Entire Blog | Marianne Goodell

WEARING AMULETS FOR PROTECTION

by Marianne Goodell | Mar 16, 2023 | For Makers

“Amulets are believed to have the power to protect the wearer from harm and bring good fortune, but it is the faith and intention of the wearer that truly activates their power.”

~Avia Venefica

What is an Amulet?

An amulet is an object that is believed to possess magical or protective powers, and has been used by many cultures and religions throughout history. The use of amulets for protection dates back to ancient times, and continues to be practiced in many parts of the world today.

Why Wear an Amulet?

One of the most common reasons people use amulets is for protection against negative energies, evil spirits, and other harmful forces. Amulets can be made from a wide range of materials, such as stones, metals, wood, and even animal parts. They may also be engraved with symbols, prayers, or other sacred texts that are believed to offer protection.

Carrying that Connection with You

The belief in the power of amulets for protection is based on the idea that everything in the universe is connected and that all things have energy. By wearing an amulet, you can tap into this energy and use it to protect yourself from harm. The amulet serves as a physical reminder of the protection it provides.

Made with a healing intention

If you are considering using an amulet for protection, it is important to choose one that resonates with your beliefs and to use it with respect and intention. Here are some powerful amulets for your consideration.

ARCHETYPES

CONNECTED

SYMBOLIC

DAY OF THE DEAD JEWELRY WITH STYLE

by Marianne Goodell | Feb 22, 2023 | For Makers

“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.“

~Jack Thorne

Celestial Skies Sugar Skull Front and Back

Why Wear a Sugar Skull?

Wearing a Day of the Dead skull design on jewelry or clothing throughout the year can be a way to show appreciation for the vibrant cultural tradition and its rich symbolism. The Day of the Dead is not just a one-day event, but a cultural celebration that represents the cycle of life and death, the honoring of ancestors, and the appreciation of life’s beauty and impermanence.

Claiming your personal style

Wearing a Day of the Dead skull design can also be a way to express personal identity and style. Sugar skulls are often intricately decorated and colorful, and can add a bold and unique element to an outfit.

Skulls as a Connection to Your Ancestors

Additionally, the Day of the Dead has become increasingly popular as a cultural phenomenon, with many people around the world embracing the holiday’s unique and colorful aesthetic. These pieces allow you to reflect on the mysteries of life and death, and to celebrate the beauty of both. The symbolism of the Day of the Dead can be seen as an extension of the symbolism found in various spiritual practices, as both are rich with meaning and provide a pathway to deeper understanding and self-reflection.

Amphitrite Goddess of the Sea Cloisonne Sugar Skull Pendant 4

Why Not?

Overall, wearing a Day of the Dead skull design throughout the year can be a way to express personal identity and style and connect with a global community of people who share an appreciation for the beauty and symbolism of the Day of the Dead. Below are some of my newest creations. Which one is screaming your name?

GET YOURS NOW

Which one speaks to you?

Evermore Skull Grisaille Enamel Pendant - Image 2

Evermore Skull Grisaille Enamel Pendant - Image 3

Evermore Skull Grisaille Enamel Pendant - Image 4

Evermore Skull Grisaille Enamel Pendant - Image 5

FLORAL LINKED SUGAR SKULL CLOISONNE COLLAR

FLORAL LINKED SUGAR SKULL CLOISONNE COLLAR - Image 2

FLORAL LINKED SUGAR SKULL CLOISONNE COLLAR - Image 3

FLORAL LINKED SUGAR SKULL CLOISONNE COLLAR - Image 4

FLORAL LINKED SUGAR SKULL CLOISONNE COLLAR - Image 5

FLORAL LINKED SUGAR SKULL CLOISONNE COLLAR - Image 7

FLORAL LINKED SUGAR SKULL CLOISONNE COLLAR - Image 8

FLORAL LINKED SUGAR SKULL CLOISONNE COLLAR - Image 9

FLORAL LINKED SUGAR SKULL CLOISONNE COLLAR - Image 10

FLORAL LINKED SUGAR SKULL CLOISONNE COLLAR - Image 11

A NEW TWIST ON TRADITIONAL GIFTS

by Marianne Goodell | Dec 4, 2022 | For Makers

“When the fun goes out of dressing, you might as well be dead.”

~ Iris Apfel

Do you need different gift ideas?

Earrings – an easy gift and very much appreciated. What about a new twist, though? Rather than give gemstone (overdone) or silver or gold (everybody already has some), give something completely out of the ordinary.

Five reasons to gift enamel earrings:

Enamel is colorful
They are very lightweight
They can be dramatic
There are many interesting shapes
Every piece is original – one of a kind.

WHICH PAIR SPEAKS TO YOU?

DRAMATIC

ORIGINAL

GOOD VALUE

HOW TO USE SILKSCREENS WITH ENAMELS

by Marianne Goodell | May 21, 2023 | For Makers

Use Silkscreens to Add Interest to your Enamels

Details matter. You can create intricate details in just a few short steps by using silkscreens to layer color with enamel. Follow these quick steps.

“ It’s attention to detail that makes the difference between average and stunning.“

~Francis Atterbury

How to use silkscreens with enamels a silkscreen and an enameled square

Prepare Your Blank

Create a blank by sifting and firing two layers of enamel onto a piece of prepared copper. I often create many blanks at a time and use them when the design mood strikes. That way when I’m designing, I’m ready to go.

How to Use the Silkscreen with Enamels

Place enamel on a piece of paper on a flat surface
Place 4 coins (or supports as high as the enamel) where the 4 corners of the frame will sit
Place the screen on those 4 supports
Sprinkle some enamel towards the top of the screen
Gently press down on the two top corners with one hand while at the same time
Take a plastic card (like a credit card) and scrape the enamel towards the other end of the screen (only do this once)
Gently lift the screen off the enamel
Fire the enamel
Gently dust off the excess enamel from the screen

enameling and silkscreens how to use silkscreens with an image of silkscreens

A Video Demonstration

Start Designing Now

I’ve designed each individual screen. There are so many possibilities with each screen. Here are a few you can choose from. Click on the image to buy yours to start creating.

Mandala Enamel Pendant using Silkscreens for design

The All-Seeing Lotus Hamsa Enamel Trinket Dish on an altar

Raven's Secrets Unveiled Enamel Trinket Dish

SACRED SPACE FOR CREATIVITY

by Marianne Goodell | Apr 9, 2023 | For Makers

Inviting Her Into Your Home

Imagine being Creativity and wanting to visit someone who will be the vessel through which you bring ideas to life. What kind of space feels inviting to you? What kind of reception would you like? I treat my Creative Muse as an honored guest when I welcome her into my space. This is how I create a sacred space to welcome creativity.

“I can hear my muse whispering tenderly in my ear. There is a story that wants to be told, and I’m merely its chosen vessel.“

~Dipa Sanatani

Setting Up the Space

I start by lighting a candle and adding the appropriate essential oil into the diffuser. Some days I use soothing, calming oils; some days I use high energy oils. It all depends on how my muse is presenting herself.

Then I clear off my work surfaces from any distracting debris; we both want plenty of room for her ideas to flow. I bring out various metal shapes along with my enamel color tiles. We both love letting the colors speak.

Finally, I bring forth my tools. I store many of them in vessels created by other artists. Their creative energy comes through those pieces making the space even more inviting.

And then I get quiet…

Sometimes the quiet lasts for a long time as the muse looks at colors and shapes. Most of the time, though, the quiet is merely seconds before my muse is offering ideas. Sometimes I’m moving so quickly assuring I make note of all of the things she wants me to bring forth.

I Become Her Vessel

From that point, we work together. I often feel that this body is the vessel for her to pour her energies into. My hands become her hands and my eyes locate the components to allow her vision to come to life.

Remember Gratitude

Of course, after a session together, I thank her for visiting me and send her off with little tokens of love. I remind her she is always welcome. Below you can see some of our collaborations. Follow the links to purchase

Nature Inspired

GODDESS INSPIRED

METAPHYSICAL

REDUCE CLUTTER INCREASE PEACE

by Marianne Goodell | Apr 26, 2023 | For Makers

Is it Possible to Reduce Clutter to Increase Calm?

Aaaarrrrgggghhhhhhh! I’m stressed, I’m overwhelmed! I can’t seem to relax! I want to be organized. Do any of those things sound familiar to you?

“In the never-ending battle between order and chaos, clutter sides with chaos every time. Anything that you possess that does not add to your life or your happiness eventually becomes a burden.“

~John Robbins

A disorganized space filled with clutter adding to the chaos and stress of your life

Our Environments Play A Role In Stress

Years ago, I went through a huge purge of things in my home. My friend and I were reading Denise Linn’s “Sacred Space: Clearing and Enhancing the Energy of Your Home” where she focused on how the things that surround us can affect our state of mind and well being. At the time, I didn’t think I had much clutter. But, yeah, I was wrong, lol. As we started decluttering our homes, I realized, I was just really organized. I still had a lot of clutter. I discovered I kept things out of obligation, yet they did not bring me joy. I kept things because I thought I would eventually get to a particular project, but deep down, I knew I never would. I kept things because I thought my kids would want them when they grew older. I kept things because I didn’t think I was good enough to use them yet (read more about that in my blog post about wearing the good jewelry here).

Every day my friend and I would each commit to tackle just one room in our respective homes (to avoid overwhelm). I donated office clothes to women’s shelters. I donated books to adult reading places. I donated toys to shelters. We got creative on how we were donating our things which made the process much more enjoyable. And of course, sadly, some things went to the landfill.

Fast forward to a Lighter Space

After several weeks of diligent work, we were done. Our homes only contained things that were functional or that fed our spirits. Everything that was left in my home brought me pleasure in some fashion.

Fun story… A friend came over one day and walked in and said, “I don’t know what you have done here because everything looks the same, but your home feels lighter to me!” It did! It wasn’t weighed down with obligations and stuff that carried those obligations. It really was lighter!

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered

Keeping It That Way

Ever since that time, I’ve committed to only bringing things into my home that make me happy or calm (or they’re a functional necessity). I also created a policy that for every thing I bring in, I must also release something out into the world. I literally can go from room to room and smile as something that I love will catch my eye and bring me a level of pleasure I didn’t realize I could find. I also have a sense of calm because I’m not always thinking I need to get to that thing that I said I would do a zillion years ago knowing full well I won’t get to it.

Trinket Dishes

Part of my commitment to myself is to continue to hold space for artfully created pieces. I love the idea of functional art. I also am so in love with tiny things that hold other tiny things. It’s why I am compelled to create trinket dishes. I have several and they are placed throughout my home. Some are only for aesthetics and some are functionally aesthetic. But, what I know for sure is that they add to the uplifted, light energy that my home still carries.

I’ve recently created a few highly symbolic, energy infused enamel trinket dishes to my site. Every one is hand shaped and painted with enamels. The vibrant, permanent colors are layered and fired in my kiln meaning they won’t fade over time. You can find what is currently available here. Which one wants to come live in your sacred space with you? Click on the image to shop.