Beware! Mercury retrograde is in full effect. Please note: Mercury is not actually moving backward, it’s just an illusion that occurs when Mercury passes Earth in its orbit. However, while this cosmic occurrence happens three to four times a year, it has some serious astrological implications. Mercury rules the transfer of information, thus, throwing off all communication, travel and technology during its retrograde. I mean, the WiFi at Brit HQ was on the fritz all last week. Coincidence or Mercury retrograde? Just sayin’. Regardless, I felt like it was time to burn some sage and harness some crystal power to get us through the final days of Mercury retrograde without incident.
How to Make a Crystal and Succulent Terrarium
Stones: amethyst and quartz
Properties: Amethyst is a calming stone to help promote peace and balance during this crazy time. Quartz crystals are among the most common in the world, are seen as a source of light and can help guide you through muddled communication.
Materials and Tools:
- jar
- amethyst gemstone and geode
- crystal quartz pieces
- soil
- small rocks
- succulents
- hammer
- flat nose pliers
Instructions:
- Safely break open your geode and separate it into small pieces with a hammer. Make sure you protect yourself from flying pieces.
- Layer the geode pieces at the bottom of the jar with the crystals facing outward. Next, add the rocks and soil.
- Plant your succulents into the soil, using your finger to dig a little hole in the soil.
- Arrange your crystals around the succulents to your liking and you’re done!
Safely smash your geode open and break up into smaller pieces. I first broke up the geode in a paper bag to prevent the smaller pieces from flying around. And then, I used this small box to break the pieces down even more.
Layer the geode pieces at the bottom of the jar with the crystals facing outward. Next, add the rocks and soil.
Carefully place the succulents and crystals into your jar. And you’re done!
This little crystal terrarium will definitely bring some positive vibes your way.
How to Make Hanging Crystal Planters
Stones: chrysocolla and amethyst
Properties: Chrysocolla is a stone of communication and harmony. It helps remove negative energies, making way for hopefulness. Combined with amethyst, you’ll have some maximum chill during this disruptive time.
Materials and Tools:
- chrysocolla and amethyst stones
- 2 air plants
- 4 feathers
- 2 feet jewelry wire
- 3 yards of leather cord in two colors (6 yards total)
- flat nose pliers
- scissors
- toothpicks
- industrial strength glue
Instructions:
- Lay out your stone and arrange your feathers to see you want your stone to hang. Cut the leather cord and reserve the remaining piece to wrap around the stone.
- Attach the feathers to the ends of the cord. Use glue to adhere the feathers, and then, wrap the wire around the feather and cord.
- Next, glue the cord to each side of the stone. Glue one end of your reserved leather to the back of the stone.
- With the loose end of leather, wrap it around the stone a few times to your liking. Cut the leather, tuck the loose end under the wrapping and glue it in place.
- Finally, adhere your air plants to the top of your stone. I recommend looking for plant glue at an aquarium store, but when in a pinch, industrial glue worked just fine.
Envision how you want your hanging plant to look and measure out your leather. Hold on to the remaining leather piece. You will use this to wrap around the stone.
Attach your feathers with some glue and a small piece of jewelry wire. Wrap the feather and leather together, making it extra secure and adding a nice touch of detail.
Glue the leather piece to each side of your gemstone and one end of the remaining leather piece to the back.
Wrap the leather cord around the stone a few times, mixing it up to add character. Cut and glue the end to the back of the stone. Try to tuck it under the wrapping so it appears seamless.
Glue the air plant to the top of your gemstone and you’re done!
Bring some good juju to your home or office with these awesome hanging crystal planters.
How to Make a Wire-wrapped Crystal Necklace (or Two)
Stone: Rose quartz
Properties: As the stone of the heart, Rose Quartz supports unconditional love, joy, warmth and healing. I chose this stone to serve as a reminder to give yourself a break during this unpredictable time.
Materials and Tools:
- 2 rose quartz crystals
- 2 feet of gold chain
- 2 feet of leather cord
- 4 feet of jewelry wire
- 3 jump rings
- lobster jewelry clasp
- round nose pliers
- flat nose pliers
- wire cutters
Instructions:
SIMPLE WRAP
- Cut one foot of wire and make a loop in the center with your round nose pliers and twist one end around the other about three to four times.
- Starting at one end, wrap the wire around the stone very tightly. Take your time to make sure it is close against the stone’s edges.
- When you reach the center loop move, cross it over the top of the stone so it’s fixed at the top, and then use the second half of the wire to wrap around the stone a couple more times.
- With the flat nose pliers, bend a little notch at the end of the wire and tuck it under the wrapping so it stays tight.
- String your leather through the loop of your newly wrapped crystal pendant. Knot it at the end and try it on!
Cut one foot of wire and make a loop at the center using the round nose pliers. Twist one end around the other 3–4 times. You will string the leather cord through this loop.
Starting with one end, tightly wrap the wire around the top of your crystal. Once you reach the center loop, cross the wire over the top, so that the loop is fixed at the top. Wrap the remaining wire around the crystal. At the end, make a small bend and tuck it under the wire wrapping.
String your leather piece through the loop, tie the ends together and you’re done. Now for the trickier one!
DOUBLE WRAP
- Cut two pieces of wire about 1½ feet long.
- Make an X with the two pieces and hold them together with the flat nose pliers. Use your fingers to wrap one piece around the other five times.
- Place the twisted wire on the side of the stone, so it looks like a sideways H. Connect the bottom two wires on the opposite side of the stone, by twisting them together five times.
- Next, connect the wires closest to each other by wrapping one around the other five times. Repeat on the other side. Continue to alternate sides until you reach the top of the stone.
- Once you reach the top, twist the wires together and make a loop with two pieces of the wires. This will be the loop for the chain to go through. Using the other two wires, wrap it around the base of the loop. Cut the ends of the wire off and clamp together with the flat nose pliers.
- Using the jump rings, connect the lobster clasp and end ring to the chain and string through the loop, and you have a second wire-wrapped crystal pendant necklace.
Cut two pieces of wire about 1½ feet long.
Make a X with the two wires. Hold them together with the flat nose pliers and twist one piece around the other five times. Press the twisted wire to one side of the stone. Connect the bottom two wires on the opposite side of the stone, by twisting them together five times. Next, connect the wires closest to each other by wrapping one around the other five times. Repeat on the other side. Continue to alternate sides until you reach the top of the stone.
Once you reach the top, twist the wires together and make a loop with two pieces of the wires. This will be the loop for the chain to go through. Using the other two wires, wrap it around the base of the loop.
Cut the ends of the wire off and clamp together with the flat nose pliers.
Using the jump rings, connect the lobster clasp and end ring to the chain and string through the loop, and you’re done.
Boom! Not one, but two wire-wrapped crystal necklaces. Now, you can give one to a friend in need.
Trying to soak in the crystal healing power. Even though we’re almost through this Mercury retrograde, we will DEFINITELY be ready for the next one starting December 19.
Also, quick shout out to my talented colleague, Marianne, for making that dope water-colored DIY gold leaf art piece. It goes perfectly with our new crystal pieces.
What tips do you have to get through Mercury retrograde? Share them with us on Twitter.
DIY Production and Styling: Lindsay Saito
Photography: Chris Andre
