• Blog
  • In the Studio
  • FAQ
  • Contact Me

Moonspinner

Artisan Jewelry by Michaela Batstone

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Shop

Archives for May 2018

Mossflower Collection: Fourth Preview

May 29, 2018 ·

Tolkien’s words can be found in nearly every groove and beneath every stone in this year’s “Mossflower Collection.” As I read The Silmarillion and worked on this collection, I was able to watch as my designs leaned into that otherworldly aesthetic.

In reading The Silmarillion, I became especially enchanted with Yavanna, one of the lesser gods of Arda, who walked the land in ever-changing form. Sometimes she looked like a woman dressed in flowing robes of spring green. Other times she took the shape of a tree wherein one could discern that her hair was actually fine willow fronds and her hands were slender branches. In the beginning of the First Age, Yavanna was the power that conjured greenery to cover the land.

And this is the ring I designed specifically for Yavanna’s hand. All spring I have watched her move about Arda alone, forming trees and flowers, the first in the world. Hands with the strength to bend trees and twist branches, and fingers with the gentleness to coax young sprouts up from the earth.

A ring for that hand would need to be sturdy, and so two layers of sterling silver to wrap around the finger. The band resembles a star to reflect the Valar, regal and ancient. And atop the band is a single prehnite gemstone set between two sterling silver pebbles, like those earliest of plants shaped by Yavanna, which must have seem such tiny, fragile things admidst all those rivers and rocks. But that bit of green flourished and swept over the landscape until all was rich and verdant.

A ring for the Vala of the woods.
(Sizes range from US 5 – 10.5)

And then the earrings and necklaces. These pieces were designed with the Two Trees of Valinor on my mind.

After the earth was covered with green, Yavanna withdrew to the undying lands and set to work on her finest creations, the Two Trees named Telperion and Laurelin, which brought the light to the land of Valinor. These two trees waxed and waned throughout the day and night giving forth their own light, each distinct.

“The one had leaves of dark green that beneath were as shining silver, and from each of his countless flowers a dew of silver light was ever falling, and the earth beneath was dappled with the shadows of his fluttering leaves. The other bore leaves of a young green like the new-opened beech; their edges were of glittering gold. Flowers swung upon her branches in clusters of yellow flame, formed each to a glowing horn that spilled a golden rain upon the ground; and from the blossom of that tree there came forth warmth and a great light.”

For these pieces, I chose the most luminous prehnite I could find. I actually contacted my lapidarist and had her custom cut the gemstones for these earrings. I wanted to use very high domed, faceted prehnite to best catch and reflect light, to make the earrings look as though they glowed with their own warm light, like the “young green” light of Laurelin. And below the stones sway tiny leaves. I chose to put the leaves on varying lengths of tiny chain to taper them to look as though the leaves were spilling towards the ground.

And for the necklaces, I sawed out several tiny leaves with a dark leaf print to dangle below smooth green prehnite. I wanted to this necklace to have the movement of fluttering leaves and the shade of Telperion.

These leaves are on tiny, even bits of wire to give the sway more structure and shorter movements, like the short, sturdy movements of a strong, old oak. I wanted to distinguish them from the joyous lilt of the leaves that hang from Laurelin.

For my three Laurelin necklaces, I suspended brass leaves in a tapered fringe to represent the leaves which “spilled a golden rain upon the ground.” And on the backs, I have fixed warm, brass beech leaves.

And so here they are, the pieces most distinctly drawn from The Silmarillion. I can hear whispers of the book in my other pieces, but these are the designs that were approached with the deliberate intention to transmute Tolkien’s creations into metal. This book has so captured me heart and soul for the past several weeks, I knew I needed to preserve this experience in art somehow.

And so, these pieces are for Yavanna, Tolkien’s lady of the forest, and her creations.

I hope to see you at the shop update! All these pieces in this Mossflower preview, as well as in all the others, will be available on Sunday, June 3rd at 7:00 p.m. EST in the Etsy shop.

Cheers!

Filed In: Jewelry / Tagged: art, artisan, artist, artists, books, creative process, forest, inspiration, Jewelry, metalsmith, metalsmithing, moonspinner, nature, springtime

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Back

A place for stories behind jewelry pieces, glimpses into the process, and musings on inspiration.

Newsletter

Sign up below for exclusive previews of new collections, glimpses behind the scenes, and words on the inspiration behind the work.

Recent Posts

  • Winter Berry Tea Rings
  • A Handful of Autumn
  • North Woods Collection (Second Preview)
  • North Woods Collection (First Preview)
  • Violet Linings Collection
  • Revisiting Memento Mori
  • Garnet Valentines
  • The Last Flock of Ravens
  • Nocturne Collection, Part II
  • Nocturne Collection, Part I
  • Violet Linings, Part I (Third Preview)
  • Violet Linings, Part I (Second Preview)
  • Violet Linings, Part I (First Preview)
  • North Wind Collection, Part II (Final Preview)
  • North Wind Collection, Part II (Third Preview)
  • North Wind Collection, Part II (Second Preview)
  • North Wind Collection, Part II (First Preview)
  • North Wind Collection, Part I (Third Preview)
  • North Wind Collection, Part I (Second Preview)
  • North Wind Collection, Part I (First Preview)
  • Be My Valentine
  • Silence Amidst the Owls
  • The Ravens Are Flying In
  • Beren’s Shield Necklaces
  • Mossflower Collection, Pt. I (Fourth Preview)

Blog Archives

  • January 2023 (1)
  • November 2022 (1)
  • August 2022 (2)
  • April 2022 (1)
  • March 2022 (1)
  • January 2022 (2)
  • November 2021 (1)
  • October 2021 (1)
  • August 2021 (3)
  • May 2021 (4)
  • February 2021 (3)
  • January 2021 (1)
  • December 2020 (1)
  • November 2020 (2)
  • August 2020 (4)
  • June 2020 (1)
  • May 2020 (1)
  • March 2020 (1)
  • December 2019 (1)
  • November 2019 (1)
  • April 2019 (1)
  • February 2019 (1)
  • October 2018 (2)
  • September 2018 (1)
  • August 2018 (2)
  • July 2018 (2)
  • June 2018 (2)
  • May 2018 (3)
  • April 2018 (3)
  • February 2018 (3)
  • January 2018 (1)
  • November 2017 (1)
  • October 2017 (6)
  • September 2017 (2)
  • July 2017 (2)
  • June 2017 (1)
  • May 2017 (1)
  • April 2017 (3)
  • March 2017 (2)
  • February 2017 (1)
  • October 2016 (1)
  • September 2016 (1)
  • July 2016 (1)
  • May 2016 (2)

Categories

  • At Home
  • Gifts for You
  • In the Studio
  • Inspiration
  • Jewelry
  • Musings
  • On the Bench
  • This and That
  • Uncategorized
Unless otherwise noted, all images, designs, and writing is property of Michaela Batstone. All rights reserved.

Newsletter

Sign up below for exclusive previews of new collections, glimpses behind the scenes, and words on the inspiration behind the work.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out so far t Thank you to everyone who has reached out so far to reserve a spot for a commission of a piece of my past work! I am slowly working through the requests, pulling gemstones, checking silver stock. Thank you for your patience, if you sent a message, I am on my way! 🙃🏃🏻‍♀️

I have gotten a fair number of requests for the Darkling Sea Rings.

(Can I just say how much it makes my soul sing that there are so many other mermaid-hearts out there!?)

And so I have put the preorder listing back into the shop from the last time I made them, if you'd like to catch one. (I am absolutely determined that everyone who wants one of these rings is able to get one! 🙇🏻‍♀️)
.
.
.
.
.
.
#kyanite #kyanitering #kyanitejewelry #tealkyanite #oceanring #oceanjewelry #oceancore #gemstone #gemstonejewelry #handmadejewelry #handmadering #instajewelry #jewelrydesign #jewelrydesigner #jewelrygram #jewelrymaking #madewithlove #mainemade #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #supportlocal #mermaidcore #mermaidjewelry
Okay, friends, the Presold Collection is finally a Okay, friends, the Presold Collection is finally a go!

✨ I am going to start by taking (24) commissions for past work, just to see how it goes. 
✨ If there is a design from my past that you'd like me to recreate for you, send me a message on Etsy and we can chat about whether it is possible or not, as I will have to see if I have the right gemstones, silver, etc.
✨ I won't be able to make modifications to the design, because custom work gets complicated quickly, so they will be the same as previously designed. 
✨ I wont be able to create designs from Mossflower, Honeybees, Nocturne, or Night Owls, as those will be coming back later this year. (Hurray!)
✨ I also wont be able to recreate designs from the collaborative collection I did with Maia Toll, as I promised those would be one of a kind pieces. 
✨ The turnaround time will be 8-10 weeks (sooner if I can manage it) between date of purchase and date of shipment. Production will be a bit slow as I am going to be working on these alongside other collections.
✨ I think it's easiest to pay in full up front, rather than figuring out invoices. That way I can pop your piece in the mail the moment its finished! And so once we've chatted over on Etsy about whether your request is possible, I will make you a custom listing to purchase. 
✨ Please be patient with my responses, as I am trying to do this will also pulling together two other collections for you. (A whole bunch of tanzanite rings, the very last of the stock I've had for years! As well as a big, beautify Hessonite garnet collection for February.)

And that's it! So if there's a past design that's been singing to you for years, send me a message and I will see if I can spin some magic for you. 
-
-
-
-
-
#opthandmade #bohojewelry #instajewelry #jotd #shopsmall #handmadejewelry #bohemianjewelry #craftsposure #metalsmith #ladysmith #maker #artisanjewelry #artisan #freepeople #bohemian #livefolk #gypsystyle #bohostyle #dslooking #makersgonnamake #makersmovement #bohochic #gypsysoul #bohofashion #jewelrydesigner #festivalstyle #onthebench
✨ My endless gratitude, moving from Etsy to Shop ✨ My endless gratitude, moving from Etsy to Shopify, and a Presold Collection question for you! ✨ 
———————————————
Cozy friends, what can I say! Each Winter Berry Tea Ring was claimed within about 15 minutes. I like to imagine us all with our darkly brewed rings chatting an afternoon away. What a lucky gal I am! You are the sugar in my tea!
———————————————
Also, I know once again Etsy was a headache for some of you. Showing rings sometimes, and then disappearing again. Showing up if you sort by price, but not if you searched "Winter Berry." I couldn't even see any of the newly listed rings for almost 10 minutes... UGH. 

And so, with some computer work on my part, my next release (a batch of tanzanite rings) will be in a new Shopify shop. 

For the past week I have been setting up the new shop, figuring out Quickbooks integration, and getting through all the unfun parts. I am also learning how to make checkout fast so you can quickly catch your pieces. And I am loving the idea of early bird access for newsletter peeps. 

And best of all, no glitchy releases. (I hope! If you use Shopify and do timed releases, please let me know how they go for you.) 
———————————————
Also, I know some of you missed these rings. As well as many past designs. 

So! I am officially going to attempt my Presold Collection where you can request a past design. And if I have all the stones and silver necessary, I can then create a preorder listing for you and hit the bench running! 

There will be a few exceptions, like I wont be able to recreate any Mossflower, Honeybee, or Night Owl pieces, since those collections will be returning later this year!

I am likely only going to take on a few dozen commissions at first, just to see how things go. 

Production time will be a bit slow because I am going to be making the commissioned pieces alongside all my other collections (likely 8-10 weeks?). 

And so, if you are hoping to reserve a presold slot, let me know below what past design you are hoping for, so I can start peeking into my gemstone cabinet to see what's possible. 

And then in a few days, I will let you know more!
(Sold) All the Winter Berry Tea Rings are in the s (Sold) All the Winter Berry Tea Rings are in the shop! I hope you'll have a cuppa with me. ☕️💕
———————————————
✨ Winter Berry Tea Ring Release: TONIGHT, January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. EST in the Etsy Shop ✨

-
-
-
-
-
#artisanjewelry #birthstonejewelry #birthstonering #bookishjewelry #darkacademiaaesthetic #darkacademia #garnet #garnetring #gemstonejewelry #handmadejewelry #handmadering #instajewelry #januarybirthstone #januaryring #jewelrydesign #jewelrydesigner #jewelrygram #jewelrymaking #madewithlove #mainemade #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #rhodolitegarnet #supportlocal
A love affair with rhodolite garnet on a snowy aft A love affair with rhodolite garnet on a snowy afternoon. 💕
———————————————
✨ Winter Berry Tea Ring Release: TONIGHT, January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. EST in the Etsy Shop ✨

-
-
-
-
-
#artisanjewelry #birthstonejewelry #birthstonering #bookishjewelry #darkacademiaaesthetic #darkacademia #garnet #garnetring #gemstonejewelry #handmadejewelry #handmadering #instajewelry #januarybirthstone #januaryring #jewelrydesign #jewelrydesigner #jewelrygram #jewelrymaking #madewithlove #mainemade #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #rhodolitegarnet #supportlocal
Oh! I forgot to tell you, the blog preview of all Oh! I forgot to tell you, the blog preview of all the Winter Berry Tea Rings is up. There's a direct link to it in my profile, if you'd like to take a gander. 🌨🧣🫖✨
———————————————
✨ Winter Berry Tea Ring Release: TONIGHT, January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. EST in the Etsy Shop ✨

-
-
-
-
-
#artisanjewelry #birthstonejewelry #birthstonering #bookishjewelry #darkacademiaaesthetic #darkacademia #garnet #garnetring #gemstonejewelry #handmadejewelry #handmadering #instajewelry #januarybirthstone #januaryring #jewelrydesign #jewelrydesigner #jewelrygram #jewelrymaking #madewithlove #mainemade #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #rhodolitegarnet #supportlocal
Tonight, tonight, cozy friends! I have brewed 48 l Tonight, tonight, cozy friends! I have brewed 48 little cups of garnet tea for you. I hope you'll join me! 

Also, thank you to everyone who pretended you were having a cuppa with me, and told me how you take your tea, what the weather is up to where you were, and what novels are on your nightstands. It was the loveliest tea time! 

It is bright and blue and cold here, and I am currently reading the manga "Rose of Versailles" as well as "Leviathan Wakes." Craving a classic these days though too. 

Any recommendations?
———————————————
✨ Winter Berry Tea Ring Release: TONIGHT, January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. EST in the Etsy Shop ✨

-
-
-
-
-
#artisanjewelry #birthstonejewelry #birthstonering #bookishjewelry #darkacademiaaesthetic #darkacademia #garnet #garnetring #gemstonejewelry #handmadejewelry #handmadering #instajewelry #januarybirthstone #januaryring #jewelrydesign #jewelrydesigner #jewelrygram #jewelrymaking #madewithlove #mainemade #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #rhodolitegarnet #supportlocal
🫖 Winter Berry Tea Rings🧣 I just love these 🫖 Winter Berry Tea Rings🧣

I just love these rings. Spare and simple, but rich and comforting at the same time. 

Like a hot cup of berry tea on a  winter afternoon, shadows clinging to ever surface. 

———————————————
✨ Winter Berry Tea Ring Release: Sunday, January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. EST in the Etsy Shop ✨

-
-
-
-
-
#artisanjewelry #birthstonejewelry #birthstonering #bookishjewelry #garnet #garnetring #gemstonejewelry #handmadejewelry #handmadering #instajewelry #januarybirthstone #januaryring #jewelrydesign #jewelrydesigner #jewelrygram #jewelrymaking #madewithlove #mainemade #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #rhodolitegarnet #supportlocal
🫖 Winter Berry Tea Rings🧣 I like to imagine 🫖 Winter Berry Tea Rings🧣

I like to imagine that each of these is a cup of tea I have made for you cozy souls. You would tell me whether you prefer yours sugared or no, and I would ask what novels you've been reading lately. 

We would drink our berry tea before it got cold while we watched the gannets meander down the river. And I would be watching the sky for snow.

———————————————
✨ Winter Berry Tea Ring Release: Sunday, January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. EST in the Etsy Shop ✨

-
-
-
-
-
#artisanjewelry #birthstonejewelry #birthstonering #bookishjewelry #garnet #garnetring #gemstonejewelry #handmadejewelry #handmadering #instajewelry #januarybirthstone #januaryring #jewelrydesign #jewelrydesigner #jewelrygram #jewelrymaking #madewithlove #mainemade #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #rhodolitegarnet #supportlocal
A cup of winter berry tea while I photographed the A cup of winter berry tea while I photographed the Winter Berry Tea Rings. Each were equally comforting. 🧣🫖✨
🫖 Winter Berry Tea Rings🧣 Garnet is the per 🫖 Winter Berry Tea Rings🧣

Garnet is the perfect stone for January. 

Like this dusky, restrained month, rhodolite garnet is often quite dark. That is especially so in a low-dome cut, such as in this batch of gemstones. The color is rich, but furtive. 

When encased in silver, rhodolite garnet darkens to a deeply shadowed purplish red. 

But then, like those shining, bluebird days that we sometimes catch during January, the right conditions give the most saturated colors, light reflecting and refracting off every facet. 

When you wear these rings, they will be dark with flashes of berry red in the right light. On the hand, they look like dusky cups of the strongest pomegranate tea you can imagine. 

But since I have sawn out the backs, the promise of light and color is there for you. 

If it be a dark day and you need the bright comfort of a cup of tea, you can take your ring off, hold it to the light, and let it sing the warmest song you've ever heard.

Whoever chose garnet as a birthstone for January, I see what you did there. 

———————————————
✨ Winter Berry Tea Ring Release: Sunday, January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. EST in the Etsy Shop ✨

-
-
-
-
-
#artisanjewelry #birthstonejewelry #birthstonering #bookishjewelry #garnet #garnetring #gemstonejewelry #handmadejewelry #handmadering #instajewelry #januarybirthstone #januaryring #jewelrydesign #jewelrydesigner #jewelrygram #jewelrymaking #madewithlove #mainemade #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #rhodolitegarnet #supportlocal
🫖 Winter Berry Tea Rings🧣 I have had a few 🫖 Winter Berry Tea Rings🧣

I have had a few comments and messages asking if I will still be revisiting the garnet design from last year, and the answer is yes! 

These rhodolite garnets, which are cooler and pinker in hue, will be in a batch of a few dozen rings releasing this Sunday. 

The hessonite garnets, which are warmer and more orangey in hue, and will be in a smooth cut, will be coming next month! 

(Scroll back on my instagram to last year if you'd like to take a peek at what those pieces will look like.) 
———————————————
✨ Winter Berry Tea Ring Release: Sunday, January 22nd at 7:00 p.m. EST in the Etsy Shop ✨

-
-
-
-
-
#artisanjewelry #birthstonejewelry #birthstonering #bookishjewelry #garnet #garnetring #gemstonejewelry #handmadejewelry #handmadering #instajewelry #januarybirthstone #januaryring #jewelrydesign #jewelrydesigner #jewelrygram #jewelrymaking #madewithlove #mainemade #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #rhodolitegarnet #supportlocal
Follow on Instagram

Navigate

  • Blog
  • In the Studio
  • FAQ
  • Contact Me

Theme by 17th Avenue · Powered by WordPress & Genesis