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Touchstones, Talismans & Amulets... these are a few of my favourite THINGS!
Way way way back in the gravel lanes and old train yards, to the bushland pockets and bays of my young years I was a collector of found things. The more I didn't know about a thing, the better it was! Perhaps a vital part of an old steam train (oh where there steam trains in Sydney EVER?) Perhaps a piece of wondrous medical equipment from the mental hospital (yeah I was into all those old horror and Sci Fi movies).... that broken earring? A treasure of potentials unimaginable. A cicada wing? mmm was it REALLY a cicada, maybe a faery? Maybe? I lay on my beach on that bay in Rozelle, rainbow light through crisp wings and stories would paint themselves in my mind.
I made dioramas out of these found treasures. You know, little scenes of places, times, events. But mine where never of anything that had been or was, they where of times in my imagined possibility. Any time, past present or future, time actually meant little if anything. These scenes just where.
One year we where all to make a poster for what was "Environment Week" I think it was called. An early clean up Australia initiative. I submitted a diorama. Two basketballs set in a big box. One a lush forest planet, covered in bejewelled lakes and rivers, flowers holding her in an embrace. The other a black planet of no return , old rubber, half melted plastics and rusty metal teeth, dead. All things I had collected on my gleaning daydreams.
AND so began the lens which I would see all my art through.
It's not ALWAYS created with 100% recycled things,
but for the most part it usually is. Things just come together that way.
Though.....always always, without exception, every single piece I create holds deep real meaning, is created with intention and is the manifestation of what is in my heart. The words, thoughts, wishes and dreams made for now physical.
If you are here, on my blog, well I'm guessing you have noticed that I make sculptures out of recycled treasures and I paint and draw and do all sorts of creative things INCLUDING very magical jewellery, which I sell from time to time.
I've been asked so often if I would teach classes and I have BUT my problem has been taking everything from the Magic Workshop to venues and the disappointment in not really being able to take my workshops on the road.
So now here we are on the verge of my first online workshop series and I thought it was very important to start with the most requested "Creative Witchery ~ Found Treasures Talisman Pendants".
From conversations, I know I'm not the only one who has a magpie eye for shinny, interesting, wonderful bits of potential and together with a passion for creation with meaning I'm more than happy to share what I know so others can bring to life something very special for themselves or those they know.
So what is the difference?
All this Talisman, Amulet, Power Ranger Ring stuff??
The labels are very blurred I know and there are many who will correct you when you use the 'wrong' term for your piece. Me? Well I think if YOU made it, YOU know what it is, I don't care if you call it a mAgicwockkydodah, if it works for you and it's yours... YEAH!!!!!
The problem comes in all this when people insist that their mAgicwockkydodah is the true only real magical talisman and that's the real name for it, in fact it's the correct name for all magical jewellery.
Before I launch into an explanation of terms, what I'm getting at is that if YOU feel your piece is more of an amulet than talisman, it's all ok. Just be mindful, gracious and respectful of others. No one likes to be 'preached to' no matter how wonderous your revelations and enlightment on the subject may be. On the flip side, don't be overpowered either by those less gracious than yourself with their opionion of what your piece IS especially if your piece was made by you, FOR you!
If selling pieces, then above all.... be educated and be honest.
Yes!!!!!! intuition is vital and I never would suggest ignoring it, but everything comes from somewhere. There is a firm base for all this and I am very much an observer of tradition as I feel you should be too. Please sit up and listen to your elders, for they really did know a thing or two and history, experiences and the earth have worked together to weave magic for a long time and for good reason. Ground yourself in the ancient wisdom, learn at least a little before you fly off.
Listen, for in listening we silence the chatter in our heads to settle into the knowing in our hearts.
Since my next workshop teaches you how to create a Tailsman I thought I'd share some of my knowledge on the subject. In the class you could create an amulet and I will be giving very good grounding on doing this as well.
There are many traditions and cultures from which empowered jewellery and items have come and all have slightly different interpretations... from this I'll give you my overview.
I am MORE than happy with friendly comments, illuminations and discussions here on my blog.
These are the very GENERAL meanings of the following ~
TALISMANS: an object made with intention, created for a specific purpose, charged with power by the maker and/or the wearer. Worn or used during the period of enlistment of the talisman's power.
So how does this all come together?:
Let's say you are looking for a job. A Talisman worn or carried while you looked through the job adds and made applications that was empowered with attributes to enlist success would be perfect. The actual talisman could feature colours, Gods, Goddesses, numbers, symbols, pictures or parts of certain animals/plants , crystals, the list goes on. The talisman itself would be created at a time and place to ensure energetic empowerment and a ceremony of dedication would be completed.
AMULETS: an object created with intention that protects the wearer or beholder magically from a specific thing. Usually worn constantly (OR when the protection is needed).
The way an Amulet works:
An Amulet already has the power in it by simply it's very being. Personally I've found Amulets are usually more 'symbol' oriented in design. BUT please, this is by no means the rule! A person wears an amulet, usually constant to protect them from something. An example using our above job seeking situation would be a good luck amulet. A pendant featuring a four leaf clover would be such an amulet. You would be warding off bad luck with the protection of the four leaf clovers' good luck.
NEXT POST: Wednesday 23rd November ~
A VISIT TO THE MAGIC WORKSHOP!
Come inside for a quick video tour of where I make my magic, mess and fun.
IF you are interested in more information regarding my upcoming workshop
FOUND TREASURES TALISMAN PENDANT ~ IT'S HERE :)
4 spaces left ~ only $55 for five weeks of workshops, all information, videos and support available online for three months.
WOW bookings from all over Australia, USA and UK! How exciting.
At present I am busy filming the videos for this workshop series and collecting all of my secrets in one place for my students. The Creative Witchery Online Workshop NUMBER ONE is looking rather awesome but you will have to wait until 5th December to be let in!
A few email questions that I'm happy to answer here for everyone...
Can I sell things I make in your workshop or using your techniques?
YES YES YES! I have always felt that once you decide on teaching a technique and especially when you are being paid to do so that you let it go free. ANYWAY there really is nothing THAT new in the world, just new ways to look at things. I work with energy and it is my hope that you impart your own energy and style into your work, inspired by the techniques and knowledge I'm happy to share.
Do I have to know much about computers?
If you can read this blog, you can navigate the workshops! You don;t have to download anything, it's all there on screen (including videos) BUT you can download everything or anything if you wish to.
Can I share the links with friends?
NO! You will be given a password and if more than one ip address uses that password, you access will be terminated.
Can I buy things from you to make my pendants?
I will have some items available BUT in the first week of class I'll be showing where to find your OWN things, YES including my secret treasure troves!
Is there a materials list and how much will it cost me?
A week before the workshop starts you will be emailed a list. Total cost will be no more than $20 for basic tools, findings and equipment.
COMPETITION TIME!!
Share this link
(CREATIVE WITCHERY WORKSHOPS)
on your facebook page or blog and go into the draw to WIN this Talisman Pendant
`"HEARTBEAT OF EARTH"
"earth, grounding, home, fertility, simplicity, a return to love"
9.5 x 4.5cm including bail
Eco Art Pendant of found treasures on a black silken cord, bail accepts most chains and chokers.
pendant fitting c1980s, pentagram/star feature - brooch c1980s, wing earrings, chain links c1990s, bail c1980s, heart locket c1980s (opens to keep affirmations/photos/treasures),
* wings are free moving - locket opens
*created during the full moon in Taurus and blessed under her light
email me on: [email protected]
to let me know you have shared and I'll pop you in the draw (drawn 5th December)
Winged Fox
with passion, playfulness and resourcful swift actions,
shed what is holding you back and take flight!
10 x 6.5 cm
fox brooch c1990s, bronze picture frame ffrom a trinket box c1970s, chains vairious c1980s+, leaves, earrings c1980s, wing finding
AVAILABLE NOW ON ETSY
All of my pieces are one off, one of a kind creations.
Formed from found tresures, upcycled objects and fired with intent and magic, blessed in the elements these are true talismans of energy and power.
I love creating my talisman pendants and they have been almost as popular as my fine art pieces. After a month of enquires from all over the world and Australia, and the problems I've faced with finding a space to hold classes, at times suitable to all and realizing that this just will not fit into even a weekend, I've put together an online Workshop Course.
EXCITING!!
I have taught art, craft and tarot for over 20 years now, written how to articles for art, craft and pagan magazines and loved every moment of it but the time has come to move into the digital age as it where. :)
It's easy! If you can open a web page, you can do this. Each week a whole workshop is presented on a private password protected website with videos, photos and instructions.
You can revisit the class as many times as you like, you can download anything and it;s all available to you for three months.
So workshop series number one:
Found Treasures Talisman Pendant Creation Workshop
Begins 5th December 2011
Everything you ever wanted to know to create your very own talisman pendants.
Along with all the technical know how INCLUDING loads of basic beading and jewelery techniques, we will be exploring deeply the very essence of talisman creation in many faiths.
Your pendants however, will be made aligned with your energy and that which you choose to work with.
Ritual, tradition, working with the Elements and Spirit.
Loads of time and opportunity for discussion. NO experience in art/craft/jewelery making or spiritual knowledge required... we cover it all!
*work at your own pace ~ starts 5th December but you will have full access for three months
(all students MUST be registered before 5th December)
*PRIVATE password protected workshop website with photos, videos, worksheets
& forum available online for 3 months
*lots of tips, tricks and inspiration (no I don't hold anything back, you get all my secrets!)
*an online private forum - discuss techniques, tailsman study and more with other students
*teacher (that's me!) feedback and assistance for three months
*class gallery
*no soldering, no expensive equipment
JOIN ME ... THERE WILL BE FUN & CREATIVE WITCHERY! :)
CREATIVE WITCHERY WORKSHOP
Found Treasures Talisman Pendant Creation
$55
GOING TO SEE PICASSO???
AWESOME me too... BUT here's my challenge..pick another LOCAL exhibition and go see it AS WELL on the same day. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS! (no Sculpture by the Sea DOES not count, that's TOO easy, you should be seeing that anyway!!)
GALLERY GUIDE LINK
"The Messenger"
AVAILABLE ON ETSY
11 x 5.5cm including bail
connection with nature, guiding friend, otherworlds, Cernnunos
Eco Art Pendant of found treasures on a black silken cord, bail accepts most chains and chokers.
cadet wings c1970s, door handle c1970s, stag pendant c1980s, chain, leaf findings c1990s, modern bail.
*created during the full moon in Taurus and blessed under her light
* all of my Eco Art Jewellery is created in my studio with careful, mindful intention then cleansed and blessed, giftboxed (in eco friendly packaging) and sent out as a talisman of love.
No two pieces could ever be the same as I create my pieces from found treasures, entwined with commercial over runs. My specialty is creating new pieces from your found treasures, orphaned earrings and broken keepsakes & gems.
www.cheralyndarcey.com
available at ETSY now ~ $45
"earth, grounding, home, fertility, simplicity, a return to love"
9.5 x 4.5cm including bail
Eco Art Pendant of found treasures on a black silken cord, bail accepts most chains and chokers.
pendant fitting c1980s, pentagram/star feature - brooch c1980s, wing earrings, chain links c1990s, bail c1980s, heart locket c1980s (opens to keep affirmations/photos/treasures),
* wings are free moving - locket opens
*created during the full moon in Taurus and blessed under her light
* all of my Eco Art Jewellery is created in my studio with careful, mindful intention then cleansed and blessed, gift boxed (in eco friendly packaging) and sent out as a talisman of love.
No two pieces could ever be the same as I create my pieces from found treasures, entwined with commercial over runs. My specialty is creating new pieces from your found treasures, orphaned earrings and broken keepsakes & gems.
www.cheralyndarcey.com
Sometimes I wish I was faster at making things but mmmmm wouldn't be the same. They DO take a long time, not only in the physical creation, but I take great care in their energetic creation.
Eco Art Talisman Pendant Workshops
I have been asked A LOT this past week re classes and workshops.
Thanks for the emails and messages. it's nice :)
I had tried to run these workshops earlier this year but couldn't get the numbers. If you are interested please send me a quick email now and I'll add you to my email list as I am offering them in the new year. (IF I get the numbers!) :) They will be ~ Northern Beaches, Sydney. EMAIL: [email protected]
The great unveil is here.
There are a lot of artists who inspire ME and I was recently moved to create this piece.
Ravynne Phelan is a VERY inspiring artist. I first noticed her wonderful dragons some time ago and then AHHHH the Ravens. To see more of her wonderful work go to Dreams of Gaia
Earlier this year I was privileged to veiw this work "Perception", one of her upcoming Tarot Cards and with her permission, created my Perception of Perception.
"Perception- a work inspired by the painting of the same name by Ravynne Phelan"
Cheralyn Darcey 2011
62 x 32 x 24cm
sculpture
aluminum cans, drill bit from a Naval dock yard c1940s, crystal fashion trim c1950s, fly screen mesh, drawer pull c1950s, lockets c1980s, candelabra fitting c1930s, vase c1960s, feathers, bicycle inner tubes, wires, paint ceramics, silk petticoat trim c1970s, silk trim from a wedding dress c1980s, pylon piece HMAS Penguin Navy Wharf c1940s
I'm yet to decide whether I'll part with her :)
photo used with permission of painting from upcoming Tarot