Triskel soapstone spindle with test-spun alpaca.

I’ve also carved a small pendant out of the soapstone that I’ve titled “Manannán’s Gift”. Manannán is the god of the sea and guardian of the gates to the Otherworld. This pendant is a representation of a droplet of water and is carved with a wave-like swirl.

“Manannán’s Gift”: Hand carved soapstone pendant.

“Manannán’s Gift”: Hand carved soapstone pendant.

I am currently in the process of carving more items from soapstone (mainly jewelry). I find it satisfying to work with. I am also working on some pieces made from maple along with replenishing my chainmaille stocks after Three Rivers and some private sales. I plan to be present as a vendor for Durham Pagan Pride Day this year.

Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum), a wild geranium thought to have medicinal properties.

Thankfully the bugs were not bad at all. Normally it would be death by bug bites to go wandering into the woods at this time of year, but a dry winter and spring so far have meant the mosquito and black fly populations are low. I only got a couple mosquitoes trying to nibble at my hands, nothing I couldn’t deal with.

White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), The provincial flower of Ontario.

I’ll head back north later in the summer when even more has grown. There’s plenty more to photograph, from mullein to yarrow, to milkweed, and more. For more images of the interesting flora from the woods and shoreline of our place in cottage country, please check out the gallery of images.

For those of you that know me, you know that there are a few animals which I hold particularly dear that play particularly special roles in my life. Amongst them are turtles and tortoises (which both look particularly awesome while eating things). Understanding this, it makes sense that I would have to have a piece of the cutest turtle fabric on Etsy (and arguably anywhere).

Japanese cotton turtle print.

I’ve already got some plans for this wonderful fabric. I will be starting with a pillowcase and then probably go on to make some accessories. I may, depending on the amount of fabric left over after I make my pillowcase, even make some small items to share with others in addition to those I make to enjoy myself. I most likely will not begin working with my turtle fabric until I return from Three Rivers in June, but once I do I will post any interesting progress notes and finished items here on the site.

Aluminum byzantine weave necklaces.

More necklaces in more colours!

Black stainless (far left) and aluminum byzantine weave bracelets.

The black stainless fades to a wonderful dark sheen with constant use. The aluminum are nice and lightweight, and match many of the necklaces I have available. These bracelets have no clasp and are instead rolled over the hand to get them on the wrist. Their sizing can be easily adjusted for a custom fit.

Euro 4-in-1 and Half Persian 3-in-1 bracelets.

A nickle silver micromaille euro 4-in-1 clasped bracelet, galvanized steel hp 3-in-1 clasped bracelet, and titanium euro 4-in-1 claspless bracelet. The titanium bracelet features rings that have been heat coloured by hand.

Black stainless steel hair sticks.

This matching pair of hair sticks features black stainless byzantine weave and scales. They are topped with hematite beads.

Aluminum stitch markers for knitting.

This set of colourful florette markers is great for keeping track of key stitches in your knitting projects. The markers comfortably fit a US10.5 (6.5mm) needle and will probably work on a US11 just fine.

Wrist prayer beads.

This small string of prayer beads is perfect for when you don’t want to carry a larger set around with you. It has a clasp so that it may be worn about the wrist when not in use, and allows for it to either be used as a strand or in a loop for prayer/meditation purposes. It features white, blue, and green semi-precious stone beads with metal spacers and is finished with a simple steel florette on one end and a large hematite bead on the other.

Byzantine bookmark with purple scale.

This is one of a few bookmarks that I have created. They all vary in design but generally feature micromaille chains with decorative embellishments of either chain/scalemaille or bead work. A great way to personalize either your books, journals, or path-related notebooks.

A tree full of earrings!

I’ve also made a number of pairs of earrings in a variety of different metals. Pictured here are sterling silver (left), galvanized steel (front), nickle silver (right), and bronze (back).

I’ve made a gallery page for the site where you can easily browse all of the images I have put on the site. It also includes a number of works that are either sold or that are a part of my personal collection and therefore not for sale. I will perhaps put a post up with details on these particular items in a bit.

I have currently shifted my focus away from the chainmaille for the moment and I am working on creating some herb scented bath salts, incense and tisane blends. It is my hope to have these ready for Three Rivers Festival as well.

Bottom whorl drop spindles: green & white and black & white decorations.

Hand made and painted with my signature linework. These are great for someone just getting started with spinning.

drop spindle spun natural corriedale and hand dyed merino.

The corriedale will be plied later on with some other roving I’m working on. The green merino was from Fleece Artist.

Earth & nature inspired prayer bead set.

A simple yet striking set of prayer beads with an earthen theme. Features hematite, turquoise, moss agate, and tiger’s eye.

There’s still more to come: bracelets, bookmarks, more necklaces and hair sticks. Recharging the camera batteries…

16″ Bronze byzantine chainmaille necklace.

A more traditional metal with a rich colour and decent heft. I consider it a unique alternative to a torc.

16″ Blackened stainless steel and sterling silver byzantine necklace.

The blackened stainless steel on this changes with time and wear. It goes from its matte black finish to a gorgeous dark shine that compliments the silver beautifully.

16″ anodized aluminum byzantine necklaces.

These are available in a number of colours. They are nice and light weight.

Wooden hair sticks with chain & scalemaille embellishments.

These two hair sticks, capped with hematite beads, feature light weight aluminum byzantine chainmaille and anodized aluminum scales.

Part II of the preview will be up shortly. It will feature some more chainmaille, some bead work, some spinning, and a few other things.

I will be selling my creations this summer at Three Rivers Festival , a weekend camping festival for the ADF Canada East region but open to all who are interested. I may also have some items available through the ADF Regalia store at Wellspring, which I will also be attending,  but I have not yet finalised my decision on that yet. After I’m back from the fests I will begin to make my creations available for purchase online for those who are interested.