Jewellery + Activism + Art
Happy Solstice!
Search for the mysterious blossoming fern in the moonlight.
Mummering
Groups of people defy the cold weather and go from house to house disguised as animals. They sing songs and recite rhymes to frighten and vanquish evil spirits. In exchange, they receive food and drink from a thankful homeowner. This is the precursor to modern-day Carolers.
The Yule Log
On the day of Solstice, while waiting for the longest night of the year, people drag logs through the streets and bring them to a common pyre, where they are set afire. This is done to collect any negative energy and misfortunes of the year and vanquish them by fire.
Oh, Christmas Tree
In Latvia, the custom of adorning buildings with firs and pine boughs further decorated with feathers, dry leaves/fruits and colourful threads leads us to our present-day tradition of the fully decorated Christmas Tree.
Summer Solstice Ring and Bracelet
Inspired by the connection between nature and spirit I created these pieces that echo the feeling of Jāni.
Handmade daisy lampwork beads adorn the verdigris squares like fields of daisies waiting to be plucked and woven into crowns.
Wear a wreath of flowers and celebrate Summer Solstice
Wangari Maathai
We owe it to ourselves and to the next generation to conserve the environment so that we can bequeath our children a sustainable world that benefits all. ~ Wangari MaathaiWangari Maathai (1940 – 2011) – Kenyan-born environmental, political, and women’s rights...
Frida Kahlo
Mankind owns its destiny, and its destiny is the earth. We are destroying it until we have no destiny. – Frida KahloFrida Kahlo was born in Mexico City, Mexico (1907). She is recognized as one of Mexico’s greatest artists; however, little is ever mentioned about her...
Unlikely Inspiration
I never kill insects. If I see ants or spiders in the room, I pick them up and take them outside. Karma is everything. - Holly Valance Summer evenings up at my cabin bring a mass or night flying insects hoping they can somehow reach the warm electric glow of the light...
Nina Simone
I tell you what freedom is to me: no fear. – Nina SimoneNina Simone (nee. Eunice Waymon), was a singer, musician, and Civil Rights activist. Born in Tryon, North Carolina in 1933 Nina had a musical talent that was evident quite early in her life. By the tender age of...
Gold Plated vs. Gold Filled
Gold-Plated vs Gold Filled Jewellery Most people know what gold plated jewelry is. The name explains that it is plated or coated with an ultra-thin layer of gold (about .5 micron). But have you ever wondered what gold filled means? Is it good quality?...
V is for …
What's in a name? After using VenusVelvet as my moniker for over 25 years, I have decided to change my business name to v2design. Why? Because I got so terribly tired of people, men usually, asking me if I was a stripper. Who knows what would possess someone to ask...