Dr. B and I recently spent a long weekend traveling the length of Switzerland and I came home bearing a gift from Bern's Munster Cathedral:
Inspiration.
It will not come as a surprise to most that I have a fondness for Gothic architecture and Medieval history. Nay, not mere fondness. It is adoration bordering on the divine when crossing the threshold of a 1000 years young castle. Tears of joy roll down my cheeks as I sit quietly in an old cathedral pew; trembling in delight, in wonder...
'Thrilled to the marrow' is a phrase reserved for moments such as these.
I brought the above images home to my studio, along with the memories of cold stone and layered varnish; of stained glass and carved wood...
...and began to create.
I'm pleased to announce I've designed my first new piece of jewelry in one long, difficult year. At last.
Quatrefoil Crown Earrings
Inspired by my visit to Munster Cathedral, I've created a version of the beloved quatrefoil motif in swarovski pearl beads. They may be found, along with a hundred other jewels, in my Etsy shop. I plan to design thousands more.
Quatrefoil Crown Earrings - Back View
If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them. Henry David Thoreau
I haven't had words I've felt worth saying in a while.
A long-term illness has kept me quiet and in a haze of ineptitude for more than a year. My better half, scientist and problem-solver that he is, whisked me out of the country for the 'European Cure'. Oh, my -- this was THE gift of a lifetime. We are currently settled in Germany in a wee village on the outskirts of the gorgeous Medieval city of Wuerzburg. Before I continue, please allow me to share my new home with you:
The Majestic City of Wuerzburg
A statue on the Old Main Bridge and a bit of local humor
A sleepy hidden chapel nestled inside the Dom Cathedral
Exquisite artwork by the owner of the home we currently rent. A painter in his spare time, his stunning book of illuminated manuscripts took 5 years to complete.
The Town Hall
Out and about on a 'Family Walk' -- Inari runs through these fields on her daily visit to her friends -- the sheep, horses, and chickens which live nearby.
The city's castle -- Fortress Marienberg
Elegant weathered niches displaying statues of a religious nature are to be found in every nook and cranny of the city. The above example is on display just down the street from our cozy little home.
A glimpse of village architecture
The Dom Cathedral Cloisters -- long stretches devoted to the dearly departed. Ancient tombs line the walls and floor of this sacred space.
Inari in her element -- basking in the glow of the sun's rays like the kitty she is at heart.
A castle moat, long since filled in by earth
My favorite work of art in all of Wuerzburg -- Trauernde Maria aus Acholshausen by Tilman Riemenschneider in 1505. A photo of Maria resides by my desk for inspiration.
A dragonfly visitor knocks on our door (Not to worry -- Dr. B is an experienced entomologist and adept at handling these lovelycreatures in a gentle and considerate manner)
Walking Home
Our new surroundings have influenced my health and happiness in astounding ways. I have found my precious creativity once again (it was hiding under a castle stone in the Mosel Valley) and am more healthy and happy than ever before! My time in Europe has been the most inspiring journey of my life, and the adventures are just beginning. Even now, as we run our fingers over ancient stone in rapture, we are forging ahead. We are wrapping hands around the neck of fate and mapping the next nomadic exploit. Shall it be a year in India? South America? Africa?
If you could grasp the Earth by a string, which world would you choose?
In the meantime, I shall sit down at my studio desk and create -- for you and for me.
In addition to receiving 25% off every order placed through 11:59PM Sunday, I am also including a free gift with every purchase!
Every order placed totaling $25.00 and under will also receive a stunning set of fire-polished glass bead earrings with antiqued bead caps in your choice of the following colors:
Jet Black Bridal White Cobalt Blue Ruby Red Deep Garnet Emerald Green Smokey Topaz Hematite Royal Purple
Every order placed totaling $25.01 - $75.00 will receive one of the following earring styles in your choice of color (please refer to the drop-down boxes associated with each earring design listed on the website for a complete color listing).
Every order placed between $75.01 - $175.00 will receive the following custom shard necklace with your choice of image and stone color. This is a pendant necklace so very new that it hasn't even been placed on the website yet! This necklace may be created in an antiqued silver or bronze finish. I will contact you via email to assist in choosing the perfect image for you at your request.
Custom Luna Pendant Necklace Shard
Custom Luna Pendant Necklace Shard Detail
Lastly, every order placed above $175.00 will receive a custom antiqued mixed media ring with the image of their choice sealed inside by a glass dome. I create each ring by hand out of durable polymer clay and antiqued metals. The ring may be created in an antiqued silver, copper or bronze finish. I will contact you via email to assist in choosing the perfect image, as well as to discuss additional pertinent details such as size, color and ornamentation. This is a marvelous option for those with metal allergies, because it is possible to craft the entire ring out of clay!
The following images are examples of past ring creations:
Mucha Fruit Ring
Queen Elenor Ring
Queen Elenor Ring Side View
Young Marie Antoinette Ring
Young Marie Antoinette Ring Back View
Medieval Maiden Ring
Medieval Maiden Ring Back View
Simply type in your request in the message area located in the checkout section of the website. If you are unsure, just leave the area blank and I'll send an email your way to lend a helping hand. You are also welcome to send a separate email through the website with the details of your desired free gift, or to ask any and all questions you may have about the process. I'm here to help!
In other exciting news, you'll find jewelry designs which are in stock and ready to ship at my Etsy shop, where you'll always find free shipping! Such a helpful option for our last minute shoppers. This is also where I will display my one-of-a-kind designs for your immediate enjoyment:
I've been busy as a bee this past month creating designs for a new holiday show at the Arnold Klein Gallery in Royal Oak, MI. If you reside in the area, please do stop by and view my jewelry in person! The show opened with a large display of my pendants, necklaces and rings, but I've heard word several sold within hours of the opening, so pay a visit soon before they disappear entirely!
I would also enjoy sharing more of my recent creations with you. You'll find these images and many more designs listed on my new Flickr account:
Illuminati Necklace I
Mucha Fruit Necklace
Holy Relic Shard Necklace
Marie Antoinette Glass Domed Necklace
Mucha Byzantine Blonde Necklace
Necklace - Relic of the Cloisters
These and many others on Flickr including all of my brand new ring designs are not on the website yet, so feel free to contact me via email about availability and pricing. And come help me celebrate the holiday season with free rings -- stop by www.afterdarkjewelry.com and save through Sunday, December 13th!
Welcome, Dear Ones! I'm a sentimental dreamer, a hopeful romantic, a 'poetic historian', and an amature naturalist. I create expressive adornments, blending my love of art, literature, history and the natural sciences into unique nouveau heirlooms.
Quatrefoil Crown Earrings
Quatrefoil Crown Earrings - Back View
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