LIVE!!!!!

*drumroll*

ARE YOU READY????

It’s here! It’s live! It’s awesome!!

www.mockingbirdstudio.net

Website designed and constructed by Juli Hatch-Arnold. Please be patient as we learn if/where there are glitches, let me know if you find any typos, or if we missed anything! There are still items to be added and lots of photos I haven’t gone through yet, but the beautiful bones of it are up and functional!!!

Market Research

As I may have mentioned, I’m not all that good at business-y stuff. However, I like to be able to offer jewelry to my customers that actually appeals to them. Kelly made me a nifty spreadsheet of my sales this year, and it’s painfully obvious that one Touchstone™ style is just not doing it for people, and that is the drum bead necklace style. So I went on my personal Facebook page and asked my friends and customers why not. There are a lot of different reasons, ranging from “they get stuck in my hair” to “I just prefer the originals.”  But several people mentioned that the design is not distinguishable as Touchstone™ jewelry, and that while the design is “kinda boyish”, it’s not particularly masculine.

I was aiming for a slightly more masculine design when I made them, because in spite of my attempts to keep everything unisex, the gemstone drop necklaces turned out fairly delicate and girly. What I had in mind was those sort of surfer-guy stone necklaces… when I was a youngster those guys wore puka beads. Well, apparently I hit that vibe right on, but it’s not a very popular one, at least not among Renaissance faire patrons.

*I* like the design, and wear it myself, but I can take a hint. I’m not going to discontinue the style, because not all my customers are Renaissance faire patrons, and there are a few people who really do like it. However, this leaves me with no “more distinctly masculine” style.

Last night, while I was complaining about this, my friend Alyssa sent me a photo of a pendant she thought might be more masculine. It was a wide, inverted triangle, and it immediately appealed to me. So, I’m posting my adaptation and prototype here. Let me know if you think it’s 1) attractive, 2) on the masculine side of unisex, and 3) whether you yourself would wear it or give it as a gift.

Thanks all!

Hi there! Remember me?

It’s OK if you don’t remember me; it’s been a bloody long time since I updated this thing. We’ll get acquainted again.

I had a very busy and productive summer. The bulk of my time was spent on Mockingbird Studio stuff – making inventory, formulating new Touchstone™ recipes, selling stuff, and doing business-y things. My brain doesn’t like to do business-y things, but I was smart enough to hire Kelly five years ago, and she’s pretty good at that sort of thing. Kelly keeps the shop math stuff going and sells everything not nailed down, while Jim, who has been with me for six years now, is a one-man assembly machine who also cleans up after us both, throws out seemingly random commentary that invariably results in some brilliant innovation, reminds me to eat, writes juicy ad copy, and keeps the shop spider-free.

I could not do what I do without Kelly and Jim.  They both routinely go WAY above and beyond the call of duty and if they ever figure out how much I depend on them, I’m screwed.

I have other marvelous Minions, too:

Bob, who marches in the parade every faire day in the ridiculous heat and humidity, wearing ten pounds of velvet and wool carrying my banner… with a smile on his face;

Robin, who can string bracelets faster than any other three humans on the planet and keeps me laughing;

Bridget, who can measure and cut beads like whoa and who is willing and able to learn how to make all the things;

and Grayson, who is the very handsome face of Mockingbird Studio on the road.  He’s helping me to figure out ways to get my work into shops outside of Ren Faire venues, and doing ALL the legwork for that.

And now there’s Juli, who is not me, but who spells her name the same way I do.  Other Juli is a webmaster, and she is building a website for Mockingbird Studio. She is waiting on me (of course) to get product photos taken and uploaded, but the “bones” of the site are in place and just about ready to launch. I am beyond excited about this!! Stay tuned, because there’s an announcement coming VERY soon.

**************

The parts of my summer not spent working on Mockingbird Studio stuff? Oh, nothing much… just helped my daughter organize, plan and execute a FABULOUS wedding. She and her new husband tied the knot (literally – instead of lighting a unity candle, they tied two cords into a fisherman’s knot!) on September 14. I did stuff like print and help glue invitations together, make bridesmaids’ bouquets, make centerpieces and place cards, shop for bridesmaids’ gifts, make programs and favors, nag attendants about getting their clothes in order, and sic my sister on unsatisfactory hotel clerks. This same sister also hosted our out-of-town family AND the bride and her girls the night before the wedding. Including herself and her husband, she had SIXTEEN PEOPLE sleeping in her house.  I’m not sure if she should be canonized or institutionalized.

Because of my participation in Renaissance faires, I know people in every possible profession, so the photographer, the DJ, the officiant and the on-site stage manager were selected from my friends, the bride’s dress was altered by a seamstress friend, and some of the wedding dessert goodies were made by yet another friend. (It is worth noting that if the bride and groom were in need of a biophysicist, a geologist or a nine-times Guinness world-record-holding whip cracker, I could have found those for them easily too.)

The wedding was beautiful, and the bride and groom honeymooned in Mexico.

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And now I head back to the studio to take some photos of bracelets. Remember what I said – big ol’ announcement coming very soon!

 

XOX

Juli

 

Touchstone™ Beads & Pendants : Frequently Asked Questions

Touchstone™ Beads & Pendants

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they smell like herbs?

Touchstone™ beads and pendants have organically-grown or wild-harvested herbs thoroughly incorporated into the polymer clay. Once the clay is cured, you will probably not be able to smell the herbs. Occasionally, body heat will release a hint of the herbal fragrance, but it will certainly not overpower perfumes.

Do the colors of the beads and pendants mean anything?

Yes. The colors, like the herbs, are selected for their sympathetic metaphysical correspondence.

How do I wear my Touchstone™ jewelry?

Touchstone™ jewelry is intended to be touched! It is recommended that pieces be worn against the skin. PLEASE NOTE: If you have an allergy to any ingredient in a Touchstone™ recipe, we recommend you do NOT purchase that recipe. While the herbs are thoroughly incorporated into the clay, there is no way to guarantee your skin will not come in contact with an allergen. Please be aware of this and use common sense when selecting your pieces.

My pendant is not the same color/size as the one my friend has – why not?

Each pendant is individually handmade. They are generally made in small batches, and while every attempt is made at consistency, clay colors and pendant sizes may vary from batch to batch.

Can I wear more than one at a time?

Yes, but be sensible about it. Wearing a Restful Sleep pendant with an Energy pendant is likely to be counterproductive. Wearing more than one of the same pendant probably won’t have much additional effect either.

Are the cords leather?

No. I use cotton, hemp, nylon or rayon cording. In general, I don’t use animal products in my work unless I “upcycle” them out of something else (for example, I’ve occasionally found vintage multi-strand necklaces of bone beads in thrift stores, and I have re-used those beads in some pieces.) I do list my materials in my product descriptions, so if there’s some material you’d prefer not to buy, you can make that choice easily.

Are the findings silver?

I use nickel-free, lead-free, hypoallergenic silver-plated beads and findings. Some people are particularly sensitive to metals that are not sterling silver or gold. If this is the case, sterling findings are available for an additional cost.

Can I wear them in the shower/bath/while swimming?

Yes. The pendants and beads themselves are quite durable and won’t be affected by water. Excessive chlorine may lighten the color of your beads and pendants some but it will not remove the color, just as long-term wear may darken the color. HOWEVER. The cords may be affected adversely. The cords will be affected by normal wear and tear, but water and chemicals will hasten that process. This is expected. Note that I will replace cords free of charge for as long as you own the pendants.

How do I store/care for my Touchstone™ jewelry?

Touchstone™ jewelry can be stored however you store the rest of your jewelry – in a jewelry box, hanging on a rack, etc. It can be difficult to tell the difference between Touchstone™ recipes by sight alone, though, so each piece is accompanied by an identifying tag and packaged in a small organza bag. You may wish to hang on to those to keep your Touchstone™ pieces organized. Pieces can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use any cleaners or solvents. Cords are cotton, rayon, nylon or hemp and may absorb and retain odors from perfumes, hair products, soaps or skin oils. You can rinse the cords in warm water, squeeze out excess moisture and air-dry if necessary.

Touchstone™ Pendants – OFFICIAL RECIPE LIST! (And ordering info)

TOUCHSTONE™ Beads and Pendants
A Mockingbird Studio Exclusive

Drawing on the knowledge and lore of generations of wisewomen and herbalists, as well as over twenty years experience with polymer clay and other jewelry media, Juli McCarthy has developed an exclusive line of TOUCHSTONE jewelry.

TOUCHSTONE beads and pendants are made with organically-grown dried herbs and wild-gathered leaves, flowers, roots, seeds and barks, carefully selected and blended by hand into polymer clay where their beneficial spiritual properties are permanently captured. Colors and accenting materials are likewise chosen for their spiritual correspondence. The beads and pendants are made with intention – that is, the artist is intensely concentrating on the metaphysical purpose of each piece throughout its component creation and assembly processes.

TOUCHSTONE jewelry is suitable for both men and women, with simple yet bold designs that will complement almost any wardrobe. Each and every piece of TOUCHSTONE jewelry is individually handmade by the artist.

TOUCHSTONE pendants and necklaces are strung so that the clasp is situated for right-handed use by default. If you are left-handed, PLEASE specify when ordering and the clasp will be re-situated for ease of handling and to ensure that the pendant is worn “right side up.”

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE:

**************The Original TOUCHSTONE Pendants*************
Simple disc-shaped handmade TOUCHSTONE herbal pendants, approximately 1.25” in diameter, strung on 18” dark brown waxed cotton cord with assorted glass, metal and/or polymer clay accent beads. (Accent beads may vary.)
$21 each.

**************TOUCHSTONE Drop Pendants*******************

Hand-formed drop shaped pendants, approximately 1” tall,each accented with a corresponding gemstone chip bead. Strung on 18”silverplated chain.

$26 each.

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THE RECIPES

Remember that each TOUCHSTONE pendant is made by hand. Colors listed are to give a general idea, but individual pendants may vary. Gemstones listed are only included with TOUCHSTONE Drop Pendants.

Abundance

High John, Corn, Basil

Light green

Tree Agate

Balance

Basil, Comfrey, Mullein

Silver

Hematite

 

Blessings

Dill, Lavender, Rosemary

Pale lavender

Rose Quartz

 

Calm

Valerian, Cypress, St. John’s Wort

Maroon

Pink Lepidolite

 

Clairvoyance

Bay Laurel. Mace, Coriander

Pale green

Peridot

 

Clarity/Focus

Rosemary, Clove, Tulasi (Holy Basil)

Pale yellow

Clear Quartz

 

Communication

Fennel, Orris, Allspice

Indigo

Lapis Lazuli

 

Compassion

Tarragon, Thyme, Lemon Peel

Deep rose

Rhodochrosite

 

Confidence

Fennel, Thyme, Turmeric, Mullein

Teal

Labradorite

 

Courage

Mullein, Thyme, Yarrow

Orange-red

Red Agate

 

Creativity

Vervain, Honeysuckle

Blue-green

Aquamarine

 

Energy

Cinnamon, Fennel, Peppermint

Red

Carnelian

 

Fertility

Mustard Seed, Poppyseed, Rose Petals

Pale turquoise

Ruby Zoisite

 

Forgiveness

Rowan, Wormwood, Geranium

Blue

Rhodonite

 

Gainful Employment

Ginger, Cinnamon, Vetiver, Sage

Green

Calcite

 

Gentle Healing

St. John’s Wort, Thyme, Peppermint

Deep purple

Amethyst

 

Good Luck

Vervain, Anise, Oak Moss

Pale orange

Sardonyx

 

Grief Support

Cinquefoil, Violet Leaf, Comfrey

Black

Black Obsidian

 

Grounding

Cypress, Patchouli, Red Clover

Deep green/brown

Moss Agate

 

Harmony

Oregano, Rose, Bay Laurel

Pale blue

Larimar

 

Health Support

Burdock, Dandelion Root, Red Clover

Blue-green

Aragonite

 

Inspiration

Star Anise, Poppyseed, Saffron

Ivory

Charoite

 

Insight

Elecampane, Cypress, Yarrow

Silvery blue

Sodalite

 

Intuition

Willow, Honeysuckle, Solomon’s Seal

Deep gold

Amazonite

 

Manifestation

Lavender, Vervain, Dittany of Crete

Blue-violet

Lodolite

 

Memory

Eyebright, Rosemary, Caraway

Ochre

Pyrite

 

Mental Strength

Columbine, Mace, Celery Seed

Yellow-green

Leopardskin Agate

 

Motivation

Red Sandalwood, Stinging Nettle, Cayenne

Cool red

Red Aventurine

 

New Beginnings

Willow, Dittany of Crete, Mugwort

Orange

Citrine

 

Passion

Cardamom, Red Rose, Sesame

Pale rose

Garnet

 

Patience

Geranium, Valerian, Skullcap

Pearl grey

Chrysoprase

 

Powerful Healing

Angelica, Fennel, Rowan

Light purple

Fluorite

 

Prosperity

Comfrey, Allspice, Orange Peel

Green

Jade

 

Protection

Bay Laurel, Juniper, Oakmoss

Dark blue

Snowflake Obsidian

 

Purification

Alkanet, Turmeric, Lemon Verbena

Brown

Smoky Quartz

 

Reconciliation

Basil, Angelica, Valerian

Pale grey

Kunzite

 

Renewal

Peppermint, Thyme, Maple Leaf

Pale blue-violet

Kyanite

 

Restful Sleep

Thyme, Chamomile

Violet-blue

Prehnite

 

Serenity

Honeysuckle, Marjoram, Pennyroyal

Light teal

Turquoise

 

Spirituality

Dandelion Root, Tulasi (Holy Basil), Yarrow

Pale violet

Apatite

 

Stability

Comfrey, Tulasi (Holy Basil), Ground Ivy

Brown

Red Jasper

 

Success

Sweet Flag, Ginger, Allspice

Pale ochre

Sunstone

 

Sweet Dreams

Agrimony, Chamomile, Lavender, Rosemary

Dark blue

Purple Lepidolite

 

Tranquility

Lavender, Salvia, Magnolia

Pale blue

Blue Lace Agate

 

Transformation

Wormwood, Violet Leaf, Juniper

Orange

Magnesite

 

Vitality

Caraway, Mandrake, Fennel

Golden yellow

Tigereye

Willpower

Cypress, Rosemary, St. John’s Wort

Red & yellow

Rutilated Quartz

 

Wisdom

Bay Laurel, Sage, Rue, Solomon’s Seal

Black & gold

Moonstone

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Each pendant is shipped with an identifying tag and packaged in a small organza bag. Please include $3 per pendant for shipping. If you have any questions, please email juli@mockingbirdstudio.net .  At the moment (October 14, 2013) I am running at approximately 10-12 days from ordering to shipping. Payment accepted: cash, personal check (with driver’s license number and phone number) or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express.) Order via email only right now: juli@mockingbirdstudio.net

PS: I hope to be able to offer Touchstone™ bracelets by the end of October!

New Touchstones coming for 2013!

I’m adding to the Touchstone pendant line this year. So far, I’ve made Touchstones for Balance, Insight, Creativity, Abundance and Vitality.

And there are more to come!

Look for more Touchstones, Chakra jewelry, additions to the Tarot line, and elemental jewelry this later this month.

organize-o-rama

I’m starting this year out with an ALMOST clean, ALMOST organized, new studio space. One of my Delightful Minions gifted me with an enormous architects’ flat file, 5 perfect shallow drawers in which to store beads & clay. I made it into a sort of workstation. I added one of those 9-cubicle units and fitted each cubicle with a plastic three-drawer unit (the kind sold for sorting scrapbook paper). Three parts-drawer cabinets on top of that. Four 5-drawer desktop units. One 10-drawer bead box. A rescued wall shelf. A whole bunch of spice bottles, mason jars, salt shakers, and plastic shoeboxes.

Basically, I have taken up one entire wall of our dining room as a studio. My computer/office area is also in this room, at the other end. And in the middle of the room is an actual dining area! We almost never eat in this room, as we’re blessed to have a giant kitchen, too, but if we WANTED to eat in the dining room, we actually COULD now.

I’ve got another hour or two worth of cleaning and organizing to do in here, plus labeling some of the drawers (I ran out of printer ink) but by this weekend, I should be able to start working in a GLORIOUS new space!

Mockingbird Studio TOUCHSTONE PENDANT Sale

Regular price is $18 each. Special price is only $16 each, and includes shipping!
Offer good only Wednesday November 21 through Sunday November 25, 2012

QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED

Touchstone Beads & Pendants
by Mockingbird Studio Jewelry

are made with organically-grown dried herbs and herbal blends, carefully selected for their beneficial properties. When mixed into the clay and cured, those properties are permanently captured. Based on the Law of Attraction, wearing herbal amulets or charms is said to draw these properties to the wearer.

These pendants are suitable for both men and women. Simple, and bold without being showy. They are strung on dark brown waxed cotton cording with assorted accent beads (accent beads may vary from necklace to necklace.) Pendant colors are selected for their complementary harmonic properties.

Top row, left to right:
Harmony – oregano, rose & bay laurel
Prosperity – comfrey, allspice & orange peel
Protection – bay laurel, juniper & oakmoss
Courage – mullein, yarrow &
Purification – alkanet, turmeric & lemon verbena
Success – sweet flag, ginger & allspice
Blessings – dill, lavender & rosemary
Passion – cardamom, red rose & sesame
Gainful Employment – ginger, cinnamon, vetiver & sage
Gentle Healing – St. John’s wort, thyme & peppermint

Bottom row, left to right:
Renewal – peppermint, thyme & maple leaf
Tranquility – lavender, salvia & magnolia
Powerful Healing – angelica, fennel & rowan
Mental Strength – columbine, mace & celery seed
Sweet Dreams – agrimony, chamomile, lavender & rosemary
Good Luck – vervain, anise & oakmoss
Clairvoyance – bay laurel, mace & coriander
Energy – cinnamon, fennel & peppermint
Fertility – mustard seed, rose petals & poppy seed
Confidence – fennel, thyme, turmeric & mullein

Because Touchstone Beads & Pendants are individually handmade and contain natural elements, some variations in size, color and texture are to be expected and should not be considered flaws.

To order, email juli@mockingbirdstudio.net.
Please specify your selection(s) in the email and include your shipping address.
Order must be paid through Paypal (ID is juli_mccarthy@yahoo.com) before order will be processed.

Woot!

New stuff, coming soon!