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Moonspinner

Artisan Jewelry by Michaela Batstone

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Hand-forged artisan jewelry madein a little metalsmithing studio in Maine.

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Latest from the Blog

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

Unless otherwise noted, all images, designs, and writing is property of Michaela Batstone. All rights reserved.

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An update and a question! ••••••••

An update and a question!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
My studio is a whirlwind at the moment! I am pulling the last breaths of the North Wind into these pieces. They are cool to the touch and lasting tokens of winter in the north country.

It is bittersweet finishing these last few designs knowing I won’t be revisiting this collection for a few years. It is particularly bittersweet since most of the designs from this year’s iteration won’t return for a long while. (I like to repeat a few designs each year, but most get tucked away to make room for new ideas.)

However! As I was packing away the stones and metal components I wouldn’t have time to get to, I did stumble upon a dish of little kyanites I had forgotten about! And so, I thought perhaps I should add some Winter Oak Earrings to this upcoming second release. It felt like kismet that I found them waiting patiently while knowing so many of you weren’t able to catch a pair last time.   So tell me, is this a design you would like to scoop up if I make some for Part II of the North Wind Collection? Please let me know below if so, that way I can have an idea of whether I should make some or not, and if so, how many!
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✖️North Wind Collection Release: PART II - Date TBD (April)✖️

I am back in the studio, sweet friends! The last

I am back in the studio, sweet friends!

The last few weeks were all about Belgian waffles, best friends, and baby toes. (And some Covid tests and sleepy new parents for good measure.)

I hope to have all your purchases from the surprise sale on the wing to you by tomorrow. And then, in a few weeks, the very last of the North Wind Collection. The pieces will sail by like those last cold breezes that usher in springtime.
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✖️North Wind Collection Release: PART II - Date TBD (April)✖️

Just a quick reminder that my surprise sale ends t

Just a quick reminder that my surprise sale ends today!

And then I will be back in the studio week after next to finish up the very last of my aquamarine, dendritic agate, and quartz point pieces. (I can’t WAIT to show you the quartz rings I am making. Eep!)

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✖️North Wind Collection Release: PART II - Date TBD (April)✖️

I am so glad so many of you have already caught th

I am so glad so many of you have already caught this quick surprise sale I am running! Even a few of the last Mossflower pieces have found thier homes, just in time for spring. I am feeling so joyful right now, and being able to have this little surprise sale to share my warmth has been just the thing.

( I could have added an exclamation point to every sentence above, but I showed restraint. . . !)

I plan to leave the sale up for a little while longer, with plans to ship everything in a few weeks.

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✖️North Wind Collection Release: PART II - Date TBD (April)✖️

✨ Release postponed and a little sale! ✨ Swee

✨ Glimmer Ice Rings ✨ I have been so eager to

✨ Glimmer Ice Rings ✨

I have been so eager to show you these rings! And here they are, all finished and sitting delicately.

I designed these rings after the type of ice we see in late winter/early spring. When the ice on lakes and pools begins to groan and crack, and spring is beginning to lace its fingers around the vestiges of winter, on some mornings you can find bits of glimmer ice.

The technical definition is the delicate ice that forms in the cracks of or on top of old ice. Glimmer ice appears when old ice has begun to melt and pools of water are collecting, and then a cold night and the North wind lays down a new thin layer of ice.

When I came across that late-winter term, I knew I had to catch it in a ring and save it for late winter. I chose the lightest blue aquamarines I had. Small and glowing, like little frozen puddles. Soft and gentle, like late winter.

I set them simply, but decided to give them a polished finish to give them a glimmer. I don’t often polish my pieces, I love the earthiness of matte and the shadows of oxidization.

And sometimes polishing feels too easy, because polished pieces always looks beautiful! (Learning to create a perfect antique patina without odd colors, flaking, or going too far in the removal took a fair while to get right!)

But after finishing these pieces, I think I might have fallen in love with a polished finish.
 What do you think? What kind of finish to you prefer? (Matte/Oxidized/Polished)

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✖️North Wind Collection Release: PART II - Date TBD✖️

My steadfast smithing companion. She has her own c

My steadfast smithing companion. She has her own chair and demands snugs about once an hour. What would we do without our furry companions??

Falling in love with each and every aquamarine rin

Falling in love with each and every aquamarine ring I set!

Collection release date will be announced soon. I promise!

I am at that point with the North Wind Collection

I am at that point with the North Wind Collection where it is time to put away the gemstones and designs I know I won’t have time to get to this year. It breaks my heart whenever I get to this stage! But the North Wind Collection will return in a few years, so I take comfort in that knowledge.

Still not sure if these crackling aquamarines will be tucked away or not. Perhaps if I discover a way to slow time down they will make an appearance!  I am planning to gather up the very last of winter for Part II of the North Wind Collection. I haven’t chosen a date yet for the final North Wind Release. I want to give these upcoming designs the time they require to crystalize. I am hoping to release them the last weekend of March, but we shall see!

The wind is whipping outside right now, and the bl

The wind is whipping outside right now, and the blue satin sky looks as though you could take a scoop out of it with a spoon.

This bright, brisk winter day has me thinking about snowy hiking in the Adirondacks. Micro-spikes digging down towards granite, breath frozen to my hair, and -9 degrees before wind chill at the summit.

Winter hones you like a blade. You feel crisper, bolder; joints and legs gliding like machinery. I wouldnt trade winters in the northeast for anything.

Are you a winter person? Are your winters harsh where you are?

Phew! I have gotten nearly a third of your orders

Phew! I have gotten nearly a third of your orders in the mail, and the others should be all packaged up by the end of tomorrow.

What a joy to tuck these pieces in paper and cotton, and know they are going to be loved and cherished by so many winter walkers and snow queens.

Fueled by coffee and very strong tea these days! B

Fueled by coffee and very strong tea these days! But I have gotten through everyone's orders and printed all the shipping labels, and you should receive tracking information by Wednesday.

Now to package up each frosty piece! I will whisper words of gratitude to each one as I set them in their boxes and top them with a bow made of paper ribbon.

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