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Not only pearl, but also moonstone is the gem of June. Its name is derived from a visual effect, or sheen, caused by light reflecting internally in the moonstone from layer inclusion of different feldspars.

The moonstone is actually the feldspar variety known as "adularia", that was first found in the European Alps near the Adula Group - hence the name "adularia". Another synonym for moonstone is "selenite", from the Greek word for "moon" - SELENE. Moonstone can be numerous colors, including gray, white, pink, green and brown, but the most valuable is deep blue.

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Deposits of moonstone are found in many countries and places: the European Alps, Brazil, India, Mexico, Myanmar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, the USA (specifically Pennsylvania and Virginia) and Tanzania. However, it is Sri Lanka that produces the highest quality moonstones.

Moonstone was very popular in the early twentieth century, moonstone was used extensively in Art Nouveau jewelry (1890-1915). As with most jewelry of this period, each gem was significant: the diamonds symbolized eternity; the turquoise, true love; and the moonstones, innocence.

By the way, Wilkie Collins' exotic mystery classic, The Moonstone, published in 1868, isn't about a moonstone at all, but rather an enormous yellow diamond, stolen from an Indian shrine.

Colette L'Hopital-Navarre, who's name is sometimes confused with the name of a hospital, was born in Paris and began beading as an adult. In 2002, she was in a terrible traffic accident and spent much time in the hospital and then in a wheelchair. As a gift during her recovery, her husband bought her a book on beading. Colette was very excited and began surfing Internet looking for any content about beading. Her friends, who shared her new passion, suggested she buy a book called "Creative Bead Weaving" by Carol Wilcox Wells. It was Colette's first tutorial and she still values it now.

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In 2003, Colette bought a Russian book on beading and was amazed by the style of Russian beaders, maybe because of her Slavic roots. She also enjoys the work of American beaders and learned from them the art of bead embroidery. Her friends then introduced her to the design technique of beaded lace which is now one of her primary techniques. Her beading work often incorporates large stones and she also showcases her fabric jewelry as well.

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A graphic designer by education, Colette worked in publishing for many years. She very much enjoys books, reading and writing and when living in Paris, much of her spare time was spent in museums, galleries and at exhibits. After learning Russian beading techniques she now hopes to travel to Russia one day and to visit well known world cities and museums. In 1995 Colette and her family moved to province, to the small city of Roquecor which is a tourist area, known by picturesque rivers, lakes, valleys and gourmet food: foies grass, bordeaux and kagor. It is here that she has done most of her bead work.

To begin a new project, Colette makes some sketches of the item, creates the elements of it separately and then puts them together. She is not afraid to throw out her work if she doesn't like what she has created. It is important to her that only her best work be seen by others. Colette likes to try new techniques and materials, even for simple designs. Colette believes that creativity is an effort to make things that don't exist.

Gallery of bead artwork by Colette L'Hopital-Navarre
 
Email: lhopital.navarre@wanadoo.fr
 
Blog: labijoutisse.canalblog.com

Our another featured artist this month is multi-talented with beading. Alla Tereschenia has both jewelry and beaded caps showcased with us. Beaded caps, which were in fashion near the beginning of the 20th century, now showcase skills as a craftsman so Alla enjoys designing them even though most do not sell. In addition, she makes beaded pictures as well and since she was a child has also done many other crafts including sewing, knitting, crocheting.

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Alla, who currently lives in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, learned her crafting skills from her grandmother when she was a child. Some of the items she has created since them are now in ethnography museums and others are spread out through the countryside.

Twelve years ago Alla left her job as an engineer and began teaching crafts at a youth center. She has taught herself beading since that time and has tried many different techniques. As she learned more, beading became her main passion. In her efforts to experiment with beading, Alla began to design her beaded caps and has continued to do so. She then grew into creating beaded jewelry as well.

For the last two years, Alla has been a participant in many exhibitions and her name is listed in the Kazakhstan Crafters Catalog. She says she is completely satisfied with her hobby and she gets great esthetic enjoyment when beading. You can view her gallery of beaded caps as well as her gallery of jewelry.

Gallery of beaded caps by Alla Tereschenia
 
Gallery of beaded jewelry by Alla Tereschenia
 
Email: nkalla@mail.ru

The Ann Arbor Art Fairs

July 15-18, 2008
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Established in 1960, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is the Original of the now four award winning Ann Arbor Art Fairs, which together attract over 500,000 attendees from across the nation. To celebrate 50 years of originality, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is exhibiting original posters, art, and photographs spanning its first half-century. The four shows are a confederation, sharing city services and keeping the same dates and hours. Over 1200 exhibitors show up ready to meet you. Ann Arbor turns into Art Fair City every July for four days. They include: