Good Dirt FaceBook Fan Page

I finally found some time to get my Good Dirt Jewelry Fan Page set up on FaceBook. I find FB to be very frustrating to use, so I'm not sure what good it will be other than providing additional search engine optimization :)

Back and Forth!

It's nice to have several online selling venues. I'm doing a little house cleaning and am in the process of moving some pieces back to my Good Dirt Jewelry Etsy shop. Several of my international customers have been inquiring about buying some of the Celtic, Norse and Druid jewelry that had been listed in my 1000markets.com shop and since Amazon is the only payment system allowed there (and not available to international buyers) I thought I would move them back to Etsy. Wow, that was one long sentence! LOL All apologies to my past English instructors :)

You can now find my Druid's Eggs and Celtic Oghams in my Etsy shop, with more pieces to come in the future :)

Spotlight on ArtsyBeat Blog!

Spotlight on ArtsyBeat Blog!

I love finding nice things in my inbox! Today, I was contacted by the editor of the ArtsyBeat blog to let me know my "Dreams of Peace in Tibet" necklace had been featured in an article about "Charming Handcrafted Ceramic Jewelry".

This wonderful blog features artists of all mediums and has a lot of helpful information for artists such as tips for promoting and marketing your work.

A Belated Birthday Present to Me!

Four Cork Wristlet by Cork and Cotton

I just bought myself a beautiful belated birthday present and I wanted to share! The fabulously unique wristlet pictured above was made by 1000markets artist "Cork and Cotton". Yes, the material the wristlet is made from is CORK! How cool is that?

Below, she describes this beautiful purse:

"Four different cork fabrics are used. Harmony for the main part and strap, and strips of Monaco, Dark Utopia and Casablanca for the front design. The interior cotton fabric is a Joel Dewberry's. A rust colored background with brown and cream pod flowers. Each cork seam is top stitched. A dark brown zipper keeps contents secure."

If you'd like to learn more about how cork fabric is made, click here to visit her blog!

Norse Eihwaz Protection and Enlightenment Ceramic Pendant

Norse Eihwaz Protection and Enlightenment Ceramic Pendant

I was recently contacted by one of my international customers asking if I would be putting any more Norse rune jewelry on Etsy. I had moved all of my Norse jewelry over to my 1000markets.com shop, but since they only use Amazon payments, my international customers weren't able to shop there. Hopefully one day 1000markets.com will allow international buyers, but until then, all of my Norse Rune jewelry will be found in my Etsy shop :)

I created this Eihwaz rune ceramic pendant from earthenware clay. It has been glazed with a rich blue glaze. No two pieces come out of the kiln the same! This 1" diameter pendant hangs from an 18 inch ball chain, which can be easily removed if you have a favorite chain you prefer to use. A gift box is included with your purchase.

The Eihwaz rune symbolizes protection, strength, reliability and enlightenment. Whether you are a practicing Druid, or just love the art of ancient traditions, this pendant would be a unique addition to your collection.

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.

MyShoppingConnection.com Feature!

How cool is this?! My Celtic Love Ogham ceramic pendant has been chosen for the most recent "mashup" on their site! Be sure and check out the myshoppingconnection.com site!

"One Old Bird" Aztec Ceramic Pendant

"One Old Bird" Aztec Ceramic Pendant

An old Tibetan mala bead inlayed with turquoise and coral, adorns this earthenware pendant. The ceramic pendant features an impression of an Aztec quetzal.

The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican people of central Mexico in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. They were a civilization with a rich mythology and cultural heritage. The quetzal , a brightly colored Mesoamerican bird most commonly found in Aztec art, was thought by the Aztecs to be favored by their Gods because of it's beautiful plumage.

More photos of this pendant can be found in my Good Dirt Jewelry 1000markets.com shop.

Eihwaz "Enlightenment" Norse Rune Ceramic Pendant

Eihwaz "Enlightenment" Norse Rune Ceramic Pendant

I created this Eihwaz rune from earthenware clay. It has been glazed with a rich blue glaze. No two pieces come out of the kiln the same! If you would like to view more photos of this item, please visit the listing for this item in my Good Dirt Jewelry shop on 1000markets.com.

The Eihwaz rune symbolizes protection, strength, reliability and enlightenment.

Whether you are a practicing Druid, or just love the art of ancient traditions, this pendant would be a unique addition to your collection.

~What are Runes?~

According to Wikipedia, the runes were introduced to the Germanic peoples in the 1st or 2nd century AD. (The oldest known runic inscription dates to around 150 AD and is found on a comb discovered in the bog of Vimose, Funen,Denmark.[1] The inscription reads harja; a disputed candidate for a 1st century inscription is on the Meldorf fibula in southern Jutland). This period may correspond to the late Proto-Germanic or Common Germanic stage linguistically, with a continuum of dialects not yet clearly separated into the three branches of later centuries; North Germanic, West Germanic, and East Germanic.

~The Runes in Mythology~

In Norse mythology, the runic alphabet is attested to a divine origin (Old Norse: reginkunnr). This is attested as early as on the Noleby Runestone from around 600 CE that reads Runo fahi raginakundo toj[e'k]a...,meaning "I prepare the suitable divine rune..."[2] and in an attestation from the 9th century on the Sparlösa Runestone which reads Ok rað runaR þaR rægi[n]kundu,meaning "And interpret the runes of divine origin".

~History of Runes~

The runes developed centuries after the Mediterranean alphabets from which they are potentially descended. There are some similarities to alphabets of Phoenician origin (Latin, Greek, Italic) that cannot possibly all be due to chance; an Old Italic alphabet, more particularly the Raetic alphabet of Bolzano, is often advanced as a candidate for the origin of the runes, with only five Elder Futhark runes ( e, ï, j, ?, p) having no counterpart in the Bolzano alphabet(Mees 2000). This hypothesis is often denied by Scandinavian scholars, who usually favour a Latin origin for most or all of the runic letters (Odenstedt 1990; Williams 1996).[7] An Old Italic or "North Etruscan" thesis is supported by the inscription on the Negau helmet dating to the 2nd century BC (Markey 2001). This is in a northern Etruscan alphabet, but features a Germanic name, Harigast. New archaeological evidence came from Monte Calvario (Auronzo di Cadore).

~Runic Divination~

The earliest runic inscriptions found on artifacts give the name of either the craftsman or the proprietor, or, sometimes, remain a linguistic mystery. Due to this, it is possible that the early runes were not so much used as a simple writing system, but rather as magical signs to be used for charms.

Although some say the runes were used for divination, there is no direct evidence to suggest they were ever used in this way. The name rune itself, taken to mean "secret, something hidden", seems to indicate that knowledge of the runes was originally considered esoteric, or restricted to an elite.

Oregon Pictograph Ceramic Pendant

Oregon Pictograph Ceramic Pendant

Ancient cultures and their symbols is a favorite subject of mine to study. Oregon is rich in archeological art and this earthenware pendant shows an example of a pictograph found in Harney County.

I have glazed this pendant to have the appearance of an old weathered rock, with the pictograph created with a glaze close to the color that may have been used to create the original image. More photos of this unique pendant can be found in my Good Dirt Jewelry shop on 1000markets.com.

*What is the difference between a pictograph and a petroglyph?*

A pictograph, which is usually found on the surface of a light colored rock, is an image that was created by painting with a variety of pigments made up of soot and/or local minerals that had been made into a powdered form. Red could have been made from hematite or iron oxide, and orange could have been made by adding limonite. Malachite provided the green, azurite the blue, and turquoise probably came from ground up turquoise. Other sources of pigment included white clay, silica, gypsum, chalk, calcium carbonate, and charcoal. Pastels were created from clay mixed with other minerals. Thanks to the arid climate found in central and eastern Oregon, many examples can be found today of this early artwork.

A petroglyph is an image that has been chipped, chiseled or pecked into the surface of a rock. These are typically found on exposed rock surfaces. They depict hunting scenes, religious or magical symbols, ancient astrological symbols and other surreal symbols whose meaning is only known to the ancient cultures that created them.

Chic and Green Blog Feature!

Karley, of the wonderful indie shopping blog "Chic & Green", has picked my Good Dirt Jewelry shop at 1000markets as her first featured artist in her "Day at the Market" series! I am so honored and excited to have been chosen for this feature! Please visit her blog to see other amazing artists that have been featured, and you may want to add her blog to your reader as she is planning on featuring many more artists from 1000markets.com in the future.

You can find the blog here, or at one of the links highlighted above.

Fossil Ivory and Fine Silver Pendant

Fossil Ivory and Fine Silver Pendant

Made with love on Grizzly Mountain!

A handmade cabochon of fossil walrus ivory created for me by my husband, 1000markets artist "Grizzly Mountain Arts", has been set into a fine silver pendant to create this one of a kind piece. I used Precious Metal Clay (PMC), which is .999 fine silver, to create the pendant. I have given the silver pendant a rich patina to give it the appearance of an ancient relic. The 1" diameter pendant hangs from a Hill Tribe silver jump ring and a leather cord. A gift box is included with your purchase. More photos of this unique piece can be found in my Good Dirt Jewelry 1000markets shop.

**What is fossil ivory?**

Fossil ivory is ancient ivory whose composition has changed from ivory to mineral. Care should be taken to distinguish fossil ivory from recent ivory which has yellowed or discolored. Fossil ivory (including walrus, mammoth and mastodon) and other archaeological and paleontological materials are regulated by an array of Federal and State laws. These items may not be collected on any Federal or State lands. Fossil ivory may be collected on private lands with the permission of the land owner, and is not regulated under the Marine Mammals Protection Act. Fossil ivory does not have to be tagged or registered. Anyone may sell fossil ivory without first handcrafting it.

**Where do we get our fossil ivory?**

Ancient walrus and mammoth tusks are dug out of the permafrost or bone mounds by Alaskan and Siberian natives annually during the summer thaw and sold to subsidize their family or village income. We buy our ancient walrus ivory shards from ivory buyers that travel to the St. Lawrence Island area to buy from the ivory co-ops.

"Fresh" ivory and elephant ivory will never be used in any of the artwork created by Good Dirt Jewelry or Grizzly Mountain Arts.

"Long Time Round" Ceramic Pendant

Long Time Round Ceramic Pendant

I created this 1 1/4" diameter pendant from earthenware clay. This piece has been glazed with an earthy moss green. A carved horn bead and an upcycled watch stem were used in the design. This pendant hangs from an 18" ball chain which you can easily remove if you have a favorite chain you prefer to use.

If you would like to view more photos of this pendant, please visit the listing in my Good Dirt Jewelry 1000markets shop.

Sacred Celtic Salmon Ceramic Pendant

Sacred Celtic Salmon Ceramic Pendant

Made with love on Grizzly Mountain!  

I created the "Sacred Salmon" from earthenware clay. It has been glazed with a dark brown colored glaze. 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.  A gift box is included with this piece which is now available in my 1000markets.com shop.  

**The Sacred Salmon**  

To the Celts, the fish symbolized knowledge, wisdom, the gift of prophecy and inspiration.  

The Salmon of Wisdom were keepers of all knowledge. Mythology tells us that this knowledge was attained by eating the nuts of the sacred hazel tree.

Pale Blue Ceramic Fleur-de-lis Adjustable Ring

Ceramic Fleur-de-lis Adjustable Ring

An antique button with the fleur-de-lis was used to make the mold that created this delicate looking ceramic ring. The ceramic portion has been glazed a pale blue color and was mounted on an adjustable ring base.  

The fleur-de-lis, translated from French as "lily flower", is a stylized design of either an iris or a lily that is now used purely decoratively as well as symbolically, or it may be at one and the same time political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic and symbolic, especially in heraldry. 

More photos of this ring may be seen in my Good Dirt Jewelry 1000markets.com shop.

Full Moon Loon Ceramic Magnet

Full Moon Loon Ceramic Magnet

This earthy sage green refrigerator magnet features a loon under a full moon. The rare earth magnet on the back is strong enough to hold up your photos and other treasures. This ceramic magnet measures about 1 1/4" in diameter.  Please visit my 1000markets.com shop to view more photos of this item.

I am also excited to be a member of two new markets at 1000markets.com!  The EarthBorn market features jewelry that reflects an organic, ancient and essential connection to the earth, and the newest, Old Town market, who's images hope to evoke those you may find familiar ... an imaginary rural western-like location anywhere, a down-to-earth small town general store atmosphere, possibly an affluent small-town popular ski-resort town, or the quaintness found in the Old Town heart of any large city.

A Regal Ring

Celtic Ceramic Adjustable Ring

An antique button was used to make the mold for this piece. Earthenware clay glazed with a rich baroque gold gives this adjustable ring a regal feel. You can view more photos of this unique piece at my 1000markets.com shop.

Sweet, Sweet Spring....in Blue!

Sweet, Sweet Spring....in Blue!

The cheery blue glaze of this earthenware ceramic pendant and earrings set makes me think of the spring sky in Oregon!

Like the kiwi "Sweet, Sweet Spring" set currently for sale in my Etsy shop, the pendant and earrings of this set were also created from molds made from some beautiful antique buttons. While I used two different buttons, I thought they made a perfect set :)

The 3/4 inch pendant hangs from an 18 inch ball chain. The sweet little sterling silver post earrings measure nearly a half an inch in diameter and come with two sets of backs. More photos of this set can be found here in my 1000markets.com shop.

Ceramic Spiral Post Earrings

Ceramic Spiral Post Earrings

The unique spiral pattern found on these earrings comes from an antique button that I used to create my mold. The delicate spiral reminds me of plant tendrils. The 1/2 inch diameter sterling silver post earrings have been glazed in a rich, earthy blue glaze. If you'd like to view more photos of these earrings, please click here to visit my 1000markets.com shop.

Sweet, Sweet Spring Ceramic Pendant and Earring Set

Sweet, Sweet Spring

The bright light Kiwi green glaze of this earthenware ceramic pendant and earrings set makes me think of spring!

The pendant and earrings were created from a mold made from some beautiful antique buttons I recently acquired. While I used two different buttons, I thought they made a perfect set :)

The 3/4 inch pendant hangs from an 18 inch ball chain. The sweet little sterling silver post earrings measure nearly a half an inch in diameter and come with two sets of backs as shown in the photo.

This set is available in my 1000markets.com shop!