Inspiration ~ Paisley

My ~amorphia~ collection was in part inspired by amoebae, but is also reminiscent of paisley – and how I love it!

‘Paisley’ is an English term for a a droplet-shaped Persian design, known as Boteh Jegheh, which has been used in Iran since the Sassanid Dynasty (AD 224 to AD 651). The word ‘Paisley’, though, comes from the town of the same name in Renfrewshire, Scotland, a centre for textiles where paisley designs were produced.

{Paisley – Easter Pattern – Omid Mo’menzadeh}

Paisley was made especially fashionable during the ’60s, with the psychedelic style being credited to the pilgrimage of The Beatles to India in 1968. Prince paid homage to the design with his 1985 song ‘Paisley Park’.

{Paisley Muster – MakeMake}

You could go on a little online paisley finding pilgrimage.. you might enjoy it! I’d love to see your fave pattern. Now, just don’t get me started on fractals!

{Mandel Zoom 11 Satellite Double Spiral – Wolfgangbeyer}

Gataker’s Artspace

I’m pleased to say I have been invited to display some of my work at Gataker’s Artspace in Maryborough, here in Queensland. Gataker’s is a community artspace which displays the work of local and regional artists and craftspeople – they also have musical performances in their courtyard, and every month they open one Saturday night for music, wood-fired pizza, coffee, art and artisans. Sounds divine!

The lovely staff at Gataker’s have chosen a selection of my earrings and pendants, which arrived a couple of days ago. If you’re up around Hervey Bay way, stop in to 311 Kent Street, Maryborough, and let me know what it’s like. Beautiful, I’m sure!

Pisces

Pisces, The Fish, is the twelfth symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 20 February and 20 March is born under this sign. It is one of the earliest zodiac signs on record, with the two fish appearing as far back as c.2300 BC on an Egyptian coffin lid. Pisces is a mutable sign, and is ruled by Neptune. Its symbol is , which represents two fish tied together, yet swimming in opposite directions. Pisces is one of the four water signs.

Amethyst is the traditional stone for Pisces. Amethyst is believed to protect you from drunkeness and poisoning, and to help with insomnia and bring pleasant dreams.

Another stone traditionally assigned to Pisces is aquamarine. Aquamarine is thought to bring peace and serenity, calm the nerves, and protect sailors.

Key words for people born under the sign of Pisces are: Sensitive, compassionate, helpful, and sociable. Pisceans are adaptable, and can be hard to pin down. Pisces rules the feet, toes, lymphatic system and adipose tissue.

Pisceans share their sign with such notables as Albert Einstein, Theodor Geisel and Lou Reed. You can shop for a Pisces pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

Aquarius

Aquarius, The Water Bearer, is the eleventh symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 21 January and 19 February is born under this sign. Aquarius is the Latin for water bearer. It is a fixed sign, and is ruled by the planet Uranus. Its symbol is , representing ripples of water. Aquarius is one of the four air signs.

Garnet is the traditional stones for Aquarius. Garnet is believed to promote successful business, and to provide protection while travelling. Garnets have been been in use since the Bronze Age as both gemstones and abrasives.

Moss agate is another stone traditionally associated with Aquarius. Moss agate is known as the gemstone of gardeners and agriculture.

Key words for people born under the sign of Aquarius are: Communicative, humanitarian, progressive and fraternal. They have universal spirit coupled with occasional obstinacy. Aquarius rules the ankles, calves and circulatory system.

Aquarians share their sign with such notables as Charles Darwin, Barrie Humphries and Charles Dickens. You can shop for an Aquarius pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

Green Onyx and Sterling Silver Amorphia Ring

It’s been a while, but I finally got around to creating something for myself! This ring is set with some faceted cabochons of green onyx.

I think this may be the start of a new range. Hold tight!

January 2014 Newsletter Giveaway Prize Winner

Congratulations to Annaig, who won these magenta pink Czech glass and sterling silver earrings just by being subscribed to The Silver Forge newsletter during January! If you’d like a pair of these earrings, you can get yourself some here.

Annaig is a gem-cutter, and also has her own lovely jewellery for sale.

Her pieces are very elegant!

The earring giveaway for February will be a pair of these tiny yellow flower Czech glass and sterling silver earrings. You can subscribe to the newsletter for a chance to win them, or if you want some right now, you can buy them here.

I hope February is a month full of fun for you all!

Capricorn

Capricorn, The Goat, is the tenth symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 22 December and 20 January is born under this sign. Capricorn, the latin word for “horned goat” or “goat horn”, is a cardinal sign, and is ruled by the planet Saturn. Its symbol is , representing the body and head of a goat with the tail of a fish. Capricorn is one of the four earth signs.

Onyx is one of the traditional stones for Capricorn. Onyx is believed to assist with repelling negative energy.

July – Onyx

Another stone traditionally assigned to Capricorn is Ruby. It is thought to be good for self esteem, and is worn as a symbol of friendship and love.

Key words for people born under the sign of Capricorn are: Enduring, has a sense of purpose, proud, ambitious. Capricorns can be suspicious and aloof. Capricorn rules the knees, joints, and the skeletal system.

Capricorns share their sign with such notables as JRR Tolkien, Kahlil Gibran and Henri Matisse. You can shop for a Capricorn pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

Lifeline Australia

Save Our Souls (photo credit elgarboart)

There is a new call to Lifeline every minute somewhere in Australia. It is estimated that every day, 180 people attempt suicide. That’s more than one new attempt in Australia every 10 minutes.

Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-44. Suicide accounts for more than one in five deaths of younger Australians. Men account for four out of every five deaths by suicide. More people die from suicide in Australia than in road related transport deaths. More people die from suicide in Australia than from skin cancer.

Lifeline provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services. Lifeline also provides national services and campaigns that promote emotional wellbeing, encourage help seeking, and address suicide prevention and awareness. They currently answer around 1,800 calls each day, with around 50 calls from people at high risk of suicide.

If you, or anyone you know, are in crisis, or experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, please talk to someone, and get help. Lifeline are only a phone call away. Phone their 24 hour crisis line on

13 11 14

We all have a role to play in suicide prevention. My life, and the lives of many of us, have been affected by the suicide of loved ones, and I will be donating 10% of all The Silver Forge sales this month to this very worthy cause. Please help if you can.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius, The Archer, is the ninth symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 23 November and 21 December is born under this sign. Sagittarius, the latin word for an archer, from sagitta for an arrow, is a mutable sign, and is ruled by the planet Jupiter. Its symbol is , representing the centaur’s arrow. Sagittarius is one of the four fire signs.

Turquoise is one of the traditional birthstones for Sagittarius. It is believed to be the symbol of friendship, to protect the wearer from negative energy and to bring good fortune.

Another stone traditionally assigned to Sagittarius is Topaz. Topaz is believed to be very calming and soothing, and to be able to assist with problem solving.

Key words for people born under the sign of Sagittarius are: Free spirit, carefree, love of movement and cheerful. Sagittarians often suffer wanderlust, both in body and mind.

Sagittarius rules the hips, thighs, liver, and sciatic nerve.

Sagittarians share their sign with such notables as Bruce Lee, CS Lewis and Edvard Munch.

You can shop for a Sagittarius pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

Scorpio

Scorpio, The Scorpion, is the eighth symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 24 October and 22 November is born under this sign. According to ancient Greek legend, the huntsman Orion went to the island of Crete to hunt. Orion threatened to kill every beast, which made the goddess of earth, Gaia, angry. To punish him, she sent a huge scorpion which stung Orion to death. Scorpio is a fixed sign, and is ruled by Pluto. Its symbol is , which represents the scorpion’s sting. Scorpio is one of the four water signs.

Blue topaz is one of the traditional stones for Scorpio. Blue Topaz is believed to be very calming and soothing, and to be able to assist with problem solving.

Another stone traditionally assigned to Scorpio is aquamarine. Aquamarine is thought to bring peace and serenity, calm the nerves, and protect sailors.

Key words for people born under the sign of Scorpio are: Corrosive, passionate, piercing; brings about extreme situations. Scorpios frequently cause quarrels. Scorpio rules the reproductive system, sexual organs, bowels, and excretory system.

Scorpios share their sign with such notables as Claude Monet, Carl Sagan and Michael Collins. You can shop for a Scorpio pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

the silver forge

jewellery handcrafted by ruthie gray