Mystorian Necklace and Book

- Nina and the cover of my book -

Let me tell you about my adventure at Art and Soul in Asilomar almost 2 weeks ago. I had so much fun going with two of my art buddies, Riki Schumacher and Stephani Gorman. We all stayed together in a great room in Asilomar which had two bedrooms and fireplace....it was just perfect for us. Asilomar is a gorgeous place along the Central Coast of California. A perfect venue for an art retreat. Such a relaxed, nature-filled location is so conducive to creative play. The air smelled of the salt air, pine and faint fireplace smoke....I felt as though I was camping again as a child. Riki and I took Nina's 3-day Mystorian Necklace and Book class and Stephani spent her three days with Richard Salley.

It took me several days after returning home to complete my book that I began in Nina's class. The photos above and below capture my finished project. What a pleasure it was to finally spend time with sweet Nina Bagley and to learn some of her special techniques. The first day we designed our necklace which was to take part in the story that the book would soon tell.

-covers and binding-

Before leaving for Asilomar, life had thrown me a curve ball in the form of a few vertigo episodes which literally set me in a "spin." I allowed myself to get so very anxious not knowing the reason why this was happening to me and started imagining the worst things possible which made me even more sick. Getting so anxious about what "could be" actually made the situation a lot worse. After several tests, my doctor was able to rule out the major concerns and I was told that it was an inner ear condition called Benign Positional Vertigo Disease. I usually do not like to use my blog as a forum of what is happening in my personal life, however, this experience was an important factor in me deciding the focus of my book and necklace. I decided to dedicate my book to a very special, spiritual place where I feel very grounded and centered. My thought was that if I should go through times like this again, I could have my book as a gentle reminder of how important it is to stay focused, centered and grounded even through the most challenging times in our life.
Such a place for me is Point No Point on Vancouver Island, Canada. Each time I visit this place, my soul feels as though it has arrived home and I am safe. I have shared this special place with some of the people in my life who I love the most...my husband, son, sister and mom.

-Riki and Nina, Me and Nina-

Before going to Asilomar, I decided to work on my front cover. I wanted to incorporate some of the new soldering and bezel making techniques I learned in Stephanie Lee's workshop that I took a few months ago. I was also inspired by the gorgeous books that Stephanie had on display at that workshop....thank you Stephanie for sharing your talents.

Each page in my book includes something from Point No Point or the seashore. Photos I have taken, shells and stones I have collected, mohair from island goats, tree bark, feathers or seaweed....all grace the pages, bringing to life the magic of this place.

-my feet firmly planted (grounded) - can you see the roots?-

Anne Morrow Lindbergh's book "Gift From The Sea" seemed to be the appropriate book to grab as I packed for inspiration and quotes. The page I featured below was so very perfect. ....it reads:

"For the natural selectivity of the island I will have to substitute a conscious selectivity based on another sense of values -- a sense of values I have become more aware of here. Island-precepts, I might call them if I could define them, sign-posts toward another way of living. Simplicity of living, as much as possible, to retain a true awareness of life. Balance of physical, intellectual, and spiritual life. Work without pressures. Space for significance and beauty. Time for solitude and sharing. Closeness to nature to strengthen understanding and faith in the intermittency of life: life of the spirit, creative life and the life of human relationships."

-Accordian book inside the locket on my necklace includes photos of myself, mom, little sister, son and his partner, and husband.....all loved ones I have shared this magical place with-

In addition to the locket, my necklace features:

-One of Nina's sister, Ellen's, hand-made lampwork eggs signifying hope and new beginnings.

- A compass so that I will always know my direction and stay on life's course.

- A vintage watch that no longer has it's workings inside as a reminder that in this place, time stands still and is not an issue or consequence.

- Semi-precious stones eluding the strength and resiliency I derive from this place.

- A section of copper Viking Knit chain symbolizing the intricacies of life and how everything is tightly woven together connecting us to one another and nature.

My necklace is safely tucked into a draw-string pouch I made for the back inside cover of my book (see below). Also below, you will see a beautiful PMC ring that the talented Catherine Witherell created for me which reads "Art and Life".....I just love it! Thank you Catherine!!

I was so focused on working on my book and necklace in Nina's class, that I must admit I did not take much time to savour my beautiful surroundings.....shame on me. I did take the one shot below, however, of the beautiful coastline at Asilomar. I had a wonderful three days!

Tootles

Diana