from the studio ~ Parrish Relics Jewelry

Getting back to work...

2012-01-27T13:48:00.000-05:00

Happy to be getting back into the routine that I love so much, making new jewelry, photographing and editing, then finally listing on my Etsy shop! So grateful to have loyal customers that have not lost interest during my downtime. Nearing a thousand facebook likes is exciting too! Thanks to everyone who has purchased from me or spread the word about my work. So appreciated!

Also grateful that Galatea is now spending time with me in the office/photo studio, as for the first few months she felt most comfortable upstairs only. I missed her company and am overjoyed that she found a new roost here to be comfortable on, in the middle of all the action :)

She sits near one of my treasures, a sweet embroidery bookmark that my mom made for me.

...back to work!

Holiday

2011-12-20T14:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays from the Parrish Relics Studio!

Didn't get as much accomplished this season, still a bit behind due to the move and relearning how to work in a new space. Organization is so important when in a smaller studio! Lots of arranging and sorting, keeping in mind the wonderful quote from William Morris: “If you want a golden rulethat will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you donot know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

Much inspiration and enthusiasm for the coming year, the sunlit peace of my new home I believe will make for a productive 2012.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Parrish Relics on our journey so far, hope you all have a lovely end of the year and lots of holiday magic.

Rebirth of a Studio

2011-10-23T12:57:00.001-04:00

After a long moving process, my new studio is finally starting to become home.

I will try to get back to making jewelry this week after nearly a month of upheaval and restructuring my life. Looking forward to doing what I love again...

Bright & sunny, although the original yellow will be painted over in the Spring.

more views on my flickr page

A deep and sincere thank you to everyone who supported my sudden moving sale, my Etsy shop has never been so empty!

Here is a sneak peek at what I will be working on. I found some amazing labradorite on a trip to North Carolina to see a soul sister last month, I am really looking forward to working with more of the treasures found there.

soon

Re-Launch of Lyra Parrish

2011-09-11T20:29:00.000-04:00

A year ago I launched Lyra Parrish, a line of wedding or special occasion jewelry. I thought that I would be able to balance two separate lines on Etsy, but found that I just didn't have the capacity to focus on both.

Will still be creating Lyra pieces inspired by the beauty surrounding me in New England, but all will be listed in the Parrish Relics Etsy Shop under the Lyra Parrish section.

To re-launch the line I am adding the three necklaces already created to the shop and will feature them at 10% off the original pricing. This will happen on Monday Sept. 12, along with one brand new piece that I am really excited to share with you!

I have always been fascinated with Luckenbooth jewelry, a Scottish symbol of love featuring two intertwined hearts topped with a crown. Usually seen as a pin, I have created my own version as a necklace with opalescent Stained Glass, antiqued filigree beads, and moonstone.

As with each Lyra necklace, I travel to one of the many beautiful natural or Architectural gems in New England to photograph the necklace on my model form, symbolizing Lyra's adventures.

Today I visited Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Sanctuary. It was a perfect day~ so many beautiful birds and long winding paths through gorgeous peaceful surroundings.

A little woodpecker (I believe, I am still working on my bird indentification!) even landed on a branch for our shoot. Love!

Here are a few images taken today in this tranquil sanctuary.

Snow, Glass, Apples

2011-08-19T15:45:00.001-04:00

Have been working hard on this project for the past few weeks, so sorry for the silence! Back to Etsy updates very soon, looking forward to adding some recent work to the shop.

...and Hey!

Tickets are on sale for Snow, Glass, Apples!

I had so much fun creating jewelry for the three main characters.

Inspired by the incredible short story by Neil Gaiman

& theatrical script interpretation by Lisa Stock.

Looking forward to seeing them on the beautiful & talented cast, look for photos coming soon!

a behind the scenes rehearsal video

The Abbey by the Sea...

2011-07-25T14:34:00.002-04:00

My weekend was gladly spent sitting in a castle chapel, gothic windows open to the sea, musicians with hurdy gurdies, psalteries and tribal drums, spellbinding bellydancers, wonderful conversations and beautiful costumes, a jewelry booth in one of my favorite settings ever. Oh, and a chambord brownie. Yum!

In my downtime, I took many photos of the inspirational architecture and the museum's collection of artifacts both real and replica. These images were taken only in my small area if you can believe it, you just have to visit yourself to see the rest of the magic :) John and Rich, the "keepers of the castle" are great folks too, and I was really happy to see them again after too many years.

Many more images on my flickr page here...

Sadly I have to mention my grievance with the prevalence of fur tails at festivals lately.

I find it a very sad "trend" and do not feel any better by being told that they are "humanely harvested" or gathered from roadkill (are there really that many animals killed on the road with undamaged fur to support that amount of business?)

Finny where he was happiest, at the ocean's shoreline

All it looks like to me is the tail of my beautiful dog Finny, may he rest in peace, chopped off and stuck on someone's behind. In my mind, foxes, raccoons, coyotes and rabbits are no different than the cats and dogs that bring so much joy and love into our home. I do not believe in PETA style confrontation or shaming, that tends to create the "I wear it to spite them" mentality, instead of having a thoughtful, empathetic dialogue about the realities of the industry. Just hoping that this trend goes away doesn't feel like a good enough option for me, but I really don't know what else to do but speak my mind on this controversial subject.

Luckily, I am not alone in speaking out for those who cannot speak for themselves. Please view the below links if you are so inclined, but please be advised that some may contain upsetting images and information. Sadly for some it needs to be seen, to learn the truth.

____________________________________

The Discerning Brute: Tail between the Legs: blog 1 & blog 2

an eyeopening article from the Guardian: Happy Animals: a shared capacity for feeling demands a radical shift in our relationship with the animal world

________________________

I also like these quotes by the wonderful Tim Gunn:

"Wearing fur is like wearing a big sign reading, 'I'm in favor of inflicting cruelty and pain on animals as a fashion statement.' Unspeakable torture is inflicted on dogs, cats, bunnies, raccoons, foxes, minks, and myriad trapped, helpless creatures in the name of fashion—yes, dogs and cats."

Tim Gunn talks fur

"I would say if you're going to use fur, you have a responsibility to know its origins. "

_____________

and finally: Meet Gidget & Gadget . Warning: they will steal your heart away!

Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary

2011-06-29T09:26:00.004-04:00

This past weekend I was lucky enough to spend time at Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary.

From what I had heard, I was already going to love this place. Rescued animals, beautiful grounds, and for the weekend: a Renaissance Festival with musicians, performers and other vendors all creating a little village within this peaceful setting.

I had no idea what I was in store for.

The grounds alone are worth visiting for~ twisting paths and barns with Gothic windows, elaborate hutches surrounded by beautiful old trees of many kinds, sunlit areas that felt like a lifetime away from work, worries, cars and the stark reality that brought these creatures here.

Donna White is now my personal hero. She built this sanctuary after saving up the money to create her dream, a place where abused and abandoned animals could live out their life and hopefully learn to trust people once again.

As I walked the grounds and read the many horror stories, tears welling up all while these abused animals ~ now so safe and happy ~ greeted me as I walked through their enclosure.

I knew immediately that wanted to help in some way.

Being a self employed artist, I don't have loads of money or time to offer. But I can try to raise some much needed funds by donating 10% of each sale from my Etsy shop from now on and for as long as I can afford to ~ and by telling everyone I know to please visit and support this magical place. (They have Sanctuary tours daily except for Tuesdays, birthday parties, film nights and many fairs and festivals throughout the year! Something for everyone and every family.)

As I was working within my booth most of the time, I didn't even begin to meet all of the beautiful creatures that reside there. Already plotting and planning my next visit as soon as I can manage! I cannot wait to go back and sit quietly on one of the many benches and wait for one of the many wandering goats, ducks, peacocks, cats, donkeys, geese, chickens, roosters, lambs, llamas, pigs, pheasants, rabbits and dogs to come over and win my heart like Stardust, Luna, Inky, Edmund, Jezebel and Waterford already have. (Not to mention the snowshoe siamese cats that reminded me of my beloved Athena...)

Can't wait to go back.

~ many more photos at my Flickr page ~

Treasures of Heaven introductory video

2011-06-09T11:55:00.000-04:00

The British Museum just posted an incredibly exciting video previewing the upcoming Exhibition that is opening in just a few weeks!

My jewelry arrived safely for the gift shop thankfully after a bit of a stressful wait, will show more of the designs made specifically for this exhibition very soon. Really wish I could see this dream of a collection! Can't wait to hear all about it from my UK friends.

preview of work for the British Museum Gift Shop

Etsy Birthday!

2011-05-24T11:49:00.002-04:00

It is my two year anniversary on Etsy today
and to celebrate I am offering

free shipping starting now until the end of the month~!

Just use the coupon code "2YEAR" while checking out on Etsy...

_______

Having so much fun utilizing the quartz crystals that I have had for ages but now started playing with again after rearranging my studio.

Glad to find you like them too, there will be many more to come

~ as you can see I have quite a collection!

Show Updates

2011-05-17T20:23:00.004-04:00

Really excited about the events coming up in June & July~

The first is a show that combines two of my favorite things...Renaissance costumes & helping animals! Second, returning to the beautiful Hammond Castle...

INSLOWSHIRE FESTIVAL

June 25 & 26, 2011

A Renaissance Festival to Benefit the Animals of Winslow Farm

Norton, MA

facebook event page

BBADIA MARE
~ The Abbey by the Sea~

July 23 & 24, 2011

Hammond Castle ~ Gloucester, MA

facebook event page

and the third show...

Happy to announce that I am now

a new member of Boston Handmade!

My first event with the group will be:

BOSTON HANDMADE MARKETPLACE

Saturday July 30th, 2011

3-7 pm in Union Square, Somerville, MA

(rain date: Sunday, July 31st)

facebook group page

spring cleaning

2011-05-05T11:17:00.001-04:00

Deep in the last weeks of one of the largest production orders of my life. Yesterday took some time to re-organize my studio's work area with better shelving and easier to reach bead/stone organizers. Half the time I have Galatea on my lap and couldn't reach the higher bead drawers, now I won't have to disturb her at all...everything within reach.

Now re-energized and ready to make those last 2 necklaces and 16 pairs of earrings~ ~tag, ship, release, breathe.

Viola inspects her favorite bed, now on a pedestal

so that she can watch the birds out the window .

or the dogs that visit during the week here at Walk-About!

Emerge ~ Enchanted April

2011-04-08T09:16:00.001-04:00

Emerge...

Spring Editorial & Interview with New Brahmin!
There are links to all of the jewelry that is currently for sale on Etsy,
everything else is will be up later today.

I am so in love with these photographs and will be sneaking

them into just about everywhere PR with much gratitude to

Photos: Gillian Leigh Bowling

H&MU: Rose Fortuna

Styling: Liana Krupp

Model: Amanda Gordon

For anyone curious about the High School Art Teacher I mention who sent me in the direction of jewelry design (I still owe her a piece of jewelry ~ "not snakes or crosses" as she teased all those years ago) Anytime Rosalie!

http://www.rosaliesidoti.com/

Before Sundown ~ Rosalie Sidoti

On her website I learned that she studied at Oxford University’s Ruskin School of Fine Arts! I would love to have heard about her experiences there but didn't know or didn't ask, being a self-involved and painfully shy teenager back then. The PRB were not officially in my view yet, and was much more obsessed with music than art at the time ~

Duran Duran, Bauhaus, Depeche Mode, Adam Ant, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Marilyn, Berlin, Marc Almond and on and on. I think I spent most of my less engaging classes writing band names on my notebook, making sketches, daydreaming of the next concert!

Ok, I'll admit to still being obsessed with music, and many of the same bands.
Duran Duran's latest is REALLY GOOD! A great mix of retro sounds and new production, catchy tunes. I never tire of Simon's voice and my teen idol Nick Rhodes is still very dear to my heart.

Still deep in production on the latest gift shop order from

The British Museum for the upcoming "Treasures of Heaven" Exhibition

Oh, to be able to get to London for this...a girl can dream. And play the lottery!

Escape into green...

2011-03-22T23:39:00.003-04:00

This winter had been particularly brutal, so I was thankful to be able to take a long weekend away to visit my Mom in sunny Florida. Back re-charged and ready for Spring (even if it is snowing again in Boston!)

Just before I left I found out that my next British Museum order for the "Treasures of Heaven" exhibition will be close to ten times the amount of work of the last, so it will be extremely busy in the PR studio for the next two months! But work I am looking forward to so much, and very grateful for.

Here are a few of my favorite sights from the trip, miss you already Mom! Thanks again for being such kind and gracious hosts.

lovely Spanish Architecture of Historic Downtown

A generally slower pace, but feeding the seagulls in a frenzy!

Swarms of catfish gathered below, overwhelming

the few turtles we were trying to get fed.

Mom, surrounded by Ibis!

Geese attacked our ankles when the bread ran out...

Maya, Mom's beautiful rescue kitty.

At a birding trail wetland, many alligators were

seen and gratefully undisturbed.

Birds of all kinds, it was magical and so very peaceful.

Melbourne Zoo is small but lovely, flora & fauna abundant.

my husband, the bird whisperer...

I was lucky enough to be able to hand feed a sweet doe...

many precious memories of a great weekend.

thanks for coming along~ xxJen

gratitude & inspiration

2011-02-28T12:29:00.002-05:00

In the continuing rearranging & organizing of the studio, I have set up the area directly across from my work desk to inspire and to remind me how lucky I am to do what I love for a living. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports my business in any way whether it is purchasing something or spreading the word. It is sometimes really difficult to be self employed but when someone thanks me for creating something that they love to wear, all the negative disappears and I know it is all worth it. (tax time again?!)

I have included some recent gifts also, inspired by the creativity of friends and my gratitude in finding such kindred spirits thanks to my business.

Projects in progress to remind me to finish them,

Etsy jewelry waiting for a home.

And of course my constant studio assistant, Galatea!

sitting pretty.

Birthday Pilgrimage

2011-02-18T00:22:00.002-05:00

Today I took the day off to visit Earth Mother, a painting by Edward Burne-Jones. Had only found out about her existence a month ago and she had been calling to me ever since I saw the painting listed on their website. Every bit worth the drive, even worth the odd looks from the security guard who seemed puzzled by my reverence and length of visit. Likely he was afraid I was going to try and run off with it or get it wet with my misty eyes. :)

Worcester Art Museum, or WAM !

Happily surprised at how many pieces of Medieval Art was to be found there, paintings and sculptures and even a reconstructed Medieval Chapter House with glorious Stained Glass.

Took notes, was inspired, made sketches, took some pictures. The photos were taken with my Droid Phone and without flash, so none really captured the work very well, but wanted to share them here just for memory's sake and for some fun pairings.

Looking forward to visiting again!

Nature Inspired Work & Cabin Fever

2011-02-11T17:50:00.003-05:00

Sometimes looking out the studio window is my only connection to nature, the outside world for days. I am grateful to the many birds and squirrels that stop by to find shelter in the old pear tree.

This winter has been so hard on so many people, I'm sure the animals have had it bad but they seem to flourish and thrive all the same. Survival. Hope. Cycle of Life.

Here is a group of creatures coming with me to the show on Sunday...

if they don't find homes there they will be appearing on Etsy soon!

super cold

2011-02-09T16:34:00.004-05:00

super cold
Originally uploaded by parrish relics

Days like these I am so glad to work from home...

keeping out of the frigid winds

and thankful for the sun pouring into the studio.

also keeping me warm today...

snow, inspiration, dreaming

2011-02-01T12:03:00.001-05:00

Back to the grind...

...grinding Stained Glass Hearts that is! >

Where did January go? This year is flying by so fast already. Not fast enough as Spring seems too far away.

Boston is getting more snowstorms this year than ever before, all the better to hide away in my attic studio and get lots of jewelry made for the Cabin Fever show in a few weeks!

ready for beadwork...today's project!

..excited to show our new gifted PR bags by Arteffex!

trying to get out for a little inspiration between storms...

and settling back in for more work...

Happy February Everyone!

New Year's Eve

2010-12-31T17:18:00.001-05:00

Lots of plans and hopes for the new year, looking forward to what 2011 brings...

Thanks to Alica for putting up my "Friday Spotlight" for the Team BPAL group!

hope everyone has a great start to the year of the rabbit!

William Morris Brother Rabbit

new bed

2010-12-13T13:06:00.002-05:00

new bed
Originally uploaded by parrish relics

Rearranging my studio during the busiest time of the year!
Galatea is enjoying her new cozy bed for the winter...

Fragments of Time

2010-11-29T13:12:00.002-05:00

So excited to finally unveil this collection I have been working on with a friend for more than a year!

Medieval Incunabula Jewels

Wanted to do this amazing project justice, and as you can imagine the first test was an intense one! I am really happy with what I have created with the beautiful fragment supplied by Michael Laird Rare Books, and hope you enjoy the first four of hopefully more to come!

Museums, Saints & Relics!

2010-11-12T12:46:00.001-05:00

Busy days in the PR studio!

Dropped off jewelry for the Museum School Art Sale beginning next week,

getting ready for the Snow Mall show the first weekend in December,

and spending evenings researching and sketching designs for the upcoming

British Museum's Treasures of Heaven Saints, relics and devotion in Medieval Europe

I couldn't be more excited about working with the gift shop again,

and this is quite the dream project for me! Really hope to visit this time.

A little inspiration...

And of course, will be updating the Etsy pages, both Lyra Parrish and PR many times up until the holidays, so check in on our facebook page for what's new!

100th pictorial necklace listing!

2010-10-22T15:14:00.000-04:00

Two Hounds Tapestry Pictorial Necklace

my 100th Pictorial Necklace has now been listed on Etsy!
in celebration, 50% of the price of the necklace will be donated to the dog/pet charity of your choice!
(Paypal donation capable charities preferred)
feel free to contact me with any questions!

also to celebrate the arrival of the newest Parrish Relics household member, Charlotte Oktober!

Etsy Offerings...

2010-10-11T23:02:00.001-04:00

four new pictorials for the shop!

a manuscript, a poisonous rival, an ill fated Queen and a medieval hare

Maker Faire Bound

2010-09-22T14:15:00.000-04:00

Frantically jewelry-making, organizing and packing

for the Bust Craftacular at the Maker Faire on Saturday!

Hope to see some of you NYC folks there!

Directions to the Maker Faire

New Books to inspire...

2010-08-27T13:23:00.001-04:00

I used to come home from LA with a suitcase full of new clothes & boots. These days, it's books!

Bosch & Van Eyck books came from the incredible TASCHEN store in Beverly Hills. What a temptation that place was. There were a few limited edition David Bowie & Ellen von Unwerth books that had us wishing for lottery wins, still fun to browse. If you visit, say hi to Nick for us!

Book Soup is where I found the Medieval Jewellery V&A book, what a collection of beauty!

We also purchased books on Punk photography ~ Ask The Angels & Made in the UK for youthful memories :) So much fun.

vacation inspirations

2010-08-22T17:08:00.000-04:00

Still settling back after a wonderful vacation in Los Angeles & points North. Relaxed and energized to get back to work tomorrow, so much inspiration...here are a few.

Figueroa Hotel

Carmel-By-The-Sea

The Madonna Inn

Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Made With Love by Hannah

Point Lobos

The Trunk show at La Belle Epoque was so much fun!

too busy to get good photos but luckily Pamela's friends took some great shots here

looking forward to posting new designs on Etsy & new exciting projects to unveil~

very soon. xxJen

one week from today!

2010-08-07T13:00:00.011-04:00

hope to see some of you there!

Little Queen Anne

2010-07-29T14:21:00.003-04:00

Little Queen Anne by Walter Crane

Hope all of my Faerieworlds friends have a wonderful weekend!
Wish I could be there...

Plum Island

2010-07-21T14:16:00.000-04:00

Took a day to prepare for my next branch of Parrish Relics, a project to be revealed in late August...
Still making jewelry for the Etsy shop, that will not be ending. This will be in addition to~ and I can't wait to unveil it.

Visited beautiful Newburyport and Plum Island, couldn't be more beautiful. Memories of Scotland in the grassy plains, the wildlife refuge offers so much beauty and peace.

Took some images for the new project, but also took time with friends to enjoy the very clean beach and visiting birds.

pr gulf donation

2010-07-18T14:04:00.002-04:00

pr gulfdonation
Originally uploaded by parrish relics

Team BPAL on Etsy have teamed up to donate creations from many of our members to the Sea Turtle Restoration Project!

please check out the wonderful offerings for a good cause!

more about Team BPAL

train tracks & treehouses

2010-07-12T14:24:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was so much fun! I had a long planned photo shoot with the very talented Shannon Grant at a gorgeous defunct railroad station, surrounded by trees and a lovely lake. Just from peeking at the images on her camera, there are going to be some very golden moments captured. I am so excited to have been a part of this amazing team: photographer, models, hair and makeup artists and lots of help styling. It may be a while before I can share, but will do so here when I can!

Here are a few camera phone captures of the serene location, it felt a bit like a ghost town that I would like to inhabit. We had a pizza delivered to us and ate it out front on the very same benches that were once bustling with Victorian travelers and waited out the passing thundershowers under the generous eaves. Magic.

Designed by H.H. Richardson, the very same architect who built my beloved Trinity Church in Boston! Hidden dragons and lions can be found in this deceptively simple building. There are a few other buildings by H.H. in the area that I would love to go back to view up close and get to know a little better.

On Sunday, came across this wonderful abandoned treehouse while visiting a cat who's people were in Florence~ I wanted to climb up and decorate! Lots of dreaming could be done up there...

So many things to do before vacation in Los Angeles & points North in a few weeks...

must get back to studio time! Looking forward to making jewelry & hopefully listing more on Etsy.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

photography

2010-07-05T16:00:00.003-04:00

For anyone looking to improve their skills at small object photography, I highly recommend Steve Meltzer's Photographing Arts, Crafts & Collectibles . I just purchased it the other day, and haven't delved very deep into it, but have already seen an improvement thanks to his explanation of how to best light a piece of jewelry with reflective surfaces.

Here is an example: the Lumina Window Necklace from my Etsy shop. I was never quite happy with how my photo captured the beauty of the stained glass and patina of this necklace.

now, with Steve's lighting suggestions and a more textural background

Here's to learning and improving! I'm sure to do both with further reading of this in depth book.

The Danaides

2010-07-04T16:24:00.002-04:00

The Danaides
Originally uploaded by parrish relics

Listed on Etsy this afternoon after testing out some newly learned photography techniques...hope to keep improving!

treasures found

2010-06-17T17:50:00.003-04:00

Had a lovely exploration of the Sister Thrift shop in Burlington, found a few treasures and will definitely go back. Brought three bags of donations, and all things purchased go to a no kill cat shelter. Win win!

first found, a small Nouveau frame, perfect for my favorite Galatea photo.

two matching prints that are perfect in our Greco-Roman themed hallway

Galatea has found a new place to sleep in my studio, under the draped display table. She is a stowaway in the bag that I store all my show supplies in. Do not disturb!

Tomorrow I am heading to the post office to mail out long overdue custom orders, and will drop off a necklace for the Stone Zoo's A Wild Affair auction.

detail of "Two Leopards Playing in the Exeter Change Menagerie"

by Jacques-Laurent Agasse (1767-1849)

natural acai seed beads from the Amazon

Tapestry Cat

2010-06-15T11:19:00.001-04:00

Medieval Tapestry ~ "The Noble Lady Spinning Wool"

Lots of cats on my mind today. Sending healing thoughts to Queen Mab, exited to meet my mother's new foster cat, and finally a visit to Sister Thrift this afternoon to donate and hopefully shop benefitting MetroWest Humane Society.

Sleeping Giant

2010-06-07T11:58:00.006-04:00

Had the extreme honor and pleasure to watch my friend Lisa Stock in action yesterday, filming the prequel to her Titania film at Sleeping Giant state park in CT. Not only was the location magical and green (complete with a stone tower and the most breathtaking views) but meeting the crew and witnessing the work and love that goes into her creations was something I will never forget.

Brought the headpiece that was auctioned for Hippolyta to wear, wish I was there to see it on her today! And the three necklaces that will be worn by the Fates, two of which I got to see yesterday and could hardly contain my excitement at how beautiful they were. Grecian goddess.

was lucky enough to see a doe on the drive into the park up close as well.

no photo...just a magical memory.
just a sample of the beauty witnessed and never forgotten.

Thank you Lisa!

Visiting friends

2010-06-02T18:06:00.005-04:00

One of my biggest pleasures during the day is taking a break to look out the studio window, or go down a floor to our balcony to view the visitors to our yard. Today one of the wild rabbits stopped by to nibble on the grass for a while.

So very happy that our two new trees (not seen from this view) seem to be doing well, I am determined to make this small green space a private oasis.

...for us and for our visitors!

Long Weekend

2010-05-31T23:52:00.007-04:00

Had a lovely Memorial Day weekend..still working here and there to keep up. Also made some time to tend to family graves, do a bit of gardening, and to sit in the yard eating veggie hot dogs. So happy to see the first hummingbird of the season visit our honeysuckle vine.

Three guest dogs kept us and the cats company, I love that I get to spend time with visiting animals through my husband's business: Walk-About Animal Care Services~

Tonight I added a sneak preview of "The White Rose", an iridescent stained glass version of my Tudor Rose necklace to the main page of the site...more details later!

The White Rose

Busy, Busy.

2010-05-27T23:20:00.010-04:00

Working on custom orders from the customer appreciation sale has me a little behind at the moment as they all came in at once! Very happy to have such patient and understanding patrons, wish I was faster at doing what I do.

Working long hours has me appreciating times in my studio I usually don't see. The light in the early morning is so very different than the way everything looks at night.

A heatwave a little early for New England Spring had me setting up the air conditioner for emergency cooling! Gets very hot up here in the attic :)

Re-arranged some frames on the wall, and added a bit more layers to the window draping to hide the ugly machine at night. I love it now, looks like a tiny dramatic stage setting.

an old bookplate in a carved frame

still have to organize my stained glass bits!

a shelf of moss, shell, aged metal and Icons

goodnight!

studio cats may 2010

2010-05-14T12:52:00.001-04:00

studio cats may 2010
Originally uploaded by parrish relics

passing by sleeping cats while I work, preparing for Salem's New England Folk Festival tomorrow!

Arthur Rackham's The Meeting of Oberon and Titania

2010-05-11T15:07:00.003-04:00

Ebay Listing
Had a beautiful shoot with Aurora V Photography http://www.auroravphotography.com/ ! This peacock Titania set is currently being auctioned off on Ebay in the name of Titania! The headpiece will be worn by Niketta Scott as Hippolyta in the film, but for our photo shoot was worn by the beautiful model Christy. Please spread the word if you wish!

Customer Appreciation

2010-03-19T18:39:00.000-04:00

starting tomorrow!! customer appreciation/spring sale...

I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me over the years, and want to help

celebrate spring's arrival after a very long winter.

_________________________________________________________________

1. on custom catalog orders the discount will be taken off the price after completing the order form online.

2. for Etsy/paypal orders, a refund of your discount will be sent back to you!
just list the names of the pieces you have purchased on the comments section!! have fun...

Fairy Twilight Garland Necklace

2010-03-17T14:15:00.003-04:00

now up on Etsy~

Galatea & Fin

2010-03-13T17:37:00.006-05:00

Two of our beloved animals had birthdays this week, Galatea turned two and Fin turned somewhere between 16 and 18, we really don't know for sure.

This photo was taken in 2008, when Galatea first came to live with us, and Fin could still make it all the way up the stairs to my attic studio :( Poor old dog.

fur free

2010-03-10T21:14:00.007-05:00

The Beggars, 1568
	Pieter the Elder Bruegel

Can't help thinking of this image when I see those silly 'fashion tails'

on folks. Here at Parrish Relics we believe in being Fur Free!

In this day and age of cruelty free fabrics, there is just no reason for it.

Mata Hari

2010-03-08T10:33:00.003-05:00

Mata Hari 1910

late night working

2010-03-05T20:11:00.004-05:00

In the studio late tonight, finishing up some projects before

heading out to see Alice in Wonderland!

I am now happily a part of the new Etsy Team...BPAL

http://teambpal.blogspot.com/ the best smelling team around!

(Note the fantastic Waterhouse Tshirt, my one indulgence from

the Montreal Museum of Fine Art's gift shop! Well, I bought a few post cards too.)

Show Update

2010-03-01T13:30:00.005-05:00

happy to announce that Parrish Relics will be vending at the very first RenCon !

Amazing live music, Masquerade Balls, merchants and costume contests...

Guests of Honor: John & Caitlin Matthews, Brian & Wendy Froud

galatea & daffodils

2010-02-26T14:25:00.003-05:00

galateadaffodil
Originally uploaded by parrish relics

Galatea on my lap, daffodils

on my desk...a good day.

Waiting for Spring.

Tudor Rose Embroidery

2010-02-25T00:16:00.003-05:00

a little image of inspiration

Working on my first Pearl colored Tudor Rose necklace,

and I am so excited about the results! Found the perfect

Swarovski to match the pale, iridescent/opalescent glass.

Baba Studio Collaboration

2010-02-22T17:22:00.003-05:00

Bohemian Cat Pendants!

So happy to announce that our Etsy shop has been updated

with four pendants using images from the Prague's incredible

Baba Studio

Thank you to Karen and Alex for giving us this opportunity to work

with these felines, we have fallen deeply in love.

Waterhouse in Montreal

2010-02-11T12:04:00.005-05:00

an amazing visit in Montreal, viewing the Museum of Fine Art's J W Waterhouse exhibition

experience the exhibiton through the eyes of Matthew Innis

Colette Crowned Vessel

2010-01-24T16:42:00.003-05:00

Colette Crowned Vessel on Etsy

Mughal Miniature

2010-01-21T00:47:00.002-05:00

detail of a Mughal miniature

from ~ Indian Jewellery by M. L. Nigam

magical dress

2010-01-19T10:45:00.003-05:00

Zoe Saldana looking like she stepped out of a fairytale at the Golden Globes

Archangel Michael Arch

2010-01-15T12:38:00.003-05:00

detail of Hans Memling's Last Judgement

Archangel Michael Pictorial Arch Stained Glass Window necklace

Maria by Pierre et Gilles

2010-01-13T11:51:00.002-05:00

Maria by Pierre et Gilles

The Fountain of Life, 1519

2010-01-11T17:02:00.003-05:00

The Fountain of Life

Hans Holbein the Elder

note the rabbits! and of course amazing costume and crown details...

into the woods

2010-01-08T13:27:00.003-05:00

The woods were made for the hunters of dreams,

The brooks for the fishers of song;

To the hunters who hunt for the gunless game

The streams and the woods belong.

~Sam Walter Foss

____________________________

Kilmeny by Warwick Goble

Fairy Queen

2010-01-07T12:59:00.003-05:00

Fairy Queen

Detail from a painting by Edmund Dulac (1882-1953)

three bracelets: wishes for the new year

2010-01-04T17:10:00.003-05:00

hope, peace & love

http://www.etsy.com/shop/parrishrelics

a little Beardsley

2010-01-04T01:11:00.002-05:00

Oh my, I have neglected this for far too long...

the Holiday season was incredibly busy and everything got swept aside. I hope to get back to posting imagery that I find beautiful and inspiring, here is a little Aubrey Beardsley as an apology for my absence.

Happy 2010!

FaerieCon this weekend!

2009-11-02T18:52:00.002-05:00

Baba Studio Collaboration

2009-10-30T00:07:00.007-04:00

Recently, I was lucky enough to work with the beautiful creations of Baba Studio. For this photo shoot that took place in Prague, I sent them three necklaces with images from their Bohemian Cats line. Lucky me, as I have been a fan for some time and get so much pleasure from pouring over each card in their Tarot Deck.

more: Baba Studio on Facebook

close ups of the jewels: Parrish Relics

one week from today: FaerieCon!!

Show Update

2009-10-14T00:42:00.003-04:00

FaerieCon 2009

The Bindweed Fairy ~ Charles Wilhelm

tapestries and glass

2009-10-02T13:59:00.004-04:00

sneak preview of some of the one of a kind pieces that will

be with me this Sunday at NYC's Cloisters Faire!

Saint Catherine

2009-09-18T09:27:00.007-04:00

Saint Catherine of Alexandria ~Workshop of Rogier van der Weyden @1440

Busy getting ready for the Medieval Festival at the Cloisters Museum ~Fort Tryon Park in NYC! Very much looking forward to this as I have been wanting to attend for years but the stars never aligned.

Even better, this year I am vending and will be with my two dear friends Lisa and Lisa !

Counting the days until Sunday October 4th...

Etsy Vessels

2009-09-14T13:57:00.003-04:00

Hope Vessel & Latin Reliquary on Etsy

Sacred Heart for the Uniform Project

2009-09-11T11:11:00.002-04:00

Sacred Heart necklace donation for The Uniform Project

The Uniform Project is also a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India. At the end of the year, all contributions will go toward Akanksha’s School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for children living in Indian slums.

Yseult la blonde

2009-09-09T10:04:00.002-04:00

Gaston Bussiere - Yseult la blonde

jewelry reunion

2009-09-08T16:27:00.004-04:00

some jewelry just came back to me from a rep no longer

in the biz...look for them to show up on Etsy or at my two Fall shows!

Two Crowns

2009-09-04T17:10:00.005-04:00

Two Crowns moved from the Thorn pages to Etsy!

Betty's new B

2009-08-26T12:19:00.002-04:00

I am jealous of it's upcoming adventures with America in NYC!

Show Update

2009-08-24T15:11:00.005-04:00

This Thursday, I will have the honor of vending at

the Dreamchild CD release show!

Orlando

2009-08-18T10:06:00.003-04:00

Back from a brief vacation, hope to update more often once again~

This film has been on my mind a lot lately, a glorious adaptation of Virginia Woolf's Orlando

Starring the incomparable Tilda Swinton and fabulously cast Quentin Crisp as Queen Elizabeth I~!

loads of costuming & jewelry inspiration spanning several time periods

Etsy Update on Thursday

2009-08-05T23:21:00.002-04:00

teaser pic for tomorrow's Etsy update

Italian Wedding jewels

2009-07-28T10:02:00.003-04:00

I had the pleasure of working for a lovely woman

that was getting married in an Ancient little town in Italy.

She ordered four custom Single Arch Window necklaces

for her gorgeous bridesmaids, in amber and watery green blue...

see more here!

Half Sick of Shadows Flaming Shield Necklace

2009-07-27T16:24:00.004-04:00

PR "Half Sick of Shadows" Flaming Shield Necklace

Brunnhilde poster by G. Bussiere 1897

2009-07-24T14:55:00.003-04:00

Gaston Bussiere Brunnhilde, Illustration from Die Walkure by Richard Wagner

1897

Arm Reliquary ~ Prague

2009-07-22T12:45:00.003-04:00

Arm Reliquary

Prague, 14th Century

from the amazing book: Prague The Crown of Bohemia 1347-1437

Pugin cartoon

2009-07-20T10:43:00.004-04:00

This illustration was an attack on Pugin for his work

in the deoration of the Houses of Parliament...from Punch @1845

2009-07-16T12:14:00.003-04:00

please watch and vote for Lisa Stock's magical Etsy promo film! (guest appearance by my Secrets of Morgaine necklace!)

Virgin of the Destitute of Valencia

2009-07-12T19:01:00.003-04:00

one of my favorite images
Virgin of the Destitute of Valencia by Tomas Yepes @1652
from the wonderful book Relicarios by Martha J. Egan

Crivelli Virgin

2009-07-08T20:04:00.001-04:00

V. Crivelli

Etsy Update

2009-07-07T19:40:00.002-04:00

Siren Enchantment Bracelet

Custom Aurora necklace

2009-07-01T13:11:00.003-04:00

Custom Aurora necklace with opaque jet glass beads and Italian red & gold finish

Zip Trip interview

2009-06-26T12:00:00.001-04:00

jewels hoarded

2009-06-24T13:42:00.004-04:00

new treasures taken home from the latest bead show...

*a Renae Taylor Fae looks on*

Fox Tale

2009-06-21T15:49:00.004-04:00

Vintage Russian Folktale Postcard

in honor of the beautiful fox I saw today, chasing a squirrel.

2009-06-19T15:16:00.001-04:00

new photos of the studio on flickr, mainly the freshly organized crown cabinet.

Warwick Goble

2009-06-18T17:05:00.002-04:00

another lovely Warwick Goble image...

our inspiration for costuming for FaerieCon 08 !

Medieval Manuscript

2009-06-15T11:19:00.002-04:00

"young women taking a vow"

from Prague: the crown of Bohemia 1347 - 1437

studio images

2009-06-12T19:05:00.003-04:00

~new flickr account for studio images~

With Wings

2009-06-11T16:23:00.003-04:00

Angel at the Door Eleanor Fortescue Brickdale @1930

in celebration of the decision to vend once again at FaerieCon,

this year in Baltimore Maryland, November 6-8!!

all lined up

2009-06-09T23:31:00.003-04:00

getting some jewels ready for a visitor to the studio tomorrow...

Pirouze

2009-06-08T23:58:00.003-04:00

Image from an Illustrated Arabian Nights

Jeanne d'Arc

2009-06-04T23:19:00.003-04:00

Gaston Bussiere~ Joan of Arc 1908

studio scene

2009-06-02T14:12:00.001-04:00

a studio view

Rosamund

2009-05-31T11:51:00.003-04:00