About Kathryn
From my early studies in psychology and human development, to then raising my own four amazing humans, I am now Nana-Kath to a gorgeous wee girl, and full-time creator of art and natural gemstone crystal jewellery.
I crave creative expression through song, paint, sculpture, photography and poetry, but it is through creating beautiful jewellery out of authentic, ancient stones from the heart of the earth, that I express my love of Nature.
‘The Wilds” is where I escape to in order to recharge my batteries. It’s so wonderful to carry a wee piece of ‘Nature’s battery’ close to my heart at all times, reminding me to connect to that sense of peace and connection to “Source”, regardless of where I physically find myself at the time. Wearing gemstone crystal jewellery is an integral part of my everyday holistic approach to well-being and happiness.
Pendants
Early on, to get them out of my pockets and into the light, (where they belonged), I started ‘cradling’ gemstones in wire to transform them into wearable pendants. I now use quality 925 sterling silver and tarnish-resistant Argentium sterling silver 935, (and very occasionally, copper wire), to create beautiful, unique, enduring pendants of value.
Whenever possible, I venture into the heart of Nature to create, where the powerful, yet tranquil, energy most supports my intuitive creative process. Such tranquility evokes the connection we have with the vast, ancient, powerful, timeless and mysterious – a resonance with the very pulse and breath of Mother Earth, herself.
When creating with these natural mineral treasures, of New Zealand and worldwide origin, I open my heart and surrender to the flow of inspiration, lovingly and intuitively crafting a secure framework, mindfully honouring the integrity and unique expression of each piece, and holding the highest intentions for the eventual recipient of the pendant. To complete the process, the individual ‘threads’ of the silver framework are gathered together and folded over to create an ankh-shaped loop from which the pendant will be suspended on a chain. This feels so highly symbolic – like gathering up and integrating the multiple facets of one’s life to form cohesion, whilst supporting and framing an authentic expression of one’s unique self. In order for this glorious artistic expression to be transformed into a wearable pendant, the ends of the threads, (wires), need to be trimmed, then tethered securely to each other. I love the metaphor of this – the rich tapestry of our past experiences, growing through experiences that weren’t necessarily ‘pretty’, provides the strength and backbone that allows our lights to now shine forth so spectacularly.
All pendants are handcrafted with the greatest of care to find the balance between harmonious artistic expression on the outward facing side, with security and durability on the reverse.
I regard my time with the crystals as sacred, and will only create with them when I’m feeling connected to the Divine flow of inspiration. I feel it’s so important the gemstones are handled with love, and the pendants that eventuate are the result of high-energy, positivity and loving creation.
I’m delighted to be able to share these lovingly-handcrafted creations with you, and am incredibly humbled and grateful, as with each ‘adoption’ I’m that much closer to being able to give my beautiful eldest daughter a big hug. (She lives over 19,000 km across the sea – a minimum 27 hours’ flight time.)
Gemstones
Experiences with gemstones/crystals/minerals/healing stones/semi-precious stones are unique for each individual. Personally, I greatly value their beauty, the personal growth reminders and symbology they provide, and the powerful feelings they evoke within me. I’m so often in a state of awe, that Nature has created these incredibly beautiful forms, (and the time it has taken to do so), with their multiple complex patterns, colours and textures.
Some people very strongly feel gemstones amplifying particular energies and strengths within their own systems, and regard them as very healing. Because experiences can differ so greatly for each individual, I hesitated whether to include the purported metaphysical properties of stones on this site. I considered my own journey with them. I have found gemstone crystals to be amazing messengers. Sometimes, when I’m creating with them, a ‘stream of information’, that later proves relevant, comes to my awareness. More times than I can mention, I have experienced the wonder of being drawn to a particular stone, for further research to reveal the purported properties are entirely apt at the time. I find this ‘synchronicity’ captivating, and a reassurance of a power greater than myself. I wouldn’t want to deny people the opportunity of experiencing this, (or perhaps deny the gemstones their voice), therefore keywords of particular properties that may be of relevance are tagged to each listing. If desired, a brief internet search can provide a wealth of further information.
As masters of our own destiny, I feel it’s imperative we embrace our own power. At the mental level, the symbology of gemstones provides a powerful reminder to do just that – to remember our power within, imagine it being amplified, and embody the powerful, renewing energies of Nature. At the emotional level, wearing beautiful things certainly helps us feel more confident, doesn’t it? At the metaphysical level, when wearing gemstones, individuals may notice various aspects of their own energy being amplified.
When it comes to selecting gemstones, I personally feel it’s important a stone is chosen by what we’re drawn to, rather than according to previously-researched properties.
Artwork
Gaining inspiration from beauty, particularly in Nature, in my beautiful home area of the Kapiti Coast, New Zealand, I love to express in colour in the form of various seascape and landscape originals.
Perhaps it’s no surprise I also love painting horses – I was incredibly lucky to have my own beautiful horse for 25 special years.
I also enjoy surrendering control to a purely intuitive process – with the highest intentions for healing and growth, surrendering to intuition and the rhythm of random brushstrokes, paint is applied to canvas. Through relaxed observation, images then emerge from within the wondrous tapestry of colour and texture. The images are then highlighted, and brought to the fore. They are messengers of love, healing and inspiration. May they uplift and inspire, on multiple levels.
Personal Service
I’m delighted to offer personalised service, catering for individuals’ specific gemstone crystal requirements. My passion is to create beautiful, enduring pendants for anyone wishing to integrate gemstone crystals into their holistic approach to empowered and joyful living, and those who simply enjoy wearing unique, handcrafted objects of beauty. Connecting is so easy, whether online through messaging or video chat, text, or in person. I work from my home on the beautiful Kapiti Coast, near Wellington. Items are couriered both nationwide and worldwide.
I do my best to keep this site regularly updated as new creations are completed, however, if you don’t find quite what you’re looking for, or if you’d like something unique and personal created that carries the highest intentions for well-being, empowerment and love, I’d be honoured to partake in the creative process with you. This could be a celebratory gift for a birthday, promotion, Christmas or anniversary, or to express condolences, or to even offer support on paths of personal and spiritual development. (As a side note, these beauties last so much longer than bouquets of flowers!)
If you’d like a special pendant for yourself, perhaps even to help boost or maintain your sense of self-worth and empowerment, I would love to help. If inspiration is required, under your direction, I’m able to select cards from a crystal oracle deck to help decide upon a gemstone crystal that may help to support you on the current stage of your journey.
Whether for yourself or a loved one, contact me. I’d be honoured to create something heart-felt and deeply meaningful, drawing from my source of beautiful gemstone crystals, or perhaps transforming your own special taonga (treasure) into a stunning pendant.
I wish all recipients of Kathryn Jane Design creations greater inner peace, balance, empowerment, emotional healing, beauty and upliftment in their lives. Thank you for sharing in this inspiring, creative journey with me. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you soon.
Warmest blessings, Kathryn