I took the imprint of the Silver Maple from my walk on Sunday and tried some alcohol inks on it to see how it'd come out. I used Kato translucent clay, painted a face on the leaf and after it was sealed applied the inks. The result is a bit edgy I think.

 

 

We had really bad weather here today, so the pics I took outdoors are a bit off but I'm pleased with this one. It's totally different than my other pieces and has a mystic quality to it.

My next piece was my first attempt at creating a bracelet. It's 8" hammered copper eyelet links. Czech beads accent the jump rings as well as hand tinted leaves of different types. I wanted something delicate that also carried the theme of nature and could easily go along with the necklaces.

Both of these pieces will be available in my Etsy shop: http://elysianfields.etsy.com/

After the worst of the storm went by (I admit to being a bit of a wuss when it lightenings) I went out into my back yard and danced with my 6 year old niece in the rain to celebrate Fairy Day.  We got muddy, sopping wet, and had a ball.  I live near "old" woods so after the rains tapered off the smell of the forest and the earth is quite strong, and so beautiful. It was rejuvenating and inspiring.

HAPPY FAIRY DAY TO ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL EF FOLK!!!

     Birch is a sacred tree of Celtic Astrology, 24 December to 20 January.   It is one of the first trees to naturally establish in cleared forests and it is a tree of new beginnings.  
Birch is a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and diligence. Maypoles were often of Birch, as were the twigs used to ignite the Beltane fires, signifying new beginnings and a fresh start.   The Yule log is, traditionally, Birch also.   Cradles made of Birch are said to protect the infant from harm, particularly of a psychic nature.   For the same reasons it is said that a small piece of Birch carried upon a person will prevent kidnapping of the individual by the sidhe , or the Faerie Folk.
Trees have been sacred for thousands of years in all cultures, however, its only in the last few hundred years that their importance has diminished, and their availability taken more and more for granted.

    I have taken an imprint of a Birch leaf that measures 3" L x 2" W and have painted the face of a dryad spirit that lives within. It has been painted using layers to show the manifestation of the emerging spirit. Sculpted using a combination of translucent Kato and pearl clay, I have added a layer of antiquing to bring out the detail in the veins and to show depth as well. An adjustable slip knot hemp cord is included and a variety of gorgeous colored Czech beads adorn the pendant on each side. The hangar is spiral swirled copper and the leaf can be worn in a reversible fashion as well. What a fun way to start a conversation...turn it one way and then the other. You'll have people wondering if they've seen something magical.

AVAILABLE IN MY ETSY SHOP!

When I wake each day one of my favorite things to do is go outside with my coffee and sit for a bit. I have bird feeders all along the tree line of my property and each day the variety of birds that visit me is amazing. Birds of every color and hue, melodic sounds as they sing to each other, and the beauty of the day always inspires me. I've been feeding them for so long now that many who are regular guests to the feeders tolerate my presence quite well. I am probably a bit of an oddity to them as I sit with a steaming cup of coffee, glasses somewhat askew and my outfit...well, out in the country early in the morning, let's just say, there's no need to dress up.
The picture is of a Cedar Waxwing that I took last year. He was most annoyed that I'd disrupted his breakfast and looked at me like, "Lady, are you still here?"

I recently took a break from sculpting this past winter, when my arthritis flared up and my hands wouldn't cooperate. As the weather turned and the dreary colors of Winter gave way to Spring color, I began to play with my clay again but in a limited capacity. After smashing a dozen sculpts I wasn't happy with, I started making imprints of leaves as I found them and delighted in the texture and look they gave. Experimenting with coloring clay, painting and mixed medias soon led me in the direction of creating wearable pieces of art all inspired by my love of Nature and the belief that all living things have a spirit. One thing led to another and it evolved into a line of Nature based fantasy pieces that I sell on Etsy. My shop can be seen at: Elysian Fields on Etsy!

Valerie

I grew up as a young child in the country and the stories of fae were told to me by my Grandmother and Mother. This was and still is my favorite poem.

Up the airy mountain
Down the rushy glen,
We daren't go a-hunting,
 For fear of little men;
Wee folk, good folk,
Trooping all together;
Green jacket, red cap,
And white owl's feather.
Down along the rocky shore
Some make their home,
They live on crispy pancakes
Of yellow tide-foam;
Some in the reeds
Of the black mountain-lake,
With frogs for their watch-dogs,
All night awake.

High on the hill-top
The old King sits;
He is now so old and gray
He's nigh lost his wits.
With a bridge of white mist
Columbkill he crosses,
On his stately journeys
From Slieveleague to Rosses;
Or going up with music,
On cold starry nights,
To sup with the Queen,
Of the gay Northern Lights.

They stole little Bridget
For seven years long;
When she came down again
Her friends were all gone.
They took her lightly back
Between the night and morrow;
They thought she was fast asleep,
But she was dead with sorrow.
They have kept her ever since
Deep within the lake,
On a bed of flag leaves,
Watching till she wake.

By the craggy hill-side,
Through the mosses bare,
They have planted thorn trees
For pleasure here and there.
Is any man so daring
As dig them up in spite?
He shall find the thornies set
In his bed at night.

Up the airy mountain
Down the rushy glen,
We daren't go a-hunting,
For fear of little men;
Wee folk, good folk,
Trooping all together;
Green jacket, red cap,
And white owl's feather.

-- William Allingham