When many people see skulls in flags, posters or what not they either think of Halloween or pirates. The United States tend to categorize Skull “anything” as spooky. Not so! Skulls are being found on everything from bandannas to Hawaiian shirts. In Mexico Skulls are a part of religious holidays honoring their ancestors. After only a second’s hesitation, I decided to give the image a go myself. In fact on of the very first pieces of sculpture was a skull, back in my preteen days. What started out as a Halloween thing ( yes, I live in the States) turned out to be a study in the shape of the head, proportions of the face and a good familiarity of how a portrait is put together. My Mother (a collage level art instructor and founder of the McLaren Studio Academy) took the opportunity to point out the connective tissues, the way the muscles are aligned and how expression is developed with the foundation of the essential bones.
Now that I am making jewelry and sculpture professionally, I have developed an entire line of jewelry based on the Skull. So far I have created Skull beads that can be woven into the hair for those that dread their follicles to a cord, or used as dangles for woven rope or strings. I have seen folks use the skull beads as charms for bracelets, necklaces and charms placed on their drums and other items. Attempting to be a versatile as possible, I have also created the Skull chain: loops on each end that are then chained together for bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more.
Lately I have gone one more step: Skull money clips! One is simply a skull; other versions include stones in the eyes, a skull and cross bone design and a Jolly Roger, the skull with crossed swords. Each with a working jaw, spring loaded ready to hold your cash; I carry one myself and enjoy it immensely. If you would like to see some of my Skull Jewelry, please take the time to visit Amulets by Merlin
Amulets by Merlin's Blog 
K,
I think this is a cool new direction to go with the business. Hopefully, in these blogs, folks will come to realize the value of your experience as a fine arts craftsman.
Or hey, everyone, check out the work for yourself
http://www.amuletsbymerlin.com
I love your money clips! I use the dragon one all the time and get lots of comments on it. Right now, it’s holding a collection of cards that I couldn’t cram into my wallet. Much more beautiful than a simple cardholder. 😀
Thanks!
I am currently working on a custom clip, a new and much larger version of Flame. I will post the images of the new on as soon as it is complete.
Love amulets by merlin. Keep up the great work dude.
Love your video on the drum circle jewelry pieces
Thank you. It is a rather odd little bit of footage, but I enjoyed making it. The soundtrack is our drumming some years ago, and the subjects of the sculpture is of the drummers and dancers I know; so that one is all us!
Have you thought of making actual drums to sell? Or, do you know someone who makes drums who would be willing to give you a percentage for selling them on your website?
Indeed! I have been doing “drum repair” for some time, and as to selling drums, my friend “Shorty” imports them from Ghana by the truck load. My friend Bezel makes ’em from scratch, starting from a tree trunk. In fact, one of my favorite drums I play is one he made from an Ash tree. Thanks for the input!
I have been doing “drum repair” for some time now, however the finest drums I have ever seen made are those of Bezel. My favorite drum I have is one he carved from the trunk of an ash tree. The sound is amazing, touch is perfect and light for it’s size. I understand he is also creating electric guitar bodies now too.
Kirk, Mickey Hart,one of the drummers for the Grateful Dead, collects drums. Do you think he might be interested in buying one of Bezel’s drums? Just a thought. Clif
If Mickey Heart ever played one of Bezel’s Drums, I’ll bet you couldn’t take it away from him! As a Craftsman, the Beezel Drums are the finest I have ever seen. As a drummer, it would seem that the man grows extra arms!
Oh, and welcome to summer and the new moon cycle.
I would talk to your Deadhead friends to see if anyone knows how to get Mickey Hart’s attention. This might just work.
Are you set up for casting small copper, brass, or bronze pieces?
Yes indeed!
I can cast in copper and brass, however I try to focus on Gold silver and Bronze (NuGold) to produce items that will stay bright and shinny, Brass and Copper have a tendency to tarnish easily with wear or in salt heavy climates. In the case where someone really wants the other metals, I can accommodate easily.
Thanks
oh,and the new loook of the blog is much better.
Thanks for completing my order. I look forward to the mailman’s delivery.
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