Sorry Y'all!

This Friday's post, and the update to my shop are going to have to be temporarily delayed due to sickness.I'll have everything up and running tomorrow. :)

Design This! 5: Avengers

Welcome everyone to this fortnight's Design This challenge :D
Last time the goal was to design something around The wicked sea witch Ursula. My pieces had me dreaming of the sea and the chance to cool off, that's for certain.

The heat and humidity are ramping up by me, and day dreaming about pieces that spoke of Ursula was a treat.  I ended up running with the idea of tentacles. It featured in several pieces, all primarily made of polymer clay. I tried testing out a mokume gane blend on the bottom, but it just did not work the way I had hoped it might. I guess I'll have to leave that work for on the bench.
I can also say that for the first time, I will have one of the pieces from my designs up in the shop, for those that are interested this Friday. It'll be the piece in the center, crafted from polymer clay and copper.
This fortnight's challege is.... the Avengers! Inspired by this lovely series by kelseymichele over on deviantart, I figured we could give this a shot as well. You can either design around one Avenger, do a group piece, or shoot for one for each team member. Personally, that last option is what I'm going for.

Black Widow



Thor

Hawkeye

Captain America

Ironman
The Hulk





Agent Phil Coulson
And Bonus!

Loki.
If you want to join in on this fortnight’s challenge, just post your work here, in the comments below, and I’ll show my designs in next fortnight’s challenge.  
 

What’s in a Line?

As Shakespeare once said " A line by any other name..." wait. I think I'm making that up ;). After our last discussion on lines, I kept thinking about them. What goes into a line? For me, for MBS, I've determined that a line is a central theme around which jewelry is built.

That leads to the question "well, what's a central theme?" A central theme could be a color or a shape. A specific bead, or a color palette.  It could be a location or an idea. So a central theme it seems, could be pretty much anything.

Well, does a line have to be a lot of jewelry? I'm not sure to be honest. To me, it doesn't make sense to do more than 10 pieces or so in a line, simply because I"m not a major designer. (And I only have so much space.) Also I want to be able to do many 'lines' or 'collections' throughout a year, not just one for spring, and one for fall. That smacks too much of 'fashion' for me.

Do I need to limit myself to one type of metal or material? I don't see why really. If you can meld the 2 or 3 or however many you want to use, why shouldn't you? The thing is, it has to fit, and look like it belongs. For me, this means that I'm sticking to just copper and base metals for the time being.

So, after answering all these questions, I'm still no closer to really understanding what a line is. Merely having a better idea on what I think I can and can't do.

Questions, comments?

Feel free to drop me a line below! :)

Cast in Ruin

Welcome back ladies and gents to our Friday book reading/design. This week's book is number 7, Cast in Ruin.
 

Ooo pretty purple cover this time and Kaylin with a sword. That's a first, normally she only fights with knives.
Poor Hawks, dealing with the aftermath of the 4 Dragons and a small army.
Wait. How can you demand repayment, was anything even damaged?
From the Office of the Halls of Law.
          To save us time, please fill out the below.
               Did you see a Dragon?
                    Yes
                    If no, please stay to discuss the problem you /are/ having.
               Did he  (check all that apply)
                    breathe fire
                    eat people/ large dogs
                    destroy buildings
               How large was he?
                    Giant !
                    The usual Dragon size.
O.o did no one see the FOUR Dragons in the skies?
       I didn't imagine that was possible.
An army of the shambling undead?
The travelers from the last book? Approx 3000 of them made it to Elantra.
               Is that even enough to restart a race?
Approx 8 ft tall in height.
Elani street got some new decoration apparently. A stream, and a new species of hardy flower.
Conspiracy of evil chickens?? O.o People in Elantra are a very crazy it seems.
Margot... joining the Merchant's Guild? XD
And the case against the Exchhequer isn't going well. Great.
Door ward glowing a sickly, pulsing green. This is not a good thing I am thinking.
Now pale purple...
Since when do doorwards speak? In Dragon no less?
The Palace has a stone garden? And DIirmat's office has this view? I wonder if that's one he chose?
Question from last time answered, they don't in fact always speak Dragon. Often they default to High Barrani.
Someone has been keeping an eye on Kaylin's actions and use of magic. This is not going to end well.
Really? You had to mess with the Foundling Hall? If you had just left that report out. =sighs= You'll be lucky if she doesn't strip your scales.
Abattoir- I'm still surprised Kaylin knows this word.
Diarmat is a Dragon and a stuffpot. (Of course he's just as dangerous as the Barrani. )
The egg! And we even now have a size for it! Since Kaylin is (roughly)  my size, I'd estimate that as of pg 34 the egg is between 6 &7 inches.
Is the bracer sentient to a degree? Normally Kaylin takes it off, and it goes to Severn. Maybe it only does that when she's 'getting rid of it' and not just taking it off for the night?
Somehow I don't want totake bets on which job is more difficult, Hawklord's secretary or Hawk den mother?
O.o they have  Forensic Accountants? XD
Absent Hanson, absent Hawklord, pissed off bureaucrat and Kaylin sitting at Hanson's (the secretary's) desk. Well that has to be an interesting story. 
Actual Dragons. Does this mean there are fake Dragons? Or people pretending to be Dragons?
Blue in Aerian is the (same as Blue in Barrani (sort of)) bad.
     Although I still don't get what it means in Leontine.
Hawklord, very difficult job.
>< This conversation. This is going just like one I've had and it's hilarious and slightly creepy.
What type of 'love' are we talking about here? Because I am 99% sure that just a few months ago you tried and nearly succeeded at /disemboweling/ this man. >:( Please be practical.
A portion of me is very glad that this conversation happened. It makes Kaylin so much more real.
XD For once it might actually hit someone?
Her eyes were entirely white? I don't remember this.. ahh, it is the drum magic then. Interesting.
They recognize the marks, but that magic isn't made of true words?
O.O They're /taunting/ it? These people are crazy!
This is /not/ supposed to be happening!
     D: Bad bad bad bad bad bad!
Screaming puddles. I am amused by this.
Is he trying to give his name to her? 
     That would imply some level of reluctance right?
Our first real description of the Shadows (although it still doesn't make sense...)
Of course Nightshade knows how to curse in Barrani.
Nightshade... while I know you're right, I sort of want to kick you.
A silent storm? While I suppose it makes sense since it's shadow and all, it's still not right >>
If the People aren't part of this world, why does everyone seem to recognize the sword? 
While they call themselves the People, everyone else calls them Norannir. (so, Norannir must be what 'People' sounds like in their language.
"And if I do not wish you to leave, you will remain in the Tower for the rest of your natural existence." XD Tara.
Ascendents =/= Chosen
          Somehow the marks still mean Chosen.
The sword really is alive? I'll believe it when I see it.
Tiamaris. You're pushing  off an important discussion for instructions on how to use a fork?
Such a Dragon comment. "If I'm not of a mind to kill them myself, no one else will do so without repercussions."
Wait, it literally broke? O.o that's a first.
What the hell are these women?
     Twins locked in a tower all their lives.
     Magical clones
     Shadow copies!
     Arcanist magic up to no good!
Make that first theory septuplets. Seven of them??
     I'm going with failed magical experiment as my official theory.
Seven bodies, three days, holy... this is looking bad.
     For the record that means this book is taking place 3 days after Cast in Chaos.
     I should create a time line at some point.
If Kaylin ever manages to do a cursory magical exam of the dead, I'll.... I don't know what I'll do, but I'll do something silly..
WTH?? Why are the eyes gold??
Oooo This is a new type of magic, a projection crystal.
     I wonder what goes into it that they're so hard to make?
Oh the Arkon let's humans into his Library? Why is this the first time we've heard of it?
This might be human, but they do work for the Arkon. If you tell them 'don't touch' they won't.
I am soo using that from now on.
How to tell you've really pissed Kaylin off.
     "May your day be full of angry Dragons."  alternatively 'May every Dragon you meet today be pissed off."
How do you say nothing /loudly/? Is it by posture or your facial expressions.
O.o he.... he spat fire at Sanabalis and he didn't so much as blink!
     If Dragon hair can be charred, wouldn't it be burnt off after something like this?
I love how she seems embarrassed about calling it a magic sword. Does she forget Teela is supposed to have had a named weapon?
No, Teela, Kaylin is not Baranni . SHe couldn't survive if she tried to  use intel against Diarmat XD.
Teela and Tain, ne or both holds the others' name.
What's the sword going to do just because it's unsheathed?
Would having a cat tongue help or hidner whistling?
I love that Kaylin thinks Tara has the definition of family confused...
Morgue trainees? Oh dear... I see trouble in the future.
O.O There are portable mirrors! Sort of.
If the "Shadowstorms" are not of the SHadows and the Shadows fear them, why do you call them Shadowstorms?
Not human? What in the seven is she then? Arresting? Whatever!
Why is Diarmat testing her like this? Her knowledge of history isn't going to come into play is it? O.o
O.O! I didn't think it was possible for the stuffpot to smile.
If I didn't know better, I'd think he was pleased at her answers. O.O
The egg turned colors? WTH?
oooo Teela is pissed..
It seems like the sword has finally decided to talk, after a fashion.
Is it wrong that I'm laughing because Severn is uncomfortable?
He's protective of her. It's not whether the case is strange or not, but if she'll be safely out of it.
That... that is well played Nightshade. I am seriously impassed.
XD Marcus. Only you would tell Teela 'no drinking'.
Does she go anywhere without them?
It's a game of Telephone?
Ancients/Old Ones had classes? "Shapers"?
The Shapers offered the Norannir a way into the Library of Ravellon?? Is that what they're saying?
The door though is somehow where Shadows came from?
This woman is the Dragon Queen? Oh, oh.  Bad bad bad bad.
Norannir-green-surprise
So, we apparently now have a distinction. Storms(ancient) and Shadowstorms.
The Arkon is golden? Was he Bellusdeo's father?
Go Kaylin! That is how you use a name! 
I think the Arkon was just.... nice. I'm afraid.
I just witnessed the birth of a Dragon. Holy moly.
THE ARKON HAS A NAME!!!!!!!!!
     Lannagaros.
I'm dying. I am flailing around laughing so hard! I believe my ribs may cave in. Bellusdeo is complaining to Tiamaris about how Kaylin is living, because she wants to fix it!
Oh I like this lady!
     "And he's considered so easily offended that you will face death without these lessons? Does he honestly care how you hold a fork?"
Bellusdeo and Marcus. Oh Shoes.
A living allowance? This sounds slightly troubling.
Oh! New info! The Emperor does not in fact, hold any of the Court's Names.
That is... that is a beautiful ending... ><
So, after typing all of my notes in, I've come to the realization that I didn't come up with any jewelry designs during this book. Oops. Let's see what I can come up with?
We saw a couple of new Dragons in this book, and I came up with some pendants. Granted, these aren't at all what I think the Dragons look like, but the details are still sketchy.
I'm wondering what the egg looks like, or what will hatch from it. Hence the pendants. XD
Cast in Shadow I & II
Cast in Courtlight
Cast in Secret
Cast in Fury
Cast in Silence
Cast in Chaos
Did you like this week's book designs?
Have suggestions for a later book to read and design for?
Do you secretly fly around on giant bat wings?
Image copyright © 2014, Mia Scozzafava
Copying and displaying or redistribution of this image without permission
from the artist is strictly prohibited. Use of designs is strictly prohibited.

Thoughts on Lines

It occurred to me the other day while sketching out ideas, that lines are not in fact meant to enforce rigidity.
Well, that doesn't make much sense does it? Let's back up. I follow several artists on DA and etsy and all of us seem to do the same thing. We make what we want and no two items necessarily follow a pattern.
While I have no issue with this (how can I? I already do it XD) I find myself wanting something more. Not necessarily to take away from creativity, but to give myself structure, and encourage creativity.
That's where that first line comes in. Lines, it occurred to me, are meant to give an artist a specific playground to work in. You have SO MANY ideas and possibilities bouncing around in your head at once that by picking a central theme, it helps to narrow things down. It helps you to focus and to narrow down , for a time at least, what you should be working on.
This is what I've come up with anyway.
What about you? Do you feel freed, or limited by the concept of a line, whether you make jewelry, clothes, or little pillows for dogs?
Like the post? Comment below! :D
Have an urge to discuss lines? Comment below! :D

Treasury: Victorian Jewel Box

Lace, frills, buttons, patterns, pearls and filigree, put those together, and what do you get? Victorian clothing and this month's second treasury! :D 


This lovely necklace trinketsforkeeps, is both ornate and simple. I love the  filigree at the top.

I love the color in this pin. pegasus22’s description is great too, talking about how the brooch is great for “ hats, fascinators, decorations, centerpieces, and more”. I had to go look up what a fascinator was afterwards though XD

While technically not a piece of jewelry, Blackpin’s hat is too lovely to leave off the list!

LeBoudoirNoir ‘s choker makes me think of heading out to the opera or ballet for the night.

This cameo from RemoteLuxury brings  to mind the Victorian memento mori jewelry.

These earrings from Arabescque are so cute! They look like the side of a teacup.

The Victorians had a love of travel, and many styles of jewelry and artifacts from around the world were given a revival due to that. BoxOfLostSouls’s neo byzantine ring fits the bill.

I’m not usually one for lace, but this set  by DIDIcrochet is just stunning. I especially love the arched shapes on the necklace.

Baronyka’s  raven earrings are absolutely lovely. The edging is so intricate, and I can’t figure out how it was done D:

A common thing in Victorian times was to carry around smelling salts or potpourri to keep away smells. Curiosities212’s necklace brings that to mind. 

A lovely pair of earrings of a woman with a bird from  luvintage.

Ricksonjewellery has taken what was mourning jewelry, and turned it into a beautiful, personal piece.

While leather was not exactly the go to jewelry choice for those of the Victorian times, the swirls and curls of this gorgeous cuff bring to mind the elaborate dresses of the period. For me at least.
by TomBanwell

This chased heart from chicfragments is an antique scent box and rosary. I love the design, and how it’s not quite perfect.

Cute earrings by gooseberrystudio based on the show Downton Abbey.

Mazes, locks and keys, and riddles were all common pastimes during the Victorian era (and well past it really) and this cute locket by iluxo brings that to mind.
Like the treasury? Have comments? Feel free to post below!

Cast in Chaos

Before diving into the book, allow me to start with the cover. Wow, do I love it.
It shows Kaylin in a very threatening posture, her arms spread  wide, and sort of bent, you can just imagine her knives in her hands. Her hair is whipping around her, and her face is the type that we best imagine in Cast in Shadow "You've hurt my children, and now I'm going to obliterate you." I cannot wait to see what happens. ^^


Warning: There is some yelling in this post.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you were reading along at the very end of last week's post, you'll remember my comment about 108 requests for promotion. Sadly, upon opening, Kaylin is still a Private. (Well, maybe not so sadly XD)
Off topic note: Trying to balance coffee on the arm of a chair, book in the other hand and shifting in said chair, bad idea. -sighs- One of these day's I'll learn.
Tanner smirking, Severn waiting in the Aeria.. what's going on?
Imperial... courier? Oh shoes. This is not going to be pretty XD
What idiot messed with the window?? Wait. Who in the Hawks has the capability to mess with the window? Isn't the only mage-ish employed by the Hawks Teela?
O.o What type of advice could a window possibly give Marcus?  I am utterly baffled. Seriously, what could it offer? How to rip people's throats out more efficiently? Wait, that wouldn't work, it's the 'polite' window... How not to carve furrows into the desk?
I love, love, love that the table in the West Room might as well be a reoccurring character in this series. XD I don't think there's a single book that's gone by that hasn't had it show up, and be commented on at least once.
O.o they want her to go on off duty nights? WHO IN THE SEVEN BLEEDING HELLS  APPROVED THIS?? What slack jawed nitterbrain thought "oh yes, we know she's got healing abilities, and regularly gets called in by the Midwive's Guild, but we're going to have her working nights! On Ettiquette!" Seriously?? I hope they get eaten by the Emperor >>
Oh, back to Elani Street! Hi Evanton!
     And.. apparently I'm slightly mad. Even though I've got seven other things I'm doing, I want to try doing a Painting (all artsy and good and what not) for this series. On top of business, blogging and making jewelry. Oh and packing. =sighs= Some days.
Weather Vanes for magic? Oh now that just brings all sorts of crazy ideas to mind...
"She spoke clearly and calmly but her voice carried about as far as if she had shouted. It was one of the more useful things she'd learned in the Halls of Law."
1) Does learning to kill and not be killed, not count? 2) I WANT to learn this.... I have siblings, and nieces and nephews, this would be sooooo useful. That and for Black Friday crowd herding. XD
Stravaganza. I miss when a) there were merchants and b) they could get away with making up names like this.
SEP= Somebody Else's Problem. I might just start using this.
Oh la di da. Fancy lady in a tiff. =sighs= Kaylin tried to be polite even, and she decides to take it out on her. Poor Kaylin.
"like most of the wealthy families in Elantra they sported a mock-Barrani name." I find this highly amusing. The Barrani must have no end of laughing at these people.
Real magic on Elani, other than Evanton? Oh this is strange. I almost feel bad for Margot. Although she'll probably find a way to spin it to her advantage.
:D Kaylin got to keep the cloak from Nightshade last book! Sweet! I wonder if Evanton put anything interesting into it?
A shift in the magical potential... so...The lines we learned about in Silence are shifting?
Blue in Aerians has the same meaning as blue in Barrani- BAD, anger or fury.
     I want to write a "Guide to Not Getting Killed in Elantra" at some point. An illustrated guide.... it could be interesting. A post for another day though.
I want a hoard. Actually, I have a hoard, I'm just unable as of yet to define fully what it is... erm, that and I don't have huge point teeth, claws and wings to support that claim.
     Quick quiz! If you've been reading along, which race in Elantra would you want to be?
     Barrani
     Dragon
     Leontine
     Tha'alani
     Human
     Some unnamed race that everyone seems to fear.
     Leave your vote in the comments ;D
I love that Marcus really does sign with a paw print. XD 
Kaylin always says Dragon can look like aged wise men. Does this imply that they have some choice over how they appear? Can they think "Oh, today I want to look like I'm 35, but tomorrow I'm going to appear 67"?
1) Sanabalis using magic. Scary stuff. 2) I didn't know they could make Mirrors that don't look like mirrors! That pretty stained glass window... well, I suppose it would make sense for Sanabalis to have something like that in his 'office'. 3) Dragon voice :D (although if I was there, I probably wouldn't be so happy about it if the ground is shaking from it. )
O.o I'm feeling a little dense here. Why does the growing of a representation of Evanton's shop, show a problem? his shop uses magic yes, erm, well, he uses magic within the shop, but his shop also contains the elements. Would it be possible that the 'map' is showing that more magic is collecting there? So.. not only is this representation different than what's actually there... but there's something more. On top of that, why is Sanabalis assuming that there is a zone between Elani, the Halls and.. wait. Ok. If his magic is haywire at the palace, it went haywire at the Halls and on Elani street, it's safe to assume that it's haywire everywhere in between. That took waaay too long for me to catch up to ><;; I feel mildly embarrassed now.
Sanabalis? Speaking colloquially? This is an emergency.
O.o how much of  a... hardheaded frump is Kaylin's etiquette teacher that he wouldn't let her out of classes when it's quite literally a magical emergency?
It is rather odd that the Oracles don't seem to have any tell in this. Oh, wait, scrap that. Sabrai does seem to have had some idea.
Everly and the Book Girl ! Oh joy. ^^  I guess we don't get to see them though.. Fiddlesticks.
Raining...blood? O.o And since when are storm clouds green gray, really? Mine are normally blue gray maybe, but not green....I should find out about other areas though...
Didn't Sanabalis say...oh, wait. That was Records. XD Oops.
Anyway! Large, angry Leontine, looking like it got doused with a blood bath. That is one frightening image.
O.o XDD Severn, you're attempting to teach Kaylin to budget? Kaylin?
Vanishing doors. Lovely. Apparently the Imperial Palace might be just as much a living place as the Castle or Tiamaris' Tower. We'll have to keep an eye on that one.
O.O That is one HUGE mirror.
Ohhh, so all things can in theory be used as Mirrors, and gain access to Records, if you've got enough magic backing you up. This explains Sanabalis' window. In theory though, this fancy schmancy table should dampen/resist the crazy magical goings on? Good to know.
And hey! It's from the West March.
Sanabalis being considered 'young'? That is funny. If the Arkon is ancient, and Sanabalis is old, I wonder how old the Emperor is, and does he affect that appearance or no?
Fancy new word- abattoir -reaches for the dictionary- Apparently of French origin (gee really?) it means a slaughterhouse. Silky word for a rather messy place.
So.. one area was destroyed, and the other had humans show up? This book, from the outside, probably sounds crazy. Since we're six books into the series, this is going to be one heck of an interesting ride. :)
So.. we've covered the creation of Dragons (sort of), Barrani (definitively) and  Leontines (also definitively). Humans apparently just appeared. What about Tha'alani and Aerians? Were they also created by the Old Ones?
"So... humans arrived here heralded by freak storms and two-headed Barrani babies?" Oh wow. I. I cannot even breathe after that one.
I sort of want to get my hands on those Oracle reports, just because they sound amusing.
Having to evacuate that many people... holy carp.
Need I point out that once again it's Nightshade saving her?
Castle- Changes floorplan on a regular basis, you can make the home you've always dreamed of!
          Basement- A forest entirely to yourself, doesn't need any watering!
          Well- Source of fresh water, and a connection to Elemental Water
Buy Today!
Oh, geez, I cannot believe they're having this conversation. I don't know whether I want to love it or hate, and the last book was such a mind-trip! ><
Severn has a weapon that speaks? ohh interesting.. I hope we learn that story at some point.
O.O Nightshade lived in the West March. !! Important stuffs. Also important, he did at one time have family, even extended family, and they were very exuberant about political power plays. Hence why Nightshade is so blasted good at them.
Wait... so Kaylin in some part is the reason why Nightshade is Outcaste I think?
...The Barrani have 'stories' like that of the Leontines. In the Old Tongue, and they can only be told if someone has passed the challenge of Name. Holy Moly. This sounds scary, dangerous and amazing. Ahhh, it's another rite of passage. It changes them. But for reasons unknown exposing children to it is bad bad bad.
NIGHTSHADE! =dances=
I wish you had killed Barren. =grumbles=
Oh shoesohshoesohshoes  Tara!
Hey! Nightshade's heart isn't black >> If it was he wouldn't have saved Kaylin or said that he wanted to kill Barren.
Tiamaris to the rescue! You know.. you think ya'll would have a slightly better grasp on what this "Devourer" thing is... being IMMORTAL and all.
So.. let me get this straight. Once upon a time World A was connected to worlds B-Z. While there ARE doors between these worlds, you can't access them your first trip through? So... There's an emptiness. And that emptiness is between the worlds.. sort of like the filling on a cake? Sits between the layers, but isn't the same? Ok. Makes sense.
Good reasons to visit according to Kaylin: Improved sense of humor, learning to curse in Dragon. Yup.
Kaylin can work wonders. She's got Tiamaris betting. O.O Or Tara does. Or the fief in general... one of those!
Arokon.. breathing fire? Oh shoes. This is.. not good.
"I am considering a permanent memory crystal. For your use" XD Poor Kaylin. Not only are her magical descriptions not 'enough' for the Arkon, he wants to torture her with constant magic, and invasion of privacy.
I cannot believe you actually said that to the Arkon Kaylin. Even in Elantran. Holy. Moly.
...what is the Arkon's name? Not his /name/ mind you, just, why is he only called The Arkon?
Caverns! Caverns everywhere! You get a cavern! You get a cavern! Boom! =points at people behind screens= You get a cavern!
And there's an altar? Dragons don't seem to worship gods.. what about the Old Ones? 
     20 ft across and 8ft high? Yup  definitely a Dragon Altar.
Flight I'm guessing, but I think this is how a group of Dragons is referred to.
Soooo Kaylin is part of someone's hoard, or she has her own hoard? O.o sort of confused...
Truth, Journey, Hoard
Kaylin reacts painfully, to most magics. But, when confronted witht eh language of the Old Ones (which we know is magic in and of itself) she doesn't. Is it that the  marks on her skin can't handle a 'lesser' form of magic?
Now that's just petty Arkon.
Yay Yebelline and character growth!
O.O a) He dropped his brush?? b) Yebelline! c) Oh this is one creepy painting, but the technical skill must be outstanding
Holy shitake mushrooms.
I am thinking Diarmat and TIamaris barely got on before Tiamaris left, and less so now.
I wonder how old the Emperor is? If i lined it up, would it be Arkon, Sanabalis, Emperor, Diarmat, Tiamaris?
O.O what in the seven hells are the two of you doing here?? Won't this start another war??
Kaylin, you don't get paind enough for fighting a Dragon, let alone Barrani politics.
Why am I not surprised to see another cavern?
          Polymer clay galaxy based pendant + earring set.
          A necklace with multiple words? Golden beads and a great topaz or druzy?
               Sort of ended up mixing this one with the onyx necklace, and having the druzy.. attempt on it's own.
Well, this answers the question of "how the Consorts learn everything."
"You either stumble or you fail to move at all." < I like!
Ok, if this is an "Old One" talking, then they seem to have been created, not around forever. "When we woke to the worlds."
     Humans, not created by the Old ONes, and the Old Ones can be destroyed. Is that where they all went?
"Overly intellectualized version of home." XD
No! She's seen his name twice now! Not once!
Gold surrounded by ebony... sounds like jewelry!  As usual things change when I'm painting the designs, and I ended up with gold and ebony. But it's close!
"We've pretty much confirmed the World's theory."
"Confirmation was necessary?"
Poor Severn, "The last time she wandered around in your store on her own, I was threatened with demotion."
Oh! So it's a puzzle piece? NOt meant to be on it's own?
"The Barrani and Dragons were created from stone, but not all stone lives and walks, and causes endless trouble." XD  Evanton, you are amazing.
     Wait. Were they carved from different types of stone, and this is why they are so different? And yet the same? So... this stuck with me, and ended up being painting practice. >>
I wonder what the actual distance is between the Halls and the Imperial Palace? For that matter, I want a clearer map of the city.
Nope. Nope. Nope. I don't like Diarmat.
"He is one of several people whose existence is critical to the continued safety of the Empire itself."
     Other people on this list include Tiamaris, Nightshade, the other 4 fieflords, and the High Lord and Consort.  That we know of. Are there more?
Emmerian? Have we met him before?
O.O NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Why is a stuffpot like Diarmat the ettiquette teacher?? I mean, in theory this makes sense, but in general it's a stupid idea! Kaylin will end up being roasted! D:
This book just gets crazier and crazier. The Arkon. Leaving the Palace??
O.O  Dragons... NOT in human form?? Oh They're going to be happy. I wonder ho many streets they'll break and people they'll have to eat though?
Wait. If Dragons breathe fire... why do they have to learn the name of fire? Or are they incapable of doing it until then?
...An egg? O.o
"If the Emperor requires access  to the LIbrary, he can make his displeasure known. He is young and in good health. A few miles of city streets shouldn't cause his voice much trouble."
     Arkon, did you just make a joke?
     I wonder who/what lives near the Palace if the Dragons are so loud, and seem only to speak in Dragon unless humans are around?
The last time he left the Palace was before any of them were born... I want his job!!
Cadge- to beg or obtain by begging.
When Evanton wants to relax, he beads.
    The Hawk he gave Kaylin back in Cast in Courlight? That was him relaxing.
I forsee a long and beautiful friendship between these two. Full of jibes, learning, snark and very frustrated couriers, since neither one leaves their domain much.
Is the Arkon... excited? What a strange thought.
I didn't realize Kaylin remembered that....
"Maybe if we tried to drown the candle instead of lighting it, I"d have more luck." XD
Awww Arkon! ^^
XD "Can I interest you in a job?" Evanton, I adore you. YOu actually joked, with a a Dragon. The Arkon no less!
Wow Arkon, that's... See! I said they'd be friends!  :D
A peacock's fan of fire... filigree, fire painted... and enamel?
It sounds like the perfect climbing tree.
:D! Sanabalis in Dragon form! He's a pale shade of grey, almost silver <3
     Are all Dragons metallic colored?
"But before you settle up here, we'd appreciate a lift down." I can't imagine Sanabalis accepting this request anywhere else.
I'd love the Earth shrine during Spring and Fall.. a huge rounded rock, placed in the sun, perfect to sprawl and nap on. Maybe under a tree, near a brook...
I want a building that changes like the seasons.. and I'm not just talking about decor!
"Please tell me you're not worried about the investigation int the Chancellor's affairs. We're facing the end of the world, Severn."
     Always focusing on the now, huh Kaylin?
A long hall of windows, looking into other worlds..
     Also known as a library. Or, alternatively, a writer's brain ^^.
I love how often Kaylin thinks out loud. It makes me feel less crazy when I do it for problem solving.
"You're discussing philosophy with a door."
     "Yes and? If it replies, I'm talking to it." < my response.
Taller than Barrani and broader than Dragons? O.o. wow.
Eyes of the Travelers : Blue, grey
Kaylin's = brown.
Is this a  'roar' like  human roar, a Roar like  Leontine roar, or a ROAR like Dragon roar?
Children, I'm assuming young children that are as tall as Kaylin's shoulder... how tall are these people? How tall are the Barrani for that matter?
Blue in these people means worried (approximately)
Green... surprised?
Eeesh. Giant Barrani. Great.
Gold.. not a Barrani color- surprised?
Mejrah! A name! Finally!
O.o well this is an odd situation..
Her name is the elements themselves? WTH? Just who is Kaylin, and has anyone else in Barrani history ever had this name?
"If you mention budgeting, I'll break both your legs."
^ This is a very me quote.
Emmerian =/= Emperor
Dragon Court:  Emperor- Unknown color
                      Arkon- Silver (after flight, unknown before hand.)
                      Sanabalis- Pale grey (red after flight, reason unknown)
                      Diarmat- Blue-green (Why is the stuffpot my favorite blend of colors?)
                      Tiamaris- Bronze. Period.
                      Emmerian- Deep, deep blue.
The Maker. I like that. Much better than "The Devourer."
Wait!... Does this mean the elements created the Old Ones? Yes! I think it does! Score!
Dang it.. This book is making me cry. Stupid Kaylin.. >>
They're... they're hoard buddies! Bros? Erm.. Something like that.
He offered to make a world for her. XDX <3
     I think I have my favorite character other than Kaylin...
Kaylin, only you could make a joke at a time like this.
Drums that are louder than a Dragon's roar. Sounds interesting.
I think representing the five would be a  lovely design, their togetherness and separateness all in one.
Wait. Wait. Wait! What about the egg? Kaylin left an EGG in her apartment, in a crate. Will it die since the excess magic is now gone?? D:
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Cast in Shadow I & II
Cast in Courtlight
Cast in Secret
Cast in Fury
Cast in Silence

A Bone to Pick…

I’m doing a book post on  a day that’s not Friday! O.O I've been reading a good bit of urban fantasy lately and I've got a bone to pick. More specifically  I've got a bone to pick with the writers.  What is it with combining all sorts of things that go bump in the night into new and strange things?

Don't get me wrong. There are some I've read that come out beautifully. Damphir are an example of this.

     Damphir- Half vampire, half human, through whatever weird twist of fate. Usually happens when a newly turned vamp isn't quite turned yet and ends up either impregnating someone or getting pregnant.

Or Half-Fae I've seen those too, and they work just fine. Hell, they make sense. A vampini though? Are you kidding me? Half genie half vampire, where the genie isn't even contributing dna? How does that work?  Hell, it makes me think I should be ordering it at the bar.

I'm not saying don't write. (I write myself, so it'd be pointless.) I'm not saying don't mix things up. We need innovation. Please though, put some consideration into how you mix things? Pretty please? =sighs= If you can make it make sense, I'm all for it. If you're just throwing stuff together though, and thinking "Hey this would make an interesting mix!" please, just don't. Cut it out, and leave it in the 'Oops' file.

/ hops down off the soapbox. 
Anyway! In other news, The Band Perry has grown on me since I first heard their music. Their latest song to get hooked into my skull is "Better Dig Two ". I woke up with this song playing in my head this morning. It's rather amusing because I don't normally do that. I like the beat, the lead singer's voice, and the story told in the song. I even like the video, which for me is increasingly rare.  Here, I'll share, and maybe that makes up some for the grrroar over 'vampinis'?

So, what about ya'll? Have you read something in UF that you're just sick to death of? Have any defense for the vampini?

Design This 4!

Hullo again everyone :D

Last fortnight's character was Smaug from Tolkien’s  Hobbit.

Starting with things about Smaug, things that I thought were implicit to his character. His hoard, his destructive power and his scales.

The hoard gave me the idea of different metals melded together, with gems all over. It's not part of the next piece, although it does look that way. The scales brought to mind a Japanese Lace pattern, embedded with different gems, much like his hide.

The last piece was another attempt at a fire gem, although I've tried it before, it's rather difficult to paint.

This fortnight's challenger is Ursula! Twisted and scary, she's a lady with an interesting past. Good luck and I'll see y'all in two weeks ^^

And Ursula in her human form.

Did you like last week's DesignThis challenge?
Have suggestions for a challenge in the future?

Comment below!

Dark Currents

The tag title for this is Daisy Johanssen, reluctant hell-spawn.
And that is absolutely accurate. Unlike Faythe though (from Stray) she's not raging or a wound up ball of anger. She's pretty chill all in all. I find it interesting that the author decided to work in the concept of the "Seven Deadlies" as a palpable force almost that she has to be aware of at all times. Stuff tends to happen when she isn't.
I admit the name Daisy threw me for a loop at first and I had some preconceived notions about the characters personality and looks. They were all smashed within seconds. Which is always the best isn't it?
Anyway, while I'm not getting any solid ideas for jewelry for Miss Daisy of the Pemkowet police, I am getting something from her reluctant partner, Cody Fairfax. Apparently he's a werewolf* and every time he gets upset, the author mentions how there's a flicker of "phosphorescent green" behind his eyes. The color that comes to mind with that phrase.. I'd like to do something with that, although I don't have a clue what just yet XD. Cody is very rough and his werewolf side is very..naturalistic let’s say. I think a wolf pendant, with a little bit of magic to it would fit him. He’d probably string it on a leather cord he made himself.
I can't help it, I love a well written fop, and Casimir is lovely. Shammanic roots and head of the local coven not to mention small town business owner!
Funnily enough Casmir's in town rival, the bead shop, is called Baubles and Beads. Which brought to mind both the online store and the video series by the same name. (Although it turns out after checking later it’s “Beads, Baubles and Jewels. Ooops. Still an interesting thing though. )
Mogwai- Daisy's sometime pet cat. Sort of a stray, sort of not? I love his name, but I'm starting to think that he's something else, although you'd think Daisy would know if he was.
Old Mrs Browne- This little old lady gets jewelry. I don't know what yet, but I like her. She's a baker!:D She's also a brownie unless I'm off or something eldritch anyway. I’m thinking she’d need something easy to clean, so polymer clay or maybe metal, without a ton of texturing, but something colorful.
Lurine- Here's something I haven’t seen in awhile, a Lamia, Green and gold and blue with iridescent crimson spots. I get the feeling that Lurine might be a celebrity on land, but in the water, she's more akin to royalty. And pretty scary when she wants to be. If Lurine has been around for so long, I think she’d have collected certain pieces of jewelry, especially if I’m right and she’s some type of royalty? This fits her.
Mikill- I don't know if he's going to get jewelry or a painting at some point. A frost giant!
ansuz- the 'f' rune. And a piece for Daisy. Even though it doesn’t mention something like this in the book, I could see Daisy enjoying something simple, but a little bit of shiny to make her day brighter.
*It just isn't urban fantasy without weresomethings I suppose.