I used a lot of rose quarts and amethyst, some fresh water pearls, a couple of garnets (my birthstone), and some crystals that reminded me of the baby’s birthstone (I was unable to find the actual birthstone). These were the stones that seemed to hold significance for me right now. I also used sage green seed beads as spacers and added in a couple of silver Celtic knot charms that I was drawn to.
There are lots of articles and information on prayer beads around the web. I don’t have time to post a bunch of links right now, but if you do a simple search, you should be able to turn up some interesting stuff.
A note on the rag balls, since several people requested instructions. I based mine off of a pattern for a felt ball found in The Children’s Year by Stephanie Cooper, Christine Fynes-Clinton and Marye Rowling. I think that they would be really lovely in felt too, by the way, and I have plans to make one of that sort in the future! The extent of the “pattern” is a pentagram that can be traced to make a template (it would be simple enough to make your own) and instructions to cut 12 of them and sew them together to create a dodecahedron. Leave one seam open for stuffing. The books warns that you must stuff them quite firmly or they will loose there shape. As for the details, you kind of have to figure that out on your own! I, personally, had some issues with figuring out the placement for piecing the top, but with just playing around a bit, I figured it out with little difficulty. If any of you do get around to making one, please come back and post a link for me, I would love to see them!
I saw that Living Crafts article, too and have the book by that author.
i should show the the prayer beads/necklace I recently made.
When my 13 year old got her first “moon” some of the special women in her life sent along red beads for her to string into a prayer bead loop. Such a cool idea!
Another interesting project blending spirit with beading is making your own rose beads (one of the traditional methods of making a rosary). They are made by cooking and mashing rose petals into a paste and stringing to dry. Spices and rose oil are sometimes added for scent.