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Artisan Jewelry by Michaela Batstone

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Violet Linings, Part I (Third Preview)

August 27, 2021 · 1 Comment

It has been a joy naming these designs after resilient, purple wildflowers. Some resemble the flowers in design, other are merely a similar shade of purple, and then others are just in namesake.


Iris Rings

There will be 30 rings available.
Available sizes (in US sizing): 4.25, 5.25, 5.75, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6.25, 6.75, 6.75, 6.75, 6.75, 6.75, 7, 7.25, 7.25, 7.5, 7.75, 7.75, 8, 8, 8.25, 8.25, 8.5, 8.5, 8.75, 9, 9.25, 9.75, 10, 10.5, 10.5.
Set on split double half-round band, so they fit a bit snug, about 1/4 size small.
Price: $135 per ring

Named for the flower that prompted the shift in this collection. As I mentioned before, when things felt overwhelming, the fella and I would walk down to the pond behind the house and crouch among the cattails, looking for the snapping turtle that summers here and watching the dragonflies. And of course, I would come back to the studio with a handful of irises to cheer my studio with.

Irises are such an unapologetically beautiful flower, despite often growing in muck and mire. Rich in color, flamboyant in shape, pushing up between gray pebbles and shadows.

Irises need for very little, finding purchase at the waterside or roadside ditches. They are lovely splashes of color where many other flowers cannot grow.

A reminder to be bold and strange, even in a landscape devoid of other flowers.

Each of these rings features a unique amethyst gemstones, all are different in hue, dome height, and inclusions. Some of the stones are light and watery, like a delicate springtime flower. Others are so inky purple to nearly appear black, except for when held to the light.

Around the gemstones are a pebble border, and the ring is set upon a split double half-round band. The band has been textured to give it a very rustic feel, like something you picked up in a forest meadow.


Harebell Earrings

There will be 21 pairs of earrings available.
Earrings measure about 2″ (50mm) from the top of the earwire to the bottom of the earring.
Each earring weighs about 5g, which is the same as a US nickel.
Price: $130 per pair of earrings

Named for that endlessly resilient flower often found clinging to granite cliff-faces above the alpine-line. Delicate flowers nodding their bell-shaped flowers, collecting dew on their flared petals. A delicate beauty that keeps itself alive despite being battered by wind and rain.

Over a hundred years ago, Christina Rossetti wrote a poem called “Hope Is Like a Harebell.” I had never read that poem before this year, though I studied her poetry in college. And it seems as though Rossetti felt the same thing as I about that humble flower: “Hope is like a harebell, trembling from its birth.”

This design, this collection, is my humble interpretation of that idea. Amethyst growing amidst rough silver granite feels like a hopeful thing to me.

These earrings feature rich purple, faceted amethysts set at the bottom of a beautifully flared sterling silver base. Seemingly spilling below the ear.

The earrings has been roughly textured and oxidized, and then the surface of the silver finished with a soft satin finish.


Becalm Necklaces

There will be 49 necklaces available.
Necklaces will be suspended from a chain adjustable between 16-20″
Price: $119 per necklace

This necklace I did not give a botanical name, I didn’t create it with any subtle nods to resilient wildflowers. I didn’t have poem or image in mind as inspiration when I made it.

I created this necklace to soothe. There are a lot of objects people use to calm anxiety; some people have a spinner ring, others have a worry stone. I myself am a necklace tugger. When I am thinking or uncomfortable, I tug and twirl whatever necklace I am wearing.

When this summer became really stressful, one day I noticed myself tugging on the little onyx necklace I constantly wear these days. But the onyx is small and difficult to grip, and the chain is short, which made it awkward. And in that moment sitting at my bench, I imagined a simple amethyst necklace with a length of chain swinging gently below. A lariat for when days feel overwhelming.

I kept the very first one I made, and have worn it every day since. It is a reminder to let the breath you’ve been holding in out, to plant your toes firmly in the ground, and say “Okay.”

Each of these necklaces feature a small, faceted amethyst; the sweetest, gentlest gemstones I had.

Below the stone is a short length of chain with a tiny silver drop. The silver drops swings about 2” below the gemstone. A bit of necklace to twirl between your fingers when things feel overwhelming.

I built these necklaces into somewhat short chains, adjustable between 16-20”. They are meant to be worn high, gemstone around the clavicle, with the silver drop swinging comfortingly below. But there is enough chain if you prefer your necklaces a bit longer (worn at 20″). But if you’d like yours even shorter, leave a note during checkout with how many inches you’d like me to snip out. (They can be shortened, but not lengthened.)


And that’s everything that will be included in Part I of the amethyst collection!

Violet Linings Collection Release, Part I: Sunday, August 29th at 7PM EST in the Etsy shop

“Softly the evening came with the sunset.” – Henry Wordsworth Longfellow

Tonight I am feeling hopeful for the autumn. The amethyst collection has truly been such a balm for me; resilience and hopefulness encapsulated in metal and stone. After ruthlessly hammering and roughening every piece of silver on my bench, the amethysts soothed what was left. And now, with all of these little violet linings photographed and tucked safely away while they await the collection release, I am feeling hopeful and soft. And this sunset felt particularly soft, as well.

Ahead of this collection release, I just want to say a thousand times thank you for being here. Every time you leave a sweet comment, share my work, or joy of all joys, claim a piece of my jewelry for yourself, you are supporting a dream and a family, and four very demanding cats. Your ongoing support is every day a violet lining for me, to be able to do this work, even when everything else can be frustrating, disappointing, or lackluster, means everything. My endless thanks to you.

   

Filed In: Jewelry / Tagged: amethyst, art, artisan, artist, artists, creative process, inspiration, Jewelry, metalsmith, metalsmithing, moonspinner, violet

Comments

  1. Sabrina Ricks says

    August 28, 2021 at 6:35 am

    You give me hope…hope that something beautiful awaits me. Much love and light to you, my friend.

    Reply

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Recent Posts

  • ✨🌟 S P R I NG S A L E 🌟✨
  • 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)
  • Mossflower Collection, Pt. I (Third Preview)
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💜 I kept a pair of these for myself, and it fee 💜 I kept a pair of these for myself, and it feels perfectly right that they wanted to wait until it was a bit more summery. 

☀️ They drink the sunshine and brush bare shoulders, perfect for long summer days. 

🌸 Keep an eye out for more of these and one other amethyst earring design! I couldn't finish them in time for the amethyst release, but they are finished now and begging to be plucked. As soon as we are settled, I promise! 
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#uniquejewelry #artisanjewelry #heytheremaker #makersvillage  #ardentfinds 
#handmadejewelry #bespokejewelry #persuepretty  #modernmaker #justmyart  #jewelrywithintention  #everydayjewelry #craftsposure #mainemade #thatsdarling #meetthemaker  #shopsmall #seekinspirecreate #inherstudio #handmaderings #femalemade #womenwhocreate #standwithsmall #cottagecoreaesthetic
🌿 The shop is officially shuttered and the sign 🌿 The shop is officially shuttered and the sign on the door reads "Back in 5" while we move house. 

🌲 Three days from now we will be tucked in a cabin up north, and I will be dreaming up new designs for you.

💌 All orders placed during the sale will ship over the next day or two. Thank you, my sweet friends, for keeping food in my kitties bowls and the lights on here at Moonspinner Headquarters. You are just the peachiest!
🌟 Sale ends tonight, sweet friends! 🌟 - - - 🌟 Sale ends tonight, sweet friends! 🌟

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#uniquejewelry #artisanjewelry #heytheremaker #makersvillage  #ardentfinds 
#handmadejewelry #bespokejewelry #persuepretty  #modernmaker #justmyart  #jewelrywithintention  #everydayjewelry #craftsposure #mainemade #thatsdarling #meetthemaker  #shopsmall #seekinspirecreate #inherstudio #handmaderings #femalemade #womenwhocreate #standwithsmall #cottagecoreaesthetic
D R Y A D L E A F E A R J A C K E T S 💫 Per D R Y A D  L E A F  E A R  J A C K E T S

💫 Perhaps my very favorite design I have ever created. 

🌟 Leaves sung into silver and prehnite gemstones made of the first spring leaves. 

✨ Made for dryads stepping out of ancient oaks.

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#uniquejewelry #artisanjewelry #heytheremaker #makersvillage  #ardentfinds 
#handmadejewelry #bespokejewelry #persuepretty  #modernmaker #justmyart  #jewelrywithintention  #everydayjewelry #craftsposure #mainemade #thatsdarling #meetthemaker  #shopsmall #seekinspirecreate #inherstudio #handmaderings #femalemade #womenwhocreate #standwithsmall #cottagecoreaesthetic
🌟 Heads up! My Spring Cleaning 25% Off sale end 🌟 Heads up! My Spring Cleaning 25% Off sale ends Thursday. 💫

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#uniquejewelry #artisanjewelry #heytheremaker #makersvillage  #ardentfinds 
#handmadejewelry #bespokejewelry #persuepretty  #modernmaker #justmyart  #jewelrywithintention  #everydayjewelry #craftsposure #mainemade #thatsdarling #meetthemaker  #shopsmall #seekinspirecreate #inherstudio #handmaderings #femalemade #womenwhocreate #standwithsmall #cottagecoreaesthetic
🌟 Just a reminder that the 25% sale will end in 🌟 Just a reminder that the 25% sale will end in a few days, and then I will be buttoning up my shop so we can settle into our summer place!

🌟 Cheers to everyone who has stopped by the sale so far! I am so pleased that so many of you have been able to pluck some pieces you’ve had your eye on for a while.

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#amethystjewelry#amethyst#amethystring#amethystcrystal#crystaljewelry#crystals#handmadejewelry#handcraftedjewelry#witchyjewelry#witchy#witchyvibes#witchythings#handmadering#sterlingsilverjewelry#jewelrymaking#bohojewelry#instasmithy#seekinspirecreate#femalemade#womenwhocreate#cottagecoreaesthetic#everydayjewelry#jewelrywithintention
🌟 Cheers to everyone who has caught my spring c 🌟 Cheers to everyone who has caught my spring cleaning sale so far! 🌟

It is such a joy seeing past designs being plucked, like they were waiting for their intendeds all this time. And soon all of those claimed pieces will find their people: owls will fly off to the post, tiny icicles will form below ears, lucky feathers will settle around necks, and last year's violets will bloom atop hands. 

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#amethyst#springfashion#handmadering#sterlingsilverjewelry#jewelrymaking#bohojewelry#instasmithy#seekinspirecreate#femalemade#womenwhocreate#cottagecoreaesthetic#jewelrywithintention#everydayjewelry#amethystjewelry#amethystcrystal#springtime#springjewelry
✨🌟 S P R I NG S A L E 🌟✨
 As we pack ✨🌟 S P R I NG  S A L E 🌟✨

As we pack up our home and take endless trips to the summer cabin and our storage unit, I thought “what better time to have a spring cleaning sale?” 

I don’t often do sales, but I am so appreciative of your patronage, and relish the thought of making space for new work on the shelves. And then I can also purchase some yummy gemstones I have been eying for a summer collection for you! (I spent one single morning with my sketchbook, and now this summer is looking quite foxy.) 

🌟 The sale includes all my older designs, as well as pieces from Part I of the Violet Linings Collection from last summer. 

🌟 No need for a code! Everything that is included in the sale is already marked down. 

🌟 My shop will be open for a few days, and then I will put it on pause while we get settled. When it reopens, the sale will be finished and we will be back to our regularly scheduled programming. 

Cheers!
🌟 Life Update 🌟 We are in the process of mo 🌟 Life Update 🌟

We are in the process of moving house, so life is rather akilter at the moment! 

Our 9-month lease ends this month and doesn’t pick back up until September, so we decided to spend the summer at a cabin in northern Maine. My fella is taking a much deserved summer off to spend his days hiking, making wood-fired pizzas, fishing, reading on a sunshiny deck, mountain biking, all the best woodsy things. I am bringing my studio with me, so I will be spinning silver for you all summer!

I will be taking things a bit slower than usual, days spent reading my back-log, and sipping coffee, and napping with the cats, and taking pictures of funny mushrooms, all the usual things. 

The shop will stay open for as long as I can tuck orders in the mail, I will give you a heads up if I have to put it on pause. 

I still have two lilting earrings designs to share with you that are just about finished, so keep an eye out for that!

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#uniquejewelry #artisanjewelry #bohemianjewelry #prettylittlethings #etsyhandmade #heytheremaker #ladysmith #makersvillage #instasmithy #silversmith #crystaljewelry #ardentfinds #bohoinspo #modernmaker #justmyart #madewithlove #jewelrywithintention #standwithsmall #everydayjewelry #etsyjewelry #seekinspirecreate #inherstudio #handmaderings #amethystjewelry #springjewelry #springtimejewelry #springtime #cottagecore #cottagecoreaesthetic
Packing up your orders is always such a lovely tim Packing up your orders is always such a lovely time for me. 

I get to greet familiar names, and many new ones. Often I can remember what pieces from past collections these familiar names had caught. I can imagine their growing collections of my work, the specific-to-them pieces that called to them from my studio. 

I imagine personalities based around the pieces claimed. “I bet she puts her hand on the bark of every tree she passes.” “They would totally have a pet crow named Copernicus.” “She probably wears all my pieces at once, like beautiful, feminine armor.” 

You, my sweet friends, are the best.
Our sweet, little, dorky menace, Finn. ✨ Our sweet, little, dorky menace, Finn. ✨
Everything is in the mail, sweet friends! If you p Everything is in the mail, sweet friends! If you placed an order, your violet should be winging its way to you as we speak! ✨💜
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