Processes & Sourcing

To create a wand or smudge fan,  the process always begins with the wood, which I source from the local countryside, or from pruned trees.

When I'm walking through woodland I'll select a tree that stands out and spend some time tuning into it. If I feel a strong connection I'll energetically enquire to see if I have permission to take a branch. If it's meant to be I will feel the response in my heart. Any collected wood will be labeled and set aside to season.

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When I set to work on a wand, I take my piece of wood and strip the bark. I love this bit, and once it's done I tend to leave it a day or so, keeping the newly striped stick nearby so I can pick it up, smell it and get a sense of it. The next step is pairing the wood with the crystals, they seem to draw to each other so the perfect match will be clear, by then I'm excited, inspired, and ready to go!

Then it's time to start sanding, carving designs, and using wood-burning techniques.

I use epoxy clay to set my crystals onto the wood, it is an air-drying clay that hardens to a stone-like consistency and is very adhesive. I have about a 3hr working window for this part, it's spontaneous, messy,  and totally absorbing. For the finishing touches, I use a range of powders, acrylics, or sometimes gold/silver leaf.

 

My smudge fans follow the same process above, apart from of course I select feathers too. My feathers come from UK suppliers, I always check to make sure they are ethically sourced, and none are from rare or endangered species.  Some are given to me from relatives who keep birds, and as I live by the countryside, sometimes I am lucky enough to find feathers on my walks.

 

I never have too much of a plan when I’m making these pieces, for the pendants I use a firm type of polymer clay,  which allows me to achieve very fine details.  I first tune into the crystal and see what comes through. Then taking some clay and using my hands to sculpt I allow it to unfold naturally. Working intuitively keeps my mind out of the way, and I get into a creative flow, this results in individually powerful pieces.

 

Before an item leaves me, I cleanse it with smudging herbs and use sound such as bells and drums to give it a freshly energised vibration. I use prayer and infuse it with loving light before sending it on its way.