Custom Made For You

We all love having something, or wearing something that no one else has. For example, I have this really cool Thai shirt my mom had custom made when we lived in Japan, and it’s the COOLEST shirt I own. It never fails to receive compliments when I’m out and about. My mother had a women sew three beautiful Thai scarves together and it’s simply stunning.

Case in point the eye patch I created for my customer Ana. Ana has worked with me several times and this time did not disappoint. She is a light healer and she works with various animals to bring about change and transformation. When she requested an eye patch, I honestly didn’t think she meant a literal eye patch but she did! And I can’t even begin to describe how fascinating this was to me. Ana wanted to use the eye patch for meditative and journey work. Ana said she wanted a black stone to ward away evil and to utilize some sort of snakeskin (not real though). So I drafted some designs and we settled on the above product. I purchased an eye patch and sewed on faux snakeskin and did the metal work separately.

What do you think? I mean no one will have a custom designed jewel eye patch like this except Ana! Now here is a more tame yet still beautiful collaboration with my friend Heather. We discussed several different types of jewelry but she decided a very powerful strong cuff would suit her best.

I mean, look at how happy Heather is! It just melts my damn heart and fills me with so much joy to work one on one with you.

“ I’ve been working throughout the years on custom jewelry pieces and it’s such an intimate beautiful experience. Especially because more often than not you come up with some pretty beautiful ideas. Ideas I never thought of, so it’s a co-creative experience. ”

— Lisette Fee, owner and designer of Eilisain Jewelry

This pink dragon vein agate really catches the light beautifully!

When you work with me on a custom design here is what you get:

• one on one design consultation

• stone selection, size and style of jewelry

• payment plans are available

I have a form you can fill out right here on my website so we can get this process started. When you are out and about wearing your custom design I GUARANTEE you will have someone comment and compliment you on your jewelry. And look, bottom line, it makes you feel good to wear a piece of your very own custom jewelry, one that you can pass on to future generations.

Meet August the Ball Python Snake

Remember how I told you in my slitherin’ snakes post how I had a bit of a fear with snakes? Well, I conquered that fear two weeks ago when I got to hold and meet my first snake!

My new email marketing assistant, Victoria Schultz just happened to own a snake, August. I mentioned to Victoria in our first work meeting that I was working on a snake jewelry collection. She then said I could meet August, as August is quite tame and very mellow. Of course I said yes but then I realized what I’d just done….I said YES to meeting a real snake!

As much as I love and admire nearly all animals that doesn’t mean I’m completely comfortable in being near all of them. I have a healthy respect for animals, meaning, I know that they are unpredictable! Anywho, Victoria brought August over to my house (Victoria lives right down the road from us) and I held him. Mind you I’d probably never hold a snake if I wasn’t completely reassured that they’re tame and comfortable around humans.

August was the coolest snake ever! He was very curious and wanted to slither around and coil around my laptop cords. Victoria gave me a brief introduction into snakes, August was a rescue and born into captivity which makes him less likely to bite or be aggressive. And snakes are more in a relaxed mood after they’ve shed their skin, which kinda makes sense, if you had itchy skin you probably wouldn’t be in the best mood either!

Some other fun facts I learned about August (and snakes in general):

• Snakes sense body heat, which helps them locate prey. When August is eating his meal, it’s best to leave the room so he can focus on the heat of the meal he’s eating.

• Ball pythons are named that because they like to ball themselves up

• Snakes are ticklish! Snakes get ticklish on their belly and they move a bit under it skin

• Snakes are solitary creatures, they are not raised by their parents but left once born

August getting curious, trying to wrap himself around cords.

Meeting August was such a treat! it’s not often one gets to hold a snake. And here is my biggest surprise and exciting news, August will be a model in my next photo shoot! I haven’t done a collection photo shoot in several years so I’m quite excited and thrilled.

Also one other BIG piece of news. In preparation for the Medea Collection release I’m offering a giveaway! Yes this one is special too as I’ll be giving away one of the Medea snake rings, all you have to do is click the link below and enter your email address. I’ll be announcing the winner close to the release date (now pushed to early September).

Slitherin' Snakes and How They Are a Potent Ally

I have a confession to make, I’m scared of snakes! Scared and yet intensely curious. Snakes are freaking cool, badass and so adaptable. Did you know the reason snakes can move and slither quickly is due to their dry skin as opposed to human skin which is much slimier than a snake.

Last month I was on a daily walk and I just happened to look down, well honestly I always look around when I walk as I love stumbling upon a cute critter or dead one. I look down and see a dried up garden snake. They’re quite cute and small, small enough to create jewelry with it. So I carried that lil snake on my walk and came home to create a mold of him.

Now for me, when a new animal comes into my life especially one that can be created into jewelry I like to meditate on this chance occurrence which isn’t always chance. Messages come to us daily from the spirit world, many times we ignore them, but if we pay attention to the signs and messages they can have a lasting impact on our life. Snakes are associated with rebirth, resurrection, initiation and wisdom. With what is happening globally we are collectively going through a major rebirth. We are realizing that the old system, the patriarchy isn’t serving our world. And right now we are moving through the transformation phase which can take time and much pain. Snake is here to teach us how to shed our old skin, how to go deep in our subconscious.

“Before the snake begins to shed its skin, its eyes will begin to cloud over. It gives the snake a trancelike appearance. To many mystics and shamans this indicated the ability of the snake to move between the realms of the living and the dead, of crossing over from life to death and then back again. As the skin begins to shed, the eyes begin to clear as if they will see the world anew.” - Ted Andrews, Animal Speak.

“Snakes are associated with rebirth, resurrection, initiation and wisdom. With what is happening globally we are collectively going through a major rebirth. We are realizing that the old system, the patriarchy isn’t serving our world. And right now we are moving through the transformation phase which can take time and much pain. ”

— Lisette Fee, ownder and designer of Eilisain Jewelry

Okay so now that you know some of the benefits of snake magic and snake totem knowledge how can we use that to benefit ourselves? How can we work with snake mythology? First of all let’s recognize that despite snakes being kind of scary they’re so essential to our animal kingdom. Snakes offer pest control, they are part of our larger ecosystem so if you do spot a scary snake (especially a copperhead) try to find it a new home or call a professional to move the snake, as for garden snakes they’re harmless and as it goes they’re good for your garden. Secondly, study snakes and channel they’re ability to shed what isn’t working or isn’t necessary. Personally I’m trying to shed my previous mindset (unable to control situations etc) and work with what I can control. Summer is especially a good time to shed the winter coat of our lives, create new rituals, start a new program (diet & exercise or creatively), sunbathe (with sunscreen) like some snakes do.

As you can imagine I’m very thrilled about creating a new collection with my garden snake. I had always wanted to and low and behold the snake presented itself to me so I’m planning a very intentional snake collection for which I’m naming the Medea Collection. Medea was the niece of Circe and learned much of her magical knowledge, herb lore and much more. Medea was the Greek Goddess for which she stole the golden fleece for Jason and the Argonauts. I felt Medea was apt as she is a witch goddess and she has transformed and shed her skin multiple times.

The Medea Collection will release in early to mid August, I’d love to create a large quantity of pieces for this collection so prepare yourselves! I’m also planning a very sexy and seductive photoshoot with some of my favorite bossbabes (Meagan Wilson for makeup and Ashley Bowden for photography). And I may also do a giveaway sooooooo come along with me and sign up for my email list below and I’ll keep you posted.

Getting My Hands Dirty Heals My Spirit

Dang ya’ll if 2020 isn’t the year for a revolution I don’t know when it would be! I bet many of you have been feeling a big mixed bag of emotions and you’re not alone. I have good days and bad days but in the center of it all is my home and that I can control.

Several weeks ago I had my friend, fellow momboss and photographer Erica Letchworth come to my home, at a safe distance to photograph me for all things Eilisain but most importantly the spaces where I find refuge and solace.

GARDEN is no. 1 - watching my plants grow and turn into edible food is incredible and not just that, the sacred act of consuming my own home grown vegetables is even more special. When I go out to our garden to gather some herbs for our meal or for my cleansing wands I thank them, i thank the earth for her nutrition and her sustenance. The simple act of thanking plants returns the kindness, the gratitude and appreciation for their incredible nutrition.

If you can or if you have the inclination, go out and purchase herbs and keep them in pots on your porch or deck. Research and studies have proven that being in the presence of plant life gives you energy and vitality. Not only that, caring for your plants will give you an excuse to put your phone down, get outside and take your mind off everything going on in the world.

Oh and one other point I want to make about our garden, we’ve been using our compost as a way to return what we consume back to the earth. We’ve been blessed to access dirt from my in-laws but you can easily do the same, even if it’s a small raised garden bed. Returning your scraps to the earth is SO beneficial for our planet.

My biggest piece of advice and suggestion for you to gain clarity, peace of mind and serenity is to be with yourself. Take time to do nothing! Some nights before I turn out the light to sleep I just lay there thinking and ruminating, passing over what happened throughout the day and reflecting. This gives me time to appreciate the beautiful moments, the quiet moments that make up the collective of our life. And my last ritual for the night, I write down three things I’m grateful for and then I pull a tarot card. Again, reflecting on the abundance in my life and then divining a message from Spirit gives me space to honor the sacred in myself.

I want to return to what I wrote at the beginning of this post regarding how much in chaos our world is, now my first inclination always is to bury my head in the sand but only momentarily. I know that my life comes with immense privilege and access to way more abundance than many other Americans experience (especially black and brown Americans).

With that said I’m not going to side step the huge revolution our country is going through. Every SINGLE ONE OF US (especially white folks) must participate in order for progress to occur.

What can you do? Here are some steps:

-Read and understand what Black Lives Matter means and what it means to our collective.

-Contact your state and local representatives. Tell them you want change and action.

-Read, listen, purchase and consume African American literature, products, music, podcasts, movies - EDUCATE YOURSELF

-Talk to your neighbors and friends. Be open minded and LISTEN. (I’ll raise my hand that I do this often but I am not that good at listening, I’m working on that one)

-Make a donation if you can, I’m donating 10% of June’s sales to the Minnesota Freedom Fund. Every little bit helps, even if it’s $10.

Connect with the Turtle Patronus to Channel Land and Water

“ symbol of the turtle was an invitation for the blessings of both heaven and earth…” Across cultures turtle has been regarded as ancient and sacred. Because turtles access both water and land. I love the medicine of turtle, it is so healing and powerful.

My parents found a turtle shell and gave it to me, at the time I was working with many different animal parts but what struck me as so incredible of the turtle is the bone structure is outside of the body. And the shell of a turtle has such gorgeous texture, when the ‘skin’ (the brittle brown texture of the actual shell) breaks away you can see a beautiful light filter through and it has a rorschach pattern.

So how can we bond and meditate with the turtle to expand our awareness and intuition? We get quiet and meditate and channel the turtle. Right now is the prefect time to do this because what do we have an abundance of? Time (okay maybe not for everyone - just remember Beyonce has as many hours in the day as we do).

Find a quiet spot and close your eyes….

• You may lay down or sit, whatever is comfortable for you.

• Breath in and out at a steady pace.

• Imagine a lake, quiet and soothing. You are standing at the waters edge.

• You look out at the horizon and the water, still as can be and you begin to walk into the lake

• The water submerges your feet, legs, waist, chest and then your head. You can walk easily and breath under water

• Earth is soft and squishy beneath your feet, you feel absolutely calm and centered.

• Vibrations from the deep within the lake run across and you feel the energy of the great turtle.

• You are now at the center of the lake and there before you is a large turtle, she opens her eyes and welcomes you. Reach out your hand and lay it on the turtles head.

• Turtle is now communing with you. Sending you her immense energy and calm. The longer your hand lies on her head you begin to feel your body morph. Your back becomes a thick strong bone shell. Your arms retreat inward, your neck expands.

• You move slowly yet with great intention and rhythm. Your sense of smell and taste amplify. Earth vibrates through your core.

• Movement is slow yet deliberate. You move through the water with ease and swim towards the edge of the water. Your feet land on the water. You are connected, you are aware of the sound and movement of the water, air and earth.

• Time is nonexistant, you have all the time in the world. You feel everything through your shell, your nose and sight. Stay in this presence of turtle, allow your mind to be absorbed into your surroundings. allow yourself to feel all aspects of turtle.

• You will now come out of your presence of turtle. You slowly move your toes, your hands, and stretch. open your eyes and slowly come back to your human presence.

Questions to ask yourself after your journey with turtle:

1. What did it feel like to be submerged in your unconscious?

2. How can I use this journey and apply it to my life. Do I need to slow down? Am I truly aware of my surroundings and events?

3. Am I truly present in my life? How does being turtle change my perception of time and space?

Turtle medicine is deep, connected and infinite. Because turtle is so tied to land and water, she has access to the inner depths of Mother earth and she has much to teach us. I hope that my meditation gave you pause, gave you deep inner awareness.

If you’d like more meditations and methods to connect to the infinite divine, please join my divine jewel list. Click the link below.

Winter Reading List

Sometimes I’ll pile all these pillows and just lay and read all afternoon, it’s the best!

Let’s be real, I am a voracious reader so I don’t need a season to read however there are certain books that I thoroughly enjoy more around in the wintertime. Plus, I’ve accumulated a stack of books that I’m slowly reading and that just makes my bookworm soul happy. So I wanted to share with you my current reading list!

1. The Witches are Coming by Lindy West - This was a surprise find at my library and I gotta say it was the perfect quick and very inspiring book. Not inspiring like, feel good but one that inspires me to be more vocal to continue the fight against the patriarchy and the apathy spreading like a damn virus. READ THIS BOOK!

2. Great Goddesses by Nikita Gill - Another surprise find that caught my eye as I was chasing my daughter around Barnes & Noble. I have been a fan of Nikita for awhile now and when I saw this paperback like a white angel on the shelf I had to grab it. Nikita dedicates a poem and then conversation to our most revered Greek Goddesses and gods. This is perfect couch reading and it’s a great companion to Circe.

3. Women who Run with Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes - This is practically a bible for any feminist and headstrong independent woman in your life. It’s filled with so many rich, cultural and strong female stories and not just that, tales throughout history of women going to the deep shadow self to retrieve their inner teacher and spirit guide.

4. Circe by Madeline Miller - Okay this book came out a year ago but it’s become an annual reading for me now, our protagonist and Greek demigoddess is one that we can all relate to. She’s the outcast of the family, she gives a good lesson to men that need it and she also totally messes up several times and then redeems herself. Plus I get to learn more about herbs and Greek mythology.

5. The Garden Awakening by Mary Reynolds - A dear friend gifted me this book and I’m so very happy she did. As a budding and novice gardener I had wanted a book that would help me gain a better understanding of working with the earth and plants. Mary includes great illustrations and graphics of various ways to arrange your garden and to have a relationship with it. I still have yet to finish this dense yet fascinating book but I highly recommend it for any of you that want to create a spiritual connection to your gardening practice.

6. Awaken Clairvoyant Energy by Cyndi Dale - I randomly picked up Cyndi’s book at my local pagan/herb shop Sojo and I’m so very happy I did. I’ve always held a deep fascination with clairvoyant topics and I’d secretly been yearning to learn more. Cyndi’s book is a super easy read and she has step by step guides on how to understand your own abilities and intuition.

So there you have it my winter reading list, you could actually read any of these books at any time of the year which I will most likely do. I secretly harbor a deep dream to have a personal library of the likes of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I love books, they provide doorways into other worlds. I hope you enjoyed this list and please sign up for my email list below ,if you aren’t already on it so that I can continue to share with you my personal recommendations.

As always, thank you for popping by my blog!!

Death and Decay - Memento Mori

Thanksgiving, when I was about twelve years old, we were living in Northern California at the time and we received a phone call that my Abuelito Rene had passed. We lived on a depressing, beige Army base and I’ll never forget feeling as if we lived in some mirage, miles away from anything colorful or different (aka Panama, where we had moved from prior). I recall hearing my mom crying in my parents bedroom and feeling incredibly sad for her, I wasn’t that close to my Abuelito, I have fond memories of him but at the time I didn’t experience intense sadness for his passing.

I recall this as my first association of death, I can say that I’m somewhat fortunate that I haven’t experienced the immense loss of a a loved one that I was close to or even the death of a family pet. And for the most part of my life I haven’t known that loss. It changes a person. Well I’m changed, a week ago we buried my cat Stevie.

Stevie was not the prettiest cat, she was rough around the edges. I found her about eight years ago when I first moved to Eastern North Carolina. She was abandoned by someone and being the cat lover I am, I fed her and next thing you know she’s my second cat.

Stevie obliging a photo.

Stevie had feline aids, so her immune system was weak but not her spirit. She was a chatty cat, always talking to me and she LOVED fresh warm water! What a weirdo! I named her of course after my favorite musician, Stevie Nicks. She truly embodied that name, so sweet and loving.

Her passing has given me a new understanding for life and now death, she struggled towards the end to keep food down, she peed everywhere…my studio was a bit stinky due to her accidents. But I realized that we have to care as much for our beloveds near death as we adore them in the beginning. It’s rough but that is what love is. Our American culture doesn’t like to acknowledge death, we tuck it away, move the body and bury them before even giving them one last hug or kiss.

When I found Stevie outside of my studio, I gave her a last pet, cried quite a bit and lit some sage and said a prayer. I thanked her for her love, her sandpaper licks and all our fun conversations.

The decay, the slow movement of and change of life can be slow and almost seem nonexistant but then you look in the mirror or you see your child grow two inches and you’re reminded of the swift passing of time.

God I miss the moments of holding her in my lap and petting her.

Memento Mori is the concept of acknowledging our mortality everyday, knowing that anything could happen and to appreciate all the the precious moments of life. I try to do this at the end of the day, writing in my journal three things I’m grateful for, the reminder of all that I was blessed with.

My jewelry has meaning in this, the Bast necklace I created from a cat skull was to honor that cats life. My cat claw earrings and charms came from Stevie’s discarded cat nail….the things you find can take on a whole new meaning.

Hold your loved ones, your pets and family close. Tell them you love them and hold them dear. If you ever would like to commemorate the life of your familiar, your pet, I am more than happy to help create a custom piece for you. Click the link below to start the conversation.

Every City Should Have a Cat Cafe

Okay, maybe I’m biased, cause ya’ll know I’m an official CRAZY CAT LADY but still, cats are SO awesome.

Which is why I’m so SO ecstatic that my cat claws are now at Crooked Tail Cat Cafe in Greensboro AND in Winston-Salem. I’ll paint the picture for you. Last year my husband and I took a lil’ trip to Greensboro, he had work and I had never visited so I walked around downtown (which is pretty awesome btw) and I happened upon Crooked Tail, of course, i had to pop in and get my cat fix while out of town. I had such a great time watching the cats play, there was one black tuxedo cat that seemed to own the place.

I was fortunate that when I visited, Karen Stratman, the owner, was there, and we chatted for a bit. I love Karen’s story, her animal journey of studying them at the University of Florida (go Gators, I’m one too). And it’s pretty badass that Karen opened the first cat cafe in North Caroline too! Of course a light bulb went off in my head. My cat claws would be purrrrrfect for their cat shop area. I can’t believe the idea didn’t dawn on me sooner.

And now here we are with my sterling silver cat claws are now being sold at Crooked Tail Cat Cafe! So if you’re in Greensboro or Winston-Salem pop in and give a cat some love and maybe you’ll walk out owning one. That’s the best part of Crooked Tail and all the other new cat cafe’s, there is the opportunity to find a loving home for a cute fur baby.

Fifi, my first cat model. Isn’t she fierce?!!

If you want to find more locations where Eilisain Jewelry can be found, click on my stocklist link below. Thank you as always for visiting!

The Power of Myth

When I was eleven years old I distinctly recall picking up a book at the library about Greek mythology and finding the stories and deeds of Gods and demigods awe inspiring and fascinating. At the time I was intensely creative, I sketched fashion outfits, I made clay jewelry, and dreamed up my own stories.

Reading the infamous Greek myths gave me an opening into the massive tales of love, betrayal, deceit and loss of innocence. The myths were a window into other worlds and life lessons.

As I grew older I still found myself drawn to myths and legends. I became particularly enchanted with Celtic myths and the land sites that connected humans to the fairy realm. Not only that I LOVED learning about the sacred objects that connect us to the gods and goddesses of the Celts. There is something magical when reading about giants that roamed Ireland and fought over each other and called upon druids and witches to protect their offspring and homes.

Later when I entered university, my ‘major’ was Anthropology which seemed so fitting, for someone who is now a jeweler. See the intersection of handmade objects and human activity in our world resulted in culture which also ran it’s course with religion and mythology.

What I love so much about mythology is that their UNIVERSAL and most can relate to the human emotions in these epic tales, why do you think we’re so obsessed with Marvel and the Avengers movies, they’re essentially mythologies.

When I first began creating my jewelry collections I knew that I wanted to create stories and themes to the pieces I created. For example my Valkyrie Collection was shot with my friend Claire who has gorgeous short red hair and the presence of a Viking.

Mythologies guide us through life, and connect us to the universe at large. When our ancestors looked up at the night sky and saw the twinkling beauty of planet Venus and constellations they told tales of our our world came to be.

We can travel through time to another era when we read the Celtic, Nordic, Hindu and many other world mythologies and tales. We can understand how greed leads to destruction, rebirth and renewal of the earth.

Kaltes Collection drew from Ugric peoples of western Siberia. She was a shape-shifter.

I hope that this post gives you pause to open a Greek myth book or revisit old myths and legends. There are so many lessons and takeaways.

Flip through some of my lookbooks and videos inspired by Gods and Goddesses of past.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Who truly holds the world up? Mothers. For real, they get shit done and also manage to be amazing. All the mother’s I know are absolutely incredible. They’re bossbabes, stylish women on the go that also make time to read to their kids, take them to whatever sport activity and run a household.

So let’s treat mom’s to badass jewels!

Here’s my gift guide for all the fierce women in your life, and to the fur mamas too.

This gift guide covers jewels for the dainty mamas to the fly standout moms.

The new bird bone and gemstone ring. You’ll feel like a fierce goddess.

I do hope that you take time to honor the role of mother this year, especially for those that mother’s that may not have a large family or friend base. Send a card to an Aunt or family friend that has carried her role as mother with pride and dignity. I’ve created a list of women that have aided me in my life and been there for me.

I’m quite excited that my own Mother will be visiting our family this year and that we will have a chance to celebrate with Tallulah. When I think back to being a young child and not realizing how hard it must’ve been for my own mom to be strong and lift us up when we needed it, I am incredibly grateful and thankful.

Thank you for visiting and stay fierce!

PS - Don’t forget I’m releasing my Labyrinth Collection on May 8th just before Mother’s Day. These will be incredibly one of a kind and rare jewels. See the sneak peek photo below.

Swirly malachite is so rich and deep.

Introducing My Wedding Jewelry Page

It’s about time I dedicated one spot on my website for you to shop my ‘wedding’ jewelry. I put that in quotes because if you want, ANY of my jewelry could be wedding jewelry. But honestly, if it makes it easier for you to shop specifically wedding styles then, duh? why not?!!!

I also wanted to highlight some of the custom wedding pieces I’ve created over the years. As you’ve read here before I truly enjoy the process of creating special ritual jewelry - and probably the biggest ritual of our lives will be a wedding!

The earrings below were created as a set for a client who had a perfect set of london blue topaz stones for earrings, a ring and a necklace. These were cast in 18kt karat yellow gold. Aren’t they stunning? I’ll be honest I was a nervous wreck setting them!

“Nontraditional wedding jewelry truly gives you so much more meaning and when YOU are involved in the design process it adds even more intention and joy. ”

— Lisette Fee

Here are the London Blue topaz talon and crow claw bridal set.

Now when it comes to custom orders I always want to err on the caution of enough time, so please do make sure when you are thinking about a custom order that you plan about 3-4 months buffer time. This gives me time to sketch and design, consult with you and then create the pieces.

Nontraditional wedding jewelry truly gives you so much more meaning and when YOU are involved in the design process it adds even more intention and joy.

I also want to add that I’ve created jewelry pieces for the bridal party. One of my clients loves amethyst so I used a small yet sizable amethyst around a simple design piece so that each member of the party felt the appreciation of the bride. I’m more than happy to work around your budget and style - as long as it’s within the realm of Eilisain jewelry.

How cute is this couple?! They got engaged two years ago over the holidays.

Longtime Eilisain Jewelry customers Zach and Maggie got engaged a year ago and Zach had begun the custom order process well in advance to prepare for his proposal. I was so very honored to create the Brigid bridal ring that has cat claws clutching a herkimer diamond. There they are above celebrating. Somedays I honestly can’t believe I get to create jewelry for couples in love!

Wedding season is just around the corner, and I’m here for your BADASS jewelry needs! I’m available for in person consultations, phone calls or emails. Here is a handy form to help you in the process.

Best Holiday Gifts Under $100

Are you scrambling for presents last minute? I know I’m still searching for the perfect gift for several people in my life. So here’s a quick list of my items under $100 because that’s reasonable but also generous to your loved one.

1. Bird bone bracelet or ring, starting at $55

The delicate yet interesting shape of the bird bone make them perfect as a gift.

I’ve already given these sweet pairings as gifts - the bird bone ring or bracelet and my friends love it! The bird bone bracelet was cast from a sparrow bird bone and it’s so light and great for layering. The bracelets start at $55 and go to $135 plus you can also get them in a set with the bird bone rings.

2. Cat claw earrings starting at $40

These make purrrfect stocking stuffers or a sweet gift for the cat lover in your life. These were cast from the claws of my cat Stevie. Cats shed their claws and when I found hers on the floor I had a Eureka moment!

I love wearing these as extra studs to my larger more statement making earrings.

3. Crow claw earrings

These are just as dainty and fierce as the cat claw but with more length. I love wearing these higher up on my ear. They make fantastic gifts for the bird lover in your life.

Some say they look like dragon talons.

As with all Eilisain Jewelry orders this holiday season your order will arrive with a complimentary polishing cloth and special gift.

This holiday season take the time to order from someone local and a gift that is handmade. Trust me when I say your recipient will truly appreciate the craftsmanship and quality.

Drawing Down the Moon

One of the most cherished pagan books, I absolutely love the title and what Margot Adler means by it. When we live in tune with the Goddess and the moon we draw down it’s power.

Thus I became inspired to create a collection of images and jewelry that drew inspiration from the moons guidance and beauty. I worked with some super talented artists, my friend and photographer Gigi Hoggard and Meagan Wilson, makeup artist and fellow boss girl.

We shot on a super humid and sunny day at a beautiful water dam in the country hills of North Carolina. Shooting outdoors is always the given option, as my jewelry draws immense inspiration from the land and animals.

The Kaltes Collection is named after the ancient goddess of the Ugric people of Siberia. She governs the moon and her she is said to shift into a hare. I found all of these aspect incredibly meaningful to what I had been doing with my jewelry, the moon calling to me as well as using the bones of a rabbit.

Isn’t my model, Michelle Torres stunning? She really captured the confidence and bravery of a Goddess. To be strong when we feel scared inside, to put on the dark veil and submit to the shadows. This is what I find fascinating and insightful to stories and myths; they give us guidance and examples of how we can face our inner demons.

We all go through periods of our life when we need to be brave. Who hasn’t felt nervous, worried, anxious or fearful? But it is how we grow from the tough periods of our lives that make us who we are.

I hope that you also find comfort in the tales of our ancestors, and be hopeful. Every day is a new beginning. Just take two deep breaths and and take the plunge!

You can shop for these pieces and more on my site. Thank you as always for visiting.

Music + Handmade = Good Times

This weekend in Raleigh is the annual Hopscotch Music Festival,  so many great musicians and artists come out to share their talent and music.  Plus it's a fun way to celebrate the end of summer. 

I'll be there with my jewelry right in the middle of downtown Raleigh and it's going to be fun! I"m super excited - cause you know me, I love to get out and chat with friends old an new.  So I hope you'll come out on Saturday, September 8th from 12pm to 7pm for handmade and music!

I'll have my super popular bird bone rings and bracelets!