Caged Skull and Dove of Peace

Although I generally create jewelry for the mainstream, I do love to dabble in pieces a bit more macabre.  There is just something I like about the itty bitty skull beads.  When I found this cage, I knew what I wanted to put into it - a skull. 

This silly little creation has lovely colors, lots of texture, and a sense of balance. The skull in caged in a pewter colored box with a yellow brass ox hinged lid. The bottom has a vinyl insert to hold the skull in, but the four sides are open. Above the cage three stylized flowers in shades of purple, and blue/green hang from a link in the chain on the left and a dove of peace and a tiny brass heart hangs from the right. The gunmetal chain is almost 20 inches long, including the unique steel hand hammered clasp.
I leave it to your imagination to create the scenerio surrounding this little piece.  Let me if you come up with a great story.

Fleur de lis adorned World War II Medal

I love the old copper medals that were awarded in World War II to soldiers all over the world. This one is over 60 years old.  I've used the dial of a pocket watch, a brass ox filigree, and a tiny brass French Fleur de lis to accent the front.

Here is a little about the fleur de lis.  While  it has appeared on countless European coats of arms and flags over the centuries, it is particularly associated with the French monarchy in a historical context, and continues to appear in the arms of the King of Spain and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, members of the House of Bourbon. It remains an enduring symbol of France that appears on French postage stamps, although it has never been adopted officially by any of the French republics. According to French historian Georges Duby, the three leaves represent the medieval social classes: those who worked, those who fought and those who prayed. 

Wee Glastig from Ach-na-Creige Fairy Necklace

After I finished a series of books about Scotland, I wanted to create something Scottish, different, fantastical, and fun.  I found literature about this wonderful little creature and decided to go from there. 

This wee Glastig is seldom seen except at the bank of a stream, and is oft engaged in washing. She is a shape shifting creature also known as the green maiden. Usually this illusive creature is described as a beautiful woman with dusky or gray skin and long blonde hair. Her lower half is almost always covered by a long, flowing green robe.

I have restored this vintage key somewhat, leaving just enough rust to give it character. Over the base of the key I have wire wrapped a charming silver fairie crescent face with lovely leafy hair. To keep this little maiden feeling at home I have given her a greenish peacock freshwater pearl, a leaf of her favorite watercress and lovely green bubbles of glass. She is held in place by swirly silver wire. The 14 inch silk & cord necklace is complimentary. This little lady would also look lovely on a silver chain of your choosing.

For Sale on my Etsy site.