Custom Dragon-Butterfly Cloak Clasp from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 15, 2015
Posted in: Cloak Clasps, Custom Jewelry, Dragon Jewelry, Jewelry design. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

A Lady requested a cloak clasp combining her two favorite things:
Dragons and butterflies.
With a rather limited description we worked through a series of renderings
and then developed the final piece.

Dragon-Butterfly Cloak Clasp

Custom Dragon-Butterfly Cloak Clasp

The main wings are in Bronze
while the body of the Dragon is of Sterling Silver.
Opals were places in the tips of the wings
with garnets and amethysts set into the Mandala of knot work and spirals.
Amethyst and garnets are set into the body of the dragon.
The stones were set with sterling tube and prong settings.
The piece was made to clasp with two hooks to steady the design
while wearing it.
Three button loops were placed on each side of the wings.

The proud owner of the one-of-a-kind Dragon-Butterfly Cloak Clasp
displays her creature on her cloak at DragonCon every year!
See the website for the close ups of the mechanism!

If you have a concept of a piece that you want created,
you need only ask!

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

One-of-a-kind Ouroboros Penannular Brooch from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 14, 2015
Posted in: Brooches, Celtic Jewelry, Custom Jewelry, Dragon Jewelry, Multi Faith, Ouroboros, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

One of my favorite activities
is to create things never made before;
this was one of them!
I have already been producing the Ouroboros Ring for some time,
however a fellow wanted to have something specially made
that touches both his Celtic Heritage and his love for the Ouroboros:
the Ouroboros Penannular Brooch!

Ouroboros Penannular Brooch

Ouroboros Penannular Brooch

The Worm Himself
is a solid carving with the ability to be viewed from both sides,
a fully detailed face and the traditional diamond scalded spine.
Unlike the Ladies’ Penannular,
this is a solid ring with a “free” pin.
By his request I created the pin without a head and to replicate a sewing needle.
The way it is worn is that the ring of the Ouroboros is placed on the cloak
(or Great Kilt)
and the needle pierces the material underneath after bunching it up
though the ring thus securing the Brooch and cloak together.

This is a one-of-a-kind piece
with no mold taken for reproduction,
however
if you wish to have something similar made
(or anything of the kind) simply ask!

Rite Way Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 13, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Humor, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , . 1 Comment

The classic image of a “witch on a broom”
is much like the picture at the beginning of the TV series “Bewitched”:
a lovely woman in a witch costume riding sidesaddle
(see “Witch on a broom”).
However some years ago it was pointed out to me
in the old Rites the use of the Besom was with the bristles up.

The Rite Way

The Rite Way Amulet

Keeping in mind the more traditional
use of a broom is cleansing a home
(or other space) while you are actual sweeping
you are blessing your home and driving out negativity.
Hence the actual “business end” of the broom is the bristles.

To celebrate the “use” of the broom
I have created an amulet of Blessing:
“The Rite Way”.
The Lady holds her besom with the bristles up
blessing and protecting Sacred Space.

The Rite Way Amulet
is intended for those that are both serious about their efforts
to make the world a better place
and a sense of humor that one would wear
a “witch on a broom” that would be more “authentic”.

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

Dark Angel Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 12, 2015
Posted in: Amulets. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

In the spine the second vertebrae is the axis vertebra (C2),
nick named “The Dark Angel”
commonly because of its position:
It forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra
(the atlas),
which carries the head, rotates.
Also because of when viewed in an isometric position,
it looks like a head and wings and is never seen
unless in autopsy or considerably after the demise of the subject.
For such a small bone,
we rely on its position for movement nearly every minute of our waking
(and at times sleeping)
lives.

The Dark Angel

The Dark Angel Amulet

Dark Angel Amulet

As a subject for an amulet,
this represents many things:
health and healing, vitality, protection
and the ability to “pivot” both literally and figuratively.
Being as that it is so rarely seen while “in use”
it may also represent assistance
we both rely on
and never see.
It connects the Mind to the Body in a very physical way.

The Dark Angel Amulet is intended
to be of assistance to those in Health care:
Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Nurses
and all care givers and body workers.
Here is an amulet that is rooted in reality
and extended into the realm of the arcane
for those who wish to bring healing to a troubled world.

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

Witch on a Broom Pendant from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 11, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Moon Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

One of the classic images of Halloween
is a witch riding on a broom stick.
However since the sixties
and the hit series “Bewitched”
the images turned from the “old crone”
to a beautiful woman riding side saddle on her besom.

Merlin's Witch on a broom Amulet

Merlin’s Witch on a broom Amulet

Like most people in my age group,
the icon stuck with me for years:
the sense of freedom to ride with ease across an inky sky
with the full moon framing a beautiful face,
a Witch to remember!

In my later years
I have met many women that have “come out of the closet”
most of them tend to resemble Samantha:
beauty, talent and a great sense of humor.

As a dedication to this vision of loveliness,
I have created the amulet: “Witch on a broom Amulet”
1 5/8” by one inch tall with a bail behind the moon:
positioned to give the sense of “floating” on your chain or cord.
Not just for Halloween,
the Beauty may be worn year around to spice up your day
“I’m feeling Witchy!”

more of Merlin’s Amulets may be seen at the
Merlin’s Amulets
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

One in Spirit Sculpture from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 9, 2015
Posted in: Drum Circles, Sculpture. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

There are few things in life that can inspire such joy.
It is one thing to perform while an audience watches:
expectations, stage fright, critics…
it is quite another when a group of people create music
for the sole purpose of making each other happy.
Many music groups describe sessions
where it was “just the band”,
pure beauty and healing in just the experience.
In a healthy Drum Circle,
one can see an entire community gather together
to create something fresh,
unique and joyful.
Each drummer “holds” the down beat
providing a “floor”
where the community dances both figuratively and physically.

One in Spirit Sculpture

One in Spirit Sculpture

I have taught “Drum Circle Dynamics” to children for years,
helping them to realize how to interact through rhythm.
On more than a few occasions
a little one would approach
and want to play my drum with me.
In those moments I felt a bonding with the younger generation
transcending nearly every other experience.

In an attempt to capture these moments,
One in Spirit”
featuring a drummer and a small boy learning the down beat,
a moment that erases gender,
age, generational perspective
and sync the two into a single moment:
Playing as One in Spirit.

This sculpture
features details in the hair,
ropes on the drums,
texture in the clothing
and joyful expressions of the participants.

Seven inches high
cast in bronze upon request.

To get your copy please visit my
One in spirit Sculpture page

more of Merlin’s Sculpture may be seen at the
Merlin’s Sculpture Gallery
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

The Drum Mom Sculpture from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 8, 2015
Posted in: Drum Circles, Sculpture. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

If you have never attended an Open Public Drum Circle,
you have missed a great deal of fun!
One of the many things to watch is how children respond to the experience.
They naturally move with the beat and want to participate in every way they can.
As the older ones can dance and drum just as well as many of the adults,
some are still a bit too little
and could be easily stepped upon by spinning bodies and the like.

Drum Mom Sculpture

Drum Mom Sculpture

Typically, the Drum Mom is a position held by one of the mothers attending.
She supervises the water and snacks
and watches over the health and welfare of the Drum Circle:
as drummers tire and take a break through out the night
(even if we are not doing an “all nighter”)
the Drum Mom makes sure that they are cared for
and makes a safe place
for the dancers to gather to share drink, snacks and words.

I have attempted to capture
the many aspects within the Drum Circle
through my work:
mostly jewelry, however I still love to revel in my first love: sculpture.
I indulged myself in this one:
The Drum Mom.

This piece holds an aspect of the tiny struggle
between the Drum Mom and a pair of little ones
who are more exuberant then for their own good.
One struggles to climb into her lap
while the older of the two wants to break away into the circle,
armed with a shaker.

The Sculpture is a tiny moment,
a single beat in the Drum Circle,
in fact in one’s life;
yet it is an iconic position,
one of honor.
Every healthy Drum Circle has such people
looking after each other;
in this way the drummers and dancers
may focus on their purpose:
to generate Joy and Bright Blessings.

more of Merlin’s Sculpture may be seen at the
Merlin’s Sculpture Gallery
created and developed
by Kirk McLaren
of Amulets by Merlin

If you wish to commission a statue,
please visit Merlin’s how to order custom page

Academy of Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies Amulet from Amulets by Merlin

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 7, 2015
Posted in: Custom Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Back in the Eighties my Father:
Dr. Robert B. McLaren
was a Professor in the Humanities Department
of California State University Fullerton.
At the time,
tensions between the east and west were extreme.
In order to bring a better understanding
between the three “Faiths of Abraham”
as my father put it,
he assisted in the creation of
The Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies
and became Vice President of the Academy.
The goal was to develop line of communication
between the religious leaders in Orange County, California.

Academy of Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies Amulet

Academy of Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies Amulet

The Academy sponsored meetings
giving a forum to clear misconceptions,
air out differences
and reach mutual understandings between the Faiths.
Feeling the importance
Ideals were to be grounded in some material form,
my Father asked me to create
some kind of Amulet
which would symbolize their efforts.
“It needs to be comprehensive: start with the letter A”, he told me.

The result was the simple block letter,
the two sides solid and in a form of the triangle,
one of the most stable structures in architecture.
The ribbon holds the letters “JCI”
representing tenuous lines of communication
and a reminder of the effort required
to keep those lines open to each other.

As the first Iraq War heated up,
the Academy became a hot bed of controversy;
however it kept the religious community in close touch
and provided them with the necessary links
to defuse many misunderstandings between them in our community.

With the passing of its founders
and a host of other problems,
the Academy of Judaic Christian and Islamic Studies
eventually dissolved as an organization,
however the friendships continued.

It is my hope that the amulets
are a reminder of how open communication
and honesty
is a continued step towards peace and prosperity.

If you are interested
in learning more about custom work for your organization,
please visit my How to order custom page

more of Merlin’s Promotional Jewelry may be seen at the
Merlin’s Promotional Jewelry Page
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