Mermaiden Creations in the Otherworld

Colors of My Heart

2012-01-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

Black looks good on roses. It's not a singularly Gothic look, it's got a strangeling beauty to it. Deep romance. I love you darkly.
Red roses are all fairy tale. Blood stories and twining brambles. A blade, a heart, red dreams.

Rose Black

A Rose For You

Rose Red

Roses Are Black, Like My Heart

Hearts-A-Bustin'

2012-01-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

I'm fashioning a bevy of Valentine inspired pieces to show to our hometown eco-boutique. Atomic Garden is the most gorgeous shop and I am so proud they have been carrying my work with lovely success!

Here are some new items I'm offering them next week:

Glass Jewels

2011-12-01T16:47:00.000-08:00

I have long been obsessed with ancient Roman glass and finally have put my own hand and eye to the creation of some special designs. Sterling silver and precious metal clay accents are a gorgeous touch.

These ancient fragments are found all over the ancient Roman world, and today the most plentiful sources seem to be Israel and Afghanistan. The glass has been buried for many centuries- some of it even more than 2,000 years. They've been drilled and shaped recently, but retain the gorgeous iridescence that has developed through centuries of chemical reaction to the environment. The climate in the Middle East combines hot temperatures and flash flooding; the centuries of this exposure caused chemical changes in the glass in conjunction with the minerals present in the soil. The iridescence produced is simply stunning, and these shards absolutely become jewels the way they refract the light and change colors.

Ancient Roman Glass and Silver Spirals

Ancient Roman Glass and Gemstones

Ancient Roman Glass and Silver Discs

A New Look

2011-11-17T13:17:00.000-08:00

Oh I can't help but be punny sometimes.

Eye of the Dragon Necklace

Cat Eye Crystals

Medieval Hair Stick

The Victorian Seer

Out of the Cauldron

2011-09-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

Simmering and stewing, boiling and brewing, some things wicked and wonderful have come.

Mermaid and Swan Fairytale Witch Hat

Midnight Blue Butterflies Witch Hat

Red Roses Silk Witch Hat

All these hats, and more, available at Mermaiden Creations on Etsy!

Of Plumes and Blooms

2011-07-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

Gentle and lovely white feather encased in glass.

Iridescent ivory peacock plumes paired with airy champagne-tinged hen feathers, trailing from a sheer taupe rose.

taupe chiffon feathered rose

Graceful curving swan spirals, copper beset with labradorite feathers.

copper swan earrings

Sunlight on the Forest Floor

2011-05-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Goddess of the Hunt, the Forest, the Moon. Virgin of the woods and protectress of the Womb. King-maker, Queen of Witches. Diana, Artemis, tribal maiden...

dark roses in the woods

bright maidens and wreathed,catching beams of sunlight.

The Play of Light

2011-04-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Water Though Frozen by Mermaiden Creations

Our nature does not change by will

In the winter, 'round the ruined mill

The creek is lying, flat and still

It is water though it's frozen

~Joanna Newsom

I was drawn to the energy created by the play of light within stillness and created some earrings which capture what it was that intrigued me.

You Remain Ageless by Mermaiden Creations

Maiden. Mother. Crone.

2011-04-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

I am she who has no name

and a thousand names.

I am the Virgin,and the unicorn

sleeps in my lap; the crescent moon

bends to my bowstring.

This is my sacred grove,

my maiden bower.

Here I hunt the deathless quarry,

Here I run the restless race,

Here you may glimpse my foot

and dance with my shadow.

Here you may dream.

I am she who has no face
and a thousand faces.
I am the Mother, and my belly
is big with the moon, live
with the fishes of the sea.
This is my grove, my sacred grove,
my birthing bed.
Here I ride the stag into dawn,
Here I blossom to the bee,
Here you may drench yourself in my dew
and bathe in a fountain of milk.
Here you may drink.

I am she who has no secret
and a thousand secrets.
I am the Crone, and the snake
coils round my arm; the sickle moon
lies ready to hand.
This is my grove,my sacred grove,
my burial chamber.
Here I gather my harvest,
Here I draw down the darkness,
here you may seek me or seek to escape
and still find my gates.
Here you may die.

Invocation by Elizabeth Cunningham

Adornments by Mermaiden Creations

It Has Sprung!

2011-03-21T12:59:00.000-07:00


i have found what you are like
the rain
(Who feathers frightened fields
with the superior dust-of-sleep. wields
easily the pale club of the wind
and swirled justly souls of flower strike
the air in utterable coolness
deeds of gren thrilling light
with thinned
newfragile yellows
lurch and.press
--in the woods
which
stutter
and
sing
And the coolness of your smile is
stirringofbirds between my arms;but
i should rather than anything
have(almost when hugeness will shut
quietly)almost,
your kiss: e.e. cummings

Let There Be Snakes

2011-03-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

Snakes on Paddy's Day?
Oh, indeed.
And a wee something green or two...

Copper Snake Skin Earrings at Mermaiden Creations

Key to the Emerald City at Mermaiden Creations

Dragon Clan Amulet at Mermaiden Creations

Glowing Absinthe Rose Clip at Mermaiden Creations

Fairy Tale Forest

2011-03-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

Something's make me wander. Soft woods. Delicate blossoms against rough bark. Filtered light, just so...

Forest Rose Fairy Tale Earrings

Forest Rose Fairy Tale Ring, from my private collection

Dusky Blue Rose Hair Clip

A Silver Bee

2011-02-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

Bee Spiral Fine Silver Necklace

Like trains of cars on tracks of plush

I hear the level bee:
A jar across the flowers goes,
Their velvet masonry

Withstands until the sweet assault
Their chivalry consumes,
While he, victorious, tilts away
To vanquish other blooms.

His feet are shod with gauze,
His helmet is of gold;
His breast, a single onyx
With chrysoprase, inlaid.

His labor is a chant,
His idleness a tune;
Oh, for a bee's experience
Of clovers and of noon!

The Bee, by Emily Dickinson

Douce, N'est-ce pas?

2011-02-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

Caught up in the sweet romance February brings...

Rose Essence. I kept this for myself! I couldn't resist; precious metal clay bouquet with pink mystic quartz like drops of rosewater, strung on antique mauve seed beads and closes with a ruby and rhodochrosite clasp.

Rosebud Earrings with pink andalusite

Beloved Amethyst Earrings

Questions and Answers

2011-01-26T12:54:00.000-08:00

Keys are one of those symbols that speak softly but have much to say. For some, they whisper of mysteries waiting to be unlocked, searching for the right keyhole. For others, they are where one's secrets are coveted and the keeper is the guardian of a great treasure.
What does it mean when you give some a key? Are you bestowing answers, or sending them on a quest?

For me, keys are all the more meaningful the older they are. The wonderment is more amazing and the curiosity deeper.
I have a collection of antique Victorian skeleton keys that date from the late 1800's to the early 1900's, and I am absolutely intrigued by them. Recently it struck me as golden, to pair them with a hoard of seed beads from the same period and I have beaded simple chains for a striking effect.

For your enjoyment and intrigue, may I present Victorian Skeleton Keys, by Mermaiden Creations...

The Magic Three

Antique Allure

Often Offbeat

2011-01-18T11:55:00.000-08:00

Well, today I have more sharing to do. Of stuffs and baubs, a divulgence of a thing or two.

Girls Prefer Skulls by MermaidenCreations

I'm not-so-good at the blog award thing, and never play by rules as they've been written or requested. But in appreciation of my FAE friend Aquariann and the kind way she has turned her thoughts toward me, I thought I would show you my favorite work of art by her.

And to partially play along, I will let you all in on my most favoritest fragrance in all the world. This is a smell that when I first breathed it in, I was transported. To another somewhen or where, I do not know, but I am inexorably commanded by this scent. Labdanum is this most magical and ancient resin, and my favorite form to date is made by none other than Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, which is a spectacular must-visit. Event Horizon makes my eyes roll back in my head every time I put it on. If you read the description on this page, you'll see why!
Another perfumer whom I am in awe of without even trying any of her concoctions, is Illuminated Perfume. Roxana loves labdanum...and bees.

And now without further ado, meet Peridot dragon.

Love and Roses

2011-01-17T12:53:00.000-08:00

That day is fast approaching. The one where those in new love lavish specialness upon one another, where those lonely for love eat a gallon of ice cream, those bitter from love drink a fifth and crush the blooms on the bush, and those old married lovers buy a blender for the house.

Shall I share some love and roses with you?

My Wooden Heart

Blood Red Rose

Heart's Blood

Valentine's beauties and more at Mermaiden Creations.

Bon Anniversaire Jehanne D'Arc

2011-01-06T09:54:00.000-08:00

Perhaps today, January sixth, marks the day of Joan of Arc's birth.

Though scholars are uncertain, I couldn't let the possibility go unremarked upon.

In the past I have paid her tribute here, but for today I will leave you with images rather than words.

JW Waterhouse Saint Joan

Medieval Jehanne D'Arc

Millais Joan of Arc

New Territory

2011-01-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

I have finally delved into the abundant stash of PMC and sterling silver supplies I have. Yes, I have been hoarding them. For an embarrassingly long time. I suppose I have been anxious about my skills and ability to do justice to these precious materials, but something in me snapped and I knew it was time to just try.

I am rather well pleased with my first simple attempts. I hope you don't mind me sharing:

Moon and Star Labradorite Moonstone

Ancient Leaves Prehnite

Calla Lilies

Bee Goddess Relics

All these earrings are listed in my shop, Mermaiden Creations.

Roses In December

2010-12-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

Indeed, there are a few roses lingering in my garden, beneath rain-soaked leaves and despite the chilly fog.

These however, are safe and snug in my shop.

Mauve Roses Gray Pearls Earrings

Pale Mauve Pink Chiffon Rose Hair Clip

Raspberry and Lime Roses Earrings

Raspberry Pink Chiffon Rose Hair Clip

Bouquet of Roses

2010-12-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

New offerings from Mermaiden Creations. I have finally finished enough rose hair clips to list a lovely bouquet. I didn't realize how time consuming this method of crafting the blossoms would be, but the results are quite worth it in my humble opinion!
I imagine creating a beautiful rose garden in a gorgeous up-do, choosing several blooms (even in different colors) to tuck in amongst your locks.
Of course, a sexy sweep on the side also works for me ;]

Pure White Rose Clip

Aqua Blue Rose Clip

Absinthe Green Rose Clip

Pale Blue Rose Clip

Bouquet of Red Roses Hair Clips

Stuff It

2010-12-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

I mean a stocking, of course ;]

Look at all these wonderful wee pressies that are each $13 and under- perfect for tucking into a curly-toed sock! All available, ready to ship at MermaidenCreations on Etsy.

Poison Apple Green Glass Earrings

Swept Away Feather Pendant

Crescent Moon Stamped Necklace

Cobalt Blue Moondrops Earrings

Fairy Tale Secrets To Adorn You

2010-11-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

I love really old objects, bits and baubs, relics from past times filled with mystery. The hands that touched them, the secrets they hold.
Keys have their own curiosity, and antique ones have it exponentially. I have the most wonderful stash of skeleton keys from the late Victorian era, anywhere from 1890-1910. They are worn and nicked, tarnished and crusty, even after being cleaned. What treasures!

Fairy Tale Secrets Victorian Skeleton Key Necklace by Mermaiden Creations

Elements for a mysterious fairy tale, not quite sure of the ending. Silk roses, a fair auburn-tressed maiden, sparkling jewels, a very old key, and a skull.

Lady of Lilies

2010-10-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

The Calla Lily, by Albert E.S. Smythe

When the lofty peerless lily,
Silver-browed and chastely chilly,
Hides the dream on which she museth
What a world the poet loseth!

Lady of Lilies Witch Hat

She is queenly on her stem,

Though she wear no diadem,
And she knows she is a queen,
Self-contained, self-ruled, serene;
No supremacy requiring,
No predominance desiring,

Owning such estate of beauty
Reverence becomes a duty.
Thus there dwells the stainless form
Even fancy fails to warm
With the dainty blossom-hues

Morning freshens with her dews.

photographs courtesy of Peter Ferioli

Lucky Ladies, Winning Women

2010-10-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

Delighted to announce that a random number generator has named Annette from The Ward House as the *winner* of my Halloween Party Giveaway!
Congrats to you, my dear- your vintage mermaid will be on her way to you as fast as the waves can carry her.

Well, I was so pleased with all the lovely comments left on my party post that I decided to throw a couple more ornaments into the pointy hat and make it a magical THREE winners :D

Winner number 2 is Gypsy Moon Art Studios! She will be receiving this Leonardo DaVinci renaissance woman ornament:

Winner number 3 is Carousel Dreams! She will be receiving this Wizard of Oz ornament:

Welcome Witches

2010-10-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

Well come indeed! Delighted you could stop by for a spell. I was up rather late last night, summoning a fine creation whilst the wee ones in my house were all abed. So today brings a very gentle, subdued, and small-scale celebration in anticipation of the arrival of Hallowe'en - certainly the most wonderful time of the year.

Be sure to stop by the spectacular festivities going on at A Fanciful Twist, hostess extraordinare and mistress of this grand blog party extravaganza. There's a long list of revelers there for you to party into the wee hours with!

I set a little table in the garden, and wondered who would come at the call of the invitation I whispered on the wind. Small ears, tiny feet, my guests sat themselves and relaxed in the mellow Autumn light.

I did specify one detail about my guests' attire. I insisted on a pink and black theme. A favorite combination of mine which each visitor adapted to their personal style.
Except for Pirouetta there- she had the audacity to copy my outfit almost exactly. I suppose I should feel complimented, but the stripes are my signature- and her pink velvet is prettier than mine!
I told her so and I think I hurt her feelings :(

But there was tea to be shared, and memories to be spoken of. Of past times and other places.

Skully Madame spun Victorian yarns about her days amongst the living, and held the rapt attention of her little rosy-faced audience.

Varali wove mysterious tales about faraway lands and brave deeds.

We sat, rapt, until it was time for farewells at the bottom of our cups. A lovely gathering altogether, but alas a milliner witch's work is never done...

So without further ado may I present for your ensorcelled pleasure, the final design of 2010, Dance With Persephone. One of a kind millinery masterpiece available from Mermaiden Creations.

Before you bid adieu and your broomstick take up, I invite you to participate in my Giveaway, a chance to be the winner of this handmade soldered ornament bearing the image of a bare vintage mermaid, Parisian style, pale glass and glimmer.

How to enter? Just follow my blog and leave a comment (please say something nice, ok?). For another entry, give me a shout out somewhere, somehow. I'm not picky, and I trust you. Do make sure your blog profile has an email address associated with it, because I appreciate people who make my life easier. Winner to be announced on 10/23.
Bonne Chance! And thanks for stopping by.

Tantalizing and Inviting

2010-10-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Just a tidbit, a bonbon, a dainty to sugar-coat your imagination...and an Invitation to visit here Saturday October 16th for the annual Fanciful Twist Halloween Party, hosted en masse by the magical Vanessa, and individually celebrated by Moi.

Please join me for the reveal of a new Witch Hat, and for a Giveaway, and some glimpses into a faery witchy teatime.

That is All for today. See you Saturday, pointy hats on.

Forgotten Beauty

2010-10-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

I stepped into the garden, with the golden rays of Autumn illuminating petals and wings.

Dragonfly Wing Spirals Pendant

I considered the fragile, fleeting beauty of small worlds on the periphery of my vision.

Tattered Freedom Butterfly Wing Pendant

And I wondered at the eyes that seek beauty and the symbols that remind us...

The Eye of Beauty Stained Glass Pendant

To look for that which is lost or forgotten.

Gaze Into My Eyes Earrings

Mermaiden Creations on Etsy

Black as Midnight

2010-09-24T11:00:00.001-07:00

"Black as Midnight, black as pitch, blacker than the foulest witch!"

This witch hat is far from foul, but I can never resist that line from Blix the goblin in the film Legend. Here is an ode to dark beauty, with layers of softness all in black. The rose was hand formed from georgette, working by candle to singe and curl the edges perfectly. Layers and layers of petals flanked by downy feathers and a sugar-spun swathe of delicate tulle cascading down to reach the midpoint of a witch's back.

What better way to highlight beautiful accessories than to combine them with their polar opposites?

Moonlight spiderwebs...and crystal beetles...

...wicked elegance at Mermaiden Creations.

Ode to the Hedge Witch

2010-09-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

The woodland witch, making her way through the forest and stopping to pick some berries and flowers, whistle at friend birds and bugs. She stretches in the delight of autumn and breathes in all its magic.

A hedge witch is often a solitary practitioner, perhaps inheriting traditions of the cunning folk, the wise women who weave the borders and jump the hedge between the mundane world and The Other. In tune with nature, midwifery and herb lore, silent listener and vessel of knowledge.

Here is a pointy hat fit for a walk in the wood.

Autumn Blue Hedge Witch Hat at Mermaiden Creations.

Jade Blossom Rises

2010-09-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

A witch hat that's been in the making for years...it's a legend. Jade Blossom has its origins in a vintage Chinese silk coat that I've been holding onto, hoping one day the spots that the dry cleaners couldn't get out would miraculously disappear. To my disappointment they remained, and its future became bound.

I took an afternoon to cut up the coat and arrange the hat pattern pieces just right; I wanted to be able to use the pocket and frog closures in the design. There just wasn't enough fabric for two brim pieces and I almost used the coat's lining for one- until I realized one of my favorite dupioni silks was the perfect compliment.

The embellishments took another afternoon- I swear, you'd think I was a florist with all the arranging I did. Finally, the white blossoming branches arch out of the pocket just so. The organza rose took so much more fabric than I anticipated, but it's ethereal and delicate atop a spray of iridescent sequin fronds.

I like to accent the back of some hats, and for this one I chose a cut out of vintage lace. It's a rose with subtle gold threading, and it's hand stitched to the brim.

There is a gentle, water garden feeling to Jade Blossom.

Autumn Revels is Revealed

2010-09-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

A custom witch hat has taken to broom. Autumn Revels is a work in black velvet and smashing pumpkin hues; rust, copper, orange, bronze. Butterflies and bees and poppies. Fine vines winding and wrapping.

For every hat that finds a home, a piece of me goes with it. Be warned ;) For I sit, and sit, and sit with each one, fussing and adjusting, adding and removing. Until it is just right in its imperfection. For I know that somewhere there is a witch dreaming up her personality to me, projecting herself for me to conjure the threads of her special creation. And hey, if I don't hear you, you can always convo me at MermaidenCreations for a custom order!

Autumn is Nigh

2010-09-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

Gentle autumn colors and textures, a longing for cooler days and harvest elixirs. Nostalgia grabs the wheel while we're doing errands and songs on the radio become anthems of rosewater and yearning.

This witch hat beckons to walks in vineyards and orchards, with its pantone fall palette on tapestry, adorned with roses and leaves. A unique boutique chapeau by Mermaiden Creations.

Golden Autumn Witch Hat

Vintage sentiments and fragments of lost memories in a romantic arrangement is feminine but definitely not frou-frou. Hand formed silk roses and antique trims in this any-occasion statement necklace.

Blushing Vintage Rose Couture Necklace

Fading, falling, frail, found.

Real Dragonfly Pendant

Following the Rabbit

2010-08-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

So many versions of Alice and her wanderings, journeys light and dark. Symbols vary for each generation that her trip down the rabbit hole affects, but the wild and wonderful weird beauty remains a common thread.

Cheshire Cat eyes in the rose garden. A party hat for Alice, A Witch in Wonderland.

What doors does the Key to Love open?

Wonderland Couture, Stripes and Roses Scarf.

Victorian romance abounds in Vintage Decolletage Statement Necklace, Wonderland garden party splendor and a fairy tale offering.

Time of Roses

2010-08-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

It was not in the Winter
Our loving lot was cast;
It was the time of roses—
We pluck'd them as we pass'd!

That churlish season never frown'd
On early lovers yet:
O no—the world was newly crown'd
With flowers when first we met!

'Twas twilight, and I bade you go,
But still you held me fast;
It was the time of roses—
We pluck'd them as we pass'd!

~Thomas Hood

All designs available at Mermaiden Creations on Etsy; Something Blue Rose Choker, The River Daughter Crown, Roses at Dusk Statement Neklace

Garden of Dreams

2010-07-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

In my garden there is a large place for sentiment.

My garden of flowers

is also my garden of thoughts and dreams.

The thoughts grow as freely

as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful.

- Abram L. Urban

All designs found at Mermaiden Creations shop; Steampunk Garden Bling, Key to Love, Roses at Dusk

Upon Waking

2010-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

I dreamed last night of the Old Ones

Telling me of the sea

And secrets

Whispers like the bark on trees

Reaching Then and Yet

All at once

Drawing symbols on my skin

Circle upon circle

And there was no end

~Julie Ferioli 2010

Jewelry found at www.mermadencreatons.etsy.com, The Key to the Sea, Gaze Into My Eyes, The Spiral Dance

The Last Wave

2010-07-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

I cry for the lonely mermaid (whose lovers are bones below)

Salt spray stinging my eyes

Sea stained cheeks

Call of the gull, the wail of the maid (leading the ships to the rocks)

Crashing of the waves

Castle of rock spires

Rocking in my cradle (jetsam tossed upon The Vast)

Her song sails me home

Green glass washed upon the shore

~Julie Ferioli 2010

Mermaid Themed Jewelry found at my Etsy shop: Mermaid Memento Mori Necklace, Spiral Shell Sea Priestess Pendant, Lady of the Lake Sea Glass Pendant

What To Tell The Bees

2010-06-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

I have told the bees

He is gone from us;

I have given up gossamer prayers.

Carry roses, pacasandra, azaleas

The birch and dogwood to listen;

Send the song of his memories back to him.

He tends his garden

And remembers now,

Whispering his story on the wings of the bees.

~Julie Ferioli

Joseph Kellner Sager

September 21, 1921- May 26, 2010

Wishful Words for Wednesday

2010-05-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

You love the roses - so do I. I wish

The sky would rain down roses, as they rain

From off the shaken bush. Why will it not?

Then all the valley would be pink and white

And soft to tread on. They would fall as light

As feathers, smelling sweet; and it would be

Like sleeping and like waking, all at once!

~George Eliot

The Sacred Bee

2010-05-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

“I am All That Has Been, That Is, and That Will Be. No mortal has yet been able to lift the veil that covers Me.”

~Inscription from the walls of the now-lost Temple of Neith

The hum and thrum of graceful, purposeful wings dancing, like a mantra raised to the Universe. The flight of bees in a selfless search for beauty and transformation.

The World has revered bees over many millennia.

Rock paintings from the Paleolithic in Spain and from the Mesolithic in India show honey being gathered from hives. Jewelry from the Neolithic depicts bee designs. Australian aboriginal art shows honeycomb patterns. There are Sumerian carvings of bee worship and their physicians may have been the first to use honey bee products medicinally. In Africa one finds totemic art and beehive-shaped huts. Many Indian deities have bee associations and mythologies. Alexander the Great was said to be swathed in honey upon his death. Ancient Romans appreciated jewelry made from bees caught in amber. Bronze Age Ireland boasts clochan, hive-shaped huts, and there are Celtic, Scandinavian, and Chinese references (mead, honey, wax). Bees appeared in European heraldry, migrated to the Americas with “explorers” and found appreciation amongst indigenous peoples. Napoleon was called “The Bee”, and his coronation robes were decorated with 300 jeweled bees uncovered from Dark Ages King Childeric’s tomb. The Freemasons, the secret Sufi Society, the Mormons and the Priory of Sion all align with bees. The sound of bees has been reported by individuals in various states of transcendent consciousness, such as during Yoga, ritual participation, trance states, and in near death experiences.

Clochan

Pyramid at Saqqara

There are ancient cultures whose reverence and worship was extremely prevalent and important, however. There is so much symbolism and connectedness that it feels like a stream of consciousness association.

In Egypt:
The bee is a symbol of lower Egypt and is seen in temple carvings; honey was the tears of Ra; Neith was The Veiled Goddess and cited to be the mother of Ra; Neith’s temple was the House of the Bee and is where Plato heard of the account of Atlantis; bees are hymenoptera, stemming from hymen, meaning “veil winged”; Osiris’s sanctuary was The Mansion of the Bee; beginning with the first dynasty, pharaohs held the title of The Beekeeper; tomb paintings show that bees were part of daily life; there is a bee hieroglyph; predynastic rock carvings show antennaed head dresses and dancing women; the step pyramids look like hives; pharaonic headdresses (death masks) have bee-like striping; Babylonians embalmed their dead in honey; bees were born of Apis bulls (the scientific name for honey bees is apis mellifera) as a regeneration of souls and the Minoans believed this as well; the Minoan word for bee was “sphex” and they renamed the Giza statue “Sphinx”; honey flasks were found in King Tut’s tomb. Ancient Egyptians believed that bees were symbolic of resurrection and honey was the stuff of Life.

King Tutankhamun's death mask

In Mycenea/Minoan Crete/Anatolia/Greece/Rome:
Greeks were taught bee keeping by Minoans; Minoans believed bees were born of Apis bulls and signified the regeneration of souls; The Oracle at Delphi was called The Delphic bee; the Omphalos stone at Delphi is hive-shaped and covered with bee-like designs; Delphi housed prophetic bee priestesses who would ingest a honey substance before speaking the truth/prophesizing; Melissai/ Melissae are the Greek and Latin words for bee; priestesses at Cybele’s temple in Asia Minor, Greece and Rome were named Melissae; Cybele was a bee and cave goddess and prophetess; Zeus was born in a bee cave on Crete and as an infant was fed on honey; Zeus was called Melissaios, or Bee-Man; In Crete priestesses dressed as bees with many tiered hive-like skirts; Rhea was Zeus’ mother, held a bee title, was a Great Mother goddess and her Roman counterpart was Cybele; Mellonia was a Roman bee goddess whose image is depicted on ancient coinage; Aphrodite’s priestesses were Melissae and left honeycombs on her altar; statues of Artemis at Ephesus show bees on her legs and at her waist, and hive headdress; Artemis and her high priests were called Essenes, King Bees; tombs were shaped like beehives in Mycenea; bees dance to share the route to nectar; tomb seal shows bee goddess and priestesses dancing in their hive skirts; the Anatolian mother goddess wears a hive tiara; Deborah is the queen bee goddess of Anatolia and Mycenae; bee in Hebrew is DBRE, meaning Deborah; Deborah is mentioned in bible: Essenes are the forefathers of Christianity; the Land of Milk and Honey; honey was a divine offering and was seen as life-sustaining and used medicinally.

Dancing bee priestesses© Marija Gimbutas

Bees are Wisdom, Industry, Service, Fertility, Regeneration, Speakers with the Dead. Bees have an absolute matriarchal society. Honey Bees are disappearing at an alarming and critical rate today. They are shrouded in a mystery of death which foretells of disastrous results for Mother Earth.

Artemis at Ephesus

It is far beyond my ability to present all the references, symbolism, allusions, ties and chains which connect to the bee. If this gets you buzzed (sorry, I had to), my favorite bit of bee scholarship to date is Andrew Gough’s Arcadia. I learned a honeyed ton of information from him. It is a fascinating and thorough journey he leads you on, whereas I have only given you a tease here.

Gold plaques from Rhodes, 7th c, BCE

“The Bee has continued through the millennia as a symbol of the soul’s survival after death and limitless existence in the harmony of the Golden age of the World.”

~Robert Graves

Melissa Lavalier Bee Priestess Necklace by Mermaiden Creations

Walk in Dreams Wednesday

2010-05-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

Sunlight, moonlight,

Twilight, Starlight--

Gloaming at the close of day,

And an owl calling.

Cool dews falling

In a wood of oak and may.

Lantern-light, taper-light,

Torch-light, no-light:

Darkness at the shut of day,

And lions roaring,

Their wrath purring

In the wild waste place far away,

Elf-light, bat-light,

Touchwood-light, and toad-light,

And the sea a shimmering gloom and gray,

And a small face smiling

In a dream beguiling

In a world of wonders far away.

Dream-Song

~Walter de la Mare

Fight For Your Girls

2010-04-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

Athena's Armoury is hosting a seriously amazing raffle in support of breast cancer. The lady behind the chainmaille is one rad warrior princess, and she's training and fundraising for the Susan G. Komen 3-day Walk for the Cure. So many wonderful artists have donated their work for her raffle and I highly recommend that you check out all the prizes being offered. There are many of my friends and fellow FAE teammates among the contributors, and yours truly has created a mermaid piece, appropriately titled "Cop a Feel".

So many wonderful people I know have been touched by this disease and I honor them and everyone that has raised their shields in defense and taken up the fight.

Wilde Wednesday Words

2010-04-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Her ivory hands on the ivory keys

Strayed in a fitful fantasy,

Like the silver gleam when the poplar trees

Rustle their pale-leaves listlessly,

Or the drifting foam of a restless sea

When the waves show their teeth in the flying breeze.

Her gold hair fell on the wall of gold

Like the delicate gossamer tangles spun

On the burnished disk of the marigold,

Or the sunflower turning to meet the sun

When the gloom of the dark blue night is done,

And the spear of the lily is aureoled.

And her sweet red lips on these lips of mine

Burned like the ruby fire set

In the swinging lamp of a crimson shrine,

Or the bleeding wounds of the pomegranate,

Or the heart of the lotus drenched and wet

With the spilt-out blood of the rose-red wine.

~Oscar Wilde

Medieval Mood

2010-04-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Julia Margaret Cameron's Pre Raphaelite photograph.

Just a few treasures that came out of a Medieval mood that was upon me.

Washer at the Ford Earrings are more a play on the word rather than the summoning of the bean sidhe herself.

St George's Souvenir is a talismanic bit of dragon scale.

To Look Inside is a chatelaine styled necklace with tools for introspection; a key, a mirror, a locket...

The Sap Moon, The Crow Moon

2010-03-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Sap Moon, one of the many names March's full moon goes by, heralds the return of the sap to the trees in North America. Imagine the life blood rising slowly and sweetly, up the trunk and reaching outward to the branches, touching the new leaf stirrings with amber magic.
The sugar maple has the sweetest sap of all the trees, and it only runs for a very short time from the first thaw til the first buds (just 4-6 weeks).

The Crow Moon is another appellation for the moon of March, the black birds cawing out tidings of Spring. Crow, the shape-shifter, trickster, clever corvid of transformation. Collector of shinies, omen-laden, cackling in a murder.

The Fantasy Artists of Etsy (FAE team) host a monthly dare for it's members to create according to the theme of each month's moon. Here are the incredible items my fellow team mates were inspired to bring to life:

My own Snake Priestess Earrings. I wanted to use amber, for the sap, and had a completely different idea when I first started to make them. They manifested themselves, answering a chthonic call from the down-deeps with the moon as their witness. Amber, jet, moonstone, and snake vertebrae.

Maple Leaf Cartilage Chain Earring by Merigreenleaf

Keep the Sap Flowing Bracelet by ErtheFae

Crow Descending from the Moon by SplendidFish

Thought Memory and Moon, The Mad Raven Conspiracy of Spring by Carapace

Raven Moon Neck Ruff by NightLilyDesign

Crow Moon Necklace and Earrings by Anika's Art

Raven Crow Moon Statue by PhenomeGNOME, who also has some cool fairy checks you might want to check out!

Think Greek

2010-03-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

I've had Ancient Greece much on my mind of late- ok, it's often on my mind but significantly more so recently. There is such rich archaeology to be studied and discovered that it holds me spellbound. I was graciously gifted with a bounty of serpent treasure by my friend Erika at Kika's Fancy and though I felt like I had a thousand ideas, I was having a terrible time putting anything "right" together. Then a muse smacked me in the head and I had it. Inspired by the Snake Goddess figurines uncovered at Knossos, Crete, snake vertebrae ear adornments heavy with imagery... Minoan Relic Earrings.

Shortly after I finished another pair in this series, I came across two archaeology articles about Crete, both stunning and spectacular in their own right.

It seems that recent excavations have provided evidence of not only very early habitation of the island, but also the ability of pre humans to have used sea travel incredibly earlier than previously thought. The earliest maritime voyagers were placed at 60,000 years ago, but these stone tools on Crete have been dated to at least 130,000 years ago, and possibly much earlier than that. (Click here for a wonderfully bookish article on the subject.)

Additionally, deliciously, new areas have been excavated at Eleutherna, Crete which have uncovered enormous urn burials and a monument tomb of a dynasty of priestesses. These womens' remains are familial; there was a 200 year matrilineal bloodline interred and a wealth of grave goods, including ritual implements of enormous value even at that time, the 8th century BC. This was touted as one of archaeology's top 10 finds for 2009.

This is a Greek terracotta applique of a Gorgon, found at Ancient Touch. She has wings and snakes on her head, pink pigment on her lips and blue on her eyes. Only 3.4", from the 2nd century BC.

Minoan Snake Goddess, 1600 BCE, Knossos, Crete

She Walks Among Us

2010-03-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the return of The Maiden, of Kore, She-Who-Comes-Again. Persephone returns to the above world, trailing flowers in her wake, smiling warmth and radiant youth on the land.

She is one of the most spectacular deities in her dual role of balancing life and death, the One who walks the circle and leads us in ongoing transformation. I dispel the myth of her raped-and-stolen story and allow her to embrace her destiny as the Sacred Bride, not to have her sacrifice be diminished by rumors of victimization. She is not running home to her mother, crying upon her forced return to the world below. She rises with Spring and flings her arms wide, and then descends with Winter all-gathered in her dark embrace. (for more on my murmurings on Persephone's mysteries, read here...)

And so, I hail the Ineffable Maiden, and welcome her footsteps, with "Persephone Rising".

Sometimes She Sank, Sometimes She Swam

2010-03-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

For long and long have I been captivated by the murder ballad of The Miller and the King's Daughter. There are many and more names this story goes by; The Twa Sisters, The Wind and Rain, The Cruel Sister, The Bonny Swans, and on. It is first known to have surfaced in 1656 and over time and geography has many varied versions. Passion crime, wicked siblings, impossible enchantments...the perfect story to share on a day celebrating Irish heritage!

A jealous elder sibling drowns her fair young sister over the want of a man, allowing her to wash away down the river. Her body, water-borne, seems to be a dead swan upon the current. She is found and transformed into an enchanted harp, which sings of a sister's treachery.

I believe the first I heard of this song was a version by Clannad, but I am not certain it wasn't the Jerry Garcia Band which introduced me to the tale. There are so many artists who have performed one of the traditional versions, but some have re-written the themes into their own version, which is what I share today from Loreena McKennitt. This video is glorious; rich with medieval and fairytale imagery, and Loreena's haunting voice.

So here I present my Steampunk assemblage interpretation of a tragic tale, but one full of magic and gorgeous imagery.

Steampunk Fairytale Bonny Swan Necklace, by Mermaiden Creations

Weaving Words for Wednesday

2010-03-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

Steampunk Pink Spun Spider Collar

Weaver of beauty, designing the day
With splashes of lavender, shading to blue,
How lovely the pattern your fingers portray;
You weave with perfection the color and hue,
With corals you fashion the tint of the dawn
And stars lose the luster that silvered the night;
With amber you jewel the dew on the lawn,
Your shuttles are flashes of radiant light,
You brighten with opals the rain in the air,
While boisterous winds toss the warp on your loom;
At evening you spangle the heavenly stair
And crimson the shadows that enter my room.
I love you, Weaver, designer of art,
For tapestries hung on the walls of my heart.

~Unidentified poet, included in Golden Bridle Poetry Patterns

The Snow Moon

2010-02-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

The full moon tonight is a SuperMoon. I have visions of Luna wearing a sparkling silver cape and brandishing a starlit bow and arrow, but in actually it is a scientific phase and not of the Marvel universe.

The Moon is at its perigee, when it is closest to the Earth during its monthly orbit. It appears about 14% bigger, and because it is also at its fullest, it appears *really* big. Super, actually.

I pay homage to Lady Luna with these pieces inspired by the FAE team Monthly Dare. February is known as the Snow Moon, one name amongst many, but I chose to reflect on this name because the effect of the full moon at its perigee shining over all the snow that has fallen this winter must be an utterly dazzling sight.

May I present Snowy Moonlight Earrings, and Moonlight Faery Ballroom Necklace.

Roses For You

2010-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond
any experience,your eyes have their silence:
in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,
or which i cannot touch because they are too near

your slightest look will easily unclose me
though i have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skilfully,mysteriously)her first rose

or if your wish be to close me, i and
my life will shut very beautifully ,suddenly,
as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending;
nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals
the power of your intense fragility:whose texture
compels me with the color of its countries,
rendering death and forever with each breathing

(i do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens;only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
nobody,not even the rain,has such small hands

~ee cummings

In Celebration of Wolfsong

2010-02-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

Howling at the backside of the January moon, the Wolf Moon as it gathers into itself and yields to the next fullness, there is more tribute to be paid from the Fantasy Artists of Etsy. So with a wolfish grin, of course, may I present three very different interpretations, fascinating in their representations of legend, mythology, and spirituality.

Wolf Hunter Chain Maille Necklace by Athena's Armoury has a distinctive blending of European and Native American talismanic qualities. Deeper meanings lie hidden in the piece and old ways of living with the land and its inhabitants are revealed.

Star Stretch by Aquariann reverts to ancient connections with the gods; a respect for the power and strength of the animal, the reverent associations people made between nature and deities associated with the wolf.

She Offered Her Throat by Mermaiden Creations (that'd be me) is a sharing of a macabre Victorian story:

Weary of words, of the needle and tame tea, she heard the howl and followed the call out into the Wildwood, under the exposed throb of the full moon.
Casting aside lace and pearl she offered her throat where Fear resides, to fang and fur and moonsong.
And apparently, it was delicious.

*edit to original post*
I was reminded of a song by Meatloaf which could have been the inspiration for this necklace (and maybe it was, in part, buried in my high school unconscious memories- thank you Renate of Stregata fame!)

On a hot summer night, would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?
Will he offer me his mouth? Yes! Will he offer me his teeth? Yes!
Will he offer me his jaws? Yes! Will he offer me his hunger? Yes!
Again, will he offer me his hunger? Yes! And will he starve without me? Yes!
And does he love me? Yes!
Yes! On a hot summer night would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?
Yes! I bet you say that to all the boys.

The Wolf Moon, The Old Moon

2010-01-25T12:51:00.000-08:00

The ever-inspiring Fantasy Artists of Etsy are my fellow FAE collaborators in the first of this year's monthly challenges, based on lunar appellation; Moon Names. A call to conjure and create! January is known as the Wolf Moon, and the Old Moon.

The Wolf Moon moniker is obvious; with chilling intensity the pack howls outside the walls of skin, of wood, of stone in the long cold nights, perhaps ever louder as the Moon waxes.

But what of the epithet of Old Moon? In my wanderings I couldn't find any reasons why the first moon of the calendar should be nicknamed so. Certainly the Moon IS old, like 4.6 billion years old. But the peoples who made the designation most likely didn't base their decision on a such a concept.

What did ring true for me has to do with Earthshine. Reflected sunlight illuminates the Moon's night side so that along with the full bright of the crescent, a pale glow of the remaining surface is visible. This phenomenon (thank you Mr. DaVinci for pointing it out) has come to be called the old Moon in the new Moon's arms. And indeed, it is as if the crescent is a cradling arm in the darkness.

So was Ella Wheeler Wilcox, an American Victorian poet, inspired by Earthshine in her poem "The Old Moon in the New Moon's Arms":

The beautiful and slender young New Moon,
In trailing robes of pink and palest blue,
Swept close to Venus, and breathed low: 'A boon,
A precious boon, I ask, dear friend, of you.'

'O queen of light and beauty, you have known
The pangs of love - its passions and alarms;
Then grant me this one favour, let my own -
My lost Old Moon be once more in my arms.'

Swift thro' the vapours and the golden mist -
The Full Moon's shadowy shape shone on the night,
The New Moon reached out clasping arms and kissed
Her phantom lover in the whole world's sight.

AND so, gartered and girded with my musings, may you be presented with a few of the creative offerings from the FAE team.

Mother Moon at Dawn, by ErtheFae

Snow White Wolves Dance Around the New Old Winter Moon in Blue January Midnight, by Carapace

Crocheted Wolf Ears by MeriGreenleaf

Talisman of Minas Ithil, Tower of the Moon, by MermaidenCreations

Hansel and Gretel Would Be Pagans

2010-01-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

The off-beat creative bug had me itching to make something unusual for our annual pilgrimage to the Aunties’ house for Xmas this year. In addition to my usual concoctions of macaroni and cheese and homemade bread rolls shaped in a wreath, I was bent on making masses of sweeties. I was hearing my great Aunt whispering in my ear, coaxing me to make spritz cookies like she did all her life. So I added some real orange extract, sprinkled a variety of sanding sugar colors including black, and voila- delicate and delicious bouquet of flowers. I moved on to toffee, and peanut brittle, pretzels dipped in chocolate and rolled in peanuts, and creamsicle blondies, which I am still craving. Then came the gingerbread cookies. I found a fabulous recipe, wherein the cookies actually taste good and are not for calcifying on your tree. Sorting through the abundance of cutting shapes, I was drawn to my Halloween forms and knew I had to bring on the Yule-ness to the table at this get together. I grabbed the skulls, the owls, the brooms. And of course the witch hats. I did toss in a few trees, swans, doves, stars and moons, some trains and candy canes for the kids. My oldest son figured out how to make a pentacle, and he was delighted with his creation.

I decided Day of the Dead decorations on the skulls would be perfect, and the gingerbread lasses would have to be witches. Out came the neon variety of food coloring, which has the best tints, and royal icing became a wild palette of utterly non-traditional hues. We were up for hours decorating after the baking was finally done. I was cackling at the irreverence of it all, at the delightful mix of weirdness. Certainly a season to remember for us at home. However, not one person at the gathering on the 25^th said one single word about the unusual offerings, except that they actually tasted good. Were they whispering behind me back? Don’t know. Don’t care. We have a new tradition :D

Waves of Words for Wednesday

2009-12-30T10:29:00.000-08:00

MERMAID

Leagues, leagues over the sea I sail
Couched on a wallowing dolphin's tail.

The sky is on fire, the waves a-sheen,
I dabble my foot in the billows green.

In a sea-weed hat on the rocks I sit,
where tern and sea-mew glide and beat,
and where dark shadows the cormorants meet.

In caverns cool when the tide's a wash,
I sound my conch to the watery splash.

From out their grottos at evenings beam,
the mermaids swim with locks agleam.

~Walter de la Mare

Words from the Wizard

2009-12-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.

~The Wizard of Oz

West Wind Words for Wednesday

2009-11-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

Make me thy lyre, even as the forest is:

What if my leaves are falling like its own!

The tumult of thy mighty harmonies

Will take from both a deep, autumnal tone,

Sweet though in sadness. Be thou, Spirit fierce,

My spirit! Be thou me, impetuous one!

Drive my dead thoughts over the universe

Like wither'd leaves to quicken a new birth!

And, by the incantation of this verse,

Scatter, as from an unextinguish'd hearth

Ashes and sparks, my words among mankind!

Be through my lips to unawaken'd earth

The trumpet of a prophecy! O Wind,

If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?

~Ode to the West Wind

Shelley

Chthonic Queen

2009-11-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

The passing of thousands of years, so many variations on Her story and Her names, the Queen of the Underworld reigns as an evocative powerful divinity.

Persephone as we call her today, was known to the ancient Greeks who worshipped her as Pherophata, Phersephata, or Pherephassa. Commonly referred to at Eleusis by the name of her youth, Kore, she was "The Ineffable Maiden", and her temple at Eleusis was the Pherephation. To be ineffible is to be “inexpressible”, and “unutterable”. She is so sacred that her name cannot be spoken. She is so sacred that she cannot be described in words.

The Eleusinian Mysteries were the most important, revered, and secret sacred rites of the ancient Greek world. Initiation into the cult of Demeter and Persephone was a celebration of the cycle of life and death, the descent into the underworld and pursuant rebirth. This is a primal theme of human spiritual development following the turning of the seasons, the awe and magic threading people and the planet together. Grain is at the center of the Eleusinian Mysteries (Demeter is loosely translated like grain mother), and depictions of such on vases and mentions in snips of text support this theme.

Few written accounts exist of the mysteries, and certainly nothing in entirety. From fragments of text and pottery, it is believed that the celebrations began by Cleansing in the sea, followed by the Procession to Eleusis from a cemetery in Athens. Upon gaining Eleusis, Fasting which was broken with a brew of barley and pennyroyal, kykeon. (There has of course been suggestions as to the psychedelic content of this drink, because sometimes scholars lack the spiritual understanding of attaining a mystical state of mind without it, or because modern day folks have a hard time appreciating the role said pharmacopeia has had in such rites, and accepting or honoring any authenticity of them. Take your pick of my opinions!) Initiates were shown the secret contents of the kiste (a box holding sacred objects), of which they meditated on, then placed in the kalathos (basket).

It is accepted that there were the Lesser Mysteries, and the Greater Mysteries, and that the rites consisted of 3 phases; things done (like a dramatization), things shown (like the sacred items), and things said (like vows). Together these things were the Unrepeatables, and the penalty for ignoring their name was death. Hence the lack of written materials on these mysteries.

The culmination of the rites is said to have been the attainment of the knowledge of the divinity within. The initiate understands the connection of life and death, and is elevated spiritually.

The Persephone myth has been transported through time, on the tips of many tongues and the nibs of many pens. It seems to me like it’s been carried far enough away from original intentions, as happens over the centuries when gods rise and goddesses fall. Perhaps further understanding of the Grotta Carusa cave at Locria, Italy, or further excavations of the Demeter and Persephone Sactuary at Wadi bel Gadir in Libya, will provide some stellar finds and interesting insight into the cult of the Eleusinian Mysteries.

Kore was a child of Demeter and Zeus, destined to be the bride of Hades in a time when there was not so much fear and evil associated with the Underworld rulers. Not stolen away and raped, but honored and esteemed in the Sacred Marriage, the bright and beautiful side who balances above and below with love. She descended, and her Kore maiden self died, as is the course of puberty into adulthood, and to the marriage-bed. Certainly her mother wept for the loss of her little girl. But, Persephone’s queenly self was reborn as a Chthonic deity, and eventually she ascended, carrying seeds and blessings for the return of spring.

Did she not give the greatest gift, the offering of herself as sacrifice for the people, that they may understand the sacred circle which all must walk…live, die, and live again? It’s her darkening time again, once more she makes her descent, leaving the company of her mother Demeter for the embrace of the Chthonic King. The souls of the waiting dead have missed her, and all know She-Who-Comes-Again will walk the circle soon enough.

So break open a pomegranate and raise a glass. Hail Persephone!

Ode to Persephone Witch Hat and Persephone dreaming Necklace found at my Etsy shop

Witch on Wheels

2009-11-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

Witches in the world never cease to amaze me.

I was in the company of many of them on Friday, fortune be mine, and I wanted to share my great good luck in meeting one in particular. With the full moon at hand and my Cancerian nature being pulled into customary lunacy, I was flying off my broom handle and in rare form vending at the Spiral Dance ritual. I shared my table with someone who was organized and calm in the midst of my maelstrom of madness, but despite the disparate energies we brought, we got along fabulously and found fun and common ground at what turned out to be a less than monetarily abundant event.

Witch Rebecca made these poppets, Dammit Dolls.

Ferociously charming creatures. She was also selling mini witch hats and crocheted wacky adorable beanies for friends.

She drove up in her Witchmobile, all eyes riveted with fascination and barely-veiled covetousness (you must click on that link and see all for yourself!). She oozed great style and artistic precision, if you can imagine.

What I didn't find out until a couple of days later, is that she *made* the Witchmobile, and it is not her only automotive creation. She also constructed Carthedral.

This is just one amazing photo, and you will be all the poorer if you do not view all of them on her website. I am utterly flabbergasted and delighted to the point of jumping up and down. Repeatedly.

Rebecca Caldwell just began a blog and she is off to an amazing start. Check her out. Look her up. She oozes witchy feminine creative girl power, and you will be inspired.

Halloween Wanna Be

2009-10-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

I only ever wear a witch hat for Halloween. Well, I mean, I wear clothes too, not *just* a witch hat, but I don't dress up like something or someone else. I am what I am, and donning my favorite pointy hat is really all I can do these recent years.

But if I were to get to be someone else for a night, it would have to be the one and only Kate Bush. If you don't know Kate, I have no idea how to introduce you. Not everyone *gets* Kate. But those who do, well...we're never the same.

{Let me just say here, that if you do not like Kate, DO NOT tell me. I seriously don't want to know this about you. If you do love Kate, we're bff's and don't you know it.}

Kate loves to play dress up, and here are some costumes I could choose from for my Night-of-Being-Kate:

This image stuck with me really early on, and I actually have a tattoo that was inspired by Bat-Kate.

But I already have a pointy hat...

Yes, love this hat to death.

Love me some chain maille.

Me-Ow.

Forest Fairy. Yeah, that'll work.

But the Kate I think I'd like to be this year is in the following video. Come to think of it, this would be a gorgeous way to meet her if you haven't made Kate's acquaintance already.

Enjoy The Sensual World...

Felicitous Feather Friends

2009-10-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

A huge hug of gratitude to every witch who parked their brooms on my doorstep for my Halloween party- I love all your comments and had a blast visiting your house and listening to your stories and eating your bat-wing cupcakes.

New friends and blogs to follow, and the winners of my Giveaway to announce. I was so delighted by the abundance of visitors that I decided the right thing to do would be to give away more than one Feather Pendant. I will be creating each one for the winner individually, to make them extra special.

And the Felicitous Feather Friends are:

Melanie of Whimsical Creations

Laume of Beach Treasure

Becky of Wilson's Words

***CONGRATS you wonderful witches!***

I'll be contacting everyone to get your goodies to you.

If you didn't win this time, don't be too forlorn- I will definitely be having a Yule giveaway for you to try to get into Fortuna's good graces.

AND I've offered a pendant for Mrs. B's 31 Days of Halloween celebration (day 28), so check out her blog for that and all sorts of awesomeness.

Welcome Witches!

2009-10-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

Did Vanessa from A Fanciful Twist send you? Ah, she's a winsome lass to hostess a progressive fete such as this!

Well come and merry meet indeed. I'm delighted you could stop by for a visit and certainly hope you drop in again soon; feel free to leave your broom by the door.

Glad you found my house- no, I don't live in Kansas but as you can see I am somewhere over the rainbow.

I hope you like my party invitation...

...you can see I started donning the pointy hat at a very early age.

And I haven't stopped since.

If you are a sister-collector or lover of Witch Hats, you simply must read my post about these fashionable and ancient forms of headdress.

Since this is the first time you've been to a gathering at my house, I think a tour around is in order. I'm a year-round spooky girl, with silver spider-web curtains, kitchen witches, and fey collections everywhere.

Do you like my nose goblin tissue box? All hail Brian Froud, thankyouverymuch.

When I tell people my living room is held together with duct tape and decorated with crayon, I don't think they believe me. My two year old is quite clever. Ahem.

I have an obsession with a graphic collage I made, Ode to Elphaba. Check out the purse. You can answer the age-old question, "Are you a good witch...or a bad witch?" Guess which side gets virtually no action.

My magical inclination and need for clutter are genetic, apparently. My poor lads.

Here we are at my studio. Seriously, you are only allowed to look at the door and this one corner I have tidied and fixed up. The rest is functional, not pretty or even interesting ;P

I always have some witchiness on this dresser, though there's also usually a huge vase filled with the foliage I use to embellish my hats. I don't keep a serious ritual altar out, the essentials are tucked away in a picnic basket, very much like Dorothy's.

I do collect a doll or two...

My coven sister and I selling our wicked wee hearts out :D

Here's Maleficent, for my sister-witch devotees...

What? You have to fly off? Many other parties to attend...I know, I didn't even serve tea or cakes. But I was just so excited you popped in and there's so much I wanted to share {sigh}.

Well, don't forget your goody-bag!

What's in it? Why, a GIVEAWAY of course!

Yes indeed, I'll be giving away a beautiful feather pendant like the ones in my shop...all you have to do is leave a comment today and let me know you want to be entered, and have an accessible blog profile. For two entries, go ahead and follow my blog (I promise, I won't bite...too hard, at least). The winner will be announced on Monday the 19th.

Loved having you...merry part, and merry meet again!

Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, we have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!

~Humbert Wolfe

Wellaway Words for Wednesday

2009-10-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

Pale, beyond porch and portal,
Crowned with calm leaves, she stands
Who gathers all things mortal
With cold immortal hands;
Her languid lips are sweeter
Than love's who fears to greet her
To men that mix and meet her
From many times and lands.

Algernon Charles Swinburne 1837-1909, The Garden of Proserpine

The Secret of Beauty Circlet

Persephone Dreaming Necklace

Wyvern Words for Wednesday

2009-09-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Powers whose name and shape no living creature knows
Have pulled the Immortal Rose;
And though the Seven Lights bowed in their dance and wept,
The Polar Dragon slept,
His heavy rings uncoiled from glimmering deep to deep:
When will he wake from sleep?

Great Powers of falling wave and wind and windy fire,
With your harmonious choir
Encircle her I love and sing her into peace,
That my old care may cease;
Unfold your flaming wings and cover out of sight
The nets of day and night.

Dim Powers of drowsy thought, let her no longer be
Like the pale cup of the sea,
When winds have gathered and sun and moon burned dim
Above its cloudy rim;
But let a gentle silence wrought with music flow
Whither her footsteps go.

~ William Butler Yeats

Webs and Words for Wednesday

2009-09-09T11:50:00.001-07:00

An homage to the spider energy in my path...literally. These webs, replete with large arachnids were in my back yard; I came across them while taking a break from the spider-themed custom witch hat I'm working on. Special thanks to Peter Ferioli for the fantastic photography. To Unlock the Soul pendant from my shop.

A noiseless patient spider,

I mark’d where on a little promontory it stood isolated,

Mark’d how to explore the vacant vast surrounding,

It launch’d forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself,

Ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them.

And you O my soul where you stand,

Surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space,

Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them,

Till the bridge you will need be form’d, till the ductile anchor hold,

Till the gossamer thread you fling catch somewhere, O my soul.

~Walt Whitman

Bee-Witching Words for a Wednesday

2009-09-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

It fell to me to tell the bees,

though I had wanted another duty—

to be the scribbler at his death,

there chart the third day's quickening.

But fate said no, it falls to you

to tell the bees, the middle daughter.

So it was written at your birth.

I wanted to keep the fire, working

the constant arranging and shifting

of the coals blown flaring,

my cheeks flushed red,

my bed laid down before the fire,

myself anonymous among the strangers

there who'd come and go.

But destiny said no. It falls

to you to tell the bees, it said.

I wanted to be the one to wash his linens,

boiling the death-soiled sheets,

using the waters for my tea.

I might have been the one to seal

his solitude with mud and thatch and string,

the webs he parted every morning,

the hounds' hair combed from brushes,

the dust swept into piles with sparrows' feathers.

Who makes the laws that live

inside the brick and mortar of a name,

selects the seeds, garden or wild,

brings forth the foliage grown up around it

through drought or blight or blossom,

the honey darkening in the bitter years,

the combs like funeral lace or wedding veils

steeped in oak gall and rainwater,

sequined of rent wings.

And so arrayed I set out, this once

obedient, toward the hives' domed skeps

on evening's hill, five tombs alight.

I thought I heard the thrash and moaning

of confinement, beyond the century,

a calling across dreams,

as if asked to make haste just out of sleep.

I knelt and waited.

The voice that found me gave the news.

Up flew the bees toward his orchards.

By Deborah Digges

A Glass Offering

2009-08-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

As with most things which hold my fascination, glass has ancient roots.

Colored glass beads dating to around 3500 BC have been discovered in Egypt and Mesopotamia; not the oldest types of beads, but certainly an artistic step in the evolution of this form of ornamentation. Glass glaze on ceramics was introduced to the Mediterranean in the third millennium by Phoenician merchants.

Hollow glass making was developing in the 16th century BC in Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece and China. Fragments of glass vases were found in Mesopotamia, and vases decorated with the name of Pharaoh Thoutmosis III can be dated to 1504-1450 BC.

Not until the 9th century BC did glassmaking really spread further, when the center became Alexandria. From here did it most likely spread to Italy.

Finally, sometime between 27 BC and AD 14, glassblowing was discovered. Today, artists use relatively the same techniques and tools. In the last century BC, Romans began blowing glass inside moulds, which allowed for a greater variety of shapes. It was the great influence of Rome which really allowed for the glass industry to spread abroad.

Let me stop here, though, and focus on ancient Roman glass. There are a great number of artefacts existing in various states of intactness. Even the shards are so beautiful that they are prize finds in archaeological digs and make their way into fascinating jewelry art (yes, I have a few pieces in my collection!).

Relying on my favorite accessible antiquities website, Ancient Touch, to tempt and taunt me with objects of ages past, I offer these images for you to admire and ponder. The iridescent patinas and graceful shapes are captivating, and I imagine holding an amphora up to the light and letting it spin out tales of another world. They have survived thousands of years and bear the memory of water and wine, and the imprint of many hands and mouths.

Modern yet with an ancient aesthetic is the glass art of Willsea O’Brien.

These phenomenal artists work with color and form like divinities stirring up time and space. The ancestors of their craft would stand in awe of their creations and declare them god-touched.

These are just some of the things that influence me when I work with my small and humble bits of glass. I imagine through the past and admire the contemporary, and it inspires me to make an offering.

Hope Is A Thing With Feathers

2009-08-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

Feathers speak in images… breath, freedom, spirit, hope, transformation, truth, flight, vision, wind, power.

Since ancient times they have held symbolic meaning and spiritual significance for people across the continents; depicted in the earliest art on cave walls, pottery, jewelry, and tombs, mythology and creation stories, feathers are infused in virtually every culture.

Macaw feathers, native to the southerly Americas, have been found in prehistoric archaeology sites in North America, indicating extensive trade or import of these valuable objects, though their use is not certain. However, in recorded history, colorful parrot feather head dresses have been worn by indigenous people of Central and South America to signify nobility. Whether used as status symbols, religious items, or pure ornamentation they must have been highly prized to have traveled so far from their indigenous origins.

In Egyptian religion, Ma’at sat in judgment of the dead, wearing her ostrich feather on her head. She stood for truth and order, and weighed the deceased’s heart against the feather in hopes their souls were pure enough to attain the Afterlife. I wonder if the popular imagery of the “freedom heart”, the winged heart, is a descendant of the Goddess’ trial.

Feather cloaks were widespread in European and Norse mythology. Druids wore ritual cloaks made from many different birds; think of Rhiannon’s three birds which were white, gold and green. The Valkyries donned swan capes to transform and fly away, and Freyja could turn into a falcon by wearing a robe of the same feathers.

There are countless stories of maidens-who-are-birds and alight to the ground to take human form, folding their feathers into a garment beside them. One of my favorite stories is a re-telling in the shape of a song by the Decemberists, “The Crane Wife”. Set in Japan, a peasant man finds a crane that’s been shot by an arrow and he heals it, watches it fly away. Days later a woman appears to him, they fall in love and are married. To assuage their poverty she begins weaving with his vow that he will never look upon her while she makes this beautiful cloth. In his greed he works her to illness, and as is the wont of mortals, he fails her and spies, cracks the enchantment open:

“Each feather, it fell from skin

Until threadbare, she grew thin

How were my eyes so blinded?

Each feather, it fell from skin”

Of course, his fate is sealed and she resumes her crane form, leaving him alone on the ground; she, adorned in feathers again at last.

Feathers are certainly imbued with magical properties, as seen in the wands in the world of Harry Potter. At the core of the wand lies a feather, and the combination of the wood and the feather resonates with individuals differently.

Probably the most significant spiritual feather symbolism lies within the belief system of indigenous people of the Americas. Native American chiefs and warriors, especially of certain plains tribes, wear magnificent head dresses of eagle feathers which have been earned, each by each. Eagle feathers are incredibly important in creation myths, cultural ceremonies and healing. They transcend the mundane world and carry prayers to the spirit world; they are powerful medicine.

When you find a feather how does it make you feel? Do you see it as a gift, an omen? A message from Elsewhere, healing medicine?

Well, before you pick it up as a special treasure, be forewarned: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 was designed to protect birds from the irresponsible trade in birds and feathers at the time. Four other countries signed this agreement (Canada, Mexico, Japan and Russia) to protect migratory birds. “The statute makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill or sell birds listed therein (“migratory bird”). The statute does not discriminate between live or dead birds and also grants full protection to any bird parts including feathers and nests. Over 800 species are currently on the list.”

Eagles, hawks, owls, doves, crows, ravens, vultures, swans, geese, ducks, cranes, and even pigeons, are a tiny representation of the huge list of protected birds. The only special exception is for Native American tribes that are “recognized” by the federal government; they can apply for a permit and then request some frozen eagle parts collected by the Eagle Repository, replete with permission slips to avoid $100,000 fines. So not even an indigenous Holy Person can pick up an eagle feather in the wild.

A parting blessing, with gratitude to Terri Windling for bringing this to me as recorded over 100 years ago in the Scottish Highlands:

Power of raven be yours, Power of eagle be yours, Power of the Fiann. Power of storm be yours, Power of moon be yours, Power of sun. Power of sea be yours, Power of land be yours, Power of heaven. Goodness of sea be yours, Goodness of earth be yours, Goodness of heaven. Each day be joyous to you, No day be grievous to you, Honor and compassion. Love of each face be yours, Death on pillow be yours, And God be with you.

*special nod to Emily Dickinson for the title of this blog post

Winsome Words for Wednesday

2009-07-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Sir Launcelot and Queen Guinevere

~Alfred Lord Tennyson

Like souls that balance joy and pain,
With tears and smiles from heaven again
The maiden Spring upon the plain
Came in a sun-lit fall of rain.
In crystal vapour everywhere
Blue isles of heaven laugh'd between,
And far, in forest-deeps unseen,
The topmost elm-tree gather'd green
From draughts of balmy air.

Sometimes the linnet piped his song:
Sometimes the throstle whistled strong:
Sometimes the sparhawk, wheel'd along,
Hush'd all the groves from fear of wrong:
By grassy capes with fuller sound
In curves the yellowing river ran,
And drooping chestnut-buds began
To spread into the perfect fan,
Above the teeming ground.

Then, in the boyhood of the year,
Sir Launcelot and Queen Guinevere
Rode thro' the coverts of the deer,
With blissful treble ringing clear.
She seem'd a part of joyous Spring:
A gown of grass-green silk she wore,
Buckled with golden clasps before;
A light-green tuft of plumes she bore
Closed in a golden ring.

Now on some twisted ivy-net,
Now by some tinkling rivulet,
In mosses mixt with violet
Her cream-white mule his pastern set:
And fleeter now she skimm'd the plains
Than she whose elfin prancer springs
By night to eery warblings,
When all the glimmering moorland rings
With jingling bridle-reins.

As she fled fast thro' sun and shade,
The happy winds upon her play'd,
Blowing the ringlet from the braid:
She look'd so lovely, as she sway'd
The rein with dainty finger-tips,
A man had given all other bliss,
And all his worldly worth for this,
To waste his whole heart in one kiss
Upon her perfect lips.

Sing a Song of Serpents

2009-07-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

Snakes have big mojo. Serpent symbolism can be traced back to ancient cultures with both powerfully positive and negative aspects.

Everyone has heard the tale about the snake that tricked Eve. We all know about dangerous dragons, petrifying basilisks, and vengeful sea serpents.

What about the protector; a snake king shielded Buddha during his meditations. The Gadsden flag of the American Revolution is a rattler warning “Don’t Tread On Me.” The wisdom of Pythia, the Oracle at Delphi. The knowledge of Sophia.

Minoan priestesses clutched snakes, so did Moses. There’s Kundalini and the caduceus. The crown of Egypt. Medusa’s crown of hissing locks. So many world mythologies have serpents coiled about the World Tree, the Tree of Life.

Snakes have venom that can poison, heal, or take you on a magical mystery trip. They tell us about renewal as they shed their skin, about eternity when they eat their tail.

Fire, water, air and earth; rainbows, feathers; Chthonic birth-death-rebirth, earth and the underworld. It’s all there. I told you snakes have big mojo.

Now, for the sparkly snakey shinies. Victorians were so cool in their love for weird and creepy jewelry.

A bangle bracelet circa 1845; hundreds of pave set natural turquoise cabochons, rose cut diamonds and ruby cabochon stones.

Sarah Bernhardt's Cleopatra handflower, made designed by Alphonse Mucha and created by Georges Fouquet in 1899; gold, enamel, opal, diamond.

Mermaiden Creations snake skin pendants; shed skin preserved under glass with spiral accents reinforcing symbolism.

It's My Birthday and I'll Blog If I Want To

2009-07-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

I was tagged a little bit this week by some FAE friends of mine, but I sometimes have trouble following rules, or doing things I’m told (and yes, I have passed that down to at least one of my children), so I’m going to participate in my own way. And like I said, today is my birthday and I can blog like I want to.

I love chainmaille. It is so intricate and webby, and harkens back to times I often read about. Athena’s Armoury makes some wicked chainmaille on Etsy and Janine does some fantastic blogging about especially strong women.

Glass fascinates me. Ancient Roman, hand-blown artisinal, or stained glass like you’ll find at Radiance Art on Etsy. Amy also has some really rad watercolor prints- and mermaids! She has a great blog too!

Here’s the part where I will do as I am told, and share ten honest things about myself:

1. I have an extreme lack of patience and high irritability with regards to b.s. Yes, I can be a bit forthright.

2. I heart tattoos. I wish I had my legs covered one arm, and my entire back. [grin] So far it’s just one piece on my shoulder and the lower side of one leg.

3. I organize my closet by color. Not shirts, pants, skirts. Pink, white, orange, brown, green, blue, black.

4. I am a clutter junkie. A collector. A treasure hunter. A prizer of cool things found. I like to display them and admire them all around me.

5. Onions are most-hated beasties. I cannot abide them raw in anything at all, and I will leave a clean plate but for a pile of cooked, translucent striated stinky chips. Blah, blech, nastiness like an armpit made into “food”.

6. If I could have another shot at education (and some memory enhancers please), I’d want to become an Archaeologist. Enough of this armchair stuff, give me a shovel and some brushes. Paleolithic Europe, if you please. Or some dark age castles. Or some Greco-Roman ruins.

7. I find myself getting very distracted at concerts by the stream of creativity that I start to channel during live music. Do I pay attention to what song is playing, or do I follow that necklace fluttering by to the left….hmmmm, what was that you said?

8. I have had three children through natural childbirth, all boys, none of them weighing under 10 pounds. Yes, I do wet my pants now and again.

9. I do not *do* Perfect. I don’t understand it; it freaks me out and gives me anxiety. I like things raw and wonky in my work. It’s the way I see the world; beautiful and asymmetrical, non-matching, chips and frays, gaps and tears.

10. I believe in magic. It rubs right up against you if you pay attention. You’ll step right in it if you’re not looking. You might get lost. Or worse, you might never find it.

AND, if that was not enough, I am having a birthday celebration sale in my Artfire shop! Come on in for 20% off every item through July 12th.

Touching Ancient Byzantium

2009-07-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

Maybe 7 or 8 years ago I made a discovery that delights me to this day. While researching ancient jewelry styles I came across a website that blew me away- I just could not believe the sort of things they were selling. Really?You can actually buy authentic ancient jewelry and artefacts? And some of them are actually affordable? And *wearable*??? Wowowowowow. Since that day I’ve found some other sites that seem reputable and interesting as well, but I keep coming back to the original one. Now, I have never actually bought anything of this sort, but I know one day I will. I am waiting for my Wunderkammer in a liminal room with squishy couches, spiderwebby windows and an awesome sound system.

I think every once in a while, I will share my latest favorite finds from Ancient Touch http://www.ancienttouch.com/index.htm

Today I found these beautiful jewelry artefacts from ancient Byzantium. The ring is silver set with a green glass piece, made in VII c A.D. The earring is gold, from the second half of VII-IX c. A.D., and it looks just like a pomegranate to me.

Byzantium was founded by Greeks in 667 BC and was dedicated to Artemis, bearing the crescent moon as its symbol for nearly a thousand years until conquered by Rome in 196 AD. Being a crossroads harbor between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, its strategic location drew the eye of Emperor Constantine, who rebuilt the city and renamed it Nova Roma. Upon his death it became Constantinople and remained a Greek-speaking Roman state. The Middle Ages brought about the final change of rule with the Ottoman Empire’s crusader conquest and the eventual name of Istanbul in modern times. Historians use the term Byzantine for cultural and land references. Over the centuries the Byzantine Empire survived the collapse of the Western Roman Empire underwent ebbs and flows of power and status, but became known as a wealthy independent center of Christianity, culture, education and artistry. Even in the downturns, citizens continued to adorn themselves; they just used less expensive materials.

Over the ages, the jewelry of Byzantium became crowded with influences (Greco-Roman, Italian, French, German, Middle Eastern) due to the prominent trade industry and the wealth of the city, though the most recognizable and abundant pieces are heavily jeweled crosses. Women of all classes wore earrings, and rings were widely worn as well (following Roman tradition). Other items include crowns for the nobility, necklaces, brooches, fibula and belts. When the Ottomans gained control of the city, the amount of jewels and opulence increased according to the sultan’s preferences and show of power. Tribal motifs were introduced, and the Ottoman women preferred to wear headdresses and ornamentation, and more bracelets were worn as well.

I mentioned Byzantium’s location at the mouth of the Black Sea. There is something special about the deep, cold waters, in that they are deprived of oxygen so that wood-boring mollusks cannot live, and therefore cannot destroy shipwrecks and their cargo (including human remains) as in other maritime areas trafficked in the ancient world. Wooden shipwrecks of antiquity are remarkably well preserved for thousands of years and are a unique source of study for marine archaeologists.

Fascinated by these discoveries and the treasures and secrets they have to reveal, I dreamed up some earrings that I imagine might be uncovered in one of these ancient shipwrecks one day…Byzantium’s Harbor Earrings in sterling, and Byzantium and the Black sea in brass.

Wistful Words for a Wednesday

2009-07-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.

I do not think that they will sing to me.

I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black. ~T.S. Eliot