't want to worry about lit candles or using electricity? We've got the answer: Reed diffusers that work to disperse fragrance naturally throughout a room. And we offer OVER 200 scent blends. Custom bottling of any blend you want, including aromatherapy blends with REAL essential oils.


Beads N Botanicals, 227 S. Market St,
(next to the Harris Agency), Hoopeston, IL 60942
Phone: 217-283-6380

STORE HOURS: Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Catherine Novak has served as an adjunct faculty member for Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, Pa., been a featured speaker at Barnes & Noble; and spoken about medicinal herbs on the Health Nuts NJ radio show. She appeared on the Judy Lewis show: Psychic World. Also, she and her son appeared on ABC's Sunrise This Morning out of Champaign, IL.

Catherine is available for individual herbal and health consultations, hypnotherapy for behavior modification, relaxation and pain management, Reiki energy balancing, tarot readings and classes at her office at Beads N Botanicals, and can be reached at at 217-283-6380 or beadsnbotanicals@gmail.com

http://wiseweeds.net

Tarot Readings Walk Fine Line Between Reality and Hoax

Tarot card readings walk fine line between reality and hoax

By Missy Smith

Ah, yes, if you want to see a picture of me (not my favorite one, I might add….lol), check out this article on my tarot readings at The Office in Urbana, IL.

David the photographer, and Missy, the reporter, were both very nice. And while I was not sure, by the headline, what the outcome of the story would be, I have to admit, I’m pretty happy with the ending.

Tarot card readings walk fine line between reality and hoax

Staying Young, Develop a Memorable Memory

Staying Young, Develop a Memorable Memory

By Michael Roizen & Mehmet Oz.

Seven ways to prevent memory loss and keep your brain operating at maximum efficiency.

Those seven techniques include teaching, learning something new, living in the moment, eating “brain” food, such as salmon, tomatoes and blueberries, and eliminating unnecessary chemicals from your diet and environment.

Staying Young, Develop a Memorable Memory

Witchy Cat in Hat

Here's one disgruntled cat. Can't you hear Shadow saying, "Mom, I will get you for this?"

If you go to my myspace profile, you can join the online Halloween party that I'm hosting there with my playlist of Halloween-themed music.

Wise Weeds Myspace

A Consumer's Right to Know About Essential Oils and Oil Blends

Wise Weeds Botanicals is celebrating its 15^th Anniversary in 2007.

Known as “the Wise Weeds Lady” to many people over the years, I have been blending essential oils, cosmetic grade fragrance oils and herbs to make my herbal healing, mystical, magical and spiritual oils for even longer than the establishment of Wise Weeds in 1992.

I’m a certified medicinal herbalist, transpersonal hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner who has taught herbalism, aromatherapy and other healing practices in a variety of venues, including a community college, many adult education programs, Barnes & Noble bookstores,gift shops, beauty spas and salons, festivals and many other places. I've appeared on radio,cable and network television shows over the years, as well as been featured in newpaper articles.

Over the years, I’ve learned more and more about safe practices using oils. I’ve also seen how many vendors sell their products via false advertising, whereby they confuse the consumer
by promoting oils as being essential oil based, when they are not.

A Consumer’s Right to Know What S/he is Buying

As a consumer, you have a right to know what you are buying. I make no bones that I use cosmetic grade fragrance oils in some of my blends. Unlike many others on the market, whether ignorant or greedy, I do not call my blends “essences” thereby giving the impression, but not the reality, that certain oils are essential, plant-based oils.

There are some spiritual practitioners who value only actual essential oils and/or herbs in oil blends. Their reasoning is that the plants imbue the product with a type of natural magic that cannot be found in synthetically based products.

While I myself tend to follow this belief, on a practical level, certain scents are NOT generally available, except as synthetics. For example, Gardenia Absolute is rare, hard to obtain and VERY expensive. Rose Otto is more readily available, however, it is still extremely expensive. It is virtually impossible to obtain a natural Lilac fragrance. So I will use synthetic versions of these oils in blends. But, again, I don’t hide the fact from anyone, nor do I try to mislead anyone.

If you’re buying a one-dram bottle of rose oil essence for $5.00, it’s not the real McCoy. Believe me, I've had people insist they had found a "bargain." Well, you get what you pay for.

On the other hand, if someone has infused rose petals into oil to get the scent, the oil blend will not be an “essential” oil, but it may be a wonderful treat. I used to own such an oil many years ago, and the scent was delightful and quite magical. But it was not an essential oil, nor had it been sold to me under that guise.

What actually are essential oils?

The essential oils of herbs contain their concentrated energies. An essential oil usually bears the aroma and/or flavor of a plant, although the intensity of the scent may be overwhelming compared to what you're used to the plant smelling like.

Found in Various Plant Parts

Unlike fixed oils, essential oils are volatile. This means they evaporate rapidly at room temperature, whereas fixed oils, such as vegetable or motor oils, are more stable. Chemically, essential oils consist of a complex mixture of 30 to 100 or more compounds.

The oils themselves are found in various plant parts. Peppermint, patchouli, basil and geranium oils are derived from their leaves and stems. Clove oil comes from flower buds. Jasmine, rose and tuberose oils are derived from the open flowers. Essential oils are also derived from the seeds, wood, bark, roots, needles and skins of various plants.

Herbally-Infused Oils

Herbally-infused oils are different creatures than essential oils. An herbally-infused oil consists of plant material that is infused into a carrier or base oil. This base oil takes on the medicinal qualities of the herb, and can often be used either by itself or with another vegetable oil for massage therapy or as the base for an herbal salve.

I, myself, will often include some herbs in certain oils blends, taking a cue from certain hoodoo and voodoo traditional blendings of spiritual oils.

More often, I make herbally infused oils with a direct medicinal usage in mind. For example,
Hypericum oil consists of the fresh flowering tops of St. Johnswort infused into olive or some other carrier oil. Comfrey infused oil forms the basis of comfrey salve, used for healing.

And, of course, my Banish Pain oils consist of a combination of herbally infused oils and essential oils to help reduce or eliminate inflammation and pain.

To check out my oils in my webstore, you can go to

http://wiseweeds.net

essential oils, healing oils, hypericum oil, magical herbalism, medicinal herbalism, essences, perfume, parfume, magical oil blends, pagan, wicca, witch

Tarot Readings at The Office in Urbana, IL

If you are one of my "friends" at myspace, or have looked at my weekly calendar, you already know I'm reading tarot cards at The Office in Urbana, IL on Tuesday nights, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wasn't sure about going in the night BEFORE 4th of July, just because I figured a lot of folks might be at fireworks and all.

Well, I enjoyed myself tremendously AND I think the people who came in for readings had a blast, too! It was well worth showing up on July 3rd.

The Office is a cool place to do reads because it's casual, without being raunchy, the food is good and the service is friendly. So there's a fair amount of joking with the "regulars," however, anyone can feel at home there.

Also, if someone comes in for a reading and has to wait, not only is there good food to choose from, with some dinner and drink specials, but there are also two pool tables and four dart boards available. This is a fairly large venue, so you don't feel like people are breathing down your neck (unless you want to line up at the bar!).

It's also a nonsmokers' delight. If you are a smoker, there are tables outside where smoking is allowed.

While I really had fun, I also do take reading for people seriously, in the sense that I do read what the cards say and how intuition inspires me at the moment. Everyone was very nice, and most, but not all, were "virgins," that is, my reading for them was their first. Hopefully that first experience will encourage them to seek out more guidance for themselves in the future.

If you're thinking of coming out for a read, make sure you sign up on the sign up sheet at the bar. At one point, we got a little backed up. We're not real formal, and one fellow had JUST had his dinner arrive, so I read someone else while he ate and it all worked out fine.

It's best to arrive BEFORE 9 p.m. for a reading, although the last couple of weeks I have stayed beyond 9 p.m. Pretty much, if I'm up to it, I will read until everyone has had their "turn" so to speak.

Hope to see you there, in spirit if not in person.

Study Finds Echinacea may prevent colds

Study finds echinacea may prevent colds

By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor

Reuters

Echinacea may not only help reduce the symptoms of a cold but may help prevent infection with some cold viruses, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

People who took echinacea had a 58 percent lower risk of catching a cold, according to the researchers, who did not study the herb's effects directly but looked at the results of 14 studies in an approach called a meta-analysis.

Study finds echinacea may prevent colds

Where to buy Echinacea Tincture

Summer Rises on Stonehenge solstice ritual

Summer Rises on Stonehenge solstice ritual

STONEHENGE, England -- Druids, drummers, pagans and partygoers welcomed the sun yesterday as it rose above the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge on the longest day of the year -- the summer solstice.

Clad in antlers, black cloaks and oak leaves, a group of druids danced at the Heel Stone -- a twisted, pockmarked pillar at the edge of Stonehenge.

Summer Rises on Stonehenge solstice ritual

Happy Summer Solstice

Happy Summer Solstice
Current mood: busy

Wishing all a happy Summer Solstice. Wow! Longest day of the year and all that.

Check out my music playlist at my myspace.

myspace.com/wiseweeds

Updated it to acknowledge the "official" start of Summer today. Used to DJ a few years ago (okay...AEONS ago) in college and loved putting sets together. So, with this neat player, and the ability to update it almost instantaneously, I plan to change up the music when holidays happen and/or the mood strikes me. Some of the music will stay the same, but I'm figuring on changing up at least the first two or three songs so it's not the SAME OLE, SAME OLE, everytime someone visits.

Got a lot happening. All good. Will share some of it here.

80,000-year-old Beads Shed Light on Early Culture

Heather Whipps

Special to LiveScience
LiveScience.comMon Jun 18, 8:50 AM ET

Even the very first modern humans may have spruced themselves up with beaded bling.

Twelve shell beads discovered in a cave in eastern Morocco have been dated at more than 80,000 years old, making them one of the earliest examples of human culture. The beads are colored with red ochre and show signs of being strung together.

Similar beads have been found in other parts of Africa and the Middle East, suggesting the first Homo sapiens literally carried their penchant for baubles with them as they populated the world.

Read more at

80,000-year-old Beads Shed Light on Early Culture

Bring Back the Natives

Bring Back the Natives 

Bring Back the Natives Annual Garden Tour is  scheduled for July 14,
2007, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain Date is July 15th.

Location: York, PA

Visit 9 diverse gardens ~ Observe native plants at their best, enjoy
wildlife habitats created by MAEscapes, view gardens without  chemicals.

Tickets cost: Adult(in advance $8.00, Adult(day of event)  $10.00,
Children under 12 years are Free

This event is sponsored by  York County Master Gardeners and the
MAEscapes partners. Contact  717-840-7408.

Danville’s New Public Labyrinth a Resource for Stress Reduction and Healing

Danville’s New Public Labyrinth a Resource for Stress Reduction and Healing

(Danville, IL) – A tool that has been used for centuries for stress reduction and healing is now freely available with the creation of Danville’s first public outdoor labyrinth. The labyrinth, located at Central Illinois Natural Health Clinic (CINHC) at 1012 W. Fairchild Street, is a pattern painted on the ground, forming a twisting path. People walk along this path as a form of “moving meditation,” to calm the mind and spirit.

A labyrinth differs from a maze in that it has a single path to follow from the edge to the center, and back out again; there are no branches or dead ends. In the center, people often choose to spend time in reflection, prayer, or contemplation before moving out. Walking the path of the labyrinth can symbolize many things: the twisting journey of life, the back-and-forth inner debate about a problem, or the constant chatter of the mind. Whatever the interpretation, the very act of navigating the labyrinth has a calming effect on the mind and spirit.

In the past, labyrinths were located in churches, cathedrals, and other sacred locations. Walking the labyrinth was an external symbol of a spiritual journey. Modern Americans have been rediscovering this ancient tool for personal and spiritual transformation in recent years. According to Dr. Lauren Artress, author of Walking a Sacred Path, the labyrinth can be used for different purposes. Some walkers have the same goal as seekers in the past—focusing on the soul. Others find that the reduction in stress is a valuable part of dealing with grief, pain, or physical health issues. Still others use it as a key to unlock their creativity and potential.

“I am very excited to be able to provide this tool freely to our community,” says Dr. Andrew R. Peters, chiropractor and naturopathic physician with CINHC. “I have walked other labyrinths in the past, and have always found it valuable for calming and centering the mind. I wished that Danville had a labyrinth, so we decided to make it a reality.” The next closest outdoor public labyrinth is located in Crystal Lake Park in Urbana.

“I think that having this labyrinth so close to Provena United Samaritans Medical Center is important,” Peters adds. “Dealing with serious illness is very stressful for staff and family members of patients. This is just one more means to help with coping day by day.”

Dr. Peters provided the space for this pattern, which was designed by Jim Griner of Hoopeston. He based the design upon the thirteenth-century labyrinth at the Chartres Cathedral in France. The circular outline, in the southwest corner of the clinic’s parking lot, measures about twenty-two feet in diameter. Following the path to the center and back out again takes about 30-40 minutes at an easy pace.

The labyrinth was created on May 31, 2007, by Griner, of Hoopeston, Peters, Susan Dancing Star of Danville, and Virginia Smith of Danville. CINHC has books and articles about the labyrinth, its meaning, and its use, available during regular office hours (Monday through Friday 8:30am-5:00pm; closed Thursday).

For more information:

Artress, Lauren. Walking a Sacred Path. New York: Riverhead Books, 1995.

Central Illinois Natural Health Clinic: www.illinoisnaturalhealth.com; info@illinoisnaturalhealth.com

Healing Comes Through Many Avenues

Been getting ready for this Saturday's Day of Tarot Readings. Spiffing up the shop a little, running business cards, you know, the usual kind of stuff.

Have also checked up on whether or not flyers were still up around town, continued to post info on the web and followed up with other folks who are helping promote this event.

In the process, it's been interesting to learn that a lot of folks are surprised I do readings. I explained that I tend to focus on assisting people with herbal consultations, hypnotherapy for behavior modification as well as past life regression and Reiki energy healing, but that tarot and intuitive guidance is also another avenue for healing.

Just like hypnotherapy can help someone overcome fears, blocks and obstacles in their life's path, tarot and intuitive guidance can aid someone in more clearly viewing where they are and where they are headed.

While a reading can indicate where one's path may lead, I truly believe that each of us can make changes to that path. Therefore, a reading is usually not a prediction of exactitude, but more an indication of where we may be headed.

One example of this in action happened last Winter. A young woman was considering a job change, but wasn't sure about a new position that she was offered.

The reading helped her to step forward with confidence and leave a job that had deadended for her. She had the confidence to ask for more money (and got it!) even though the recruiter discouraged her from doing so. She's now more confident, self-possessed and feeling more competent than she had felt in the last several years.

This woman could have ignored the reading and stayed in a dead-end situation. Instead, she used the reading to guide her and overcome her fears about dealing with a new situation.

That's what I mean about tarot and intuitive guidance being another avenue for healing.

Anything that helps us in a positive way can be a healing and transformative force in our lives.

More on Essential Oils for Honey Bee Mite Control

Here's a bit more about research into using essential oils to help bees.

Apparently the idea has been around for awhile as this article was last
updated in 1996. This particular article talks about wintergreen and
spearmint essential oils.

Read more at

Results of Research: Using Essential Oils for Honey Bee Mite Control

Essential Oils Used to Protect Bees

Thought this was a neat article. It seems essential oils can be used for almost anything nowadays!

Using Spearmint And Lemongrass To Protect Bees From Mites That Threaten Hives — Bees swarm through the smoke as Professor James Amrine attempts to hook a pollen trap to one of the 20 beehives used for research.

Read more at

Using Spearmint And Lemongrass To Protect Bees From Mites

To purchase lemongrass essential oil go here:

Lemongrass Grass Essential Oil

To purchase spearmint essential oil:
Spearmint Grass Essential Oil

Tarot Readings

Beads N Botanicals presents

A day to share the knowledge and insights of

an experienced and certified

Medicinal herbalist,

Hypnotherapist

and

Reiki practitioner

Catherine Novak

Bring your curiosity and questions and enjoy light refreshments

While being entertained with Tarot Readings

On Saturday, June 2, 2007

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Readings will be available for walk-ins

Or

For an appointment, call

Beads N Botanicals

217-283-6380

located at:

227 S. Market St. (next to the Harris Agency)

Hoopeston, Il 60942

E-mail: BeadsNBotanicals@gmail.com

http://www.wiseweeds.net

Dreamcatcher workshop in JULY?

Hopefully we will be scheduling the dream catcher workshop in July (or August). Need to pin down the instructor as to her availability in July, PLUS my travel schedule. If you are interested, email us and we'll put you on a list to be notified when the date is set.

Beads N Botanicals Newsletter May/June/July 2007

Beads N Botanicals Newsletter

May/June 2007
227 South Market St. (Next to the Harris Agency) Hoopeston, IL 60942 217-283-6380
STORE HOURS: Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

UNIQUE GIFTS
Don’t have time for a class but want a unique piece of jewelry made

according to your specifications?
Come in, pick out your beads, and we’ll put your earrings, bracelet,

necklace or other design together for you.

Our store features books, handmade jewelry, handcrafted oil blends, incense, soaps, bath salts, candles, herbs for tea, medicinal and culinary use; beading and wire wrapping supplies: including sterling silver wire, seed beads, semi-precious stones, sterling silver beads, milfoil, seed beads, Swarovski ™ crystals and more.

Herbal Medicine Chest

on Tuesdays in June
Making a Dream Catcher

on Saturday in June
for more information, look below

Refreshing Herbal Teas for Summer
By Catherine Novak

Summertime with its mild temperatures and blooming flowers draws us to the outdoors.
Although it’s a great time for strolls down the street, it’s important to remain hydrated to avoid fatigue or even heat stroke.

Using homemade herbal teas can be a great way to encourage yourself, family and friends to drink enough healthy liquids. (Pop and ice cream floats don’t count!)
Simple herb teas can be made ahead of time, chilled in the refrigerator and drunk when
(continued on p. 2)

Early Summer Classes 2007

More Classes May Be Added to the Schedule.
Check at the Shop for Updates. Please note our earlier class start times.

Jewelry Making & Decorative Beadwork

Herbal & Aromatherapy Classes

Gardening & Origami Classes

Beading & Jewelry Making Workshops:

Tools for Wire Working classes are available for purchase at the shop. A limited amount of tools will be available for use at the classes. Bring round-nose pliers and flat nose pliers if you have them.

Basic Wire Working: How to Make Earrings:
This is a great starter class! You’ll learn the basic techniques involved in creating earrings with head pins, eye pins and ear wires. You’ll make two pairs of earrings, one with a dangle. A few other earring styles will be demonstrated as well. $20, 1 hour, materials included.
May 3, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Thursday
June 7, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Thursday

Basic Stringing: Bracelet Design:
Want to learn how to put together a bracelet, but not sure how to begin? Or, how to end it? In this class you’ll learn how to work with specialty beading threads, what a crimp bead is, and how to use it, jump rings, and clasps to finish off your bracelet. $15, 1 hour, materials included.
May 17, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Thursday

Basic Stringing: Necklace Design:
Want to learn how to put together a necklace, but not sure how to begin? Or, how to end it? In this class you’ll learn how to work with specialty beading threads, what a crimp bead is, and how to use it, jump rings, and clasps to finish off your necklace. Learn about the differences between choker and other-sized necklaces. $18, 1 ½ hours, materials included.
June 28, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Thursday


Herbal & Aromatherapy Workshops

Making Solid Perfumes:
Solid perfumes are spill proof and make great gifts, especially when they are made in nifty little containers. Learn how easy basic solid perfumes can be made, for personal use and for gift giving..
$20, 1 ½ hours, materials included.
May 15, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday

Pain Management
Alternative approaches to dealing with pain without overusing pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drugs. $10, 1 ½ hours
June 12, 6:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Tuesday

Healing Circle:
Take a break for yourself. No prior experience necessary. $5, 1 hour, Wednesday
June 27: 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Herbal Medicine Chest: This four-part series offers an introduction to concepts of herbal medicine, herbal terms, a materia medica of healing herbs, identification of wild plants, uses of herbal teas and tinctures and more. $25 per class, $85 prepaid.
August 7, 14, 21, 28, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m Tuesdays

Meditation For Relaxation:
Take a break for yourself. Learn how to quiet your mind, relax and release stress from your life. No prior experience necessary. $5, 1 hour, Wednesday
June 6: 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.


Summer Teas: (continued from p. 1)
needed.
Zinger Delight
1 tablespoon Raspberry leaf
1 teaspoon Hibiscus flowers
1 teaspoon Peppermint Leaves
1 tablespoon German Chamomile flowers

Pour four cups of hot boiling water over the herbs in a teapot or fill a quart mason jar. Cover and steep for an hour. Stain off the tea into a pitcher. Add lemon slices or lemon juice (if you have lemon). Serve chilled and/or over ice.

—C.N.

Catherine Novak has served as an adjunct faculty member for Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, Pa., been a featured speaker at Barnes & Noble; and spoken about medicinal herbs on the Health Nuts NJ radio show. She appeared on the Judy Lewis show: Psychic World. Most recently she and her son appeared on ABC's Sunrise This Morning out of Champaign, IL.

Catherine is available for individual herbal and health consultations, hypnotherapy for behavior modification, relaxation and pain management, past life regression, Reiki energy balancing and classes at her office at Beads N Botanicals, and can be reached at at 217-283-6380 or beadsnbotanicals@gmail.com

Is Jojoba Oil That Good for Your Skin?

In a word...YES.

In aromatherapy, massage and even perfumery, certain carrier oils are favored for their healing properties. Jojoba Oil, also known as Simmondsia chinensis, is one such oil.

It is usually added to a massage oil base at about 10 percent of the whole mixture of oils used. For example, a nice massage oil blend might include ten percent jojoba oil and 90 percent apricot kernel oil.

Used in aromatic perfume or aromatherapy blends, jojoba oil is used full strength as the base oil in which one dilutes the essential oils.

An anti-oxidant, jojoba oil contains high amounts of vitamin E and can extend the shelf life of other oils. This is a unique product because this "oil" is not composed of fat but liquid wax.

According to its Wikipedia entry, Jojoba is grown for the liquid wax in its seeds. Its oil is rare in that it is an extremely long (C36-C46) straight-chain wax ester and not a triglyceride, making jojoba more similar to sebum and whale oil than to traditional vegetable oils.

This makes Jojoba oil ideal for use in cosmetics due to its molecular stability and its natural moisturizing and healing properties. With an indefinite shelf life, and no rancidity level, jojoba is suitable for all skin types. Because it is anti-oxidant , it can extend the shelf life of other oils and is very good as a superfatting agent in soapmaking since it resists rancidity.

It can be very beneficial in the treatment of dry scalps and skin because It is highly penetrating and closely resembles our skin's sebum. Used as a facial moisturizer it gives delightful results. It also contains myristic acid, which is anti-inflammatory, making it a good oil for arthritis and rheumatism.

Additionally, some folks find it helps to use this oil applied externally to skin in the treatment of dry eczema or psoriasis.

Used as a base for essential oil blends in aromatherapy and as a base oil for natural perfumes.

Looking for jojoba oil? You can order jojoba oil here:

Jojoba Oil

Spring Equinox

Happy Spring!

Even for those of you expecting snow and ice over the next few days.

Quite frankly, I did not believe the ground hog's supposed prediction of an early Spring. So I have not been surprised by the Winter storms that have hit recently, including in Pennsylvania (bet that ground hog is buried!).

However, yesterday, I did get out, dig in the dirt and plant some herbs and vegetables....Dill, Sweet Peas, Coriander (cilantro), radishes and spinach. All plants that do not thrive in the heat.

Here's to all the seeds we plant for joy, growth and development in the next year, whether they be plant seeds, or the seeds of inspiration.

Do You Know About the Pet Foods Recall?

Pet owners have been faced with concerns that their cats and dogs might die from contaminated foods.

Specifically, it seems to be "wet" foods that come in pouches or cans. Dry foods seem to be okay.

For more information, you can go to ABC News where they have links and lists of all the types of food affected, from Iams and Eukanuba to Food Lion and Hannaford. Yep, we're talking more than 40 foods are in question.

Read more at

Pet Food Deaths Remain a Mystery

Aphrodisiacs That Really Work

Valentine's Day brings up not just articles on love, but on sex as well.

The following article discusses herbal and other sexual enhancing ideas for men.

Surprisingly, I don't recall seeing a mention about Saw Palmetto, which aids men's sexual health...

Aphrodisiacs That Really Work

Forget Spanish Fly. Getting people in the mood is a lot harder than slipping someone a mickey.

For as long as humans have been having sex, they've been trying to get in the mood--or get their partners in the mood. And if necessity is the mother of invention, it's no surprise that humans have developed a wide variety of creative solutions for the old "I've-got-a-headache" problem.

Read more at

Aphrodisiacs That Really Work

Recent Healing Circle Experience

As you know if you've been reading this blog and checking our class and workshop schedule, we offer a variety of learning experiences, including our Wednesday night series where you can just show up about 10 minutes to 7 p.m. (earlier is perfectly fine, btw).

My theory on these classes is that the right mix of the right people show up at the right time.

That means that sometimes there is one other person, sometimes no one, and sometimes a half dozen or more people who may show up.

This particular week, I wasn't sure if anyone would show, it was REALLY cold outside. I was in the midst of talking with a customer when people started to show up. Two new and two old timers, for lack of a better description. Well, the circle turned into a wonderful healing experience for each and every one of us.

What was nice was getting feedback the next day from participants. We'd all left glowing and the glow continued into our lives the next day.

Healing circles start with a meditation to get all of the participants into a relaxed state of mind. Then we each take turns giving and receiving universal healing energy. No prior experience is needed.

Our next Wednesday class is "Healing with Crystals." This class is experiential. That means YOU will learn how to work with crystals WITHOUT having to look up everything in a book, or read someone else's opinions about working with crystals. Yes, we will discuss healing attributes of crystals. But the class focuses on bringing you directly into the experience of crystal healing.

Personal Development Wednesday Night Classes

Wednesday Night Classes
Late Winter/Spring 2007
7 to 8 p.m., $5.00
Please arrive ten minutes before class starts.

Held at Beads N Botanicals, 227 S. Market St., Hoopeston, IL 60942
217-283-6380


January 10, 2007…… The Seven Chakras
What the “wheels of light” represent

January 17, 2007…… Meditation for Relaxation

January 24, 2007…… Herbal Incenses and how to make them

January 31, 2007……..Healing Circle

February 7………Crystals Used For Healing

February 14….Valentine’s Day Meditation on Love

February 21………Meditation for Relaxation

March 7……… Tapping into Your Intuition

March 14……..…Healing Circle

March 21..…Spring Equinox

March 28…. Intro to Traditional Tarot
The 22 major arcana cards and their meanings Part 1

April 4…. Intro to Traditional Tarot
The 22 major arcana cards and their meanings Part 2

April 11………Meditation for Relaxation

New at the Shop

Just in at Beads N Botanicals...

New blank journals for writing down your innermost thoughts, dreams, recipes and garden plans. Some pretty, some practical, all special.

Books, Books, Books...

While we are not a "Book Store" with a capital "B", we offer a nice selection of beading, jewelry making, aromatherapy, medicinal herbalism, self development inspirational, spiritual and recovery books. With some odds and ends thrown in for good measure.

Just in...Divining the Future, a guide to deciphering dreams, symbols and signs to deepen self-knowledge and help you make the most of opportunities in your life.

The sweetest boxed set for Valentine's Day, or any day....Passages from The Perfumed Garden, Erotic Instructions in Love and Desire, which offers humorous and good advice on relationships. The boxed set includes a bottle of oil perfumed with an oriental fragrance.

And, of course, Beads N Botanicals offers custom made jewelry. If you want something special for a Valentine's Day gift, you still have time to place your order.

How organic are Wal-Mart 'organics'?

How organic are Wal-Mart 'organics'?

This article discusses a concern that the mega-marketer, Wal-Mart, may be misleading consumers about the so-called organic products they are now offering.

If I am reading this correctly, the biggest concern is NOT with the products themselves, but with signage about these products which could mislead consumers into thinking products that are NOT organic are.

I am no fan of Wal-Mart, although I shop there a lot simply because of economies of scale and the simple fact that, in Central Illinois where I live, there just are NOT a lot of choices, UNLESS I want to drive more than an hour away.

However, it seems to me that if you are a consumer interested in organic products, you should also be a LABEL READER. I always check the ingredient labels on "organic" foods to see if they are claiming organic and only the main ingredient is, or if ALL the ingredients are organic.

But I guess we have to "protect" less savvy consumers from being "fooled" into thinking that a non-organic product on a shelf NEXT to an organic product, is an organic product.

READ LABELS PEOPLE!!!


How Organic are Wal-Mart 'organics'

Newsletter for January/February/March

Beads N Botanicals Newsletter
January/February/March/April 2007


Offering a first-rate selection of new and used books on Beading, Jewelry Making, Natural Healing, Herbalism, Aromatherapy, Origami, Inspiration, Spirituality, Self Help, Recovery & other topics.


Time to Plan That Garden
By Catherine Novak

Planning a garden? In January? Why, of course!
There’s almost nothing more cozy than curling up on the couch with a stack of seed catalogs and a cup of tea in the middle of winter.
Whether it is a flower garden, fruit orchard, vegetable patch or herb planting (or a mix of all four, my favorite), early planning can make for successful planting.
Part of planning your garden means remembering what plants went where last year, including the locations of perennial herbs, flowers and fruits. If you are starting a garden from scratch, you still must take into account available gardening space, soil conditions, and the amount of sunlight that reaches the planned location of the garden. There’s no sense in putting tomatoes in the shade or impatiens in the hot blazing sun. Matching plants to planting conditions is important.
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking herbs have the same requirements as vegetable gardens. In many instances, herbs will actually thrive in soil and conditions that would stunt flowers or vegetables.
Come to our class on Planning an Herb Garden on Tuesday evening, March 27, to find out more. —C.N.

Catherine Novak has served as an adjunct faculty member for Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, Pa., been a featured speaker at Barnes & Noble; and spoken about medicinal herbs on the Health Nuts NJ radio show She is available for individual consultations and classes at her office at Beads N Botanicals, and can be reached at at 217-283-6380 or beadsnbotanicals@gmail.com


Winter/Spring Classes 2007

More Classes May Be Added to the Schedule.
Check at the Shop for Updates.

Jewelry Making & Decorative Beadwork
Herbal & Aromatherapy Classes
Gardening &Origami Classes

Pre-registration is required. Reservations will only be held with payment in full. We will reserve a class over the phone with a credit card. Coupons do not apply to class fees. Classes start promptly. To be fair to your fellow students and teachers, if you are more than 15 minutes late, you may not be admitted to class and will forfeit your deposit. Please allow enough time for traffic and parking (we have plenty of parking in the lot across the street from the store.) Please do not bring guests or children to class.

Beading & Jewelry Making Workshops

Tools for Wire Working classes are available for purchase at the shop. A limited amount of tools will be available for use at the classes. Bring round-nose pliers and flat nose pliers if you have them.

Basic Wire Working: How to Make Earrings:
This is a great starter class! You’ll learn the basic techniques involved in creating earrings with head pins, eye pins and ear wires. You’ll make two pairs of earrings, one with a dangle. A few other earring styles will be demonstrated as well. $20, 1 hour, materials included.
January 18, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday
February 15, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday
March 15, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday

Basic Stringing: Bracelet Design:
Want to learn how to put together a bracelet, but not sure how to begin? Or, how to end it? In this class you’ll learn how to work with specialty beading threads, what a crimp bead is, and how to use it, jump rings, and clasps to finish off your bracelet. $15, 1 hour, materials included.
January 25, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday
March 22, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday

Intermediate Wire Working: Rings & Things:
A fun way to create both elegant and funky jewelry to match any outfit! You’ll learn two techniques involved in creating decorative rings with wire, beads and semi-precious stones. You’ll make two rings, one with beads and stones, another with shaped wire. Learn tips on hammer-finishing wire. $22, 1 ½ hours, materials included. ( Basic Wire Working: Earrings is a prerequisite.)
March 1: 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday

Intro to Bead Netting Techniques:
If you’ve ever wanted to make beaded bottles or ornaments, but didn’t know how, this class is the perfect opportunity to learn how. Once learned, bead netting can be used to cover just about anything, from lighters to bottles, to shirt overlays, or anything you can imagine! In this class, you will learn to net a decorative rounded jar. Materials included: jar, beads and thread. $22, 1½ to 2 hours
February 24, 2 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturday

Basic Stringing: Necklace Design:
Want to learn how to put together a necklace, but not sure how to begin? Or, how to end it? In this class you’ll learn how to work with specialty beading threads, what a crimp bead is, and how to use it, jump rings, and clasps to finish off your necklace. Learn about the differences between choker and other-sized necklaces. $18, 1 ½ hours, materials included.
February 8, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday
April 12, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday

Advanced Wire Working: Making Your Own Clasps:
Learn how to shape wire by twisting and hammering to make beautiful, unique clasps for bracelets and necklaces. Hands-on. Wire will be provided. $20, 1 ½ hours, materials included. (Taking Basic Wire Working: How to Make Earring and/or Intermediate Wire Working is suggested as a prerequisite.) (Six person limit)
April 5, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday

Advanced Wire Working: Wire Wrapping Pendants:
Do you have a stone that would make a wonderful pendant? Techniques for caging tumbled and rough rocks in cages of wire will be taught. Hands-on. Wire and stones will be provided. Bring a special piece if, you want. $22, 1 ½ hours, materials included. (Taking Basic Wire Working: How to Make Earrings and/or Intermediate Wire Working is suggested as a prerequisite.)
January 11: 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday
March 29, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday

NEW!!! Prayer Is Universal
Prayer Beads From Around the World:
From Buddhist Bead Malas and Catholic Rosaries, to Hindu Japa Mala, Muslim prayer beads, called tasbih or dhikr beads, Greek worry beads, pocket worry beads and more secular prayer beads, join us in seeing how universal prayer can be and how you can design your very own prayer beads, to suit your needs. $25, 2 hours, materials included.
April 14, 3 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday

Herbal & Aromatherapy Workshops

Lifting Out of Depression Herbally:
Alternative approaches to lifting out of depression. Differences in types of depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder, the Blues," Post-partum, Pre-menstrual, menopausal. Lifestyle considerations. Dietary considerations.$12, 1 ½ hours
February 24, 4:30 p.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday

Meditation For Relaxation:
Take a break for yourself. Learn how to quiet your mind, relax and release stress from your life. No prior experience necessary. $5, 1 hour, Wednesday
January 17,
February 21,
or April 11: 7 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Secrets of Herbal Teas & Tinctures:
Tasty and healthy brews. The differences between a cup of tea, medicinal teas and herbal tinctures. How to prepare a medicinal herb tea. $10, 1 hour
January 30 , 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesday

Overcoming Stress Herbally:
Find out about alternative approaches to overcoming stress.
Distinguish types of stress: resulting from overwork, physical injury or emotional upset. Includes information not only about appropriate herbs but also essential oils and other natural aids.
$12, 1 ½ hours (Ten person limit)
March 6: 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesday

Introduction to Aromatherapy:
Learn about aromatherapy--its historical and modern development. Discover the therapeutic uses of essential oils for healing, and why they work. Gain confidence in your own abilities to evaluate, purchase and blend essential oils.
$10, 1 hour
February 6, 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday

Keeping Healthy With Kitchen Herbs:
Learn about common kitchen herbs and spices that can contribute to your health and that of your family. Staying healthy can taste great!
$10, 1 hour
February 20 , 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday

Making Solid Perfumes:
Solid perfumes are spill proof and make great gifts, especially when they are made in nifty little containers. Learn how easy basic solid perfumes can be made, for personal use and for gift giving..
$20, 1 ½ hours, materials included.
March 10, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday

Planning an Herb Garden:
What kind of landscape do you have? Best times to plant certain herbs. Soil requirements. Seasonal aspects of herbs. Best times to harvest certain herbs. $10, 1 ½ hours
March 27: 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesday

Origami --Paper Folding Workshops
Introduction to Origami
Learn how to make the traditional Japanese crane, peace dove and frog using colorful papers and the simple but fun paperfolding techniques developed by the Japanese. According to their traditions, anyone who folds a thousand cranes will have their wish granted. Great for kids of all ages, but especially for kids 8 years of age and older. $5.00, 1 hour, including all materials.
February 10: 12 noon.-1 p.m Saturday

Dyeing with Cochineal Workshop Lancaster, PA

Dyeing with Cochineal
A workshop with Linda Kluge-Mansfield of Avalonblue
Sponsored by Herbs from the Labyrinth, LLC
Saturday, January 20, 2007 11 am until 3 pm

Join us as Linda shares techniques for traditional dyes, a skill going back
at least 6000 years. From the realms of magic and tradition, she'll fascinate
us with lore about the dyers, who were considered skilled alchemists and
keepers of secret knowledge. In the hands-on portion of the workshop, each
person will dye a silk scarf in a dye-pot we will set up together using
Cochineal, which gives a range of beautiful pink & mauve colors. Additional scarves, silk camisoles and other goodies will be available for purchase.

Cost for the workshop is $45, & includes one silk scarf. Register at
Radiance, or send your check & registration information to Herbs from the
Labyrinth, LLC, 9 W Grant St, Lancaster, PA 17603, or go to
_www.herbsfromthelabyrinth.com_ (http://www.herbsfromthelabyrinth.com) to
register online.

Space is limited to 8 people, so register early! You may choose to come at 1 pm just to use the dye pot if you prefer, cost is $20.

The workshop will be held at Radiance, 9 W Grant St, across from the Central
Market in downtown Lancaster. Phone is 314-3246.
Wear clothes that can get messy, and plan to have fun!
Green blessings