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Moonspinner

Artisan Jewelry by Michaela Batstone

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Nocturne Collection, Part II

November 24, 2021 ·

Goodness, I love working with labradorite. Labradorite is an iridescent gemstone with a fascinating schiller or metallic luster when viewed from certain angles. The base color of labradorite is a smokey gray, but when light strikes the stone in a particular direction, it displays striking rainbow-colored reflections. Most typically, these metallic tints are violet, blue gold, and green.

It took a few weeks, but I managed to catch quite a batch of spiders! And in this offering, I have spiders made of pure labradorite magic, all autumn flash and misty grays. It was difficult, but I was able to get them all to stop scuttling for just one minute so I could take a family portrait.

I also grabbed a few copper maple leaves as they came twirling to the ground. Oh, and a few festive moons as well. Part II of the Nocturne Collection is pure autumnal magic.


Arachne Necklaces (ver. I)

There will be 18 necklaces available.
Price: ranges from $155 – $185 depending on size and stone

If you are familiar with Greek myth or have read Ovid’s “Metamorphoses,” you likely know the story of Arachne. She was the daughter of a fabric dyer who specialized in purple. She herself became a gifted weaver, and pridefully challenged Athena to a contest.

Arachne mocked the gods in her tapestry, and Athena was enraged, even moreso because Arachne’s tapestry was irrefutably better than her own. She destroyed Arachne’s tapestry and struck Arachne in the face.

In shame and fear, Arachne ran away and hanged herself in a tree. But Athena took pity on her, and at the last moment transformed the rope into a cobweb and Arachne into a spider.

Such a tragic tale, but it suits these necklaces I think.

Purple, the color of Arachne’s youth; though not every stone in these pendants is purple, most have at least a bit. Each stone is webbed with fine black lines, and a single spider hidden on the backs of each pendant.

Moody, somber magic caught in a pendant.

There are three different versions of the Arachne Necklaces, each with different embellishments and styles of pendant backs.

In this first version, surrounding the pendants are either carefully textured branch borders, or beaded circlets.

The backs of the pendants feature the impression of a large web, and then a little spider has been carefully placed.


Arachne Necklaces (ver. II)

There will be 16 necklaces available.
Price: ranges from $145 – $185 depending on size and stone

Spiders are such beautiful, unusual creatures. There are so many mesmerizing aspects to them, even just the mere fact of their weaving intricate, lace-like webs to catch prey.

The way they can float on the wind using a wisp of delicate silk as a sort of parachute.
The bizarre little hopping some of them do.

They are endlessly strange, unsettling, and elegant, all at once.

Surrounding the pendants are either carefully textured branch borders, or beaded circlets.

The backs of the pendants have been textured and a spider has been cut to reveal the stone beneath.

Spiders made of shimmering stone.


Arachne Necklaces (ver. III)

There will be 14 necklaces available.
Price: ranges from $135 – $165 depending on size and stone

This design consists of rare colors of labradorites, ranging from purple to orange to a rainbow spectrum.

The gemstones are simply set in a straight bezel.

I have sawn out the backs of the pendants revealing the backs of the stones, and gently attached textured spiders overlaying the window.


Poppy Rings

There will be 50 rings available,
ranging from 4 – 11 with multiple rings in the most requested sizes.
Price: $85 per ring

As promised, here are the Poppy Rings! Well, as many as I could fit on one hand, anyways.

They range from US sizes 4 – 11 with half and quarter sizes between. I tried to make multiples of the most requested sizes, hopefully I made enough for everyone that would like to pluck one.

If you are planning to try to pluck a Poppy Ring from tonight’s collection release, remember that these fit true to size.

They are on half-round bands for comfort, that are not too wide. So look for your true size in the listing title.

I always list the ring size in the very beginning of the title, just to make it easier to find the right one.


Moon Festival Necklaces

There will be 8 necklaces available.
Price: ranges from $125 – $145 depending on size and stone

What a joy these necklaces were to make! They feel so magical and jubilant, just like the feeling of bright, autumn harvest festivals and nighttime carnivals.

Shadowy and bright all at the same time.

They feature crisp labradorite moons set at a jaunty angle.

And below each moon hangs a sparkling sunstone, glittering with a thousand tiny candles. The warmth of the sunstones beneath the cool labradorites strikes a pleasing balance!

The backs of the pendants are left embellished and unfettered, clean and simple, befitting the moon.

This pendant has been aged and hand-polished for a textured, organic look, and to bring out the lowlights and accent the stone.


November Night Necklaces

There will be 10 necklaces available.
Price: each necklace will be $155

“Listen…
with faint dry sound,
Like steps of passing ghosts,
the leaves, frost-crisp’d, break from the trees
and fall.”
– “November Night,” A. Crapsey (1900)

Leaves crisping and falling from trees, another kind of memento mori.

These necklaces are made with the smaller rare purple labradorite from my collection. Set simply in pendants with small rims to allow the oxidization to frame the stones. Shadows collecting in the corners.

On the backs and built into the chains are falling copper leaves. The copper was initially given a brushed finish, but will develop an aged, weather look, just like a bright orange leaf fallen from a maple tree.

(If you purchase one of these pieces and would like a polishing cloth to keep the copper shiny, just let me know!)


And that’s everything that will be included in Part II of the Nocturne Collection! I am hoping to have a small flock of ravens and a batch of Memento Mori Earrings before the holidays!

Nocturne Collection Release, Part II: Tonight, November 24th at 7PM EST in the Etsy shop

Filed In: Jewelry / Tagged: art, artisan, artist, artists, autumn, creative process, Halloween, jewelery, labradorite, leaves, maple, metalsmith, metalsmithing, moon, moonspinner, moonspinner jewelry, nocturne, purple, spiders, sunstone

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My new rotary tool (to replace my much loved compa My new rotary tool (to replace my much loved companion of ten years, now laid low) just arrived, so I am back at the bench running! (And sanding and polishing, of course.) 

I am still not sure how being without a flex shaft for a few days has impacted the release schedule. But hopefully, at most, the Yavanna Earrings might be part of the Part II release. We will see!

Send coffee and endless energy my way, please! 
——————————————————
 🍃 Mossflower Collection 🍃
 ⭐️ PART 1: Sunday, September 24th at 7pm EST
 ⭐️ PART 2: Sunday, October 1st at 7pm EST 
 ✖️ Both will be in the ETSY SHOP ✖️
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#artisanjewelry #bohemianjewelry #botanica #botanical #botanicalearrings #botanicalhistory #botanicaljewelry #cottagecorejewelry #fernjewelry #fernnecklace #folklore #forestcore #jewelrymaking #leafearrings #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #naturejewelry #plantfolklore #planthistory #plantjewelry #plantnecklaces #prehnite #prehnitejewelry #tolkien #tolkienart #tolkienjewelry
"He sought her ever, wandering far Where leaves of "He sought her ever, wandering far
Where leaves of years were thickly strewn,
By light of moon and ray of star
In frosty heavens shivering.
Her mantle glinted in the moon,
As on a hill-top high and far
She danced, and at her feet was strewn
A mist of silver quivering.

When winter passed, she came again,
And her song released the sudden spring,
Like rising lark, and falling rain,
And melting water bubbling.
He saw the elven-flowers spring
About her feet, and healed again
He longed by her to dance and sing
Upon the grass untroubling."
⭐️ Part II Collection Update! ⭐️ Late las ⭐️ Part II Collection Update! ⭐️

Late last night while at the bench, my trusty rotary tool gave up the ghost. 

As I look around at the work I have left, I am realizing just how much I depend on it! (Sanding, drilling holes, polishing, etc.) 

I have ordered another one with express shipping, but theres a chance this will affect the date of the Part II release. 

(Most of Part I are all photographed and tucked up waiting for you to pluck them!)

I will keep you updated!
——————————————————
 🍃 Mossflower Collection 🍃
 ⭐️ PART 1: Sunday, September 24th at 7pm EST
 ⭐️ PART 2: Sunday, October 1st at 7pm EST 
 ✖️ Both will be in the ETSY SHOP ✖️
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#artisanjewelry #bohemianjewelry #cottagecorejewelry #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #femalemade #fernjewelry #fernnecklace #forestcore #forestjewelry #gemstonejewelry #girlsthatmakestuff #handmadewithlove #instajewelry #jewelrywithintention #justmyart #leafprintjewelry #madewithlove #makersvillage #modernmaker #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #naturejewelry #prehnite #prehnitejewelry #prettylittlethings #slowmade #uniquejewelry #womenwhocreate
As Part 1 of the Mossflower Collection gets closer As Part 1 of the Mossflower Collection gets closer (only five days away, eep!), I become more and more convinced this is the most beautiful prehnite offering I've ever created. 

I searched and saved these stones for years, and in making these pieces, I chose from my collection the most beautiful ones.

 The most brambly thorny rutiles, the most light-drinking domes, and the softest greens comprise these pieces. 

Jewelry fit for Sindarin elves and Shire-folk. 

——————————————————
 🍃 Mossflower Collection 🍃
 ⭐️ PART 1: Sunday, September 24th at 7pm EST
 ⭐️ PART 2: Sunday, October 1st at 7pm EST 
 ✖️ Both will be in the ETSY SHOP ✖️
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#artisanjewelry #bohemianjewelry #botanica #botanical #botanicalearrings #botanicalhistory #botanicaljewelry #cottagecorejewelry #fernjewelry #fernnecklace #folklore #forestcore #jewelrymaking #leafearrings #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #naturejewelry #plantfolklore #planthistory #plantjewelry #plantnecklaces #prehnite #prehnitejewelry #tolkien #tolkienart #tolkienjewelry
For a moment the other day, I was wishing I had cr For a moment the other day, I was wishing I had created some of these necklaces with the other fern silhouettes: the wide fanned fern and the little sprig. 

But with every one of these necklaces I photographed, I became more glad that I made just these romantic, unfurling ferns for you. 

I wasnt able to make as many as were requested by all you forest nymphs, but I did make a big handful! 

About four dozen prehnite ferns plucked from a magical grove I know. 

——————————————————
 🍃 Mossflower Collection 🍃
 ⭐️ PART 1: Sunday, September 24th at 7pm EST
 ⭐️ PART 2: Sunday, October 1st at 7pm EST 
 ✖️ Both will be in the ETSY SHOP ✖️

#artisanjewelry #bohemianjewelry #cottagecorejewelry #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #femalemade #fernjewelry #fernnecklace #forestcore #forestjewelry #gemstonejewelry #girlsthatmakestuff #handmadewithlove #instajewelry #jewelrywithintention #justmyart #leafprintjewelry #madewithlove #makersvillage #modernmaker #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #naturejewelry #prehnite #prehnitejewelry #prettylittlethings #slowmade #uniquejewelry #womenwhocreate
🍃 Tinuviel Ring 🍃
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While her true name was Luthien, "Tinuviel" is what Beren called her when he saw her dancing in the forest. 

I designed this piece to be a counterpart to my Beren Ring from the last iteration of this collection. Both feature smooth prehnite gemstones and sturdy wide bands with organic texturing and the edges of leaves carefully pressed into the bands. 

But her ring needed to be bolder and more magical. 

So I chose the most beautiful large stones to sit confidently atop the hand, sturdy as an oak. And on the backs of the stones, I have sawn a tiny window in the shape of a delicate leafy frond. A little sprig made of light and prehnite. A secret piece of the forest to keep with you. 

Some of the stones are clear enough that you can see the silhouette when it's atop your hand. Others are truly secret, only revealing themselves when held to the light. 

(Keep an eye out for ring sizes! Blog post sometime this week. Also keep in mind that these fit snug since they are about a 10mm wide band. Look for a ring that reads 1/2 - 1 full size larger than your regular size.) 

——————————————————
 🍃 Mossflower Collection 🍃
 ⭐️ PART 1: Sunday, September 24th at 7pm EST
 ⭐️ PART 2: Sunday, October 1st at 7pm EST 
 ✖️ Both will be in the ETSY SHOP ✖️
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#artisanjewelry #bohemianjewelry #cottagecorejewelry #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #femalemade #fernjewelry #fernnecklace #forestcore #forestjewelry #gemstonejewelry #girlsthatmakestuff #handmadewithlove #instajewelry #jewelrywithintention #justmyart #leafprintjewelry #madewithlove #makersvillage #modernmaker #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #naturejewelry #prehnite #prehnitejewelry #prettylittlethings #slowmade #uniquejewelry #womenwhocreate
Bowls and bowls of summer green, filling their bel Bowls and bowls of summer green, filling their bellies with sunshine so that they may glow their finest when you call them home.
——————————————————
 🍃 Mossflower Collection 🍃
 ⭐️ PART 1: Sunday, September 24th at 7pm EST
 ⭐️ PART 2: Sunday, October 1st at 7pm EST 
 ✖️ Both will be in the ETSY SHOP ✖️
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#artisanjewelry #bohemianjewelry #botanica #botanical #botanicalearrings #botanicalhistory #botanicaljewelry #cottagecorejewelry #fernjewelry #fernnecklace #folklore #forestcore #jewelrymaking #leafearrings #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #naturejewelry #plantfolklore #planthistory #plantjewelry #plantnecklaces #prehnite #prehnitejewelry #tolkien #tolkienart #tolkienjewelry
"Not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall." Indeed "Not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall." 

Indeed not, because they are destined for you.
——————————————————
 
🍃 Mossflower Collection 🍃
 
⭐️ PART 1: Sunday, September 24th at 7pm EST
 
⭐️ PART 2: Sunday, October 1st at 7pm EST 
 
✖️ Both will be in the ETSY SHOP ✖️
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#artisanjewelry #bohemianjewelry #cottagecorejewelry #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #femalemade #fernjewelry #fernnecklace #forestcore #forestjewelry #gemstonejewelry #girlsthatmakestuff #handmadewithlove #instajewelry #jewelrywithintention #justmyart #leafprintjewelry #madewithlove #makersvillage #modernmaker #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #naturejewelry #prehnite #prehnitejewelry #prettylittlethings #slowmade #uniquejewelry #womenwhocreate
🍃 Leaves of Lorien Ring 🍃 —————— 🍃 Leaves of Lorien Ring 🍃
——————————————————

With every new iteration of the Mossflower Collection, it becomes increasingly woven with threads of Tolkien. When I start pushing prehnite gemstones around in my sketchbook, Tolkien drifts onto the page with them. And in the deep of winter, when I reread “The Silmarillion,” new prehnite designs demand to be sketched out and tucked away until springtime.

As such, I think of every design now in terms of Tolkien’s legendarium. 

So I decided to rename this beloved design. 

Say hello to the “Leaves of Lorien” Ring!
——————————————————
 🍃 Mossflower Collection 🍃
 ⭐️ PART 1: Sunday, September 24th at 7pm EST
 ⭐️ PART 2: Sunday, October 1st at 7pm EST 
 ✖️ Both will be in the ETSY SHOP ✖️
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#artisanjewelry #bohemianjewelry #botanica #botanical #botanicalearrings #botanicalhistory #botanicaljewelry #cottagecorejewelry #fernjewelry #fernnecklace #folklore #forestcore #jewelrymaking #leafearrings #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #naturejewelry #plantfolklore #planthistory #plantjewelry #plantnecklaces #prehnite #prehnitejewelry #tolkien #tolkienart #tolkienjewelry
🌿⭐️ Tinuviel Rings ⭐️🌿
——————————————————
“and the song of Luthien released the bonds of winter, and the frozen waters spoke, and flowers sprang from the cold earth where he feet had passed. Then the spell of silence fell from Beren, and he called to her, crying Tinuviel; and the woods echoed the name.” 
——————————————————
 
 🍃 Mossflower Collection 🍃

 ⭐️ PART 1: Sunday, September 24th at 7pm EST
 ⭐️ PART 2: Sunday, October 1st at 7pm EST 

 ✖️ Both will be in the ETSY SHOP ✖️


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#artisanjewelry #bohemianjewelry #cottagecorejewelry #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #femalemade #fernjewelry #fernnecklace #forestcore #forestjewelry #gemstonejewelry #girlsthatmakestuff #handmadewithlove #instajewelry #jewelrywithintention #justmyart #leafprintjewelry #madewithlove #makersvillage #modernmaker #moonspinner #natureinspired #natureinspiredjewelry #naturejewelry #prehnite #prehnitejewelry #prettylittlethings #slowmade #uniquejewelry #womenwhocreate
A spot to sit a while, fit for a hobbit if I must A spot to sit a while, fit for a hobbit if I must say.
Forever inspiration. 🌲📖⭐️

——————————————————
 🍃 Mossflower Collection 🍃
 ⭐️ PART 1: Sunday, September 24th at 7pm EST
⭐️ PART 2: Sunday, October 1st at 7pm EST
 Both will be in the ETSY SHOP 


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#bookstagram #igreads #reading #booktube #reader #booksandbeans #flashesofdelight #nothingisordinary #thatsdarling #livethelittlethings #thehappynow #ardentfinds #theartofslowliving #pursuepretty #darlingweekend #livesimple #beautifulthings #botanicaljewelry  #fernjewelry #fernnecklace #folklore #forestcore #prehnite #prehnitejewelry #tolkien #tolkienart #tolkienjewelry
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