Amy Maloney

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"Art of the Rosary" grew out of a class I took in wire wrapped earrings.  I noticed a traditional rosary hanging on the wall which had been made by a customer.  It inspired me to surprise a friend, a devout Irish Catholic. with a rosary handmade just for her.  I used small emerald green beads, clear large beads with sterling accents, and completed it with a sterling St. Patrick centerpiece and a Celtic cross.  She absolutely loved it and encouraged me to make more.

Since then I have been creating personal rosaries using beautiful components gathered from around the world.  A sparkling rosary is a pleasure to handle and makes ones prayer more meaningful.  I like to use Swarovski crystal and pearls for their durability, consistency and rainbow of colors.  Natural gemstones such as agate, apatite, sodalite and amethyst add nature's rich patterns, textures and resonance. To make a rosary truly unique I seek out lampwork beads crafted by self-representing glass artists.  These stunning beads are works of art in themselves, with special adornments and inclusions such as silver and frit.  Metal components may be base metal, pewter, sterling or gold based on a customer's wishes and wallet.

I particularly enjoy filling requests for cancer awareness rosaries employing specific colors with matching awareness ribbon beads and featuring a medal of St. Peregrine, the Patron Saint of cancer victims.  I have been told that recipients of these special purpose rosaries are so grateful they cry upon seeing them.

It is fun designing rosaries for children.  A baptismal rosary makes a lovely keepsake for new parents.  A rosary to honor a first communion can be colorful and eyecatching, and sized for a young hand will encourage a child to learn how to pray the rosary.

Whether traditional ("Celtic Blessing"), contemporary ("Autumn Prayers") or my hot new "Rock Star" rosary, there is something for every taste to enhance the devotional experience.