thecreakingdoor - Tumblr blog

[thecreakingdoor]

Experiencing the weirdest cloud formations up on the hill with a strange rainbow in the sky. It’s super windy and as I drove down the hill, the clouds looked like heaps and heaps of little snowy hills in the distance. No one else seemed to notice. I wondered is it just me seeing this? . . . #cloudformations #weirdcloudformation #weirdrainbows #weatherpatterns #cloudporn #pinkfluffyclouds #rainbow #skyview #lincolnshire #mothernaturerocks #doesthislookweird (at Harrowby, Lincolnshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/CrLtEEfIDpt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

I just mowed a Morel mushroom and then found 2 more!!! Lunchy munchy! Yum yum! Another edible mushroom I’ve now identified and tried to add to my list. My count stands now at 15 (I think) which started with a humble giant puffball mushroom. About half of my finds were found in my own garden. Still on the bucket list - chanterelles! 😊. . . . #foragingisfun #morel #morelmushrooms #morelseason #fungifanatic #ediblemushroom #ediblemushroomsuk #mushroomhunters #freefood #mothernaturewesaluteyou #wiccansofinstagram #hedgewitch #foraginguk (at Harrowby, Lincolnshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/CrLZTFxoozA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

OK - these upcycled tin earrings sold before I had a chance to show you but I thought I'd share them with you anyway. I'm certainly drawn to faces in my work at the moment and thought this illustration of folks dancing together was really evocative. It reminded me of a cèilidh I went to some years ago now (in Stirling I think or was it Aberdeen?). I remember being whizzed around and finding the whole thing most disorienting and exhilarating. Or maybe that was the effect of the dram or two I'd had beforehand. Who knows? I do remember a fun time was had by all. . . . #ceilidh #scottishdancing #ceilidhband #tartan #tartanshawl #tartanearrings #upcycledtin #tinjewelry #tinearrings #handmadejewelry #lovescotland https://www.instagram.com/p/CrJRu_mtoAb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

More adventures in stainless steel and prong settings, this time featuring a piece of Seaham multi seaglass - a two tone (or three or four) nugget with lovely denim blue hues that I've managed to give a nice tight claw setting to. The focal features upcycled tin with a prong set salvaged little abalone shell art flatlay with amazing iridescence of a mountain over the sea, with sun, bird and rainbow. The detail on this is incredible and I was so lucky to find it! The back of the focal uses another tin I found with a silhouette of a boat which I felt continued the narrative of the piece. There's also a carved elephant in mother of pearl at the side connection, a range of semi-precious raw stones that I have rustically wire wrapped (check out the super labradorite flash). Also salvaged vintage/antique bead and daisy chain detail. For more information, please check out my Etsy listing as it's available in The Creaking Door Etsy shop. . . . #mountainnecklace #vintagetin #upcycledtinjewelry #abaloneshellart #flatlay #carvedelephant #motherofpearl #rawlabradorite #rawapatite #rawaquamarine #rawchalcedony #sustainablefashion #salvagedart #assemblagenecklace https://www.instagram.com/p/CrHBXSbN-Qw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

Starting to really nail my rustic style stainless steel prong claw settings now. They're tight! None of that loosy goosy business. It's taken me a while to figure the stainless steel wire soldering thing out and I'm really happy with how it bends and forms neatly and strong even after some serious flame action. The recycled sterling silver I usually like to use just anneals even more under the torch that no amount of tumbling will cure it seems. Moving away from sterling silver for some of my work has so many practical benefits especially when you consider today's metal prices. I'm always trying something new and mistakes in an experimental phase can be so hard on your pocket. Here's a talisman protection amulet featuring treasures from my travels including sparkly pyrite druzy, quartz crystal point cluster and fossilised coral piece that reminds me of an anatomical heart. Available in my Etsy shop - The Creaking Door. . . . #protectionamulet #talisman #talismanjewelry #wiccanheart #wiccanjewelry #stainlesssteeljewelry #prongsetting #clawsetting #primitivejewelry #amuletnecklace #fossilisedcoral #pyritedruzy #quartzcrystalcluster #clearquartz #rawquartz https://www.instagram.com/p/CrDqrlkteIm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

Still feeling poopy again today, so just a brief shop update - I recently found another vintage Aquamarine orb in my stash I'd accidentally overlooked that could be upcycled into a Pool Of Light style crystal ball necklace. It's got lots of natural crackles in it that give way to many shades of turquoise aquamarine blue, like sunlight dappling on the ocean. That nature made this beautiful blue crystal stone is mind blowing. We live on a beautiful Earth. (Is this the Day-Nurse talking I wonder??? 😂). Comes on a recycled sterling silver chain and available in my Etsy shop. . . . #aquamarine #aquamarineorb #aquamarinecrystalball #aquamarinenecklace #vintageaquamarine #upcyclingfashion #sustainablejewelry #healingstones #healingcrystals #marineblue #salvagedjewelry https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq-5FatNq1d/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

Feeling a little off the case today so taking some naps and watching some TV. I’m really intrigued by Big Door Prize on Apple TV at the moment and wonder who is behind the blue cards with the towns folk of Deerfield’s destiny written on them. I wonder what it would read for me if I tried to big blue Morpho Machine - “person who find things on the ground”? 😁. Here’s a dainty necklace I made this week using tiny pebbles of Seaham seaglass in pretty aqua and green colours. Available in my Etsy shop. . . . #daintynecklace #seahamseaglass #seaglassstack #seahamseaglassjewellery #beachglass #beachglasshunting #beachglassstack #daintyseaglassnecklace #sterlingsilverjewelry #freshgreens #springjewelry #recycledsilver (at Harrowby, Lincolnshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq8ljZfLZTc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

Tea time! There's nothing better than a cuppa tea served from an actual teapot. Loose leaf or bag, I don't mind but if it comes out of a nice pot, it'll bring a smile. Here are some vintage tin earrings that feature a teapot and teacup illustration carefully cut and sanded with a light embossed edge. They're matched with sweet tiny glass beads for an ultra-light pair of unique earrings. . . . #teacupearrings #potoftea #teapotearrings #afternoontea #afternoonteajewelry #quirkyearrings #lightweightearrings #vintagetinearrings #teatinearrings #vintagetin #teatinjewelry #upcycledearrings #sustainablejewelry #oneofakindearrings #englishtea #cuppatea https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq5Jsldta-2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

A few highlights of my family walk around Abbey Park in Leicester on Sunday. There’s quite a lot of biodiversity at this city park and the waterfowl and squirrels were still busying themselves despite lots of visitors and the massive noisy fair next door. Here are some glistening ink caps where you can see the mica starting to wash off from the rain. . . . #abbeypark #abbeyparkleicester #mica #glisteninginkcap #mushroomhunting #fungiinthecity #redberryflower #daisies #magnolia #woodcarving (at Harrowby, Lincolnshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq4ztGronW_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

I hope everyone is having a relaxed Easter Monday, doing whatever it is that you want to do. It's cosy in the studio listening to podcasts, avoiding the crazy rain showers and drinking coffee. I'm listing a few new items this afternoon and catching up with telling you all about some recent makes - like these ceramic scarab beetle earrings I created using I mold I took of a 1920's art deco milk glass scarab beetle, that would have decorated an Egyptian revival necklace. I've also decorated these earrings with reclaimed lava beads that you can anoint with aromatherapy oils. And, there are vintage turquoise mosaic beads that were historical used in ancient Egypt jewellery, made by applying small fragments of natural coloured stone or dyed bone to bitumen beads. Available in my Etsy shop. . . . #scarabbeetle #scarabbeetleearrings #scarabearrings #egyptianrevival #egyptianrevivaljewelry #talisman #ancientegypt #mosaicbeads #vintagebeads #vintageearrings #ceramicbeads #lavabeads #sustainablefashion #upcycledjewelry #ancientbeads #theancients #artdeco #artdecojewelry https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq2_aqJtLSZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

Aw look at all the Spring themed knits I spotted around Bingham centre yesterday including this delightful post box topper. Happy Easter 🐣 ! . . . #bingham #binghamknitters #binghamcrochet #postboxtopper #postboxesofinstagram #postboxtoppersofinstagram #knittedpostboxtopper #communityknitpics #communitycrochet #springfun #easterfun (at Harrowby, Lincolnshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqyPNPqoZNK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

It's been a lovely couple of days spending time with far flung relatives and good old friends catching up over some really delicious food. I gotta admit, I LOVE being served and really appreciate what goes into making a meal for someone else. Here are some recycled sari silk earrings made from the offcuts of the textile industry that would otherwise go to waste. Look at those stunning colours! I've used iridescent flakes to decorate the Gaudi style bead caps and for a rustic vibe, the chain dangles are decorated with roman glass beads, raw quartz crystal shards, freshwater pearls, spiral shell tops and crinoid fossils. There's also some @fancifuldevices grungy resin opals that I made from her fabulous tutorial you can buy from her Etsy shop. They sit on stainless steel wires that have been hammered for strength. Available in my Etsy shop! Happy Easter weekend folks! . . . #sarisilk #sarisilkearrings #alternative #alternativestyle #alternativegirl #brightgoth #primitivejewelry #rusticearrings #romanglassbeads #rawquartzearrings #medievalearrings #cosplaywizard #sustainablefashion #renfairecostume #gaudiinspired #wiccanjewelry #wiccanspells #crinoid https://www.instagram.com/p/CqxVVh1tMfi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

Thinking of ponds and pools and aqua blue seas... . . . Rustic assemblage bracelet featuring lots of handmade and found object treasures from my travels. I particularly like the chonky ceramic turquoise bead made up of tiny cubes that was a lonely lost earring. Also you can find an antique carved hedaio seed bead, raku pottery bead, carved bone beads, multi-faceted labradorite bead, chonky glass cut bead, lava bead, amazonite and I've created a decorative bezel for the labradorite cabochon that glimmers all the water colours in the light. Available in my Etsy shop. . . . #belgiancoin #holedcoin #labradoritebracelet #aquainspiration #rakubeads #mosaicbeads #hedaiobeads #lavabeadbracelet #carvedbonebeads #vintagebeadbracelet #vintagestyle #lostobjectart #foundobject #foundobjectbracelet #oceanjewelry #alternativestyle #alternativejewellery #sustainablefashion #salvaged https://www.instagram.com/p/CqsNZ4qtOa3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

Coming up in my cottage garden this month - a favourite of mine - snakes-head Fritillaries. This Spring bulb has had a chequered past with those who believe it to be native to Britain and those who favour a non-native status on account of the lack of cultural references in folklore, art, literature and architecture prior to 1736. It has therefore been (grudgingly to some) re-classed as a neophyte, having thought to have been introduced to botanical gardens for ornamental reasons and then managing to “jump the garden wall”. Their story reminded me of a BBC “You’re Dead To Me” history/comedy podcast I heard this week about Atlantis and how the lost city and civilisation was invented by Plato in 360BC (which I had no idea about). So many people believe its existence to be true but there is a distinct lack of reference to it in culture, art, religious texts and other literature before this time. I wonder if there are any other examples of this where we think of something to have existed for all time, but a lack of historic cultural reference prior to a certain time is evidence against it. . . . . #historymatters #snakesheadfritillary #fritallariameleagris #easterplants #eostre #ēostre #springflowers #flowerfables #nativeplants #wildflowersuk #neophyte #ornamentalflowers #chequerboard #snakeshead #ornamentalbulbs #lostcityofatlantis #youredeadtome #youredeadtomepodcast (at Harrowby, Lincolnshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqpwYFUoGJM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

A lovely customer recently asked me to custom-make a pool of light orb pendant with a quartz crystal ball made of Citrine. I decided to take the opportunity to pop a couple of extra ones in my shop and this is the last one left. If you'd like a custom sterling silver pool of light crystal ball orb using a particular stone that speaks to you, please drop a line as I might be able to make it for you. As well as this honey yellow Citrine one, my shop currently has orb pendants in clear quartz, rose quartz, midnight blue labradorite, peach and green flower agate, blue and gold lapis lazuli and aqua green amazonite and some of them are 5% off in my Easter sale. . . . #citrine #citrinequartz #citrinecrystalball #pooloflight #pooloflightpendant #crystalball #crystalballnecklace #victorianjewelry #victorianstyle #healingcrystals #quartzcrystal #birthstonejewelry #lapislazuli #amazoniteorb #labradoriteorb https://www.instagram.com/p/CqnlaH7Iga_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

Today I wished Bon Voyage and good luck to Pixie the Whippet who went on to her forever home with her forever family. She’d been with me for just over a month after Jeanie died unexpectedly. In that time she learnt her name, conquered her fear of doorways and the stairs and just about got toilet trained. We learned how to play fetch together, had some lovely woodland walks and snuggled on the sofa watching TV. I will confess I shed a tear coming home to an empty house that has always been filled with the sound of dog friends. And I’m sure after a couple of weeks break to catch up with human friends, I’ll be opening the house to a doggy lodger again. . . . #thefirstoneisthehardest #dogfostering #fosterdog #whippetlove #rescuedog #adoptsontshop #adoptdontshop🐾 #doglodger #doglove #notahomewithoutadog #pixiethewhippet (at Harrowby, Lincolnshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqlLmVMo7C8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thecreakingdoor]

Took Pixie on our last big wood walk together before she heads to her forever home tomorrow. It’s been a whirlwind month or so together and I’m going to miss my lil’ lodger so much. But, it’s time for her to begin her new life with a new family who will hopefully love her as much as I have. I’m going to take a break from dog fostering for a few weeks to catch up with friends, family and work and maybe do a bit of travel (Pixie’s least favourite thing). Then, I’ll probably be ready for another dog friend to come and stay with me for a while. 🐕 💕. From the walk today - scarlet elf cups are still making an appearance in the moss, glistening mica ink caps are now in season and oak moss is still falling from the trees in the high Spring winds. . . . #scarletelfcup #glisteninginkcap #micainkcaps #oakmoss #dogfoster #dogfostering #adoptdontshop #springwatch #springwalk #almawoods #lincolnshire (at Harrowby, Lincolnshire) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqiaXRCoglZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=