Tuesday
Handmade JewelryAustin Artisan Kathleen Allison
Afghanistan Lapis with Turquoise
A few weeks ago, Austin’s own Kathleen Allison and I chatted jewelry talk at the Frisco Restaurant on the north side of town.
Discovering her life’s work, she told me, all started with a lapis necklace her mother gave her shortly before she passed away. Kat restrung the beads, adding her own personal touches, and got compliments from all her friends. It turned out that they had necklaces they wanted restrung, too, and before she knew it, Kathleen Allison had the beginnings of a jewelry business.
She began selling her necklaces, bracelets, and earrings at First Thursdays, one of Austin’s many local artisan fairs, in 2004. She was “hooked” and went full time three years ago. “I love what I do,” Kat told me.
The Healing Properties of Stones
Disclosing industry lore, Kat revealed to me the healing powers believed to be inherent in all gems.
“Stone color goes with chakra,” she told me. “Onyx and hematite are grounding stones. They’re too grounding for me; they’re so… heavy. It doesn’t bother a lot of people. Orange and red stones are gregarious. Blue stones are more peaceful - in general, not always. Jaspers are always grounding and centering. Agates are calming and centering.”
Her jewelry is gorgeous and energy abundantly cheerful, so she must know what she’s talking about!
Post Tags: Austin jewelry, Handmade Jewelry, healing properties of gems
