The Green Man Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 10, 2009
Posted in: Amulets, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Druid Jewelry, Jewelry design, Pagan Jewelry, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

The Green Man as a work of art has many interpretations.  In western culture it is found primarily in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.  Found from the ruins of ancient times carved in stone, there are many variations: a humanoid face with a wreath of leaves and at times the face is composed of foliage: branches and leaves coming out of the nose and mouth.

The Green Man Amulet

In modern times one can find renderings of the Green Man as an architectural form: paintings, sculpture and amulets; considered as a manifestation of youth, re-birth and rejuvenation.  In the modern lore of western traditions it has been adopted as the first stage in a man’s life.  The succession follows: the Green Man: the Youth; the Hunter: the Father and the Sage: the Wise Old Man.  By wearing the Green Man Amulet, one is acknowledging this early stage and supporting the youth in ones own life as well as the vitality of those around them.

In my own work I have developed the Green Man Amulet.  Using oak leaves and acorns to adorn the face, I have placed an opal in the forehead: signifying vision and possibilities. For those who want more than the amulet I have a necklace version: the Green Man Amulet hung on a chain of leaves linked together.

You can view this and many other creations at the Amulets by Merlin Website.

Skull Jewelry

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 9, 2009
Posted in: Jewelry design. Tagged: , . 19 Comments

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.

Skull Money Clip

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