Artist Spotlight, Etsy: Exquisite, Mythical Metalwork Jewlery, by Sharon Berkan-Dent

I’ve always heralded a particular appreciation for fine metal work in jewelry. Too often are details negelected, or rushed, resulting in clunky designs.This Sunday’s Artist Spotlight is a rare feast for the eyes. Exquisite renderings of mythical faeries, mythological beings, and sprites all come to life in Sharon Berkan-Dent’s jewelry in Mystic Swan.

I stumbled upon Sharon’s work while mindlessly scrolling through Etsy, and was instantly inspired by her work, pining relentlessly over the definitive absoluteness of her talent. I would wear her jewelry everyday, for the rest of my life!

Sharon explains her artistic process far better than I could recapitulate, and so I give the floor to her genius:

Sharon:
I love combining the mystical world with that of metalsmithing, resulting in tiny sculptures worn as jewelry. I begin by doing a lot of sketching to get the design just the way I want and then I start sculpting in wax. I spend many hours lost in the process forming wax into faeries, dragons, and other mystical beings complete with as much detail as I can include.

As a lifelong artist I’ve worked in a wide variety of mediums; including graphic design, drawing, painting and textile arts. Since 1993 I’ve been combining and refining these skills in the creation of jewelry. The process begins by creating sketches of an inspired idea. Recently my work has taken on a story telling characteristic, so in addition to drawing the primary figures I often include background and secondary elements I want to help tell my story; animals and birds, castles, trees, faerie houses, tree men, vines, flowers, rocks, waves, celestial elements, or whatever else may fit within the  story that I want to tell.

The completed design is reduced to the intended size of the finished piece of jewelry then used as a template as I start to sculpt in wax. The sculpture is the most time consuming part of the process, it’s very important to me that everything is as lifelike as possible; anatomy, proportion, facial features, and fine detail (scales and feathers are applied one at a time).

While I stay true to my original concept some design changes naturally occur as the design evolves from a 2-dimensional layout to a 3-dimensional sculpture. When the wax sculpture is complete it is cast using the lost-wax method. This includes mixing plaster to pour over the mounted wax sculpture, firing in a kiln for approximately a 24 hour burnout, melting the metal with a torch and casting with a vacuum assist machine. After casting the excess metal is removed, first by hand saw and then by grinding. This is followed by several levels of polishing with the application of a patina along the way. The process is time consuming and meticulous, but also a labor of love. Although the overall design, realistic representation and detail of my work are of great importance, they would mean nothing if not for the story and energy behind each creation.

 

The figures and other design elements combine to give each piece its own individual essence and a glimpse into a mystical world. I hope that you will find my jewelry not only beautiful and unique, but also sense an undefined positive presence surrounding each item . . . or, if you prefer, you can simply think of my work as faerie tales, illustrated in silver and gold.

 

If you would like to see a more detailed step-by-step view of my process go to my Creation Process page.

You can follow Sharon on Facebook, and visit her website to keep updated on her work.

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updates.
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Fae Gems & Baubles, Etsy: Elf Ear Cuffs, for Fairy Lovers, Cosplayers, and New Agers

I don’t like to flaunt my creations, (in fact, I write more about other people’s art in Artist Spotlights than my own) but for a dose of good measure- and to prove that I am actually a crafter- I present Fae Gems & Baubles Elven Ear Cuffs! I began my Etsy store back in June of this year, and I’ve been having a blast wire wrapping. I’m aiming to create new age friendly baubles that enhance the lives of those who receive them. I’ve been mulling over the idea of hosting weekly giveaways, or creating an in-store credit program; I don’t want to be inhibited in my spirit work because of monetary confinements.

I started crafting these ear cuffs as part of a fascination with the Fae Realm (and dressing the part!). Each elf/fairy ear cuff may be worn to invoke the properties of the gemstones they’re crafted with; my Aventurine cuffs are the most popular, as they invoke the presence of faries!

Each elven ear cuff is made with copper wire to augment the metaphysical properties of the stones featured in each piece. For calmness and solidarity of thought, take a peek at the
blue Howlite ear cuffs. For protection and a stone for grounding and clarty of thought Black Jasper is for you. Amethyst offers wearers divine spiritual guidance, and may be used to re-attune, or awaken latent psychic abilities.

I’ve recently graduated to creating male Elven ear cuffs (they’re made with thicker wire), so that guys can partake in the wonderment too! They’re available in Black Jasper, and a Red Agate combination; they’ve been getting favorites!

Fae Gems & Baubles takes custom requests for Fairy/Elven ear cuffs; you can change the color of the wires, the specific gemstones used, or request a totally different themed ear cuff (like dragon, or nymph!).

Fairy cuffs make the perfect addition to any New Age wardrobe, and fabulous gifts for friends! Recently I’ve sold a couple of pairs to eager cosplayers. The cuffs come in a pair, and may be ordered with additional pieces, such as matching pendants, hair pins, fairy rings, and bangles.

I made these especially with Lyla in mind!

What do you think of Fae Gem’s ear cuffs? Comment below! ^~^

For more Etsy Bulletins, New Age quips, and DIY Crafts follow Fae Gems’ Blog & Like Facebook for updates.You can also check out Fae Gems on Etsy!

   

Artist Spotlight, Etsy: Animism Tarot Deck by Joanna

I have been toying with the idea of creating a tarot deck for many years; yet this is not a venture one should “toy” with. Creating a tarot deck requires spiritual fortitude, malleability (to conform to what the deck manifests itself as, as opposed to what you think it ought to become), and an insane amount of artistic talent- not to mention a great printer!

Canadian artist Joanna has superseded these feats with her stunning Animism tarot deck. Her animism deck is based off of Rider Waite’s interpretations, and the inane knowing of animal totems. Each image touches the onlooker with a keen knowing unbeknownst to the untrained eye, yet it’s clear to see an unimaginable will set to conquer the spirituality of Joanna’s heart; doing so has given life to a divination tool unstained with the blight of automation and production.

The Animism deck is great for beginning diviners seeking a beautiful deck with “classic” interpretations, especially for lovers of animals and fine art. (Check out Etsy’s Secret Santa extravaganza, if you’re lucky you may score some beautiful pieces that touch your spirit!) Joanna shares the same adoration for cuddly bunny rabbits that I do, and crafts pendants for pets passed on from this realm. You can visit Joanna’s Etsy shop, The Rainbow of Crazy to check out her other offerings, like this super amazing piggie print that makes my vegetarian heart soar!

Joanna:

The direction of this tarot was to bring the animals that I love together with tarot. Choosing the animals themselves was a very involving process, but when that was mapped out more, the rest of the process was a lot more loose and creative. I wanted to try to keep the basic meanings of the Rider-Waite cards and that definitely helped to guide the direction of each card. But I also wanted to make the deck feel more intuitive and even fun to use. I really wanted to have fun with this deck. I wanted to use different settings, different colours. So in the end each card doesn’t necessarily match the next, but I hoped to still have them flow together well and I think it worked out.

At the very beginning, I didn’t think about really making a tarot deck to sell. It started out as a personal project. It was more of a learning process for me, to learn more about tarot, more about myself, and to see if I could really complete an entire deck. I thought, what better way to learn even more about tarot than to create a full deck? My main goal with this tarot deck was to ultimately create a deck that I would want to use myself, something that I would be comfortable with and have a connection with. So having that idea in my mind helped me work through the creation each card.

Picking the animals to feature was a bit like connecting the dots. I had so many animals in mind – and really, the sky was the limit! What I wanted to do was to connect the traits and symbolism of different animals to the symbolism of each of the tarot cards. I also wanted to choose animals that ultimately just felt “right” to me. Sometimes it would take a long time to link a certain card to an animal, and sometimes I would immediately know what that link would be. Like the Fool tarot, I struggled for a while when it came to creating this card, but when the idea of a llama came up, I immediately knew it was my fool.

Choosing the animals was one of the most challenging steps. I would find that some animals could easily suit multiple cards; so the challenge was to dig a little deeper and see which card it suited best. Plus I didn’t necessarily want to always choose animals that seemed like the most obvious choice. For example, Strength does feature the traditional lion, but the Lovers are a pair of seahorses. I wanted a wide variety of animals.

To be honest, I never grew up with tarot or magick or knew anyone that had an interest in it. But I’ve always had a part of me that had an interest in the spiritual and the unknown. I still remember several years ago when I was browsing through an online community that I frequented, I found myself reading through the most fascinating exchange that was all about tarot. I searched online to learn more about it and my eyes were immediately drawn to all of the *amazing* tarot artwork that’s out there. I was basically in art heaven. But that night was the moment I found a connection to it. I still remember reading through people’s personal experiences with the cards and what tarot really meant to them. It wasn’t something dark and evil. It was personal and uplifting and it can be whatever you’d like it to be.

To stay abreast of Joanna’s projects and musing subscribe to her blog and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest, What do you think of her Animism tarot deck? Have you ever considered creating your own? 

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Samhain Revival: A Tribute & Contemplation of Reincarnation

Merrily met, and a Happy Samhain- or if you prefer, Feast of the Dead.

I have been unexpectedly detained this week; an answer to Fae Gems’ inactivity can be found in this; perhaps the absence is attributed to the ethereal- or the abnegation of the semblance of it. Splayed wide, as sale tenders in a parlor shop, I planned to blog about The Origins of Samhain, Samhain rituals, alters, chants, incalculable slews of tidbits & rehashed information on the Ancestral Sabbath in my Editorial Calendar (read about how easy it is to readjust your blogging schedule for unexpected lapses).

A regurgitation of echoing Samhain facts, uncertain histories, and recapitulated lore cheapens the Day of the Dead. Dutiful ritual, bereft spirit, purloins reality of its earned mysteries. Lore is important. Facts are paramount in understanding our roots, and history ebbs irrevocably through our veins- never to be forgotten, lest we traverse into the planes of the past, and falter again in the samenss of our missteps. But can we aspire to the heights beyond our mortal contemplation?

We can feel. Experience. Breathe life into the depths of ourselves inward, and abandon our wanton obsession with external influences.

Samson came to me in my dreams last night. He died, too soon & unjustly, in the fall of 2010. He was my guardian, my companion, a piece of my soul. Samson wasn’t a human- but calling him the “best dog” I’ve ever had riddles his memory in cheapened sentiment. He was an unsurpassed blessing.

I often wonder if I will meet his incarnation again in this lifetime; I pray for it. I am suspicious of every new animal companion, searching, always (in vain), to meet his likeness. Perhaps the futility in my search lies in the limits of scope, perception, the assuredness of the same- we are perennially bound in the confines of our (remembered) experience; how can I learn to search for him in roles I know him not to play?

I rescued two kittens this may, and I am now nursing a third, who was abandoned, in a barren cardboard tomb. Their souls are eons old, yet their bodies newly formed, and I cannot help but to hope that I have known them before, if not in this life, then perhaps lives before it. Yui (pictured left) came to me with Samson in my sleep. Could their togetherness be a sign of knowing?

He came to me on the Feast of the Dead. That is enough to prove he has some judgement for me. Perhaps passing acknowledgement, maybe a fancy of soul searching. But he is real to me, far from gone, amid a plane I cannot reach.

And so to you I say, fly from your soul. Do not experience Samhain from the confines of a page, of paper, on the web, seek inward to find the balm you seek of those souls loved and gone to grass. I do not know what lies ahead, but it seems that our journeys are far from over when we leave this plane of Earth. Beyond it, but not gone from here entirely.

Be it in the spirit of divination, the realm of dreams, or the passions of meditative dreamspeak, enliven those who you have loved and lost- and don’t allow Samhain to be the only time you remember their touch.

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Artist Spotlight, Etsy: Renaissance Dragon Pendant; Halloween Macabre Animal Skull Pendants by Dr. Scott Camazine

Dragons are the supreme rulers of my universe. I’ve been dragon crazy since childhood, and I’ve resigned myself to accept that I have a dragon familiar lurking around that I am not ready to yet meet. Alike a crow to shiny objects, I flock to anything dragon related, especially when its beautiful!

The 3D lovechild of Dr.Scott Camazine, this Renaissance Dragon Pendant is created using CT scans. Camazine has mastered stacking two dimensional images into three dimensional, virtual models, breathing life into deliciously macabre creations in his Etsy Shop, the 3D Printed Skull. Dawning white bronze, the wingspan of this fantastical creature is ~2.25″.

Camazine:
“The flying dragon pendant is not typical of most of the work I have been doing. As a medical doctor by training, I have mostly started by taking CT scans of real animal skulls that I have brought to the emergency room where I worked. I got involved with the dragon model when one of the supporters of my Kickstarter campaign asked if I could make a dragon. Obviously, one cannot get a CT scan of a fantasy creature, so in this case I started with a 3D model that was available on the web.”

The Renaissance DragonPendant is an enchanting edition to any Dragon lover’s spoils, and is available in sterling silver and gold bronze.

Bat Ring

Camazine’s typical MO is crafting animal skulls! Just in time for Halloween! Camazine:

“As a biologist and passionate lover of our natural world, I wanted to capture the details of the structure and essence of each animal in the collection.  With its highly accurate rendering of skeletal structure, a CT scan is an ideal tool for peering into the structures and souls of these animals.

Dog Skull

Skulptures display the minute details of an actual individual animal as a representative of its species.  Each sculpture is in effect a ‘memento mori’ or remembrance of the life and death of the individual and of the species.

Crow Skull

A collection of skeletal memorabilia is something I have always wanted to create.  Finally, the perfect convergence of CT scanning, software development, 3D printing, and lost wax casting allows the creation of these Skulptures.”

A boyhood fascination with animals bones, turned biological experiment, and transformed into wearable skeletal-emulated jewelry; creepy, and awesome. Scott:

“I have been collecting skulls for decades! [I] Started when I was just a boy. I also have friends, some of them also scientists, who study one species of animal or another, and have lent me specimens, or have taken CT scans of them for their work.
It has been quite a scientific/artistic adventure!”

To learn more about Dr. Camazine’s Skulptures project visit his Kickstarter page.

What

A percentage of the profit made from purchases on 3DPrintedSkull.com help support conservation efforts; read more about Camazine’s conservation efforts here. To keep abreast of Camazine’s skull sculptures, conservation efforts, & upcoming projects follow him on Facebook.

What do you think about these CT scanned jewelry skulls?

For more Artist Spotlights, New Age quips, and DIY Crafts follow Fae Gems’ Blog & Like Facebook for updates.
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Fae Gems & Baubles Etsy Update; Wire Wrapped Rings for Fairy Lovers & Future Tutorials

Fairy Ring

I couldn’t resist writing a quick post about my new Fairy inspired, double wire wrapped rings! They are first in a line of rings I plan to base off of magickal beings: dragons, undines, and gnomes being the most anticipated.

This fairy ring is perfect for the lover of crystals and everything magickal! When I work with gemstones I try to imbue as much benevolent energy as possible to benefit the wearer. I avoid crafting all together if I’m not in the right state of mind, or if my energy is foul.

I started wire wrapping pendants without much of a clue. When I started researching how to wire wrap two stones together it was a disaster. There is virtually no content on how to effectively wrap multiple stones, it’s like some ancient crafting secret only the elite are privy to- unlike the myriad of content available on wire wrapping.

In the weeks to come I plan to write in-depth tutorials about various wire wrapping techniques, including wrapping multiple pendants, creating textures with wire, and incorporating colored wire, without being overbearing.

Have you guys tried your hand at wire wrapping multiple stones? Post your pictures! If you’re interested in writing a collaborative post on wire wrapping, or are interested in a guest post let me know!

Rose Quartz & Amethyst

For more Etsy Bulletins, New Age quips, and DIY Crafts follow Fae Gems’ Blog & Like Facebook for updates.You can also check out Fae Gems on Etsy!

   

Artist Spotlight, Etsy: Fairy Moon Pendant, by DaKara Kies

Fairies are able to captivate spiritual twinklings in the hearts of those still open to their existence. The fae appear in lore and mythology around the globe, and their presence is best felt in the brambles of a wood, the lapping of a giddy stream, at the embrace of a fire, and the caress of the jovial breeze. The wee folk are around us in all aspects of our waking lives, beyond the veil, yet intertwined between our Earth and the Astral Plane.

Fairy Key

This Fairy Moon Pendant features a stunning fairy enamored by the immaculate moon; swooning alike the natural phases of the Goddess. Adorned with swarovski crystal, this pendant is an ideal addition to any witches’ collection to help strengthen the bond between the physical plane and the Fae Realm. As Samhain approaches what blessings will you celebrate with the fae?

DaKara Kies is a master energy healer based in Everett, Washington; she is dear to me, being Fae Gems’ first “outside” (non-related) customer. DaKara’s Art Creations give breath to a myriad of magickal beings, including fairies, dragons, and angels. All of Kies’ creations are blessed with her healing energy, and vibrate at high frequencies. As an elementalist of keys, DaKara’s creations can help you touch the elementals around you.

Kies on her creative process:

I have been intuitive all of my life, though for many years (from about age 5 to around age 22) I denied that I had this connection to Nature, the Faerie realm and to Source energy. I have always loved being creative from childhood into my adult years.

Dragon Key

My current work involves following my guidance in purchasing all kinds of supplies, including metal charms, beads in both glass crystal form and semi precious beads, fabrics etc. I love all things sparkly, especially swarovski crystal elements. When shopping I find myself attracted to different items I have no idea how I will use them, and then in the creative process I am shown how to use them. This makes my heart sing!

When I take a seat at my jewelry creation station I am guided to ‘who’ wants to come out and play. I receive inner visual ideas from my guides, and the faeries showing me ideas of what elements to start with. As I begin to pull items (metal charms, beads etc) more ideas flow.

One of the important parts of the process is getting the metal to play well together. Many pieces fit like a glove and others will not work when I am layering them together. This also allows other possibilities to show themselves and magical items create themselves!

Mermaid Key

I also love wire wrapping and adding bling to pieces for that special element that makes a piece pop!

As a Master Energy Healer, healing and transformational energies go into everything I create. Why? Because that is my intention! I choose to make a difference in others’ lives in multiple ways! My jewelry creations is one more way I share my love, energy and talents with the world.

You can follow DaKara Kies on Facebook to keep abreast of her new projects and listings.

What do you think of DaKara Kies beautiful fairy pendant, do you have any questions to ask her? If you have any questions about Artist Spotlights feel free to ask!

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Cleansing & Purifying Gemstones with Earth, Air, Water, & Fire

If you’re an active gemstone fanatic like I am, you are continually collecting new crystals as they call out to you from the shelves. If you’re lucky, you may live in an area where you can find them in nature! If your gem bowl is overflowing with beautiful stones it’s easy to forget to cleanse all of them.

Gemstones do not perform optimally when they have absorbed conflicting energies from their environment; routine cleansing is necessary to keep your crystals ready to work with. Crystals that require cleansing have a tangible drowsiness to them. Each person experiences this phenomena in their own way, you may feel a certain kind of sensation in your hands when you hold it that feels heavy, or grimy (even if the stone is clean), the crystal may make you uncomfortable or antsy. Personally, when my stones need a cleansing they seem to almost call out to me for a metaphysical “bath” when I hold them; a spiritual connection is necessary to sense the needs of your gemstones. Treat them not as objects, but living beings with needs beholden to their own unique energies and personalities.

The most common way of recharging your gemstones is by smudging them with white (or dessert) sage. This method satisfies the elements of earth (the sage) and fire (the smoke, or act of smudging), but it is not the only method of cleansing crystals. Invoking the elementals in our everyday lives are important to actualize our spiritual connections in multiple facets of our physical realm, as opposed to having solidified spiritual commodity times– where the spiritual is estranged from the essence of our daily routine.

Cleansing with the Energies of Earth

Working with the earth elementals in stone cleansing could be argued to be the most organic of the four elements,considering crystals are formed within the Earth. Did you know that Citrine heralds the inane ability to purifying other stones? Simply lay your crystals on a Citrine cluster for a day, and most impurities will dissipate.

Cleansing with the element of Earth can be as simple as placing your crystals in a dish of salt overnight, or burying your stones and performing a cleansing ceremony with the gnomes.

Rosemary has the power to cleanse gemstones of impurities too.

Cleansing with the Energies of Air

The Sylphs are the air elementals, they control the winds of Earth and can be found frolicking in gentle breezes. To cleanse your gems with the power of Air expose yourself to the windy planes and ask for their blessing on a windy day. Invoking their presence inside of a sacred circle is another way of connecting with the element of air to cleanse your stones, by means of incense smoke, symbolic for the missing winds.

Cleansing with the Energies of Water

Purifying crystals with the water element may be the most diverse, and easily accessible, of all the cardinal corners. You can seek the Undines in any body of water, including your bathtub with the right invocation. I enjoy taking my gemstones to the sandy shores to swim with the spirits of the water and literary wash impurities away.

Cleansing with the Energies of Fire

Candle magick is an effective means of cleansing gemstones of collected energies. Passing stones through fire is a simple practice, yet be warned: you risk burning your fingers, as well as marring the stone if it is passed too slowly through the flames. Simply invoking the spirit of the Salamanders while candles burn can be an effective means of cleansing gemstones.

What methods are you most comfortable with when cleansing your gemstones? Comment below!

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Invoking your Inner Fairy: Dressing the Part, Pagan Garb

Connecting with the elementals of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water is the first step of many to actualizing divine and physical equilibrium. When we call the quarters to bless our circles we are consciously seeking their assistance; the absence of ritual work and spellcraft does not eliminate the touch of spirits from our waking lives. Learning to invoke your elemental familiars is a critical aspect in progressing in your spiritual journey.

Ritual garb (or raiment) is often an overlooked connection to the Fae

Rose Quartz & Amethyst Healing Pendant

Realm, and beyond. Wearing your favorite stones as pendants allows you to take their healing energies beyond the confines of a satchel. Dawning crystals is an effective means of revitalizing spirit energy in your everyday life.

Wear Rock Crystal to see the astral beings around you, or Amethyst for clarity of mind throughout your day. Moonstone filters electromagnetic smog and alleviates stress, helping its wearer t overcome difficult situations. Jasper can be worn as a talisman to stave off negative energy. Crystals and gemstones have their place well beyond that of the alter; the bones of Gaia are intricate muses waiting for us to tap into their latent potential in our everyday lives.

Aventurine Fairy Ear Cuff

Assimilating our physical realm to the spiritual can daunting as we tackle the Earth plane and the complications of balancing ethereal beings and energies. The key is to begin slowly. You can start by acknowledging the elementals as you begin to notice them throughout your day. When you feel a caressing breeze greet the Sylphs- give them a friendly blow back! Undines can be found in any body of water (and carried around in spirit as seashell baubles), or sudden rainfall. Recognize the Salamanders as bursts of unexplained warmth, or invite them to bask with you on your lunch break when you step outside. The Gnomes are ever-present in nature and houseplants. Leave them treats of crystals and shiny baubles in an offering dish to invite them to bless your indoor (and outdoor) gardens.

To invite benevolent elementals into your everyday life begin by wearing Fae Stones, like Aventurine, Amazonite, Rose Quartz, and Amethyst. Don’t stop at pendants, wear anything with crystal baubles, bangles, rings, hairpins, and gemstone elf ears!

Black Jasper Fairy Cuffs

What are your favorite garbs to wear to invoke elementals? Do you gravitate more towards specific crystals?

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