Copper

I Love Copper...

How it feels in my hands while shaping it...

And forming it...

There nothing quite like it...so flexible and malleable

Such a wonderful living metal...

Did you know?

Did you know?  Copper is an amazing metal.  It directs energy and increases the flow of blood.  Copper provides strong energy to the body and brain.  It helps to heal the metabolism, and may relieve exhaustion. Copper also aids in healing sexual instability.

Approximately 4 weeks have passed in between the two anklet photos below.  The difference between the two is dramatic.  While there are ways to speed up the natural patina or antiquing process of copper, what you see in the second photo is a result of the natural aging process.

Copper will naturally patina over time from exposure and wear.  Now, I personally love the antiqued look of aged copper, however, it's not for everyone.  Exposure to air, water, the oils in our skin will speed up the natural antiquing process of copper.

Like the original shine better?  No problem! ...just drop your copper piece in salted lemon water for a few moments, rinse with cold water & dry to bring it back.  Keep in mind this is an ongoing process.   Enjoy!!

Giving Back -- Cast your Vote!

This year especially, MerCurios has seen it's share of success and I am truly grateful. I've been wanting to give back for a while now, however, couldn't decide on a direction.

Moving forward, I would like to donate $1.00 from each sale to charity. This would include retail sales as well as wholesale & consignment orders.

The idea is to involve my customers -- give them (you) the choice of where the $1.00 is going. To keep things simple I will offer 3 charities. You, the customer, would choose which of the 3 charities to donate your dollar to.

I need to narrow down the list to three charities. This is not any easy task as each and every charity & cause holds significant importance to its founder and the community its helps.

So who would you donate to? St Judes? Autism speaks? Stand up 2 Cancer? Coalition for the homeless? ASPCA? Susan G. Koman? Rescue Ink? And the list goes on & on... What charities are closest to your heart?

At the end of the day, I would like to see diversity & to keep the donations in my backyard (United Sates).

Based on your suggestions, I will announce the three charities on August 1st and the donations will be retro active through January 2009. They will be sent to the respective charities at the end of the calendar year.

Cast your vote!

xoxo,
MJ
MerCurios

Some would call it an obsession

If you haven't already guessed, I have an obsession with the Evil Eye. I can't tell you where my obsession started or how it began, what I can tell you is it's very real...my obsession that is. Whether or not you believe in the power of the Evil Eye, now that's totally up to you.

Flowered Sky creates some of the most alluring Evil Eye's I've come across. I've been using her glass Evil Eye beads in my work for years. Not only is Flowered Sky talented with glass, she is a successful jewelry designer as well. Below is a sample of her work -- please stop by her shop & tell her MerCurios sent you!

Flowered Sky Beads ~AND~ Flowered Sky

Here is my interpretation of Flowered Sky's beautiful bead work....

MerCurios

Contest: Win a Copper Corset Ring designed by me!

UPDATE: FeatheredDesigned was selected as the winner of this stunning ring by FashionGrail on Sunday, June 21.

She won with her comment: ” I adore necklaces, next to feathers, necklaces are my got to accessories, the bigger, the bolder, the more unique the better! And I love layering necklaces. Pearls with chains, chains with woods, black and white, fringe with wood. The possibilities are endless and what better way to add to my collection then with the Periwinkle Dream…Upcycled Chocolate Link Chain and Ribbon Choker Necklace with Copper and Goldstone accent from the Alchemy Collection.”

Congratulations Feathered Design and a big thank you to all of you who participated!

Wow! My favorite Copper Corset Ring is the prize in this weeks Fashiongrail Contest.


There is no purchase necessary and the Contest is simple... visit the MerCurios shoppe and pick your favorite accessory. Then go to Fashiongrail and answer this question "what would you wear it with?" The most creative answer wins the prize.

The contest runs from Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19 and the winner will be selected on Saturday, June 20.

What are you waiting for? You could be the winner of this fabulous ring! Creativity is key and just to prove it here are a couple of the comments that have already been left...

..."I really like Bewitching ....I would wear this with my wedding dress so everyone would know I meant business, especially my groom"

..."The “love knot” ring ...I’d wear it in the bath while I was covered in bubbles!!!"

Remember...Have Fun & be Creative!