nature Jewelry

Leaf Dragon Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 9, 2019
Posted in: Amulets, Dragon Jewelry, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

As fall approaches I have been working at my bench. Typically I start with an idea and flesh it out though multiple sketches. Sometimes this takes weeks, months or even years to get the full design clear in my head before carving.

Not this time. A simple shape of wax I found on the bench seemed to want me to start shaping. I could almost hear it sing to me as it took shape. All the while the air outside began to change from the Summer wind to a Fall breeze. The temperature dropped from a sultry humidity to a clear and cool rain. All the while a dragon began to emerge from my carving.

Autumn is a harsh and beautiful time of year. Looking back to each Fall, I recall a transformation of the air, water, and land. Each year the season changes the people as well. Attitudes shift, perspectives grow. We loose loved ones and gain new friends and family. All the while Nature continues to grow and change.

Dragons (though in many eyes) may be Mythical but they represent transformation. The Fall offers us that change, giving us the strange realization that in of itself Change is Stability. All things must Pass, indeed.

In the Spring, leaves bloom from barren branches and sway in the wind. Each leaf captures light and clean the air, like tiny lungs they breath and send out clean air supporting life all around them. In the Fall they turn colors each wearing various shape and hue.

To celebrate the leaf and adding a bit of whimsy, I present the Leaf Dragon. A curling leaf presents a head with horn and scale, looking about to see what is around. An emissary of Elemental Air, the Leaf Dragon knows how to both improve the qualities around them and ride the air itself.

The Amulet of the Leaf Dragon is 3-D sculpture, the curling leaf adds depth offering a sculpted look and feel. The head of a dragon appears to look at you from the crest of the piece. A bail behind the head of the dragon for your chain or cord.

Order your Leaf Dragon Here

If you wish to see more of my work, please go to Amulets by Merlin

To order custom jewelry please visit you How to order Custom Jewelry Page

Amethyst Garden Ring

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 1, 2016
Posted in: Jewelry design, nature Jewelry, Rings. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

A friend of mine suffered a broken piece of jewelry. She loved the stone but the ring was far too fragile to hold up under the riggers of using her hands on a daily basis. She is a professional body worker and required a design strong enough to withstand pushing muscles, moving equipment and a lot more. The goal was to create a durable ring of elegant design ~ reflecting her love of health an beauty.

Amethyst Garden Ring

The result: a custom, one-of-a-kind Garden Ring of Amethyst and Sterling Silver. Vines wrap around the stone with leafy foliage winding down the shank. The ring has many hidden open voids to allow light to bounce around the stone: set into a sculpted cage of leaves, prongs textured with veins. The shape of the stone (a triangle) is focused to “extend” beyond the hand, allowing the flow of design to harness the shape of the stone. Now in a private collection – no mold was taken for reproduction: truly a unique ring. If you want something like it, please visit my how to order custom page.

Be sure to visit my Website: Amulets by Merlin and see my collection of rings!

Moon Flame Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on December 19, 2015
Posted in: Moon Jewelry, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

Fire and water have a tendency to cancel each other out,
yet we see this surprising combination in a multitude of forms.
The balance of a caldron over a fire is a great example:
the element of fire is beneath a body of water,
an elemental balance between forces:
the fire too low and the caldron will remain cold;
the fire too high and the water will boil over and extinguish the flame.
When working with opposites,
it is a question of balance:
heating the water until it goes from liquid to a gas:
transforming it as Elemental fire often does.

In a grand scale: stars
are a liquid-fire (plasma) form of Hydrogen
(the most plentiful substance in the known Universe).
Through heat and pressure the “gas” becomes liquid flame
and crushes the molecules into new forms of matter
only to explode out into surrounding space as a Nova.
Cascading into the surrounding space as iron,
gold and many other forms of mater.

We see this time and again:
leaves immersed in the medium of water
with the aide of fire’s trans-formative qualities to make a simple cup of tea.

Moon Flame Amulet
The Moon Flame Amulet

On a cold winter evening,
I found myself musing over the mixture of images:
the flame of transformation
and the Moon representing the tides of our watery oceans
sculpted a tiny piece:
a crescent moon gilded by flame
solidified in sterling silver:
the Moon Flame Amulet.
The flame is “almost” many things..
do you see a face?
a figure dancing in the light?
The Moon Flame is ever-changing…

Fox Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on December 12, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Amulets. nature jewelry, nature Jewelry, Totem Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Throughout the World, the Fox has gained a reputation in song and story. Many cultures have attributed qualities to the Fox which are quite similar.

The Fox as a totem suggests Magic, Shape-shifting and Invisibility. In China they are thought to take human form, Egyptian lore suggests the Fox brought favor from the Gods. In Persia the Fox assists the dead to the next life. In North America both the Hopi and Cherokee attribute great healing powers to the Fox. In the lore of the Apache it was the Fox who brought Fire to Humans.

The Fox is revered because of his/her ability to hide in plain sight: in the shadows of perception, thus the Fox lives on the edge of Faerie “between time and space”. The Fox may assist one to the realms beyond normal experience, thus it is the Fox who may guide you in places unknown and little understood.

The Fox Amulet, quietly sitting, patiently waiting for you to notice, giving you a wink when you do. The Fox Amulet is a smaller piece, only 3/4” tall, yet it is heavier than it appears. A small back bail for a light chain or cord is behind his head.

Fox Amulet
Fox Amulet

To learn more about the Fox Amulet, please visit the Fox Amulet Webpage.

Other Amulets may be seen at the
Amulets Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

Sunflower Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on December 11, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, nature Jewelry, Pentacles, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

Shortly after I founded Amulets by Merlin in the 1980s, I was commissioned with a project: to develop a piece combining the two basic images used in the Sun and Star cards of Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot Deck. In the Sun card the main focus is the Sunflower: a common symbol harnessed in many other Tarot Decks, but this one was special: twelve segments, each divided into two aspects. This represents the houses of the Zodiac divided into their active and passive principals. In Crowley’s deck he also used the seven pointed star to symbolize the the Star Card: associated with Tazaddi (a Hebrew letter) often considered in Qabalah as “the fish Hook”, meaning the process of meditation is akin to lowering a “mental fish hook” plunged into the depths of the Great Unconsciousness (Akesha).

The Sunflower Amulet
Sunflower Amulet

Combining the aspects of these two ideas produces the simultaneous process of seeing all of creation in all of it’s glory and yet being “passive” enough to understand it’s subtleties.

The dear Lady suggested I place this in my line of jewelry so the virtues of the piece may spread to others. This I have done and so I present to you one of my first commissions and amulets in my line:
The Sunflower Amulet

Te learn more please visit the web page featuring the Sunflower Amulet

Other Amulets may be seen at the
Amulets Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

Moon Phase Chain from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on December 9, 2015
Posted in: Bracelets, Moon Jewelry, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

The moon has been a powerful influence physically and mythic for centuries. The Lore of humanity across many cultures have attributed the Moon to many things. Watching the moon in it’s phases is something we have been doing for a very long time.

Moon Phase Chain

In Astrology, those born under different Lunar phases (Lunation) are said to have specific qualities:

Within the first quarter: (similar to Aries) they will probably prefer to take the initiative and will be ready to look for new interests in life, new people and new ideas.

In the second quarter: (similar to Leo) The person will be locked into their goals and have a strong need to create a legacy. They have a charisma drawing others to them, but instinctively use others rather than help them.

In the Third quarter or Full Moon: (like Libra) The person will need friendships, colleagues and relationships, and will relate well to others; easily able to achieve a balance between want and need. They will either be drawn to highly successful people or achieve success; both with the help of others.

In the third quarter (like Capricorn) they will often have clairvoyant insight and follow hunches rather than be logical; and will finish projects others start; reorganizing and sorting out problems left by others.

Many civilizations have relied on a lunar calendar. In China, the ideas are broken down to seven and a half day patterns

First quarter (new): The first quarter symbolizes birth, renewal, sowing and awakening, and is associated with spring.

Second quarter (waxing): The second quarter symbolizes potency, maturity, full growth and development, and is associated with summer.

Third quarter (full): The third quarter symbolizes organization, harvest, collection and storage, and is associated with autumn.

Fourth quarter (waning): The fourth quarter symbolizes completion, conclusion, hibernation and rest, and is associated with winter.

Much is written on the subject and include nodes, mansions or nakshatras, lunation and so on. For those who love Luna in her many aspects, I have created the Moon Phase Chain. Each link is carved front and back with craters representing the lunar surface, each in a phase: full, waxing and waning, gibbous and crescent. I make a variety of sizes from earrings and bracelets to full necklaces and belly chains.

If you would like a Moon Phase chain made for you, please visit my website featuring the Moon Phase Chain as a bracelet or longer as necklaces.

More hand made chain by Merlin may be found here
Other jewelry from Amulets by Merlin may be found here

Medicine Woman Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on November 9, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, nature Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

From the deepest memories of Human History the role of Women have been the healers of the Tribe. Passed down through the generations, Herb Lore of what can cure and relieve suffering has been handed down from Mother to Daughter through thousands of years.

The Medicine Woman Amulet

Through that understanding, the Medicine Woman was also a Seer, one who understands the mysteries of the mind, perceiving the difference between physical and spiritual suffering and growth.

It has only been in recent human history that the chain has been broken: accusing these holders of such knowledge as “quacks” or worse burned as “witches”, the keepers of the ancient medicine have been insulted and persecuted.

Over the past few decades, herb lore has had a resurgence: a re-awakening to usefulness as Modern Medicine has been set beyond the grasp of the common person (at least in the United States) due to cost and the various hurdles between those who suffer the the keepers of pharmaceuticals. The Herb Lore encompasses both the various teas and such and an understanding of diet as we move forward, reaching out to other cultures for a better understanding of health and vitality.

In the creation of the Medicine Woman Amulet I recalled a scene in the book “Clan of the Cave Bear” where Alia gazes into a medicine bowl, a precious possession of the Medicine Woman; and gazes into its contents, seeing a vision of “what is”. For the Amulet, I combined the image of the woman and the bowl with a dituria plant, considered sacred in the ancient Clan; entwining her hair and body. As a True Healer, the Medicine Woman is a part of Lore, Vision and Tribe; focusing her Will for the betterment of all.

Other Amulets may be seen at the
Amulets Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

DNA Jewelry from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 22, 2015
Posted in: dna, Jewelry design, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Based on the molecular theories of DNA construction,
Amulets by Merlin has created a line of jewelry harnessing the double helix motif.
Instead of using the classic construction
of sugars and phosphate groups joined by ester bonds,
the pendant, bracelet and earrings
are made of silver (or gold if you prefer).
Using the classic shape of the balls and rods,
the pendant is over two inches long with the pattern moving up over the bail;
the earrings resemble icicles tapering down from the ear
and the bracelet is created
with tiny interlocking hinges
allowing it to flow over supply over your wrist.

DNA Jewelry

The DNA Jewelry Collection

DNA is often compared to a set of blueprints,
recipe, or code, containing instructions
needed to assemble other components of cells.
Metaphorically DNA may also be considered as a way
to keep and transmit information
or perhaps messages in small and compact places.

Dina Emerson’s nickname is DNA
and upon commissioning a ring for her partner
we developed a DNA ring.
Originally intended as a “one of a kind ring”
for her “one of a kind Bo”
but we thought it an interesting idea
to extend the ring into a full line of jewelry.
A new ring design for public release is forth-coming.

Dina is a Force of Nature with the Art of the Theater:
on and off stage
she blends into the fabric of
Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère
as if conjuring the images with her voice.
Twice nightly she sings mezzo-soprano
across the theaters of Treasure Island in Las Vegas
and the miracle of Mystère manifests fresh as an opening night.

With the blessings of Dina Emerson,
Amulets by Merlin now presents a full line of jewelry:
the DNA Sequence:
pendant, earrings and bracelet.
Perfect for Microbiologists
and other folks who work with the tiny encoders.

Other Amulets may be seen at the
Amulets Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

The Blossom Star Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 10, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Lore, Jewelry design, nature Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry, Pentacles, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

I make a wide variety of Pentacles:
a symbol that is found in every culture.
The five pointed star has been seen in nature
forming the core of the apple, blossoms, and minerals
and in the random patterns of branches and trees.
It has been adopted as a symbol of strength and purity:
featured in the drawings by Leonardo da Vinci
of the “first man” representing “life in balance”
even associated in renaissance paintings with Christ.

Blossom Star Amulet

Blossom Star Amulet

The individual points represent the four elements:
fire, water, air, and earth
with the point of spirit pointing up,
again illustrating the balance of nature
with the perception of spirit.

In celebration of the five pointed star,
I have developed the symbol made of the branches of the apple tree.
The branches are woven as a sign of eternity.
The weaving of the branches is in the sequence of
creation, starting with the top point of “spirit”
and proceeding to the point of “transformation (fire)
then Wisdom (air),
Consciousness (water)
then grounding in the material world (earth)
and resolving in Spirit.
An apple blossom on the side: the promise of fulfillment.
The apple is often a symbol of living knowledge,
wisdom and abundance:
though knowledge tend to foster options that tend to lead to trouble,
it is up to the individual to choose to be “right minded” when choosing a path.

I offer the Blossom Star as “the Teacher’s Star”,
perfect for those on the path of all faiths dedicated to truth,
wisdom and virtue.

more of Merlin’s pentacle amulets may be seen at the
Merlin’s Pentacles
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

The Leaf Chain from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 6, 2015
Posted in: Jewelry design, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

To enhance my amulets and pendants
I have created chain to carry the motif.
When I designed the Green Man it came upon me:
what was needed was a chain of leaves.

Leaf Chain

Leaf Chain

Small leaves to make a chain:
maple, oak, apple, larch and several others
eleven in all (so far!).
I now offer the leaf chain as both an enhancement to other pieces
bracelets, necklaces, hand flowers and waist chains (like belts for dancers).
Each chain is unique in that the order of the leaves vary
according to the time of their creation.
Most do not “repeat” a pattern;
they are composed in a completely random fashion.
Some of the leaf chains are “custom”:
they are created in the order of the client’s desire.
Every link is held together by a silver jump ring
soldered to make the chain solid.
In the past I created “eternal” chains
with no clasp
designed to simply put over the head;
but typically they are accompanied with a lobster clasp
for spring loaded security.

The Leaf Chain is an original design of Amulets by Merlin;
each chain is made one at a time by the artist.

more of Merlin’s Chains may be seen at the
Hand crafted Chain Page
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin