What I've Been Workin' On Lately!

Since I gave myself "permission" to detach from the computer and the endless online marketing and promotion, I've actually gotten a few things made for our upcoming May show in Yachats :) I'm still working with the gorgeous antique Art Nouveau and Celtic button molds and have many more yet to use!

Ceramic "Round Wood" Faux Bois Pendant

Ceramic "Round Wood" Faux Bois Pendant

I created this "Round Wood" faux bois (fake wood) piece from earthenware clay. It has been glazed with a malachite green glaze. Measuring about 1 1/4" in diameter, this pendant hangs from an 18" ball and chain necklace which you can easily remove if you have a favorite chain you prefer to use.

You can find this pendant in my Good Dirt Jewelry shop on 1000markets.com.

New Ganesh Cameo Needle Minder

Ganesh Cameo Needle Minder

This is another cross-promotion for Grizzly Mountain Arts, which is my main business :)

We made this Ganesh cameo needle minder from a gorgeous vintage inspired resin cameo. We inlayed a rare earth magnet with clear resin on the back. We then set the cameo in a gold toned setting to give this needle minder a finished look. Dave encased another rare earth magnet into a piece of faux ivory (resin) that he turned on the lathe. Together, these beauties will "mind" your needle conveniently on your project!

~Who is Ganesh?~

Ganesh is one of the best-known and most widely worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. His image is found throughout India and Hindu sects worship him regardless of other affiliations. Devotion to Ganesh is widely diffused and extends to Jains, Buddhists, and beyond India.

Although he is known by many other attributes, Ganesh's elephant head makes him easy to identify. Ganesh is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles, patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. He is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies and invoked as Patron of Letters during writing sessions.

In this cameo, Ganesh is shown holding a dagger and a lotus blossom. The dagger is believed to represent the Ganesh's ability to cut away obstacles and the Padma, or lotus blossom represents ascent of spirit to attain great heights.

Help Needed From My Buddhist Friends

I recently came into possession of an antique lead amulet from Burma. I have many wonderful plans for this exquisite deity, but I'm not sure who he/she is! At first, I thought perhaps he was Mahakala, the protector of monasteries since there are skulls beneath his feet, but Mahakala is always depicted with a fierce, tooth baring grimace. All of the images I found of the Buddha holding a sword, have the sword of justice held high in his right hand, not at his side. Another thing that is interesting about this amulet, is that the deity appears to be cradling a infant in the left arm leading me to speculate that this may be a female Buddha.

When I received this spectacular amulet, it had a wonderful patina on it which has now been removed thanks to the mold making process we use. I apologize in advance to all of the antique amulet collectors for doing this, but it had to be done for the sake of art :)

If you happen to know the name of this deity, or if you have a good guess, please leave me a note in the comments section. I want to be as accurate as possible in the descriptions that will accompany my ceramic pieces created from this beautiful object.

There are more photos posted of this amulet, including some close ups of it here if you would like to check them out.

Thank you! :)

Three Graces Ceramic Cameo Adjustable Ring

Three Graces Ceramic Cameo Ring

The Three Graces of Roman mythology, or Charities as they are known in Greek mythology, were thought to be Goddesses of charm, beauty and creativity. Some also believe they represented nature and fertility.

My "Three Graces" cameo was created from white earthenware clay and accented with a pale purple glaze. I have set it in a beautiful adjustable ring. More photos of this piece can be found in my Good Dirt Jewelry Etsy shop.

Don't forget--Shipping is always FREE :)

New Handmade Ceramic Cameo Pendants!

Handmade Earthenware Cameo Pendants

I have recently added some new handmade by me earthenware cameo pendants to my Grizzly Mountain Cache supply shop on Etsy! So far, I have added three of the floral cameos seen above in the photo and will try to get the rest of them uploaded tomorrow :) All of my handmade cameos have Aanraku bails, and can be used as you see fit in your fabulous jewelry creations!

If you would like to view more photos of these new pieces, please click here, or on the link above.

Etsy Price Reductions!

Click Here to Visit the Markdown Section!

I have recently reduced the price on a few items in my Etsy Good Dirt Jewelry Shop! If you'd like to view these items, please click here, or on the link below the photo :)