The Lady of Brew Tap Handle

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 6, 2010
Posted in: Sculpture. Tagged: , , , . 3 Comments

It is traditional in the more “high end” establishments who serve beer to have specialty designed Tap Handles. Normally one sees the name of the beer in a plastic logo as a simple paddle to grasp hold of and let the brew flow, however as a friend of mine noticed I had expanded beyond jewelry and sculpture into the motorcycle mirrors and other parts, he asked if I would be able to create a tap handle for him.

Custom Tap Handle

The man smiled as he pointed out his “establishment” was in his home where he wanted to show his friends and potential clients that his beer is stylish by placing a small sculpture with which one may draw the sparkling beverage. “I want a beautiful woman proffering a stein of beer!” he told me. And so after a few quick sketches and their approval, I set to work.

I sculpted two separate pieces which in turn (after casting) were soldered together: the beer barrel and the Lady of Brew, a goddess like figure who stands atop the beer barrel offering an over flowing stein. Embossed on the flagon is a stag head, thus offering balance to the design. The small Goddess is topless wearing a long skirt, trimmed with flowers and her hair flows down around her feet and down the back of the barrel. The Barrel has a hole in the bottom, threaded to affix herself onto the Keg. The proud owner now takes delight in his functional sculpture, toasting the health and well being of all.

If you wish to have a tap handle made for you, please visit my How to Order Custom Page

The Lord Tree

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 3, 2010
Posted in: Celtic Lore, Sculpture. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . 1 Comment

As the “Pagan Movement” has gained momentum in the overall global culture, within that movement is a very strong focus on the Goddess and the empowerment of Women. Although the entire community has embraced the fact that Women are more than simply “important” (they are essential to all things human!) one of the things that has been over looked is the Men who accompany them.

In an attempt to highlight Men’s contribution of the growing Pagan Culture, Isaac Bonewits wrote a book “The Pagan Man” which included detailed accounts of several men and their activities both singularly and collectively which include musicians, artists and scholars.

In my own part, I was commissioned to create The Lord Tree in bronze. The Tree is about 9 inches tall with details from all angles: In the leaves there is the image of the Green Man, the symbol Man in his youth (among other things).

The Lord Tree

Under the shade of the leaves is perched a man poised in the hunt. This symbolizes man in his middle age; the position of bread winner, hunter and tracker. These activities are often the work of the Father providing for his family, doing the necessary work for those around him: his community.

In the trunk of the tree is the face of the Sage: the Old Man. In this stage of life he has lived through his years, remembering the lessons of his folly in youth, the skills of his life as provider and now able to pass on the knowledge and wisdom he has collected in his lifetime. Here, instead of attempting to recapture his youth he teaches the new generation through story and song of experience and skill.

The Lord Tree holds the combination of all three qualities ( like the counterpart of the Warrior, Healer, Crone) of Man in one piece symbolized both as the tree itself and the root system that forms the base: the roots resolve into a Celtic knot work ring providing a never ending cycle of youth, strength and wisdom.

This statue is a one of a kind and currently in a private collection. More images of the Lord Tree may be seen in my website featuring the sculpture.

Want a custom statue created just for you? Please visit my How to Order Custom Page

DNA Earrings

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 20, 2010
Posted in: dna, Earrings, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , . 1 Comment

Last Fall, I developed a special collection of jewelry called the DNA Sequence: matching pendant, bracelet and earrings patterned off of the molecular theories of DNA construction of sugars and phosphate groups joined by ester bonds. Using the classic shape of the balls and rods, the earrings are 1 1/8” long resembling icicles tapering down from the ear.

DNA Earrings
DNA Earrings

Those who are “big fans” of the nucleotide know the image is a symbol of the basic building blocks of life itself, currently being mapped for the subtitles of genetic understanding. Although research is ongoing, the image means more to us than the object it represents: evolution both physical and spiritual; a way to reconstruct the past and a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Even the shape of the double helix is echoed in nature on a much larger scale though plants and other naturally formed shapes. You don’t have to be a geneticists to appreciate the earrings; they may be a metaphor for “the basics”, the tenacity of life, better living though knowledge, miracles through molecules and more.

These earrings are a part of the collection, originally designed for my friend Dina, but you may purchase your own pair by visiting the DNA Earrings Page.

Ladies of the Star Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 13, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Jewelry design, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

The role of women in our society has undergone a magnificent transformation,
Our nation was deeply influenced by the Victorian Era,
turning the “Woman’s Place” from coordinator of the household,
land owner, teacher, physician, wife and mother
to a nearly subhuman participant in home and community.
Over the 20th century Women have struggled from the depths of this troubling position
to regain and surpass all previous achievements
to include the right to vote,
hold up Her own in business,
politics and religious authority.

Ladies of the Star Amulet

Ladies of the Star Amulet

In the comfort of the second decade of the 21rst century,
we look back over the past few hundred years and marvel at Her progress;
yet still some ways to go to stand level with her counterpart.
We can appreciate Her progress not only to elevate Her sex,
but to humanize Men as well.
Confined to the role forced upon each other,
Men have also been able to step up in ways that American Society have repressed:
nurturing, responsive, accommodating and thoughtful.
Accused in the past of being much to cold and indifferent,
the young men of our “New Age” have benefited from the strides Women have achieved
by redefining their own roles.
By their very struggles,
Women have not only healed but transformed our society as a whole.

In celebration of these accomplishments I have created The Ladies of the Star Amulet.
The pentacle is composed of five tongues of flame,
morphing into women, developing the circle of life for which the pentacle is able to be formed:
the efforts of Women developing strength,
balance and empowerment through their transformative efforts.

This amulet is one and a half inches
with a back bail to allow the piece to be hung on a cord or chain.

Ladies of the Star Amulet is for those who celebrate the role of women in our community and as a sign of support of their continued strength, endurance and vision for a better future for all.

The Wolf Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 11, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , . 2 Comments

A portrait of the Wolf in bas-relief , this amulet captures a frisky glance for our Lupine friend. A totem for some, a friend for others, the Wolf had carried a strange history of fear from our early lore: Peter and the Wolf, Little Red Riding Hood and many other stories cast the wolf in fearful scenarios.

The Wolf Amulet

Wolf Amulet

Yet history describes the brothers Remus and Romulus were raised by wolves, who later founded Rome itself; lending an aspect of very human qualities: both nurturing and intelligent.

In Native American lore the Wolf represents loyalty, perseverance, and stability and regarded as pathfinders and teachers. Seeing that Wolves were skillful and resourceful hunters, shared food with the entire pack, and hold strong family loyalties – Native American honored the Wolf in story and song, rites and practices. The Blackfeet, Pawnee and Cheyenne described ‘wolf helpers’ who guide the lost or outcast, feeding and protecting them, guiding them to safety.

In celebration of this noble creature, I have created the Wolf Amulet, capturing the image without too much depth for easy wear and comfort. It hangs by a back bail behind the piece to offer the appearance the wolf floats on your chain or cord.

The Wolf Amulet is for those who love wolves and their lore; who wish to emulate their noble qualities and offer support to preserving them for future generations.

The Grape Vine Pentacle Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 7, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Pagan Jewelry, Pentacles, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , . 1 Comment

Pentacles have often been used as talismans
representing elemental balance,
strength and wisdom.
Of the many versions I have created over the years,
one of my favorite is the Grape Vine Pentacle Amulet.
The classic symbol of the pentacle is pushed into an organic form:
grape vines.
The Grape was considered on of the “gifts of the Gods” in ancient times:
it has many properties of use:
the fruit, leaf and even the vine has it’s uses.
Fashioning the Pentacle as a twisted vine
also may be associated with the art of wicker:
twisting the natural vines into furniture and other useful items.
The term “Wicca” has also been associated with the concept “to bend”,
much like the grape vine.

The Grape Vine Pentacle Amulet

The Grape Vine Pentacle Amulet

In tribute to the multifaceted Grape and Pentacle,
I have combined these two images into a single piece:
the vine itself is twisted into the Pentacle,
grapes beneath the pentacle bear the fruit of knowledge and wisdom,
leaves cover and protect the shape from damaging weather
giving a feel of mystery:
their is always something else to learn.

The Grape Vine Pentacle Amulet
is for those who love life,
celebrate it in it’s many facets,
enjoy the fruit of a life well lived
and strive for a balance between themselves and others.

The Celtic Cross Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 2, 2010
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Christian Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . 1 Comment

A classic Celtic Cross of Scotland and Ireland.

The Celtic Cross Amulet

The Celtic Cross Amulet

According to the many sources
who all assure us they are true and correct:
the circle may represent the circle of God’s Endless love,
or a halo of he who was crucified,
or it may mean the eternity of God’s commitment
by sacrificing his Son.
Most Christian sources agree the focus
is on the resurrection
rather than the Crucifix holding image of the Martyr.
The “Empty Cross” concept of the Protestant Faiths:
“He is Risen”.

When one looks to the Historical View,
there are some very interesting ideas
concerning the symbol of the Celtic Cross:
the circle represents the Sun God,
or the Moon Goddess,
or the cycle of death and re-birth.
The Equaled Arm Cross represents how Creation is
divided in active and passive principals
(much like Native-American symbolism)
and much is extrapolated for that.
When seeing the various Stone Crosses in the countryside,
some of the locals say the crosses were carved on them
as a way of disguising their original intent:
giant stone phalluses symbolizing fertility
to bless their crops and live stock.
It may well be we are seeing
evidence of a social correction in the stone.

As an Amulet Maker,
I decided to consult with several pastors
to get a perspective on what was to be made.
And so for this Celtic Cross Amulet
I intended the following:

I chose a block with capitols
to lean to the more Gothic feel,
In a deeply carved cross
I placed twisted cord to represent emanations from the center.
In the center is a disk representing “the un-nameable”,
the circle surrounding the center
representing the eternity of Agape:
Selfless Love.
This is intended to be used
by those who wish to wear a cross
representing a Faith based on Love
and live their lives as Jesus taught them.

Tiny Phoenix Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 28, 2010
Posted in: Amulets, Multi Faith. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

The idea of the Metamorphosis of death and rebirth is a story embraced in most cultures and religions around the world. Few are as dynamic and inspiring as the Tale of the Fire Bird or Phoenix. Beautifully illustrated in Disney’s Fantasia 2000, we see how the spirit of rebirth is released from the consumption of it’s own life, only to be reborn. Set into Coats of Arms for Heraldry, the potent symbol of the Phoenix is one that commands attention and sends a message “I will rise again!”

Tiny Phoenix Amulet
Tiny Phoenix Amulet

In the spirit of this transmutation and the ability to return to the task stronger, wiser and better equipped with experience, I developed the Tiny Phoenix Amulet to encourage and inspire those who wish to persevere with their work, no matter how difficult the challenge. Unlike the Double Headed Phoenix Amulet, this is smaller and more fluid. Instead of the “eternal perception” of the larger version, this one looks up, always optimistic, doesn’t look back at past episodes that would cause a stumble or fall; rather it “moves on” to do greater things and transcend the foibles of the past.

New to my Jewelry line, the Tiny Phoenix Amulet was originally created as gifts to some friends of mine, however because of multiple requests to make this available for others to purchase I now make this available through my site.

The Lord of the Dance Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 22, 2010
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Drum Circles, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. 1 Comment

Long before TV, Radio, even the written word, a favorite pastime was Dance. In nearly every tribe, community or society, Dance was an important way of connecting with one’s self and others. In the Elder Days of the Celts, there were Eight Holidays, each had it’s particular way of celebration, the major High Holies noting the mark of the Sun were observed in community music and dance. In some of the old religions, dance was considered sacred and a connection with one’s deity: the Shakers, Dervish, Voodoo; all found religious ecstasy in dance.

In a very old song (origin unknown)
“The Lord of the Dance”
we find a call to dance by the God:

“Dance, Dance,
Wherever you may be.
I am the Lord of the Dance”, said He.
“I will Dance in You
If You will Dance in Me
For I am the Lord of the Dance”, said He.

The Lord of the Dance Amulet
The Lord of the Dance Amulet

It has since been altered a hundred different ways with more verses that I can count, some have even attributed the song to Christ and sung in Christian Churches. It is difficult to tell what was original and what isn’t.

When attending Drum Circles, I have found many people in an ecstatic dance, filled with creativity and grace. To capture that “Call to Dance” I have created The Lord of the Dance Amulet. This amulet is a tiny sculpture one and a half inches tall and wrought to be viewed from every angle. You don’t have to be religious or of a particular faith to love music and dancing, this amulet is a tribute to the spirit of dancing for Joy.

Merlin’s Designer Collections

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 17, 2010
Posted in: Bracelets, Earrings, Jewelry design, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , , . 1 Comment

If you are looking for a set of jewelry to highlight your wardrobe,
look no farther.
I have created entire sets to highlight your look.
In my Designer collections I have necklaces,
bracelet and earrings
of flames, leaves, Celtic knot work
and more,
each collection to fit your mood.

Leaf Collection

The
Leaf Collection

Going for an Elvin mood?
Take a look at the leaf Collection:
each leaf is created separately and assembled into a chain
supple and comfortable to wear.
In a fiery mood?
The Flame Collection has a complete set to heat up your attire.
Other collections include the Gye Nyame
amulet and earrings which includes an 18” chain,
Skull chain and earrings with bracelet and more.

More designs are being added as my line of designer jewelry expands.
Check out the latest additions at the Merlin’s Designer Collections page.