My owl pendants and charms are a good example of inspired jewelry. I have always loved nature, and that is where I draw my inspiration. And to me, one of the most amazing animals in the world is the owl. Pendants and charms crafted in their image have always fascinated me. So a jewelry piece depicting any owl species is a personal favorite.
And what owl pendants do I carry? Well, a few years ago I designed a new silver pendant of a barn owl. It’s one of my favorites, and really doesn’t look like any other jewelry item in my line. Most all of my designs have each individual part as a separately crafted unit, but the barn owl pendant has its detail carved with a special tool I reserve for adding specific texture by hand.
Owl and Art Encounters
A couple of years ago, a little screech owl (I believe) appeared just outside my studio window, and perched on the sill. I don’t know my owl species well enough to positively identify it, but it was a thrill! Luckily my husband was in the studio too, so I got to share that delight. I guess just because owls are nocturnal I think of them as being rare. Actually they are probably very common, but since we daytime creatures don’t see them too often, they seem rare.
I know art is a very personal thing, but I am amazed by how many people collect owl pendants, owl charms and owl earrings. And I believe there are quite a few vintage owl designs available as well. My new enamel owl has a bit of that vintage enamel look, I think. It is an owl design in pewter, which has been hand painted in some lovely jewel-toned colors. (I say “has been hand painted” because I actually have a team of US artisans that paint my enamel designs. I am proud of their work, and don’t want to take credit for it myself.) Of course I choose the colors, but they do the actual painting.
Just a few days ago my husband and I took a nature walk at one of our fabulous Florida parks, and there met several owl species, among them a couple of horned owls. These birds were being cared for, since they all suffered injuries making it impossible for them to hunt and stay alive on their own. I hoped they were comfortable, and that they didn’t mind the fact that they could no longer fly. At least they were served food on a platter, and have the distinction of being ambassadors for their wild counterparts, teaching today’s kids about their habits and lives.
Are you a lover of inspired jewelry? And what actually compels you in your artistic selections? I am always curious to hear what my customers and any animal lover looks for in a jewelry design. Whether you love owl jewelry, or are a fan of another animal entirely, I enjoy hearing your thoughts. One of the best parts about being an animal jewelry artist is the feedback I get. I don’t think designing owl pendants or any other kind of animal jewelry would be nearly as fun without the comments and phone calls coming my way. Not to mention the customers I get to meet in person at my shows! Please let me know what what inspires you in your jewelry purchases!