Favourite Things

Featured Exhibitor - New World Creations

"Our beautiful sculptures were inspired during a profound visitation where Angels shared a heartfelt message of peace, love and unity..."

That quote from New World Creations sums up exactly how you feel about their pieces when you see them.

Marco and Catherine have created something very special with their sculptures.  The idea behind them is very simple.  It's something precious to wear, look at or hold to inspire a feeling of peace or healing.  

Everything is designed and made by them.  Their website is not simply a platform to sell but also has some lovely sections on meditation, healing, and the symbolism in their Angel Bowls.  The website also has a section called "Inspirational Message" which I found to be very uplifting and indeed inspirational.  It also shows that this is not just a business for them, but a vocation. 

Even if you see them at a show still have a look at the website www.newworldcreations.co.uk 

A percentage of their profits go to SOS Childrens Villages

They are going to be at Manchester in April and are offering a free angel message with every purchase.  The perfect addition to your new Angel Bowl...

Exhibitor of the Month - February 2014

Newark was a great show again, I was able to go to this one and met up with many of the exhibitors.  It was a great atmosphere and lovely to meet so many people I've been e-mailing over the past several months!

Because we didn't get the chance to interview everyone when we re-started the blog - though the option is still there if anyone wants - we decided to do a monthly feature on our exhibitors.  Starting with ones we didn't get to interview.

To start with we're going to feature Lizian, a well established crystal and mineral seller.  Lizian are regulars at our shows and lovely familiar faces.  They sell a wide range of crystals, tumblestones, jewellery, incense, and oils.

They are meticulous in their sourcing, and offer a rethreading service which is a wonderful idea.

As well as our shows, they have a base in Nottingham at the Victoria Centre Market. Winner of the "Greenest Market in the Midlands" award in 2008.

If you can't get to Nottingham and want to visist them in between shows you can visit them online at www.liziancrystals.com

Interview with Teresa Sequeira

We have an interview this evening with Teresa Sequira, who along with Wayne Morgan, has designed and produces Dreamlits.  Dreamlits are crystal bracelets designed to wear while you sleep and during stressful times.

It works with your unconscious mind to take you to a higher level during REM sleep, helping you to work through your days problems via your dreams.

If you look at their website at Dreamlits you can see some of the amazing effects and testimonials that they have had.  Many thanks to Teresa for answering our questions and we are really looking forward to seeing her again soon.

To start could you tell us a little about yourself please.


My name is Teresa Sequeira. Born in Yorkshire to an Italian mother and Indian father, but now live in Grantham. I joined the RAF in 1990 as an aircraft engineer. After 22 years of service, voluntary redundancy was offered 2 years ago so I took it and left in Feb 12. Before leaving I did a Swedish Massage, Diet and Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology, and Colonic Course and Master NLP Practitioner Course.


Can you explain a little bit about the benefits of the bracelets?


I met Wayne Morgan who came up with the combination of 8 crystals to make up the Dreamlit and is now my NZ business partner in 2012. Dreamlits are bracelets you wear when you sleep, it works best when your conscious mind has been left out(this happens when sleeping). They are put through a special process to set them to 21Mhz so once your mind switches off, the unconscious mind will try to get to 21Mhz, allowing for a deeper quality of sleep or helping to eliminate nightmares.


What is the difference between the bracelets for men and the ones for women and children?


The Dreamlits come in different sizes but the bigger sizes have darker crystals to make them manlier, they have the same properties as the other sizes though.


Do they ever need re-charging or cleansing?


The Dreamlit does not need cleansing or re-charging because it has been put through the special process. Sometimes crystals don’t always work together but the process also makes them work together. You might want to wash them to clean them but they do not need cleansing.


Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most.


Eckhart Tolle is an inspirational thinker and writer.


What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given.


The best advice is: always keep an open mind, no matter how life experience has affected you.


Would you name 6 “Desert Island” books or films (ones you would like if you were stranded on a desert island - for young ones who don’t know about Desert Island discs!)


My first spiritual book was The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield but there have been many authors who have helped me on my spiritual journey. The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach, Eastern Body, and Western Mind by Anodea Judith, Conversations with God by Donald Walsh, ask and it is given by Abraham/Hicks and A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.

Interview with Kristy Hodges

Welcome to Monday!  Today we have a wonderful interview with Kristy Hodges of Serendipity Crystals

Kristy runs her own business selling crystals, jewellery and her own artwork.  Her website is an amazing source of inspiration, information and all things spiritual.

Many thanks to Kristy for being interviewed and make sure you check out her website before the shows start again next year.




To start could you tell us a little about yourself.


My name is Kristy Hodges. I was born in California in 1972, but spent a lifetime growing up in overseas countries and travelling the world. I first ‘felt’ the energetic impact of a crystal in 1990. It was Moldavite and the flush sent me out of my mind! It took a further 20 extensive years to learn how to work with crystals & energy.
Since then, my spiritual journey has spanned many countries & cultures from the Middle East to Asia and Europe to America. I have studied in depth: indigenous cultures, animal medicine, astrology, tarot, mediumship, psychic skills, shamanism, paganism, counselling, psychology, archetypes, relationships & parenting to name but a few subjects and have been blessed enough to experience many wonderful adults, children, angels and spirits along the way.
I now live in Yorkshire, UK, with my beautiful teenage son. I’m in a wonderful, adventurous, healthy relationship with the love of my life and supported by the most amazing family & friends. To top it off, I have the joy of running Serendipity Crystals, travelling the country as a crystal retailer, therapist, counsellor, spiritual development guide and empowerment coach. In my spare time I volunteer as a Childline School Services Volunteer for the NSPCC and co-own a Harley Davidson motorcycle.


Sounds as though you have a very busy business, which aspect of it is your favourite - coaching, retailing or art?


I absolutely love helping people to spiritually develop their gifts. Each of us is so different - someone may be a healer or psychic, but their gift could be very specific and its fascinating to spend that in depth, one on one time with someone. To witness a person realise how unique they are and how they can develop and utilise their particular gift in different areas of life, or even turn it into a career gives me an amazing boost! Its so exciting! I believe in helping others to help themselves rather than my doing it for them. Am honoured to have the ability to show people the beauty and amazing light within themselves and to guide them on the next part of their journey. Crystals are an easy way for me to access a person's past experiences and energy - they are a fantastic tool to use so crystals are always part of the spiritual development process for me.


Been all over the world and studied many cultures, do you have a favourite part of the world from a spiritual point of view?


I think Sri Lanka is a stunning part of the world - the people have so little in comparison to the Western world. Considering many of the families I met live in small wooden shacks in the jungle, they touched me with their generosity and positive, easy approach to life. It wasn't just the people, it was the energy of the country with its ruins, temples and unspoilt beauty that wove itself through the fabric of my being and captured my heart. It is a very under developed country, so the energy of the place is raw and vibrant, full of exotic places where the connection to Earth was unreal and, of course, absolutely stunning beaches! The desert where I grew up will always hold a special place in my heart too. There is something indescribable about lying on the sand dunes at night, with no light pollution for miles and starting up at the stars - to feel the heat of the Earth underneath you and be staring at an entire sky full of galaxies and stars - its simply amazing and I've never been able to find that particular sense of peacefulness, quiet and connection anywhere else in the world. I still miss it now.


How do feel you've evolved creatively?


Until I was pushed and jostled by Spirit aged 35, I hadn't picked up a paintbrush since attending at school. Painting made me feel wonderful, but I've always felt very amateur and self conscious about my artwork as I have no formal training and no idea how to use half of the tools and materials am drawn to. Its definitely an ongoing personal journey for me as I create in fits and starts - when its flowing, its wonderful and I love what is created and working with energies that seem to come from some place outside of myself. When I hit a wall and stop for awhile, the old insecurities come back and I feel very vulnerable and unsure about putting myself out there on an artistic level. Then the next creative burst hits and even though I feel scared and unsure, its not possible to ignore it. Something either inside or outside of myself won't allow me to put the paint brush down - the images and colours come in dreams or someone will turn up out've the blue and ask for a commission (usually one I'll have no idea how to accomplish) and I'll be off on the next part of my creative journey.


Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most.


Arrgghhh - this one is SO difficult as there have been three authors that have changed my life completely. Eckhart Tolle is one. I'd read some of his more 'zen' like books and thought they were OK, but nothing ground breaking until I read A New Earth. Mr Tolle starts that book off with the lofty claim of 'this book will change your life' and at the time I thought 'wow, thats a bit arrogant'. Within 100 pages, I realised he was right, that book takes your mind and energy system into a new stage of development completely, but only when you're ready for it. Whats rather strange about that particular book, is I've gone back to read it again and its done it again - even though I know whats coming. Its quite extraordinary. Anthony Robbins is also amazing - so motivational, positive and simple - I adore his books and positive ways of developing ourselves. The third author is Caroline Myss - an amazing energy healer and woman whom I have followed for years, as well as seeing in person in London. I love her down to earth, no holds barred approach to life and the information she provides as a healer and energy intuitive is absolutely spot on. As someone who is fascinated by the human brain, Caroline's work on Sacred Contracts and Archetypes is a must read! As a healer, her books Anatomy of Spirit and Invisible Acts of Power WILL change your life.


What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given.


Several pieces that have woven into one over the years. We create our own reality, everything happens for a reason and to always, always be yourself.


Would you name 6 “Desert Island” books or films (ones you would like if you were stranded on a desert island - for young ones who don’t know about Desert Island discs!)


It would have to be music for me all the way - I can live without books or films, but to be stranded on an island with no music would drive me insane! I'd mix a load of CDs as am an avid listener of all kinds of music - or even better, just take a radio!

If I had to choose books it would be anything by Laurell K Hamilton. Having had to read so many non-fiction books as part of my career path, it completely rests my brain to get lost in fantastic, naughty, exciting urban fantasy fiction books - I love em!

Interview with Debbie & Peter Thorpe - Aurora Crystals

Today we have an interview with Debbie and Peter Thorpe of Aurora Crystals.  Debbie and Peter attend the BSSK shows with their wonderful selection of crystals, jewellery and examples of Debbies' artwork.  Many thanks to them for taking the time to do this for us and we look forward to seeing them at the shows next year.



To start with, could you tell us a bit more about yourselves?



Peter is a semi-retired Chartered Accountant, formerly Finance Head of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, now consultant on a further Wildlife project "The Coastal Grazing Marshes in Lincolnshire".  Having worked for conservation for the last 20 years of his life, his main passions are watching wildlife, especially in the wild places of Scotland, walking and working with crystals on our stall.



Debbie has been an artist since she was old enough to hold a pencil, has always drawn from imagination from being very young, was destined for art school but had to choose a "sensible" career of becoming a secretary and working in a well-known High Street bank, but then raising a family of 3 amongst a menagerie of animals, from domestic dogs and cats, to goats, chickens, sheep and horses and then moving on to her true spiritual path of being a healer and spiritual artist.  For many years painted as a professional Wildlife artist whilst still working with horses, but then hung up her grooms boots to become a Crystal Healer and work at the MBS shows.  Trained in the Crystal Diploma by the SVA, she is also a Reiki practitioner, has studied Aura Soma,  Master  Colour Healing and Quantum Touch.  In the 45 years we have spent together, Peter has been the one who has enabled all these passions to come to fruition.



What treasures can we find on your stalls?



Everything, from natural specimens and clusters to beautiful Hekimer Diamonds, Master Crystals, working crystals for healers, beautiful carvings of animals and crystal skulls, polished specimen peices, spheres and a wide range of tumblestones to suit all tastes and purposes with written explanations prepared by Debbie from her long experience of working with them.  Crystal jewellery from pendants to bracelets and original artwork as examples of what Debbie produces on a commission basis.



How do you source your crystals?



Crystals are sourced from a very wide range of suppliers in the UK, many specialists in their own fields and are all personally chosen by ourselves.  We aim to carry a wide range of different crystals so that customers can choose something that is very personally pleasing , whether to work with or to place in their environment, to wear or just carry if they feel it will help empower their well being.  If advise is sought then Debbie has prepared many explanations customers may take free of charge so that they may make a choice based on their own intuition.



What inspires your artwork and how do you feel you have evolved creatively?



My artwork is inspired intuitively on a spiritual level for each individual client and is drawn from my love of portraiture and animals.  It has evolved from working as a professional Wildlife artist for many years to a deep intuitive/spiritual level.  I owe much to my early training in "A" level art to my wonderful teacher Miss Oyler, who insisted on many hours spent life drawing and sitting outside drawing scenes around Lincoln Cathedral  (the school being very close by)  I feel honoured and privileged to work on commissions for customers and hope that what I bring forward both makes them happy and empowered in their own spirituality.



Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most?


Debbie:  As an avid reader from childhood, the list would be too long, but it ranges from Tolkiens' Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit read many, many years ago, Tolstoy, Shakespeare, Keats, Tennyson, W.B. Yeats, R.D.  Blackmores Lorna Doone, Bomber by Len Deighton, to Kenneth Grahames  Wind in the Willows.

 Later on my spiritual path it would be Lao Tzu (Chinese mystic) Sue and Simon Lilley on the Crystals, the life of Frank Fools Crow by Thomas E Mails, Caroline Myss, Harry Edwards and Melody - Love is in the Earth.



What is the best advice you've been given?



First crystal teacher,  Cassie  "Many answer, few are called."  From that I tried to learn to listen so that I may perhaps help someone find, through their own intuition, the path their inner teacher is trying to tell them to follow.



Lao Tzu "When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."



W B Yeats from Cloths of Heaven  "...tread softly because you tread on my dreams."



Can you name your Desert Island books/films?



Debbie:

Moulin Rouge
Dark Crystal
Anya Seton Katherine
Standing with Stones DVD - a Journey Through Megalithic Britain Rupert Soskin
Lord of the Rings Trilogy Tolkien
Portrait of  the Master (St Francis of Assisi)  James Twyman.

Jacqueline Winters Interview

On the eve of Elsecar we have an interview with Jacqueline Winters, the lady behind the "Messages from Mother Earth" cards.  Jacqueline will be doing a crystal workshop on sunday, a big thank you to her for taking the time to answer our questions and giving us an insight into her work.

1 - To start with could you tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi my name is Jacqueline Winters and I am totally in love with crystals!!!!   They really changed and improved my life, physically, mentally and emotionally and are still opening my mind and awareness to new levels of consciousness, even now, after listening to them educate me for over 30 years. 

When I was in my early 20s I developed a severe case of Asthma, and had a few intense experiences where I was rushed into hospital via ambulance with flashing lights and a siren no less !! I was very frightened and was prescribed strong drugs which gave me the shakes and seemed to make things worse, for me.

Someone offered me a crystal (blue lace agate ) and said it would make me better and at that time I would have tried absolutely anything. So I gave it a go and I actually started to feel better very quickly. I decided to go on a course to learn more about crystals and to see whether or not the crystal had helped me or if in fact it was the placebo effect. That was the start of my journey into the world of crystals.

Working with crystals has softened my inner voice,, I was exceptionally hard on myself and had created an image of who I wanted to be instead of allowing myself to be the perfect person that I was.. I felt so passionate about the recognition of energy that I had developed and the understanding of subliminal messages that I was receiving that I wanted to share the knowledge with everyone and so decided to have a go at writing a Therapist Diploma.. Being a Leo it is natural for me to want to to share but what wasn't so natural was my belief in my ability to do it, So I stepped out of my comfort zone and began writing

2 - Can you tell us the inspiration behind the cards.

In 2004 I opened the British Academy of Crystal healing,which was accredited by the FHT. This was my first major achievement and it felt so damn  good knowing that I had written it and it could help so many people.

I carried on writing and developed the ability to channel and trust the information that was coming through me. Not long after opening the Academy I felt the urge to express what the crystals were saying to me and was drawn to creating a set of divination cards To my absolute amazement some of the Messages from Mother Earth information came through in rhyme and coincidentally they were;launched on the 5th September 2011, my mums birthday ,The intention during creation was to capture the essence of the crystal in the card through colour and words so that anyone new to crystals could sense the energy of the crystal from the card until they had acquired the actual stone.

The feedback from students and sensitive people is that we did in fact manage to do this. I am sure we had a lot of help from the crystal kingdom.!!

3 - Are these cards good for people who want to use crystals but don't know where to start?

Absolutely, they have a  picture of the crystal for easy identification, information on the energy of the crystal and a rhyme for students to help them remember the  effect they have. There is also a card with details on how to use and suggested layouts to use with the cards.

4 - What kind of techniques have you devised to use the cards?

The techniques that are offered are to enhance the chakra system, unblock any imbalance within  the meridian lines through the fingers and to effect an even distribution of energy throughout the body. There is also  information on how to use the cards to enhance meditation. Of course all these techniques can be done with the real crystals as well once they have been purchased.

5 - Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most?

I like Melody " Love is in the Earth" but there are many good books written on crystals..

6 - What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

I have been given lots of good advice but I suppose the best has to be "follow your own truth, the answer is always inside YOU "

7 -Would you name 6 “Desert Island” books or films (ones you would like if you were stranded on a desert island - for young ones who don’t know about Desert Island discs!)

I like "A weekend at Bernies" dvd this film makes me howl laughing a great energy raising film, "dirty dancing" I am a romantic at heart, Avatar....... love it., Books would be The Celestine Prophecy,, Starbrow and Star warrior by Tim Ray have to be my favourites,

Guest Post - Andrea Miles

Morning!  What a beautiful morning it is - I hope it's sunny where you are.

When we asked for interviews a few people took the questions and used them as a guide for a blog post, which was a great idea.  Posting one this morning from Andrea Miles.  Many thanks to Andrea for a great post, she can found in person at BSSK shows, the next one is Elsecar 24-25 August and online at andreamilescrystals.co.uk

My career began as a teacher.  I trained in modern languages and teaching English as a foreign language.I have taught youngsters of all ages from nursery up to eighteen year olds in many schools in Yorkshire.

In 1986 my husband Gordon and I decided to adopt two abandoned children from Ecuador.  I spent three months there alone during this process and returned to England with two adorable babies, Jonathan and Laura.

It became more and more obvious that Jonathan's development was much slower than Laura's and by the time they were 1 year old, I knew we had serious problems. He was diagnosed as having autism, cerebral palsy and epilepsy and was put on a cocktail of medication which just made him worse.  I joined a local support group and discovered that many children thrived on an additive free diet, limiting dairy produce, refined products such as white flour and all junk food.  I went to a health kinesiologist  muscle tested for a complete list of foods and drinks he could and could not have.   Within weeks I noticed a difference and he began to progress slowly and amazingly his epilepsy came under control without drugs.  Two other therapies which also helped him was homeopathy and cranial osteopathy. 

 I became involved in other self help groups which eventually led me to a spiritual development group and I knew then that I had found my path.  I gave up teaching and went on a three year natural healing course at the College of Healing in Malvern. It was one of thehappiest times of my life and I developed a deep love of crystals and other natural approaches to goodhealth and well being.  I converted our garage into a therapy room and filled it with crystals and artefactswhich made it a beautiful, spiritual place enjoyed by so many people.  

Unfortunately this came to a sudden end when my husband had a stroke.  I found I could no longer have clients to the house as his needs along with my son's were taking up all of my time.  As Gordon gradually improved, I was told about BSSK and decided to change my approach to healing by selling crystals and crystal jewellery.  The experience I had gained working from home stood me in good stead to be able to help people choose what would be beneficial to them.  I always choose my stones personally and I know intuitively which I would need for my stand.  Similarly with the jewellery, I select hand made pieces which are filled with loving energy and beauty.  I thought I would miss practicing as a therapist but quickly realised that I could see so many more people at Mind Body Spirit shows and continue my work. 

 I now work with my daughter Laura at many shows, mostly in the north of England and have hundreds of regular visitors who come and ask advice and buy from me.  I am so happy that my daughter has  a love of crystals too and wants to continue to work with them.  She has been able to travel to India and Nepal and select stones at source and hopes to be able to expand this area of our business.  We both believe that although there are many books written about crystals, the most successful way is to use intuition.   So many times when customers have made a choice, they read up about the particular stone and find it is just what they need. When I look back and see how my life has has changed, I know I am blessed.  

I found my path through the problems with my son and husband. The hardships and frustrations were there to lead me to where I am today.   I have been helped mentally emotionally and spiritually to cope through the people I've met, my guides and guardian angels.  The lesson I have learned is to trust in the process.  This is the antedote to anxiety and frustration.

One of my favourite books is The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.  The lines that really inspire me and urge me to carry on are:  

 "And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb

            And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance"