Ice Queen

Ice Queen by Tooli's Jewelry

Not many women I know want the nickname "Ice Queen," but frankly I'm digging the connection. I've always harbored secret fantasies of being some stone-cold goddess out on the tundra with a sword and my trusty polar bear sidekick. You got it...I'm a sucker for Philip Pullman's series His Dark Materials.

Luckily for me Tooli's Jewelry has seen fit to include my Belonging charm in her magnificent Treasury - a dazzling collection of sparkling, female iciness. You must be sure to visit Waterrose to see the details on the lovely wedding cuff and Lisa Falzon's shop Meluseena to check out that dark, haunting print called Awakening. Can you feel the icy chill?

Rabbit Run: Creativity & Joy

Rabbit Run, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry): fine silver bunny rabbit charm

As the eternal messenger of spring, the elusive rabbit promises a season of birth and renewal. Tickled by the rabbit’s ability to reproduce with gusto, many cultures have adopted this creature as a symbol for motherhood and celebration of life. The rabbit has become an animal that best represents our feminine nature and continuing desire for creative expression, joy, and sensuality.

Wear Rabbit Run to enhance your creativity, evoke feelings of joy, and celebrate life!

Shoelaces & Self Love

Self love...it feels a bit dirty. So close to selfish you might hate your Self, and yet slightly daring because you don't want to admit to others that treating your Self to some mocha latte is endless fun. Where do I get self love out of some shoelaces, you ask?

It just so happens that I am lucky enough to own magical shoelaces, which have this deep yearning to come untied every couple of blocks. One person suggested that I buy less fickle laces to solve this annoyance, and then just the other day I went into a panic thinking that my walking buddy will find a new partner if I keep tying my shoes so much.

Nevertheless, I am trudging onward with my unraveling shoelaces, and for my steadfast loyalty, I was given a brief moment of insight. As I bent down to tie my shoe on the way to the post office, my mind flashed back to a kindergartner I met during summer camp. This lovely urchin never tied her shoes for herself. First I was aghast, and then like Nancy Drew had to get to the bottom of the shoelace mystery. Now looking back I see that perhaps her shoelace non-compliance may have been an innocent request for love and affection, but at the time I felt it was my duty to show her the beauty of self-reliance.

Tranquility, Beth Hemmila: green tourmaline, sterling and fine silver

I spent that whole summer watching her learn to tie her shoes, deliriously cheerleading her efforts. While I was tying my shoes the other day, it dawned on me why I got so fired up and desperately wanted share this moment of complete and utter freedom when you tie your own shoes. Bending down to tie your shoes, to recognize a moment of caring for your own person, is an incredible act of self love. Only you and only you alone can know what you need, and only you have that power of instantaneously fulfilling your need simply by acknowledging that it exists.

I have found that one of my deepest needs is for tranquility, and every day I gift myself moments of peace and calm to fill 'er up. Just the act of recognizing wanting tranquility sometimes opens up space for it to happen. Like noticing my shoes need to be tied. Seeing when things come undone gives me the chance to be aware of what I need in that moment and the opportunity to experience the power of self love.

50% OFF SALE: Come and Get it!

Spring Cleaning Sale

I've been doing some early spring cleaning over at Hint Jewelry, trying to carve out some creative space for my new designs. I rarely sell my large 1" pendants in my shop, but I've decided to clear house and offer these beauties at 50% off. This means you will only be paying a hair over the material cost for its weight in silver.

Each of these lovelies possesses its own unique spirit, so please be aware of the endearing imperfections noted in their descriptions. If these charming friends are unable to find new homes, instead of collecting dust, they will most certainly find their way to Monsterslayer as silver scrap for some melting down action.

Please consider rescuing them from the furnace and adopting them into your life!

Lemon Lime

Lemon Lime Meringue Pie

I had my heart set on a lemon lime theme for my latest Etsy Treasury, but the collage of items I created feels more like fresh green grapes or a bottle of Pinot Grigio. I love the hummingbird wall decal by ShaNickers and the refined mokume earrings by Jesse Danger.

For a total emotional boost be sure to visit Swirly Girl for words of inspiration by Christine Mason Miller!

Sushi & Simplicity

Wilbur's Sushi Roll: prosciutto, carrots, asparagus, and green onion

For Valentines Day, my honey and I created some scrumptious sushi from scratch. What I love most about the ritual of sushi night is the meditative experience: consciously spreading the rice evenly across the Nori; taking a moment to choose just the right ingredients; carefully rolling all components together; and then finally slicing the roll into perfectly round sections to reveal...Surprise! A wonderful collage of color and flavor packed in one simple bite.

Stillness, Beth Hemmila: fine silver

The simplicity of the sushi moment reminded me of the stillness and spaciousness I feel during meditation. Contained in a small moment of making sushi I felt my conscious intent of keeping my heart light and my mind simple.

These moments of spaciousness happen all day long, and if we don't seize them, often their beauty goes unnoticed. Like when you catch yourself watching the sunset through your window or your child asleep cuddled up with a favorite snuggly. What about feeling those flashes of stillness during yoga, playing music, making art, cooking dinner, or within the simple act of taking a breath after sending off an email.

The more I am able to see that stillness is accessible at any moment I chose to find it, the more faith I have in the power of a mind and heart based in simplicity.

Lion: Courage, Strength & Compassion

Courage, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry): fine silver lion charm

A lion’s roar can set your heart thumping. The depth and breath of its force can shake your bones and have you looking for an escape. However, living a human existence often requires that our hearts become unshakable and as fierce as a lion’s roar to face uncertainty and suffering. When things come undone, the ability to access a vast reservoir of courage will give you strength of presence and dignity to confront the unknown. Like a lion, chose to listen, wait, discern and then follow a path of heart with fierce determination.

When facing difficult challenges, wear this Lion to call upon your inner core of strength, courage, and compassion.

Night Angel: Comfort & Solace

Night Angel, Beth Hemmila: fine silver

A couple weeks ago I met a lovely friend on Etsy who purchased one of my last little owls called Night Angel. I've never been very drawn to creating images of humans, and spent many frustrated hours in life drawing class, yearning to be doing abstract sculpture instead. When I wanted to create an angel charm for Christmas, I was struck by the idea that birds are like angels. I mean they do have wings. That seems to be enough for me to qualify them for the job.

My new pal kindly shared with me that she hopes this little bird would give comfort to a friend who's mother had recently passed away and had been finding connection with an owl that was appearing nightly in her backyard. Creatures are such powerful messengers. They give us the gift of finding comfort in their presence and perhaps the opportunity to affirm that love ones who have been lost are still in our hearts.

Thank you to all the wonderful nocturnal creatures that watch over us as we slumber in the comfort of their presence!

Caribbean Sunsets

Caribbean Papaya Breeze

Love the tropics? Have some memories of an aqua ocean set off by a rusty, fiery sunset? Pull up a lounge chair, check out my latest Etsy Treasury and sip at little Carribbean Papaya Breeze.

A couple of my favorite picks are the resin ring by Jasmine Scott and a clever digital polar bear print by e.soule. Her work has just been featured in Sunset magazine where she uses a polaroid camera to capture her tiny creatures at play.

Valentines in Jeopardy?

The Cat was Nestled All Snug in His Bed

While Visions of Valentines Danced in His Furry Little Head...

Take a closer peek at this photo, and you will see that these are not Christmas decorations in the merry month of February, but actually a festival of lights honoring Valentines Day!

Secretly I harbor a fascination with my neighbor who has the ability to make every month feel as festive as the last with the simple act of putting up lights. For alas, I'm living with a bit of a "bah, humbug!" (Sorry, sweetie) When I see my neighbor's deep need for celebration spill out onto her lawn, I feel a sense of wonderment that she has such gusto.

Maybe it's because I provided the incorrect answer to the final Jeopardy question "Some believe a Roman celebration of the coming of spring, including fertility rites, led to the holiday we observe on this date" or it could be that I found myself slightly undone when I came across two raccoons getting intimate in my neighbor's backyard, but I'm beginning to feel like I've lost my passion for Valentines Day.

I am no longer giddy while picking out the perfect card, nor do I feel the urge to dance for joy after receiving gorgeous flowers. Watch out, I'm about to say something strictly taboo...Valentines has begun to feel a little bit empty for me. There I've gone and done it. I've uncovered the lurking feeling of craving, hunger for love and the dissatisfaction when we receive what we said we wanted most. Hallmark may be tracking me down after this epiphany for some holiday reprogramming.

What I really want to acknowledge is hidden in that silly Jeopardy question: "Roman celebration of the coming spring...fertility rites." Aha! That sticky word "fertility" is the connection or deeper meaning that seems to be missing for me. While like all good Valentine robots we are dutifully purchasing cards, candy, jewelry, flowers, and chocolate, buried beneath this sincere desire to appreciate our loved ones we may be missing the key ingredient -- celebrating the joy of spring, birth, creation, and renewal.

First of all, you don't need to be in a intimate relationship to celebrate this universal need for creativity nor do you need to be considering the idea of conceiving a Mini Me. (Hallmark start taking notes because I may have just increased your customer base for this holiday.) I think of fertility as being able to produce in abundance (e.g., creative ideas, compassion for others, art, food, inventions, etc.). Underlying this longing to bring something into the world, is the notion of receptiveness. To be fertile, where you are rich in resources, one needs to be intensely vulnerable to others and open to receive. What if instead of celebrating the love connection that we have with a partner or friend, we rethink Valentines to be a moment where we open up to each other and celebrate the seed of creative potential within each human being.

This year I'm going to try something different. Instead of getting all hopped up on chocolate, my Valentines fix will be coming from that feeling of fertile spring air and the delight on my hubby's face when I watch him create his ever tasty asparagus sushi roll.

Front Page Treasury: Freshest Tomato Basil!!

Freshest Tomato Basil

From my table to yours, here's my front page Treasury inspired by fresh tomato basil salad. Tempted first by Black Eyed Suzie's Sweet Willow doll with the mop of red hair, I went on to find other tomato delights like Fringe's Elegantly Wasted Cowl and a Lonely Rose bracelet by CS Designs (aka Charlene Serdan). Bon appetite!

Little Bean

Last summer my friend Jana asked me to sculpt a little bean out of metal clay for her cyber friend the Gluten Free Girl who gave birth to a wonderful daughter named Lucy (aka Little Bean).

Jana created a necklace for Shauna to celebrate the arrival of Little Bean, and here is her lovely response:

"I wore that necklace for the first couple of months of Lucy's being here. It's now hanging on the handle of her changing table, where I see it every time I change her."

Welcome to our wonderfully amazing breathing world, Lucy!

P.S. Be sure to check out the Gluten Free Girl's blog for amazing recipes or if you are food tourist, then delicious photos!

Zen Leaf: Impermanence & Transformation

Zen Leaf, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry): fine silver falling leaf charm

Leaves breathe, absorb light, and exist with the sole purpose to nourish the earth. Their innocence and willingness to shelter and nurture life embodies the essence of a compassionate existence. Offering cool shade and a symphony of rustling sounds, leaves are perhaps an example of conscious awareness, living simply to be moved by the wind so as to delight us with their grace and beauty. In autumn, they burst into dramatic explosions of color, capturing our imaginations so that for a brief moment we forget inevitable decay is close at hand. A falling leaf is a reminder of our impermanence. Leaves grow, nourish life, gradually decay, and then float quietly down to earth. Their life may be short, but its glorious, transformative, and honorable existence is a reminder to continually celebrate life and all its seasons.

Wear Zen Leaf and bring awareness to purpose, balance, and transformation.

Be Mine Shopping Picks

Cherry Blossom Pink Cream Cake

I've had a bit of a shopping spree over the past week and thought you might enjoy some picks that made it into my Treasuries. Just snagged yesterday is Cherry Blossom Pink Cream Cake. You wonder what was going through my mind while creating this title...well, gosh it's just darn fun to smash all my favorite words together in one phrase!

If you love gems, be sure to check out Jennifer Love Beads for some fabulous sparkles. I couldn't take my eyes off her pink tourmalines. Yummmmy!

Love letterpress, and you still need to find a Valentines Day card for your honey? Visit Paper Dragonfly to purchase stationary that is simply endearing.

Lemon Verbena Spring

A week ago, this sunny Treasury Lemon Verbena Spring made its debut and featured innovative designers like Kale Primitifs who has been experimenting with Bronz Clay as a medium for jewelry. I'm also fond of the clothing shop Ureshii located in the spectacular Vancouver area -- modern, simple, and elegant designs.

Home Sweet Home

Lastly, I found this Treasury today curated by Kooky Handbags. A collection of tiny houses found on Etsy, which featured my Home Sweet Home charm. How cute is that Little Cobblestone House Necklace by J Davis Studio? A big thank you to Kooky Handbags for adding my home to your funky collection!

Spring Tea

Welcome stranger! I hope you'll join me for a spot of tea...

While half the country is hunkering down for a February freeze, Portland is experiencing hints of spring. I'd love to share this fresh, windy smell, sunny daffodils from the store, and our birds warbling their brightest songs. To celebrate, lets try out my new flowering tea set -- a birthday present from my mother.

Isn't she lovely? While watching the flower open in my new glistening Teavana pot, I am transported to the beginning sequence of the movie The Age of Innocence. Do you remember how Martin Scorsese was able to capture the beauty of flowers blooming?


A glimpse of a flower from the Great Lakes Tea & Spice company. Can you smell its deep earthy aroma? Trapped in my teapot, this flower could be the work of artist Paul Stankard who crafts the most beautiful glass foliage and encases them in a stillness, inviting viewers to pollinate blossoms with their eyes.


A tiny bud awaits its moment of opening. Isn't she precious? I adore newly formed buds and am especially drawn to the idea of its many layers snuggled up waiting to unfold. This bud could represent the beginning of our conversation over tea. What will we say to each other? Where will our stories lead? The bud holds endless mysteries of unknown future moments. Even when the human soul draws inward like this bud, it holds a type of infinite beauty -- the suggestion of possibilities and the promise of an awakening.


Lastly, a cup of tea would not be as much fun without a little sweetness. These honey beads do the trick and supply a rich smooth flavor to our elixir of spring.

Ahhhhh....delicious! How wonderful to experience this awakening with you over tea. I hope you find some new inspiration. Perhaps I will wish you bees and flowers in your dreams so you will remember this moment.

Tree of Life: Symbol of Creation

Tree of Life, Beth Hemmila (Hint Jewelry): sterling silver tree of life charm

Throughout history, trees have come to symbolize our sense of connection and feelings of belonging to this world. Strong branches radiating out towards the sky and determined roots reaching deep into the soil, trees are bridges connecting our physical realm to the spiritual. Daily, trees care for our lives, providing shelter, protecting humans and animals from fearsome elements, and offering both beauty and sustenance. It is no wonder that many cultures have shared the tree as a metaphor for the female principle of regeneration and nourishment, where yearly we witness its grand opera of birth and decay. Along with this cyclical story, trees carry ancient wisdom concerning our bonds to this environment. Living beyond the mere lifespan of creatures, trees tell stories of wealth, tragedy, and fortitude. They are the keepers of the earth’s myth of creation, binding all families into one unifying and nurturing voice.

Wear a Tree of Life charm and evoke the earth’s healing powers of creation, nourishment, and protection.