Pisces New Moon Bohemian Jeweler, Lynn

New Moon in PiscesMarch 15, 2010 12:01 pm PDT

Take time to celebrate the New Moon in Pisces by listening deeply with your whole soul as you become acutely aware of your feelings allowing your sensitivity to feed you. This month's New Moon artists are Lynn - a spiritually inclined self proclaimed bohemian jeweler from Montreal, Quebec and and Heavy Metal artist, Steff Green from Auckland, New Zealand.

Lynn - Les Bijoux Créa-Lune

Shop: lesbijouxcrealune.etsy.com Blog: lesbijouxcrealune.blogspot.com

I am a true Piscean with all the traits of my sign: easy going, instinctive, compassionate, sensitive, imaginative and artistic. It is so obvious to me that Pisces draws me in a certain direction along which something develops through my imagination.

Creating is a form of dreaming for me and where I find my peace. Sometimes I get so completely absorbed in my environment and my jewelry making that I tend to exclude everything else and find it difficult to come back to reality. I rarely put my designs on paper unless it’s a custom order, preferring instead to begin my designs with a feeling, an idea that inspires me through creative process. I tend to follow my intuition which I consider a gift.

Frame of Thought - River Shell Framed Pendant

When I was younger I used to form mental images of things that I had never before perceived in reality. On the other hand, I sometimes feel that some of my best work comes from outside of myself. I am very critical about my work and myself. Sometimes my jewelry doesn’t turn out the way I imagined and I get frustrated and start to doubt my work. On the positive side, the Piscean symbol features two fish swimming in opposite directions and I feel that this duality allows me to have confidence in my work and myself once again.

Vintage Style Moonstone and Brass Earrings

Most Pisces take the easy way out in life and never attain the degree of recognition that they deserve - we have to stop doubting ourselves. A good example of this is the under pricing of my work. One thing I sometimes regret is not having enough ambition in life and not being motivated enough to go through with some of my previous objectives because I didn’t believe I could do it. I lacked confidence in myself. Today at 50, I am more self-assured than I have ever been. I am finding peace and despite my sensitive personality, I am a survivor. When life is hard to take, I create my own reality and I find that meditation helps to calm the internal struggle within my soul.

Pisces have a mysterious way of figuring out what a person needs. When I work directly with my customers, I often have a sense of which necklace will bring out their personality. I also find that receiving feedback for my work is really significant, it's what keeps me going.

Amongst the Waves - Mother of Pearl, Silver and Bubble Asymmetrical Necklace

Always yearning for new sensations. I have done a lot of traveling to remote places not yet discovered by most and have really absorbed different cultures and art. Pisces are often stimulated by water and especially the ocean. I started making jewelry while traveling in Costa Rica many years ago when I had once again packed up and left everything behind. Being a typical Pisces bohemian I learned the basics of jewelry making by the ocean. I have been evolving ever since and am exploring new techniques, styles and mediums in my work.

With time I have learned to channel my psychological penchants into various forms of art as I walk the path of the mystic becoming truly conscious of the great mystery playing through the waters of awareness.

To read more New Moon Artist features please click the link!

Piscean New Moon Heavy Metal Artist, Steff

New Moon in PiscesMarch 15, 2010 12:01 pm PDT

Our feelings and sensitivities flow during this changeable watery New Moon in Pisces. When not seeking solitude, we may feel the urge to merge into heart and spirit space. Let the poet within out to play as you channel the intuitive, imaginative energy of Pisces. Excerpted from the We'Moon Datebook.

This month I am featuring two Piscean artists, the first is Steff of SteffMetal, an unusual combination of Piscean strength, passion and Heavy Metal! The second is Lynn (coming up next) a jeweler who calls herself a 'typical bohemian Pisces' so stay tuned!

Steff Green/Steff Metal Auckland, New Zealand Steff Metal Art Blogazine Weird Weddings

In most senses I am a typical Pisces. My head is so far up in the clouds it’s a wonder I’m not accidentally sniffing the armpits of angels. My husband calls me “the luckiest train wreck”. I am the eternal optimist, the person who sees every side of the argument and can’t say a bad word about anyone. The girl who can recite the phone number of every friend she’s ever had but can’t remember which day to take the garbage out.

Cemetery Picnic Print

Creativity isn’t something I have to do, it’s always been something I just do, like eating or sleeping or walking. It’s innate. Also, I’ve always felt my life was “bigger” than myself somehow, that everything I chose to do led me towards some important purpose I haven’t seen yet.

Why Heavy Metal artwork? For a Piscean, who is by nature weak-willed and prone to being walked-over, heavy metal gives strength – Heavy Metal says “you can”. Heavy Metal says “You don’t have to like me, I’m happy being me”. And, when need be, Heavy Metal says “Piss Off”. Something a Piscean would never dream of saying.

Custom Wedding Portrait - Gothic bride and groom

It’s powerful, passionate music made by people who believe heart and soul in the things they say, and in the same way that Pisceans are attracted to powerful lovers, it draws me in. It gives me tools to do the impossible.

Also, it gives me that sense of being part of something bigger than myself. The metal community is like this. It accepts with open arms anyone who takes the music into their life, regardless of race, creed, social standing, disability or personality. It’s a community of artists, musicians, dancers, dreamers and warriors.

Corpsepaint Kitty on the Fence Print

My art is for this community and for the extended network of friends, friends of friends, and friends-I-have-yet-to-meet, who share a love of this music. It’s for the artists who touch our lives and the music that feels our souls.

You can find more New Moon Artists by clicking the link.

Aquarius New Moon Artist Inspiration!

New Moon in AquariusFebruary 13, 2010 6:51 pm PST

This month I have managed to discover not one, but two Aquarian jewelers - these gals do love the rocks! Which isn't too strange actually because Aquarius does rule: obsidian, opals, pearls, quarries, stone, sapphires and slate! Surprised?!

Arona Offenberger

Melbourne, Australia

Shop: http://flossadornments.etsy.com Blog: http://abitoffloss.blogspot.com I’d never really given any thought as to how my Sun Sign (Aquarius) might influence my jewelry making or any other craft I’ve tried. I only started crafting in the last ten years. I’ve tried decoupage, mosaics and some scrap booking but now that I examine why I started making jewelry and the kinds of pieces I make, the Aquarian influence is completely obvious.

I have a day job but have been on leave since October 2008 after having my second child. Babies do take up a lot of time but after a while, I started needing to do something other than mothering. My motivation for making jewelry was to have some pieces to wear that weren’t mass-produced or bought in a store. I love handmade and I love the concept of one-of-a-kind, and I want to cater for others who feel the same. This trait is so typically Aquarian (if there is such a thing) and that is a desire to be unique, original and different by not following the crowd down the beaten path.

Black, white and grey resin bead necklace

Essentially, all of my jewelry is one-of-a-kind. I don’t ever make more than one of anything except by request and even then, it may not be possible, because when I buy beads, I only buy a few of each so that I can’t make multiples even if I wanted to. I do repeat design ideas but always with different colors and combinations.

I find that some artists and crafters show a preference for a particular medium or material, but I’m quite the eclectic Aquarian in the pieces I produce. I use a wide variety of beads and materials with no preference for one style or another. I also want to create pieces that will appeal to people with a range of different personal tastes and aesthetics and I think I achieve that in my work.

Sometimes I wonder whether other people will understand or even like my aesthetic. It’s very interesting to get feedback from people about which items they like. I’m always surprised by the variety of responses, but to me, it justifies the diverse range of pieces I produce. I suppose I want to have broad-ranging appeal but within the niche of “handmade”.

Long flapper-style necklace in white, red, purple and turquoise

Aquarians are known for seeking out new experiences to avoid boredom. I love trying out new techniques, designs and color combinations or working with new material. If I don’t know how to do something, I’ll “Google” it (Aquarians love technology) and usually find a plethora of instructions and videos to satisfy my need to learn. Some days I tell myself I will try to focus on only a few styles of jewelry but it never happens: I get excited by some new beads I’ve seen that I absolutely must try out or by a new idea my overactive brain has come up with instead of letting me sleep.

At the moment, I’m playing with polymer clay and making my own pendants and beads, but I’m adapting and experimenting with the basic techniques that I’ve learned to suit what I want to achieve. I’m not one for following instructions to the letter, I’m just an unconventional Aquarian doing things her own way.

Necklace with hand stamped quote on sterling silver tag necklace

Personal space and time are other Aquarian necessities I can’t do without. Making jewelry is a great form of therapy for me, especially at the end of a hectic day spent entertaining and running around after two young children. The fiddly aspect of making jewelry, like hand-stringing beads or aligning the ends of jump rings is a perfect way to unwind and switch my brain down into a calmer mode. There are also days where I’m not feeling very inspired but I can spend hours on the computer browsing for supplies, maintaining my online store and working on marketing. I love having this time by myself, I need this time by myself.

In the future, and Aquarians are definitely known for this, I'd love to continue with my hobby and turn it into a day job, but I expect that's a long way off.

To read more New Moon Artist Features please click here.

New Moon in Aquarius Artist Feature

New Moon in AquariusFebruary 13, 2010 6:51 pm PST

This month's featured new moon artist is jeweler and soul seeker, Shi Eddy. Plus, stay tuned for yet another Etsy jeweler (these gals do love their rocks!) who hails from Melbourne, Australia. The moon in Aquarius invites us all to aim high and pursue our goals with passion and courage. Test out your tiger-heart this new moon as you free your mind, run with the wind and share your innate charisma and sensitivity with us all!

Shiron (Shi) Eddy

Rainier, Oregon, USA

Shop: http://shijewels.etsy.com

Blog: http://shijewels.blogspot.com

Being born under a sign that’s ruled by Uranus, the planet of drastic change, revolution, upheaval and independence makes for some very interesting twists and turns in this life of mine. Both my sun and moon signs are Aquarius and I’m absolutely true to my sign. I’m a tree hugging, Goddess loving, hippy at heart. As an Air sign I live for the wind -- it cleanses and re-energizes me; I’m mule stubborn, fiercely independent, a dreamer and idealist…always looking forward to tomorrow.

As a mother of twins and a recent empty nester, making jewelry not only fills the void of a quiet home but also allows me to express my creative side. With Nature as my muse and Earth’s bounty of wonderful little treasures at my fingertips, I am provided the never ending inspiration to create pieces that show my appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us all.

'Te Amo' ~ Labradorite, Topaz & Peridot Sterling Silver Necklace

I love learning about the metaphysical and healing properties of the stones that I work with, it never ceases to amaze me how versatile these little earthy gems are. I’m always surprised when a piece refuses to be made how I intended…you’d think I’d be used to it…but the stubborn side of me is determined to make it as I have it in my mind’s eye only to relinquish this vision after a few exhausting hours allowing it to be made as it wishes, and it never disappoints. Jewelry is an extension of me, it isn't just a fashion statement; it's an expression of the soul.

To read more New Moon Artist Features please click here.

Full Moon in Leo Artist Feature

Full Moon in Leo
January 29, 2010
10:18 pm PST

This month's full moon in Leo is gearing up and ready to inspire as only those very special people, the positively cheery and beaming Leos can do best. My first artist feature is ceramicist Dana Morton, but hang tight I've got two more Lovely Leos coming up later in the week.

Dana Morton

Sonora, CA

http://EarthborneArt.etsy.com


Ceramics has always been a running theme in my life. I discovered ceramics in high school and credit that class for keeping me interested enough to graduate. I landed my first job, teaching preschool by taking a bag of clay to the class and showing the children how to make pinch pots. It also helped me immensely when I quit smoking ten years ago. I have left the art for brief periods in my life but it has always come back to me.


I specialize in a line of ceramics called, "My Grandma's Linens". It all started when I needed favors for our wedding. I went through a box of old linens that my grandmothers had made and created little dishes by taking impressions of them. It was comforting, that my grandmothers, who have passed on, were able to help me with such a special day in my life. I now scour flea markets, yard sales etc., in search of old textiles. I like the idea of preserving them in clay while breathing new life into an old art form. I always wonder about the person who made each textile as I’m taking an impression of it. I hope they’re smiling.


One might think that a ceramic artist would be an earth sign and I’m sure that’s true in many cases. However, all ceramics must be fired and that’s where the attraction is for me. I have enjoyed many different firing styles, including raku, salt and reduction. Currently I’m firing oxidation. I love the way the different atmospheres in the kiln affect the outcome.

Ceramic Art Pottery


The sun has had an enormous impact on my work and my life. I like to set balls of clay out in the sun, so that they dry on the outside. The dryness of the clay causes it to crack as I’m pinching out the pots, creating this wonderful texture. I come alive in the summer and do my best work then.

Ceramic Art Pottery Covered Jar, Urn, Memory Keeper


My dreams and past lives have also influenced my work. I’ll never forget one dream in particular: I was doing an art show and there were all of these beautiful pots in my space. I woke up, went out, and started making my dream pots. As far as past life experiences go, I have never had such a deja vu experience as when I was visiting Mesa Verde National park. When I walked into the museum and saw the pottery, I felt a very strong connection to it, as if I made it. I still get that feeling whenever I come across it in books.


Recycling and donating are also very important to me. I have local businesses saving their bubble wrap and other packing materials. I refuse to buy something that ends up in our landfills on a daily basis. My donations include, silent auctions, our local women’s resource center and sponsoring a child in Mexico. I want to do all I can, in my small way, to help our earth and the people living on it.


I enjoy releasing my positive Leo energy into the Universe. It comes back in so many interesting ways. Sometimes, in ways that, I never would have imagined.

You can find more Full Moon Artist Features here.