Little Birds
6/17/2015
Noon
Light unblinking,
time empty of minutes,
a bird stopped short in air.
Later
Light flung down,
the pillars awake
and, without moving, dance.
Full Sun
The time is transparent:
even if the bird is invisible,
let us see the color of his song.
- Octavio Paz, 1914-1998
I am completely amazed by Eric Whitacre's interpretation of this poem. I love the harmony, complexity, intensity of "Little Birds" composition, and the tangible atmosphere of quiet afternoon, when the sun is scorching and silence is broken only by a birds' song. I can feel a touch of nostalgia here, along with solitude and freedom... So moving and so beautiful! I just had to preserve all those emotions in the form of jewellery.
Necklace and earrings are made from scratch by hand from pure, finest quality silver (.999) and .925 sterling silver components (ear studs, bail, connecting elements, snake chain). This jewellery set is decorated with flawless, dreamy blue sapphires, drops of sunny citrines, and with small (~ 5mm), hand carved silver birds. Openwork, delicate and slender design reflects the subtlety and lightness of the melody.
One of a kind, eco friendly, ethically sourced and crafted with passion.
melon.karolina@gmail.com
Tolkien Reading Day
3/25/2015
But in Gondor the New Year will always now begin upon the twenty-fifth of March when Sauron fell, and when you were brought out of the fire to the King.
- Gandalf in the Return of the King
In "The Lord of the Rings", March 25 is the day of the fall of Sauron and his realm. In honour of this event, to encourage the reading of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, this date has been declared as Tolkien Reading Day.
I celebrate by working on some new Middle-Earth inspired projects, and, of course, by reading my favourite passages... Like this one:
For myself, I would see the White Tree in flower again in the courts of the kings, and the Silver Crown return, and Minas Tirith in peace: Minas Anor again as of old, full of light, high and fair, beautiful as a queen among other queens; not as a mistress of many slaves, nay, not even a kind mistress of willing slaves. War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend: the city of the Men of Númenor, and I would have her loved for her memory, her ancientry, her beauty, and her present wisdom. Not feared, save as men may fear the dignity of a man, old and wise.
So fear me not! I do not ask you to tell me more. I do not even ask you to tell me whether I now speak nearer the mark. But if you will trust me, it may be that I can advise you in your present quest, whatever that be yes, and even aid you.
You can find my jewellery on Etsy. If you would like to see my visual inspirations for Tolkien-related works, check out my Pinterest!
Other boards:
• Rohan
• Gondor
Cuio i Pheriain anann! Aglar'ni Pheriannath!
How do you celebrate? What are you reading today? :)
Master and Margarita
3/10/2015Today is 75th anniversary of Mikhail Bulgakov death.
I'm currently working on the jewellery inspired by "The Master and Margarita" - his most famous novel and one of my favorite books of all times. Although I can't show the finished pieces yet, I wanted to share a Pinterest collection of "Master..." related quotes, illustrations (Pavel Orinyansky!), paintings, digital art, crafts, movie & theatre adaptations (Andrzej Maria Marczewski!) that constantly inspire and amaze me:
Follow Karolina Melon's board Woland and His Retinue on Pinterest.
You were right, Mr. Bulgakov, manusripts don't burn. You're immortal just like Dostoyevski.
The first necklace: "Do you like my flowers?" made from pure silver, yellow orbicular jasper and cubic zirconias will be available soon.
I'm currently working on the jewellery inspired by "The Master and Margarita" - his most famous novel and one of my favorite books of all times. Although I can't show the finished pieces yet, I wanted to share a Pinterest collection of "Master..." related quotes, illustrations (Pavel Orinyansky!), paintings, digital art, crafts, movie & theatre adaptations (Andrzej Maria Marczewski!) that constantly inspire and amaze me:
You were right, Mr. Bulgakov, manusripts don't burn. You're immortal just like Dostoyevski.
The first necklace: "Do you like my flowers?" made from pure silver, yellow orbicular jasper and cubic zirconias will be available soon.
Melonarium is open!
2/02/2015
I'm happy to announce that my Etsy shop is now open! You can find my jewellery here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Melonarium
Soon more old and new designs will be added.
You can also follow me on facebook now :)
Soon more old and new designs will be added.
You can also follow me on facebook now :)
Venetian Devil
12/12/2014
Venetian Devil
Ministry of Magic Classification: XXX (Competent wizard should cope)
Venetian devils are mysterious, magical creatures characterized by slender body build, silky black fur, twisted horns and eyes in the colour of raspberries. They are commonly believed to fulfull wishes, however Magizoologists who studied those beasts (including Newt Scamander, famous author of "fantastic beasts and where to find them") did not find any evidence of such qualities. All of the "miraculous cases" ascribed to devils can be explained scientifically by their strong, instinctive ability to read feelings and emotions. Legends are still alive, though - and who knows, maybe there is a truth behind them...
Venetian devil is a fictional character in "The Ravenclaw Skylark" - "Harry Potter" fanfiction series written by Bastet and available on Polish literature forum "Mirriel": Skowronek Ravenclawu, Severusowi, w dniu urodzin, Robin, Woland i inne nieszczęścia Ravenclawu (where the devil is introduced), Rory. I based Woland's appearance on Bastet's descriptions and sketches :)
The pendant is made from fine and sterling silver - it is hand carved, oxidized and polished, hung on a strand of tiny garnets. I had so much fun bringing this little creature to life!
Watcher in the Water
7/16/2014
The deep colour of this lapis lazuli stone reminded me of a dark, still pool near the Westgate of Moria in Middle-Earth and of its inhabitant - the Watcher. Watcher in the Water is a terrifying, squid-like beast that attacked the Fellowship by the Doors of Durin. It's a mysterious creature - J.R.R. Tolkien never explicitly stated what it is or where it came from.
The pendant is made from fine and sterling silver. The tentacles were sculped by hand and measure only 1-2mm in diameter.
You can see some work in progress pictures here and below:
Ravenclaw pendant. Wayland's feather
3/27/2014
Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure.
Rowena Ravenclaw
Handmade silver pendant inspired by Ravenclaw - one of the four houses of Hogwarts from J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter". The shape and texture of the feather refers both to the eagle- symbol of the house, and to the raven- patronus of its founder. The pendant is adorned with a small blue sapphire and hand formed Celtic triskel symbol.
Triskelion, through the position of its three spiral branches, imitate the constant forward motion and symbolizes the progress, process of learning and self-improvement. In the context of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the three spirals can be seen as symbolical representations of intelligence, wisdom and creativity - main traits valued by Rowena Ravenclaw and prized in her house.
In the future, I'm going to make a similar pendant in bronze, to reflect Ravenclaw's official colours - bronze and blue - more appropriately. However, silver colour of the feather is also meaningful. My main inspiration for this exact pendant was "The Ravenclaw's Skylark" fanfiction series written by Bastet- one of the very first fanfic I have ever read and - thanks to the unique, truly magical atmosphere and wonderful character creations - the only one that permanently influenced my personal vision of Hogwarts. I can't imagine Aurora Sinistra any other way ;) I love Bastet's conception of Ravenclaw common room's windows scattered with painted ravens. One of them is white... and in fact, he is more than just a painting. His feather refers to one of my favourite chapters in the story, which tells about the secrets of magical pictures, portraits and above all - one special gobelin.
In omnia paratus...
As far as I know, Bastet's fanfiction is not translated and is available only in Polish:
The little flame
3/27/2014
Very small and delicate pendant inspired by fire element. Handmade out of fine silver, sterling silver and red zirconia.
Gates of Doriath
3/27/2014
Necklace made by hand out of fine silver, sterling silver and labradorites, inspired by the forests of Doriath from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Silmarillion" and "The Children of Hurin". Doriath was the realm of Sindar - Grey Elves - ruled by Elu Thingol and Melian the Maia.
The necklace is adorned with two trees, which branches and roots are interlacing into Celtic triquetra knots. At some angles, the dark green stone you can see in the center flashes light, warm shades of green. Thanks to its unusual inclusion, sometimes you can see also a line of light blue colour on its left side. Is this Luthien dancing...?
