photo by listentoreason

When it comes time to purchase gemstone jewelry many of us are fairly clueless. We may know the very basics about cut and clarity, but beyond that we can’t tell what makes a good stone or how it's prepared for mounting in a final setting. To overcome this handicap and perhaps strike a better deal at the jewelers, educate yourself about the fascinating world of gemstones.

The International Gem Society (gemsociety.org) is a good starting point for your online education. They offer a site chock full of free information about how gemstones are created, cut terminology, the lowdown on enhanced gems, and how to identify stones. For a more thorough education in gemology you might consider signing up for their advanced courses or gemologist certification courses, both of which require paid membership in the Society. In addition to a thorough education in gemology you’ll have the chance to study and work hands-on with gems through their unique gem lending program.

photo by Epson

When most people think of papercrafts they think of origami. But there’s another form of papercraft that utilizes glue and colorful printouts to create amazing works of delicate art.

There are many papercraft sites on the internet to help you dip your toe into the world of this addictive and inexpensive art form. They offer patterns for you to download and print out, usually for no charge. Once you have the patterns printed out, an exacto knife, a pair of scissors, glue, and a ruler are all you need to start construction of your model. You can begin with simpler patterns that require only 30 minutes worth of time and work your way up to more elaborate pieces that can take upwards of 130 hours. Patterns range from architectural landmarks to plants and animals. Seasonal papercrafts add a personal touch to your store-bought holiday decorations.