Follow me on Facebook!

Just a quick note to say Hello! As you can see, I don't write on the Blog much anymore - to stay up to date with all of the new creations, it's best to follow me on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/TRaewyn

Spirit Animals and Shape-Shifting.

I have recently been reading a wonderful book called 'Speaking with Nature - Awakening to the Deep Wisdom of the Earth' by Sandra Ingerman and Llyn Roberts (Visit http://llynroberts.com/speaking-with-nature/ ) and this wonderful book is what inspired me to start creating more animal totem and shape-shifter necklaces. 
Her beautiful website says: 

Nature and the Earth are conscious. By opening our minds, hearts, and senses we can consciously awaken to the magic of the wild, the rhythms of nature, and the profound feminine wisdom of the Earth. We can connect with nature spirits who have deep compassion and love for us, offering their guidance and support as we each make our journey through life. By communing and musing with nature, we learn how to speak to the spirit that lives in all things, bringing balance to us and the planet, and evoke a deep sense of belonging with the natural world.

I have always known that one of my spirit animals is the Fox. The Fox had always showed herself to me ever since I was a young girl, both in dreams and in reality. It wasn't until my later years that I became interested in 'Spirit Animals' that I realised what an important part the fox had to play in my life and the meaning behind her. Now, I celebrate the fox, with little images and what-not's around my home, and of course the jewelry that I create.

The act of shape-shifting and having animal totems, has been common throughout many shamanic, neo-shamanic and pagan cultures for a very long time. When working with animal spirits and energies, shape-shifting or 'calling on the energy of an animal' was about embracing, emulating or taking into yourself the qualities of an animal in order to experience change and metamorphosis. It was believed that in inviting the animal energy to become a part of us, we shift and change our own understanding.
Most People think of Native American Animals when discussing the topic of spirit animals - but every animal, insect and fish can most certainly be a spirit animal. 
There is an absolutely brilliant website which can tell you information on many different spirit animals, how to know which one/ones are right for you. This is the link: http://www.whats-your-sign.com/animal-totems.html I use this as a reference for many of my animal totem and shape-shifter jewelry pieces.

Lunar Eclipse & Lunar Phases, the inspiration behind these Lunar Phase Goddess Necklaces.

Like the hands of a clock mark the time of the day, the Moon marks the times of our life. The Lunar cycle begins in darkness, then gradually increases in light until the Moon is completely illuminated. The evolution from one Moon phase to another, dying and being reborn without end, is the signal characteristic of the Moon.The silvery light of the moon has enchanted and bewildered people since the beginning of time. In many ancient cultures, moon deities were worshipped in elaborate rituals. The lunar cycles also served as a planting and harvesting calendar. The moon, which reflects the sun's light, is a creative force in the dark of night.

The Moon Phases are:

New Moon

Crescent

First Quarter/Waxing Half

Waxing Gibbous Moon

Full Moon

Waning Gibbous Moon

Last Quarter Moon

Balsamic Moon/Waning Crescent

Both the full and new moon are powerful times of letting go and bringing newness in your life.

Recently we had a lunar eclipse: The energy of the full moon/lunar eclipse, asks you what is it that needs to fall away before your heart and your path is illuminated. What needs to be released? What is hiding you from your deepest dreams? It is about letting go of what you do not need. It is about truly becoming authentic. Living the life that you desire and deserve. It is about clearing away the layers of dust on our hearts and seeing the truth inside. 

These Necklaces and More are available in the online shop @ https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/TRaewyn

Sacred Sisters and Acai Beads.

I have been creating a series of necklaces called Sacred Sisters. These necklaces are beaded with the Acai Seeds.

The Acai berry is known around the world as the vitality berry that promotes well being and good health. 

The beads are made from the seeds of the Acai berry. Naturally dyed and polished. These Amazonian Treasures Are All a Sustainable Creations Of Mother Earth. 
Considered as ''the Forest Gems'', they are Eco-Friendly, filled with an abundance of magnetic energy. They are a fair-trade bead, providing solid income for the artists and natives residing the amazon basin. 

Acai Seeds represent that we are all connected on a soul awakening journey, we are connected to each other as we are connected to the earth, our sacred mother and the moon, our sacred sister.

A seed is a mystery. It is both beginning and end, life and death, nothing and everything. A seed can sit in the palm of the hand, and yet if nourished, it can grow into something huge and beautiful. It is a single grain, yet it is the source of a thousand grains. It can be stored for many years, and then be stirred into life in days. A seed is the whole universe in a grain of sand. 

The seed represents that which is within you, that spark, that needs to be nourished, needs to be planted in order to grow and to flourish.
The Sacred Sisters Necklaces are available in the shop @ TRaewyn Jewelry/Sacred Sisters

Crystal Grids

Crystal grids can sometimes be more powerful than using a single crystal for an intended goal.
Crystal grids are made by the placement of stones in a geometric pattern for the specific purpose of directing energy toward a goal.
The stones or crystals are then charged by your intention and energy.

Guidelines to making a crystal grid:

1. Decide on your purpose for the grid. Your clear intention is a key element in empowering the stones' energy. Your intention is what you will use to charge the crystals.
2. Write your intention on a piece of paper (or on the back of a photo that depicts your goal).
3. Find a safe location to create your grid where it will not be disturbed. Cleanse this space. Some cleansing methods include burning sage, placing a crystal cluster in the room, or bowls of sea salt. Flowers, incense, music, candles can be used to add ambiance to your sacred space.
4. Place your crystal layout in a geometric pattern 
5. Charge the Master Crystal and place it on the layout
6. Relax and center yourself. Visualize your goal having already been achieved with a calm mind and positive intention.
7. Say a prayer of gratitude.

An important aspect of your grid is to have fun with it and be creative. You can't really make a mistake! 

The grids really do look beautiful as well. Perhaps you want to create a grid, simply because you think it looks pretty...go ahead! Anything that brings beauty to your world is a good thing!

Nature, Spirit & Wild Women!

TRaewyn Jewelry - Inspired by Nature, Spirit & Wild Women!

I create Handcrafted jewelry using a mixture of earthen clay, polymer clay,  gemstones, crystals, glass & mixed metal. I even incorporate things such as driftwood, sea shells and bone. Gifts from Mother Earth.
My jewelry is inspired by nature, and also incorporates nature. I am very much in love with all things earthy, natural and things worn down by the elements - think bones, earth, rock, mud bricks, old worn timber, leaves, pebbles, tiny moss growing in the cracks of rocks, and also old rusty things.... But I also love the colorful quirks of Bohemian Styles - and vibrant teals and blues!
I create my jewelry to reflect nature and also to reflect the female spirit, the wild woman, her passionate colorful side, her mystery as well as her strength and her intuitive nature. The wild Woman, who is herself, unchained, free to be who she really is.

I love mythology, especially about nymphs and pixies, I think it reflects the nature of many 'wild women' that I know. In my shop I have pieces inspired by Earthen Spirits, Nymphs, Angels, Elders, Pixies and other Forest Children.... these are inspired by the hidden treasures in nature - the one's you find only when you are quiet, still and patient. They represent being at one with nature. Each has her own unique personality, her own beauty, and her own treasures. These little beings are never 'created' with a design in mind, they simply create themselves. Some are simple , some more extravagant - but each one is beautiful.

In Mythology, Nymphs were female spirits of the natural world, minor goddesses of the forests, rivers, springs, meadows, mountains and seas. They were responsible for the crafting of nature's wild beauty, from the placement, arrangement and growth of the plants, flowers and trees, to the nurturing of wild birds and animals, and the formation of rocky caverns, springs, wetlands and brooks. 
I love combining art and earth, be it in my jewelry creation, or artwork that I have around my home... and there's a plentiful supply of rusty things that I find 'arty' sitting in corners of my gardens... I also love to garden - I really love growing vegetables and getting my hands dirty - I have many rescue hens, who have become my little family, lovely ladies they are too! 
I can't even begin to describe the happiness and joy that I experience when creating my clay jewelry pieces. There really is something very special about shaping clay between your fingers. The transformation that takes place from holding a simple lump of clay in your hands - to wearing a piece of art as a finished necklace is such a feeling of accomplishment. I really love what I do, and I hope that it shines through in my work.

Being your own Goddess

Sacred Space... I know that I have spoken about sacred spaces before, but I really can't emphasize how important I feel that this is. It is a necessity for me to have a little sanctuary where I can relax after a long day to re-center and replenish. Having a room, or just a small nook or corner, as your personal sacred space is a powerful way to connect with your "goddess self" every day. Find a spot in your home or even outdoors that you can turn into your private 'temple' ...surround yourself with candles, incense, a water fountain, crystals, plants and flowers, or anything that will make this area a special and sacred space where you can meditate, journal, read, daydream, paint, reflect, nurture yourself, have a soothing cup of tea, or take some time to just be. Having this sanctuary is wonderfully valuable, and there is also your 'inner sanctuary' which is always available and accessible to you no matter where you are or what you’re doing. This sacred space is your Spirit...

Reconnecting with Mother Nature If you don't get to spend lots of time in remote wilderness areas, or days on end laying on a remote tropical beach somewhere (don't we wish) ...Spend a few minutes each day lying on the grass in the yard or at the park, sitting under a tree somewhere. Bring nature indoors, plants, flowers and crystals in your home will allow Mother Nature to inspire, heal, restore, ground and support you. Our connection with Earth is primal and primitive, and nurturing this connection is an essential part of honoring our Divine Feminine nature.

Asserting Yourself Goddess power is about being firm and assertive. The Goddess’ way is not to demand power, but to command it. Learn how to say no to requests on your time or energy that drain  you or ask you to compromise your values. Only do things when you feel guided to do them and want to do them – not because you feel obligated or guilty. As women we are raised to be polite, nice and accommodating, but we can care so much about others’ feelings and opinions that we do ourselves harm – from resentment, to being overwhelmed, anxiety and depression. It is time to live more authentically, by standing firmly, and speaking the truth. No anger, no apologies.

By reclaiming our true Goddess nature, we begin to open ourselves to all of the good that comes with it. Become your own Goddess and start to create a beautiful, authentic and vibrant new life within and around you.

Creating a Sacred Space

It wasn't until I was in my 30's that I realised how imporrtaint it is to have a 'sacred space' in the home for myself. A room where I can reflect, be quiet, go inside, and get centered. I believe every woman should reclaim a room in the home, free from husbands, children etc, and create a space just for themselves....Ideas to create even a nook in a corner, by sectioning it off, could include hanging a screen, beads, or a pretty lace curtain , to help create the feeling of it being a place of solitude. This sacred space can be used to write, draw, paint, read, relax or simply listen to birds sing outside. To set the mood even more, place pillows on the floor, or on a comfy chair just for you. Cover them in fabric that you love. This is about you, no one else, so REALLY love the fabric!
Add plants and flowers for energy and for color. Lavender is a very relaxing color! If you have a collection of things you love, be it crystals, ornaments, feathers.....display them on a table grouped together. I have a collection of rocks, herbs and feathers that I love. Soft music and a good book will offer you inspiration. Keep a favorite book in your spot, a favorite album...(nothing beats vinyl on an old record player). Also, aromatherapy is wonderful....if you don't have an oil burner, try scenting the cushions with some essential oils.
This is a great place to create and hang a vision board, with quotes, photos, clippings from magazines to help create a positive vision for your life. This space will really help you be calmer, happier and more inspired to follow your heart. I am always changing my room, as I change and grow. It is also where I create my jewelry. It's my special room, filled with the things I love. This is the one place, where I don't have to 'consider' anyone else...it doesn't matter if my husband doesn't swoon over lavender colored lace cushions (lol) because this room is all about me!

Loving the Rain and Keeping Busy

It is absolutely pouring down with rain outside as I type this. Gosh I love this weather so much. It has been a very busy day in the studio, with a lot of creating, and more so, lots of wrapping of parcels ready to be shipped off early next week. With the fire place ablaze, and some beautiful orange essential oil burning on my workbench, I am now starting to wind down a little and will snuggle up with my book. Work Related of course! In fact I have been reading about animal totems... looking forward to incorporating these into some future pieces. For now though, I think it is time for a cup of tea! xx Tina

Medicine Woman

One of the pieces I have been working on recently is this amazing Shamanic/Medicine Woman Inspired Assemblage Necklace, The Pendant handcrafted in Clay with Red Jasper as the main stone and Ruby in Fuchsite in the teardrop feature.
The necklace is a beautiful mixture of copper (which is said to have amazing metaphysical properties), leather, fabric, and handcrafted clay beads.
Jasper is a stone of strength and vitality. It can be used to bring mental clarity and focus to a previously scattered event, experience or life in general. Known as the “Supreme Nurturer,” Jasper is a stone of grounding and stability, providing comfort and security, strength and healing. Its presence balances the aura to a level of wholeness and peace, and acts as a reminder that one is not here on the physical plane simply for oneself, but to bring joy and substance to others.
Metaphysically Copper is known to stimulate the flow of energy and enhance psychic abilities. Known as an energy conductor copper can move energy, amplify thoughts, assist in channeling and communicating with higher dimensional beings. Copper has the ability to ground and transfer a wide array of vibrational frequencies from the spiritual to the physical. Copper is known to support healing by keeping the pathways for healing open.
Ruby in Fuchsite (Green Muscovite)
Ruby is considered to be the most powerful gem in the universe, and is associated with many astral signs. To own a ruby is said to have contentment and peace. Given as a gift, the ruby is a symbol of friendship and love. The ruby is also the symbol of vitality and royalty.

Fuchsite is the green variety of muscovite and carries the properties of muscovite - inspiration, problem solving, intuition, etc. As a heart chakra stone, it links the intellect of the mind with the heart.
A medicine man or medicine woman is a traditional healer and spiritual leader among American Indians, or Native Americans in the United States and First Nations in Canada. The primary function of these "medicine elders" is to secure the help of the spirit world, including the Great Spirit (Wakan Tanka in the language of the Lakota people), for the benefit of the entire community. Sometimes the help sought may be for the sake of healing disease, sometimes it may be for the sake of healing the psyche, sometimes the goal is to promote harmony between human groups or between humans & nature. 
Shamans gain knowledge and the power to heal by entering into the spiritual world or dimension. Most shamans have dreams or visions that tell them certain things. The shaman may have or acquire many spirit guides, who often guide and direct the shaman in his/her travels in the spirit world. These spirit guides are always present within the shaman though others only encounter them when the shaman is in a trance. The spirit guide energizes the shaman, enabling him/her to enter the spiritual dimension. The shaman heals within the spiritual dimension by returning 'lost' parts of the human soul from wherever they have gone. The shaman also cleanses excess negative energies which confuse or pollute the soul.

Re-Invention

This is a revamp of the original blog. Which was so untidy, as I was just a beginner. So, now that I am a little more advanced, and a little more creative with the photography side of things, I am a little more confident!

Tonight seems like the perfect time to sit down with a cup of tea, and start this new chapter.
Not only am I beginning this new blog, but I have also been re-inventing my creative space, or studio. I am so happy with how it is beginning to take shape. I purchased two new work benches, with beautiful timber tops, and a comfortable stool. I have organised gemstones, shells, cabochons and metal jewellery findings into beautiful vintage jars and bottles.

On the wall above my desk, I have created a gratitude board, which has lots of beautiful thank you cards from my wonderful customers, a collection of dried herbs which I love, bird feathers which I found, and other bits and pieces I love. I also have one of my favourite artworks on the wall in a gorgeous frame, depicting a young girl with feathers in her hair holding a rescued bird. I love this particular artwork, as it reminds me of myself when I was a girl, and of course I have a rainbow lorikeet which my hubby and I rescued from a neglectful pet owner.
The studio has transformed into a sacred place for me. It is a place where not only do I create my jewellery, but where I read and relax. I really do believe everybody should have a room in their homes that reflect them, full of all the things that they love, a place that instantly relaxes you, and reminds you of who your authentic self really is.
I am enjoying reclaiming myself, and creating this space, just for me.
In between the re-arranging and decorating, I also finished off a couple of jewellery pieces which I have been working on. Very much inspired by Shamanic Healing, and all the trinkets and talismans that those healers would wear. I look forward to sharing more with you soon. xx Tina