Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Ok, it is time to announce the winner of my necklace naming contest. And the winner is...drumroll please.....

Mermaiden Creations!!

The name ideas that you all provided were great! I loved reading them. There seemed to be a theme of moon, sun, blood. That is very understandable from the style of the necklace. But, the one entry that made me stop in my tracks and gasp was Mermaiden's. She said:

"Sorry, my friends, this piece is called 'Initiation'. Oh yes it is."

Oh yes it is, my dear mermaid friend. The shadow filled images that are invoked with that word are the perfect bit of mystery that I was looking for.

So, "Initiation" it is. Thanks to everyone who offered their suggestion. Oh, and I would like to extend a special prize to my fellow Fantasy Artist Team Member "K" from The Haunted Studio Under the Stairs. His name idea was "Heche en Mexico". For him I have a swift kick in the arse.

This Week in the Studio...and a Contest...

What a busy week!! I am desperately trying to stock up for summer art shows in the midst of kids, teaching jewelry classes, and having a new roof put on our house. I am so excited about our beautiful old home getting a new roof! I shall post pictures as it moves along. Here is a sneak peak at some of the beauties that I will be listing in my Etsy shop this week.

"Quite Contrary" made almost entirely from vintage bits and baubles that I have found on my treasure hunts.

Copper and vintage blue pearl adjustable ring

Steampunk rings

Unnamed sterling silver and red crystal necklace~ what is your name idea?

**Edited 3-22-10**

I've decided to turn this into a small contest! Post your name ideas here for my sterling silver and red crystal necklace and if I pick your name, I'll send you a handmade adjustable copper ring with your choice of bead colors!

Luck O' The Irish

May you always have
Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire.

~Irish Blessing

Here are a few of my favorite bits of Irish music. You cannot help but feel happy when you listen to these! One of my very favorite bands is The Pogues, and when they sing with the Dubliners- ooh! How can it get any better??







I am very proud of my Irish heritage, proud to be connected to this culture that is so strong and has persevered through so many hardships. Irish history is rich with stories and legends that I find SO amazing, I could sit for days on end devouring all of the wonderful tales and history.
So, today is the perfect day to hoist a Guinness high into the air and celebrate! Be thankful for what you have. Find the positive in a bad situation. Celebrate that bit of Irish warrior that is hidden deep in everyone, that part of you that gets you through any situation. Happy Paddy's Day!

I will leave you with quote from my Irish grandmother "If your going to kill each other, go outside. I don't want blood on the carpet!"

Sláinte!

Etsy's Front Page

How exciting!! My second time on the front page and this time I was lucky enough to actually see it! I watched my Vintage Garden necklace jump up 1016 views and 76 hearts, and after almost an hour on the front page it sold. I actually have 2 other necklaces that are similar to this one in the works right now.

Boreas and the Snow Moon

February's full moon appeared larger than life, twinkling in the crisp winter sky last night. This full moon is known as the snow moon because the heaviest amounts of snowfall occur in February. Because of this, hunting became extremely difficult for native tribes in the north and east, and some of these tribes referred to February's full moon as the Hunger moon, hinting at dark and miserable times.

In Greek mythology, BOREAS was the purple-winged god of the north wind, bringer of snow, one of the four directional Anemoi (wind-gods). He was also the god of winter, who swept down from the cold northern mountains of Thrake, chilling the air with his icy breath. Boreas is depicted as being very strong, with a violent temper to match. He was frequently shown as a winged old man with shaggy hair and beard wearing a billowing cloak.


This creation is my representation of Boreas. It is centered around a beautiful slice of druzy geode quartz that is a gorgeous silvery grey with tones of purple throughout. The crystals in the center sparkle like ice in the winter sun. The coiled wraps represent Boreas billowy cloak and taper off to end in windswept spirals. The bail is intricately woven and wraps down and around an irridescent bead to end in two spirals on the front.



This piece was created for the Fantasy Artists' monthly dare based on the full moons. Stay tuned for more on the FAEteam dare and some great pieces from other talented fantasy artists!