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Electroformed Jewelry Magic

Electroforming ~ what can I say ~ except that I am completely obsessed with this medium. It is the perfect way to take all of the beautiful treasures I collect from my journey’s and combine them with metal (copper) to create one of a kind, earthy, nature inspired creations. The process allows me to form metal where none previously existed. Imagine the possibilities!!

When I discovered electroforming it was serendipity and déjà vu all at the same time. You know, like when you meet a stranger and feel like you have known them for all time, all the while knowing it is the best thing EVER??  That’s how I felt when I learned what possibilities were available through electroforming. My design style has always been organic and pulls strongly from nature, so adding this to my metalsmithing just seemed like the natural thing to do.

To me, electroforming is alchemy.  I transform into a mad scientist jewelry artist witch…hmmm…. that sounds a little crazy…but completely accurate! While the process is partly scientific, it’s not entirely predictable which is where the magic comes in. Honestly, I never know exactly how a piece will will emerge from the electro-cauldron, so on top of being unpredictable, it is also very exciting. Like waking up on Christmas morning and running out to see what Santa left…pure magic…

Alchemy

Some would argue that alchemy is a silly way to explain this process but, here is Miriam Webster’s definition of Alchemy ~

 Noun    al·che·my \ˈal-kə-mē\

· 1:    a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold

·  2 :  a power or process of transforming something common into something special

·  3 :  an inexplicable or mysterious transmuting

Now, I don’t know about you, but doesn’t #2 seem to hit the nail on the head??? Combine that with #1 and  #3 And what do you have?  Electroforming

So, what is the scientific definition of electroforming? It is the intricate process of controlling an electrically charged chemical bath, and slowly depositing thin layers of metal (copper, silver, gold) from a cathode onto a conductive surface (anode), whether it be organic or inorganic material. This process is done slowly over a long period of time – depositing layer over layer, and generally takes from 12 – 24 hours just for the forming process. The entire process from start to finish for a piece can easily run into days!!

Now, that may seem like a long time, but when the reward is a finished product that looks like these beauties, I say it is well worth the time ~

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October Skies

Well, it’s a marvelous night for a moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
‘Neath the cover of October skies
And all the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
And I’m trying to please to the calling
Of your heart-strings that play soft and low
And all the night’s magic seems to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush…

                                                       Van Morrison – Moondance

I LOVE that song. To me it completely embodies this season –

I look forward to the change of each season but my favorite season by far is autumn.

The crispness of the early morning air, the warm colors of changing leaves.

Something in the array of browns, reds, coppers, and golds mixed with the lingering green of summer just sings to my heart.

I look forward to the first rainfall – you know the one that washes away the last remnants of summer?

I love to walk through the woods just after that rain, when the leaves have begun to fall and crunch beneath your shoes. When the fragrance of clean air, bitter, composting leaves, and the sweet damp earth wafts around you like a warm sweater.

Fall in Taos by Stephanie Litjen-Huerta

Oh, and the smells – cinnamon, apple, pumpkin spice, cloves, yummy!

I embrace the chance to drink hot tea and enjoy warm pumpkin scones while I set up my fall altars and prepare the gardens for the first winter frost.

 

Surely, fall is the nature Goddess in all her glory, giving us one last burst of color before she dusts the earth with the cold twinkling stillness of winter.

Welcome back my friend.

Shall we dance in the moonlight giving thanks for your return?

 

 

☽♥☾   ☽♥☾   ☽♥☾   ☽♥☾

 

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Of Earth and Sea Collection

The Of Earth and Sea Collection

This is a collection of treasures from sea and earth.
Full of the magic of the sea nymphs, goddesses, and witches of legend.

The very essence of ancient sea magic and powerful earth magic combining.

Each component has been chosen with intention for both its esthetic allure and energy. All unique and one of a kind treasures to adorn the body.

Of Earth and Sea by the Amethyst Moon

Inspired by my love of forest and sea, this collection is very dear to my heart. For where my soul finds its peace is where the forest meets the sea in the great Pacific Northwest.

It is the place my entire being feels at home and where my creativity is revitalized. I have tried to capture that magical place in this collection of one of a kind jewelry pieces.  And so I share with you my happy place…

 

Of Earth and Sea

Where forest meets the ocean shore

      My spirit longs to be once more.

Where Redwood, Madrone and Oak commune

     With salted sea and sanded dune.

Where fog rolls thick and hugs the trees

     And wind cries out and churns the sea.

Where Willow, Hemlock and Laurel grow

     Where waves kiss sand and rivers flow.

Where mermaids sing and fairies roam

     Where witches came to make their home.

~the Amethyst Moon

 

 

Of Earth and Sea is available September 1st ~

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Creating a Sacred Space

Creating a sacred space is a very personal journey. So, rather than tell you how to create your sacred place, I am going to share with you what I did to carve our a little place for my soul. My space is a work in progress, and I still have a long way to go, but I’m making it work.  In any case, my hope is that this may help you on your journey to create your own special place! This isn’t going to be about the ritual side of a sacred space, but about the space specifically.

For me, having a space to decompress and reflect needed to be in a location that was primarily a private place. My studio is about the only place in my home where I find escape from everyone (except my dogs, who happily keep me company while I create).  I suggest finding a place where you can have some quiet time and be comfortable. It needs to be free of distractions if only for a few minutes, whatever time you can devote completely to yourself.

Now, my space is small and needs to be multi-purpose since it is also my studio, so it took a little planning. It was a little tricky, but I have my studio benches and workstations set up on the perimeter and I keep a center space clear so I can throw down some pillows and get comfy when I meditate.

For me, it was important that I also have a little altar space. By creating this, even when I’m not meditating I have a great reminder to slow down and ground myself. Having it in a corner of my studio has been a wonderful addition for my creativity as well. I actually have several set up around my house, but this altar is specifically set up to help me to channel my creativity.

The altar is a place where I have placed items that are symbolic and sacred to me personally. In my opinion, an alter should be the most personal part of your space. Adding items that are special and sacred to you is vital. Also, my altar is ever-changing. There are some items that are permanent fixtures (at least for now) but others come and go depending upon what I need or want to focus on for an interval of time. Being connected to Earth is very important to me and since I find great peace when I am out in nature, I have taken care to place items that remind me to honor her.  I also have tried to include something representative of the Elements. Fire, Water, Air, Earth, all these are essential, vital components to life. We can’t survive without all of the elements together and they all exist within us.  Because of my special connection to Luna, I also have many items to remind me to pay close attention to the cycles of life. I have photos of my ancestors to remind me of those who came before me and paved the way for me to live this beautiful life. Color and scent are a vital part of my space and so candles and incense are a very important facet to my practice. I also keep matches right on the altar. I look for fancy boxed types that have a nice esthetic.

So, you may be wondering exactly what I chose to keep on my altar space. Here is how I have interpreted the Elemental items:

Earth ~ Since I use crystals and gemstones in my creative process, I have many of these on my altar.  I also utilize the earth energy from these treasures, so having my own personal collection has helped my creative process tremendously. Because I connect strongly with nature, I also have a few items that I have collected from my favorite forests and beaches. These are great reminders to visit these places as often as possible, if not in the physical, for sure in spirit.

Air ~ For me this is where the incense and sage come into play. Scent has such significance in our well-being and can instantly alter our mood. I clear my space with sage often. I find it very beneficial to clearing my mind and have found that it helps my creativity flow much more intensely. I also keep a feather on the altar, they are a great representation of air and are also great to use while smudging!

Fire ~ Candles Candles Candles … Have you ever tried starting your meditation or ritual by first just concentrating on a flame? For me, this is where the magic begins. The ambiance created by candle light can’t be denied, and you can also use different colored candles for different rituals. Again, not what this little article is about, so I won’t go down that path quite yet.

Water ~ So this was probably my easiest addition ~ I ALWAYS keep a decanter of full moon water on my altar. Each full moon I cleanse the container, refill it with life-sustaining water and set it out to soak up all that full moon energy. Throughout the month I will use this water for different things, making a cup of tea, watering the plants in my studio, cleansing those crystals which need a fresh water soak from time to time and for other various reasons as the need arises.

The most important thing to remember about creating your own altar is to add items with meaning and personal significance to YOU! Be intentional and creative, there is no right or wrong way to create!

Sacred Alter Space the Amethyst Moon

The only thing I think I haven’t touched on is sound. For some souls, music is a vital part of creating a sacred space. For me personally, because there is music playing non stop while I create in the studio, I am just the opposite. When it’s time for meditation, I need a quite place, so music is off for sure. But…. I do open up the window often. There are a couple of wind chimes just outside and a bush right under the window that the little birdies love to nest in ~ so many times my playlist is nature herself.

 

Let your space reflect who you are and you can’t go wrong.

Blessings ~

 

If you are looking for more ideas on creating your own sacred space or altar, you may want to check out our Sacred Spaces board on Pinterest.

Looking for some crystals for your sacred space? Be sure to check out the beauties in our Crystals & Stones Section or our Home Decor Section

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full Moon Altar

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The Unearthed Collection

The Unearthed Collection

Who doesn’t love searching for buried treasure? The mystery of how the journey will unfold, the allure of discovery, and the anticipation of what you will find!

That is exactly how I feel whenever I start dreaming up my next collection. Discovering new stone and crystal combinations, deciding which metal will best highlight those stones, allowing each to play off of the other, combining energies, that is the journey.

Unearthed embodies a very rustic earthy vibe. Each piece is reminiscent of an ancient relic that has been exposed to reveal its long hidden beauty. Dark, mysterious, and a bit gnarled by time, but powerfully magical. All unique and one of a kind treasures to adorn the body.

The collection offers both electroformed copper and hand forged sterling silver pieces. Unearthed by the Amethyst Moon

All pieces in this collection have an aged patina finish which adds to the dark earthy appeal.

Now, honestly, I didn’t go digging up the landscape to bring you these beauties, but it was a journey none the less. Each piece was buried, not in the earth, but instead, entombed in my heart and mind…waiting to be created.

I lovingly create these buried treasures to share with you ~ sending out a piece of my journey with each one.

 

Shop the Unearthed Collection