Living in My Forest

November 26, 2009

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I live in the middle of a forest. It is on the edge of East Texas and Louisiana. It is a forest that is undergoing a sad change.
Way too many of our trees are being cut down. Not just cut down, but clear cutting.

It makes me sad.

I understand that we need lumber, I work with wood. I understand that. But in this day and time, I feel that it is incumbent upon those cutting the trees to at the very least, replant. Leave the land in good shape so that the forest can recover. But they don’t. They come in and cut down the trees and leave all the trees that they decided were not commercial just strewn about.

So many of those trees could have been left standing. But aren’t. And replanting could have made the forest come back faster, but they don’t.

It is sad, they don’t see that they are doing harm to the planet and all who share it. But they just see their bottom line. Today they made money. :(

I am not against making a profit, but we need to ask ourselves at what cost.

Please lets be a little greener in our outlook today.

Think a little harder about the consequences of your choices, make choices that make sense for the future of our planet.
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I Now Have My Hair Daggers Up!

October 9, 2009

I have been working for several years on making workable designs on hair daggers. I love all kinds of swords and daggers and have many hair swords and daggers, some that I have bought and many that I have made.

I have worked on the designs that are based on actual swords and daggers and I have used beads and other things over the years to create the look and feel of a real sword or dagger.

I started with beads in the beginning. Mainly because that is what I started working with at a very young age. But I then went on to other mediums.

I feel that the best way to grow as an artist and not become stale, is to branch out and try new things and designs. So that you stretch yourself and grow, both in scope and knowledge. To stop learning as an artist is the beginning of the end to creativity.

I have worked very hard learning to master the art of beading, and I have learned a great deal and will continue to learn new techniques and methods, but in making swords and hair daggers, I found that beading would just take you so far. I wanted more. So I branched out and learned to carve wood and other materials. I learned to work with metals and other materials have been used to create swords and daggers for centuries. Now I am happy to say that I have arrived at a place that I am happy to share more of them with my customers rather than just family and friends.
I also wanted to create a line of hair daggers that would be made for those who loved the idea of hair swords and daggers but only wear wooden hair sticks and accessories.

I hope that you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed making them and bringing them to life.

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This one is bone copper and aluminum.
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This is cracked glass beads and spacer beads that I welded together, on an aluminum hair stick.

This is a dragon shelot and katana. Katana’s are interesting in that the original designs were copied from Korea and China and were straight and not the curve that we see today.
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Here is the top of the katana. Showing the tsuka and tsuba which are the grip and the hilt.
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Here is a pirate cutlass.
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A sword and wand set.
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The same sword and wand, with matching shelot.
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This is actually a Viking Pin, but it is very dagger like.
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This is a hair dagger that is shaped like an Indian dagger. It is made of acrylic countertop material and is very strong. It looks just like an Aloe Vera leaf. It almost feels like one too. :D
Pale Green, True Lilly, Hair Dagger
Here is a Celtic Wooden Hair Dagger, I love the copper spirals and the copper serpentine design down the blade.
Wooden Celtic Hair Dagger

This one is from copper that I beat and beat until incredibly hard. It turned out lovely.
copper hair sword

Here are a few things from my shop. Thanks for looking.
Raven.

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I love Egyptian Jewelry! All Right, I just love Almost All Things Egyptian!

August 28, 2009

I am working hard on some new shelots and hair sticks that I am in love with….. They are Egyptian in style and color scheme. I love them.
I wanted to be an Archaeologist when I was younger, but I let others talk me out of it… But I still love the art and history that is Egypt.
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There are not very many places that have so much history, unless it is maybe China. Which I like, but I Love Egypt. So that brings me to the shelot I am working on, and a set of hairsticks that I have just finished.

The interplay of turquoise and coral and lapis against gold is just gorgeous. I cannot believe that I haven’t made a shelot with these stones all together until now.
I will post picks when I am finished.
It reminds me of the Pharaoh Hatshepsut, who was a woman.
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Way to go girl! Not bad for that long ago.

But many may not know that Egyptian woman had more freedoms and rights than European woman of the day.

Something to think about.

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Not all Handmade Items are Created Equal

August 23, 2009

Handmade items can become treasures that will be well loved for years to come, or they can be things that are made quickly with no thought as to creating something that will last and be a well loved item that might even eventually be passed on to another.

When I create a piece of hair jewelry I am always thinking about how to make the piece as beautiful and as long lasting as possible. That is the way that I was taught to make any thing. I come from a long line of craftsmen. My family have created things that generations later are still being enjoyed. My family were woodworkers and carpenters and other craftspersons. My grandfather taught me that if you are going to create anything, you should do it to the best that you can. That may be an old fashioned principle for today, but it is one that I adhere to with a passion.
There are some who always strive to create masterpieces each and every time they create something. Each item made with focused attention and effort on each step. Then there are those who are trying to sell handcrafted items, and they are nice, but in many ways not as well made as something that is mass produced. The reason is, that the mass produced ones have many of the problems ironed out. And then there are those, that while they are handmade, they are still in a sense mass produced. They are the ones that are made by hand, but at wages that are less than what a person can truly live on. In other words sweatshop wages. That is not what you want to support when you support things that are handmade. You want to support giving the artist fair trade wages. In other words, no matter where they live, you should pay the artist and creator of handmade items enough to support themselves by their art and labor.

Just something to think about the next time you buy handmade.

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How To Cut Aluminum Knitting needles to Make Hair Sticks

August 21, 2009

This is a tutorial on creating hair sticks from knitting needles.
Years ago, I came across a web site that gave really helpful hints on making hair sticks.

That was the first place that I had ever heard of anyone using knitting needles for making hair sticks.

That was the beginning. From that small beginning, I have learned alot. So I thought that I would share some of what I have learned with other aspiring hair stick creators.

I buy the knitting needles at Micheals in the knitting section. They have lots of different kind and sizes. The size that you chose is up to your personal preference. They also have rosewood and bamboo knitting needles at one of the stores by me. But you cut those with a regular saw. Hobby Lobby also carries knitting needles.

If they don’t have those stores where you are, any knitting shop or fabric store usually carry them and will have a nice selection. At least that is what I have found.

I use a very good metal pipe cutter to cut the metal knitting needles.

I wrap the stick and mark it where you want to cut it, to obtain the length you want. The reason that I wrap the stick is to prevent marking it or scratching it in any way.

I mark them on the tape or what I am using to wrap them.

What I do is this. If the stick is small, I will place a straw over the knitting needle and then mark the straw in the right place. Then, using the cutter, I very carefully, and slowly, cut the stick.

If you do it too fast the straw, or tape will rip and you risk marking the stick up.

If the tape or straw begin to twist or roll up as you do this, back up a little and loosen the cutter a bit. And straight it out and then go forward.

If you tighten the cutter wheel too quickly, this is usually what happens.

You will need a pair of gloves to hold on to the stick.

I use latex as they have the grip that I need to hold it steady. It takes a very strong hold to do this process, I don’t cut too many at a time or I hurt my hands.

Also if the cutter is an old or a cheap one you risk marking the stick.

I know that this may sound confusing but it is really simple, you just have to do it all very carefully.

On working with this stuff your tools are critical and I don’t buy cheap one’s. They will let you down.

After you cut your hair stick to the size that you need, take a piece of sand paper and sand the very top of the stick only, making it smooth, but not too smooth.

A little roughness makes the glue bond better.
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I use glue to fasten the sticks to the beads, but I also use a headpin that goes down the middle of the bead and into the stick and is then glued in place.

I prefer epoxy, it is harder to work with but gives a stronger and long lasting bond.

If you are not used to it, get the 5 to 10 minute epoxy to give yourself time to work. But not too long, the thirty minute kind will seem like an eternity if you are holding it in place to dry straight.

I know this from experience.

I hold the piece upside down so that the glue stays where you want it and I get a nice bond.
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Remember when you want to use the sticks that you make, don’t grab them by the tops.

It might be okay once or twice but in the long run it will break down your bond and the stick topper will break.

With this short tutorial you should be able to make your own one of a kind hair stick creations.

There are findings and beads available at many stores. Even if you and some one else use the same beads, your hair sticks will be different, because you will put your own spirit and view point in each one. Enjoy! But for something different, you can visit my shop on Etsy
I hope you have a wonderful day!

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Being an Artist is fun, selling your Art is hard work.

August 19, 2009

I love being an artist. In many ways it defines who I am. I love that I create the things that I see inside my head and they come together in ways that make me happy. But as an artist there is a flip side that is much harder. That is the part when it comes to selling your work. Selling your work can be difficult or it can be rewarding. If you sell your work to someone that you feel will appreciate your work, then it is easier to let it go. But sometimes the letting go is harder. Many times it is simply because you have put so much into the piece that it feels like you are giving a part of yourself away.

I understand why many artists have others to sell their work for them, because it gives them some distance and makes it easier. I however, like the interplay with the person to whom I am selling my work. I then have the chance to talk to them and get a feel of how much they will love my piece. It is a joy when you have customers that understand that you have put so much of yourself in what you do. Those are that days that make selling your art worthwhile.

Here a fork that I made from repurposed maple. My own rock maple hair fork.

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Oiling My Hair for Regrowth

August 17, 2009

I am experimenting with oiling my hair to get thicker hair. So far it has been a hit or miss thing. I love the smell of the oil when I put it on my hair. It can be very relaxing. But in some ways it can be a mind game with yourself. You try to see, did I shed more today than yesterday? Did I leave it on too long? Or did I leave it on too short a time? These are all good questions. Sometimes I think that I have found the perfect answer, other times I feel like I am still searching in the dark.
I am trying to get a good handle on it all, but I am not sure that I even understand the direction that I am supposed to be going in.

Check out my new listings on etsy at I think you might enjoy the visit.

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The Glass Mountain and The Princess

August 8, 2009

A long time ago there was a princess who lived in a far away kingdom. Her father wanted her to have only the absolute best husband. He knew from all of his country’s history that the best way to do this was to issue a challenge for all. So that the one who fulfilled the conditions would win her hand. In this way he would insure that her husband would be brave and strong.

The only problem was that his daughter, the princess had different ideas. She did not want to wait up some hill to be rescued by some knight, who’s only claim to fame was that he had learned how to climb glass. This also might mean that he would only think about his next challenge or adrenaline rush.
She decided something had to be done about this, and set about to come up with a sound plan.

First, she chose a lady in waiting, ordering her lady to take her place. Then she managed to learn that the upcoming challenge would be a traditional one for her country, a glass mountain with a dragon protecting it. The knight to make it all the way to the top without being killed would win her hand.

So with ceremony the Princess was escorted up the mountain. But no one noticed the addition of an extra knight in the king’s entourage, or a quick shuffle and a change in order before they made their way down. Or that the Princess was not the same one that they escorted up the mountain. They were very careful. Then as the entourage made it to the bottom of the mountain that extra knight making sure he was unobserved and he disappeared into the surrounding forest.

The knight went deep into the forest to a place, that was unknown to most, but that had been a hermit’s hut in years past. He dismounted his horse and went inside the small stone dwelling that was in the center of the forest glade. There the knight took off the steel helmet and out tumbled the long lovely locks of the Princess.

Yes, she had dared to brave the wrath of her father, to go forth and find her own destiny. But just at present she was unsure of what direction that destiny lay. The Princess knew that she needed to rescue both her lady in waiting, as well as the knights that would endeavor to win the hand of the princess, who was not a princess.

She had plotted with her lady to escape from the bonds that were the traditions of her country and expectations of her father. But further than that, she hadn’t gotten an answer.

She knew that soon there would be those who would loose their life in pursuit of a dream that wasn’t real.

To win the top of the glass mountain was a true challenge.

The only way in and out was the path that they had taken up to place her at the castle, on the mountains peak. Which they had also used to come down again. It was spelled with secret enchantments that were known only to the King. All other ways up were under the keen eye of the dragon that guarded the mountain.

The Princess knew that the dragon had to be taken care of before it would be safe to take on the slippery slope that was the mountain side.

After much consideration the she decided to visit the wise woman that lived even deeper in the forest, for the Princess knew that she understood the secret ways of many things. She hoped that the wise woman understood the ways of the dragon well enough to help her to over come it. And perhaps the old woman would also show her the way to climb to the top of the mountain and win the challenge.

So the Princess wound her hair back in place and using a small dull blade shoved into the midst of it to hold it in place, she carefully replaced the helmet.

She went out and mounted her horse and rode deeper into the forest in search of the wise woman. The way was not easy for the path to wisdom is strewn with thorns and brambles, but with dedication she made her way onward to the dwelling of the woman whose wisdom she sought.
When after many trials and tribulations she arrived at the dwelling of the woman. She came to the well and seeing no one around she knelt down and asked permission to drink at the well, for she had gained enough wisdom in her journey to know that it could be harmful to drink without permission. As she asked she heard a voice saying, drink my child and thirst no longer. And she drank deeply for her thirst was great for her journey had been long. When she finished drinking she looked up and saw the wise woman standing before her.

“My daughter, I know you for who you are, what are you willing to give to gain the wisdom that you seek.”

“I would give all that I am, and all that I have to help rescue my lady and save the knights that struggle in vain for something that is an illusion. For I know that to gain wisdom is what will set us free from the bondage that I and others are bound by.”

“Then my child, in giving all you have gained all. I will give you that which you seek. the secrets not only of the dragon, but the secret of the mountain. You must first go and find the dragon’s bane that grows deep in the spring that feeds this well. Gather a basket full of it in order to restrain the dragon’s fire. Then take and gather the nettles that grow by the springs edge and gather not a little. Then take this and weave boots for your horse and place them on his hooves. This will enable you to climb the mountain with ease.”

“What will the dragon’s bane do to the dragon?” the Princess asked.
“I cannot say for you must bravely go forward trusting that you are going in the right direction, even if you only dimly know the way.” answered the wise woman.

So the Princess did as she was instructed, even though the deed was hard and the weaving of the nettles stung at her hands and caused them to bleed. But she knew that others would suffer greatly if she did not preserver so she continued to weave until she had the boots for her horse. She placed them on his feet and then placed the basket with the dragon’s bane on the pommel of the saddle and mounted.
She knew fear when she started back to the mountain to brave the dragon. She didn’t understand what the dragon’s bane would do to the dragon and while she wanted to win the challenge she didn’t want to kill such a glorious creature.
So through the forest she rode and tried build up her courage. When she saw the mountain, her heart almost quailed within her. She so wanted to give up but instead she kicked her horse in the flanks and plunged forward and up the mountain. Along the hillside she spied armor from fallen knights on onside or the other of her path. The hairs on the back of her neck were standing up with the tension and fear of her quest. But she knew that there was now no turning back and instead with forward. When overhead a sulfurous odor became strong enough to cause her eyes to water. About twenty feet in front of her the dragon landed, with mouth agape and steam escaping in two plumes.
“Human you cannot pass, go your way and I will not harm you. But leave your horse and all of its trappings.”

Now the Princess knew that something was amiss, because dragons didn’t negotiate. Never that she knew of. Well she thought, they had to sometime, otherwise how had her father managed to obtain one to guard the mountain.

“No I cannot do that, this fine horse is my companion and I cannot abandon him to a cruel fate.”

“Well then turn about, but leave the basket behind for tribute and go your way, unharmed.”

Now the Princess was sure that something was amiss. For why would a dragon want with a basket of dragon’s bane?

Could it possibly be something that was just thought to be a bane?

“Dragon, I know that this is full of dragon’s bane, so what is it that you crave?”
“I cannot say.” Replied the dragon, tail twitching.
“Tell you must or I will burn this to a crisp!” Cried the Princess in sudden inspiration.

“No!!!” Cried the dragon with a semi lunge toward the Princess.
“Halt!” Cried the Princess, trying to keep her voice from trembling. Showing the dragon the tinder box that she held close to the basket.

“No! I will tell, but do not fire the dragon’s bane! For dragon’s bane it truly is. It will burn by normal means. But magical fire cannot be touched by it. It only lives at the bottom of holy wells and can only be gathered by a maiden. But if two dragon’s are to be together they cannot be without a wreath of it placed around their necks. It enables them to be with one another. Please. If you give it to me, all that is within my power to grant is yours.

With that the Princess proceeded to explain to the dragon what she needed. And as all know that once a dragon gives their word they are true to it, she knew that the dragon could be trusted.

She then proceeded to go up the mountain, once the dragon took off, until she reached the top, for the boots of nettle had done their job.
After finding her lady unharmed at the top the Princess filled her in on what had happened and what she planned to do.

At that moment she heard the sound of dragon wings and placing the helmet that she had removed to speak to her lady, she went outside.

The dragon had returned just as it had promised, with the king in it’s massive clawed hand.
The King was visibly shaken. He endeavored to straighten his tunic as the dragon set him down.
“What is the meaning of this?” the King started to bluster at the dragon.
“Your majesty, let me explain” said the Princess in her deepest voice.
“I have won the battle with the dragon, and have gained the slope and won the right to the hand of the Princess. Do you agree?”

“Well since I am here at your obvious command and we are at the castle, I would say that is true.” said the King with a nod of his head toward the apparent knight.

“Well then I claim the right of the hand of the Princess with this dragon as witness to my claim.”

“Yes, Yes, your claim is a true and valid one. You shall marry my daughter. And rule my kingdom after me.”
“Well then, I accept that addition Father, But I chose to marry whom I will. You yourself gave me my hand in marriage. So I claim my right to chose and to rule this land after you are gone.” Replied the Princess as she took the helmet off showing her father the true warrior that had indeed won the right of marriage with the Princess. The Princess herself.

Truly Brave and surely in charge of her own destiny.
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I Made a Rock Maple Fork!

August 1, 2009

I made my first wooden hair fork. While I have done hair sticks and the like, and have made ones from bone, this is my first wooden fork.

It turned out really nice, and silky smooth.

But wow, is rock maple made from real rocks?

I broke 6 blades on my scroll saw trying to get the shape cut! This stuff is really really hard! And did I mention that changing blades on a scroll saw is a pain?

I started out by choosing to use an old table for the wood. It is at least 25 to thirty year old wood, it may even be older than that, as the style is like some 40 year old furniture that my grandparents bought. It had come apart at the glue seams and so I decided that it was fair game. Just my little part of being green! :D

I chose to use a favorite ebony fork as a pattern and that was where I started. I cut out the basic amount of wood that I needed for the fork, and then traced the shape out on the wood.

The first cut was with a skill saw and was no problem, but cutting out the tines was a big problem.

I have a great deal of respect for wood workers that work this wood on a regular basis. It kept snapping blades like they were dental floss. (.) (.)

Well it just goes to show what you can do when you don’t give up! Here it is in my hair!
Here it is, it has a small bobble on one tine that is where the blades broke!

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More Shelot Information and Helps

July 24, 2009

Many people have told me that they love my Hair Shelots, but are still wanting information and help as to how that you use them.

So I decided to start working on some more pictorials and instructions.

The first thing that I have to talk about is the way they are constructed, with the connected concentric rings.

This means that the rings are held together at two connection places. These are NOT where you slide the stick! This places too much pressure on those spots and Could cause the shelot to fail. I use these connection places as a top and bottom of the design.

The shelot is not like a hair slide that has a hole through which to put the stick. It is designed to give you leeway to place the hairstick, depending on the style. The not putting the stick through the connection spots is really the only limit as to how to place the stick.
Other than that one place, the hair stick can be threaded through any spot between the two rings.

However on many of my designs I have created spots for the stick to rest with curved or flat beads at the resting places. This was to make the stick want to rest in that spot.

I am working on a pictorial that I will add shortly showing more of the ways to use the shelot.

I am also working on some tutorials that show how to do styles with the hairsticks.

Shalom, Raven.

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