Spring themed Fine Art Nature Closeup Macro Photography

The winter tightens its grip on Sweden with each day yet there is still hope… at least I hope it is :) Don’t get me wrong I love winter, snow, ice and cold but sometime a girl needs to get cheered up with some strong colors :) So I decided to decorate our living rum with a series of my spring-themed macro shots. Strong lime greens colors of nature awakening from the winter slumber should be perfect for curing any kind of gloomy mood me think :) Here they come...

The idea of making a series came from a photographer friend of mine, Irina. Check out her amazing "One Tulip story" series!


Oh and did you know that in many folklores and literatures, Green is the color of nature, fertility, life. Grass green is the most restful color. Green symbolizes self-respect and wellbeing and is the color of balance. It also means learning, growth and harmony and has become a symbol of environmentalism. Green is a safe color, if you don't know what color to use anywhere use green.
Green contains the powerful energies of nature, growth, desire to expand or increase. Balance and a sense of order are found in the color green. Change and transformation is necessary for growth, and so this ability to sustain changes is also a part of the energy of green.

Laura - Smoky Quartz minimalist earrings in yellow 14K gold filled. Handmade wire wrapped jewellery by Arctida

Brrr...It's cold outside! I love real winter weather because it’s the best time for fire places, hot chocolate, and books :) That is actually how I came up with one of my latest designs! I was sitting and drinking cup of hot chocolate and the glossy rich auburn colored liquid reminded me of a beautiful Smokey Quartz (also known as Smoky Topaz) beads that I’ve had laying around. So here comes Laura - Smoky Quartz earrings wire wrapped in yellow 14K gold filled.

For sale in my Arctida, DaWanda and Etsy shop.

  A little info about Smoky Quartz...

Smoky or smokey quartz is a brown to black variety of quartz. Like other quartz gems, it is a silicon dioxide crystal. The smoky colour results from free silicon, formed from the silicon dioxide by natural irradiation.

Smokey Quartz stimulates the cooperation of multiple energies toward a common goal.  A wonderful stone for relationships, and for people in recovery who are part of a larger group, whether it be work, hobby, a home group, business group, or association. It is a gentle grounding stone that instills balance and harmony, and can help bring peace to you, enhancing quiet reflection during meditation without the interference of the thinking mind. This is not a quick energy stone, like Clear quartz crystal, but it has intense staying power to carry you over the long haul. Combine Smokey Quartz with Clear Quartz for lots of positive energy towards obtaining your dreams and goals, and to energize them into being a reality.




And speaking of warm and cozy… I found this wonderful chocolate brown Teddy Bear crochet pattern by Ira Rott! So cute and cuddly that you just want to hug it and never let it go :)


Oh and did you know that Chocolate can be used its medical property as well? Chocolate acts as an antiseptic, diuretic, parasiticide, and pilatory. It is used to treat burns, cough, listlessness, pregnancy, and snake bite. Cocoa has theobromine which has a similar effect to that of caffeine. It stimulates the muscles, heart, and kidneys. In fact, it can relieve congestion during colds by simply opening the bronchial passages in the lungs.

Acorns and Oak leaf handmade necklace. Pearls Citrines asymmetric wire wrapped in sterling silver pendant. Nature inspired jewelry by Arctida

As some of you may know, I’m a molecular biologist, meaning that I’ve studied a lot of so called *green* biology (flora and fauna studies). And even thought I work in the lab I love anything to do with nature which is also my biggest inspiration source for all of my Art. So here is my latest nature-inspired piece - Acorns and Oak leaf handforged necklace made of Citrines, Pearls and oxidized Sterling Siver.

 
While browsing thru other types of handmade acorns I found this very cool tutorial on how to make felted wool acorns by Tonya Utkina. Aren’t they simply adorable :)


Oh and did you know that acorns and oak tree are sacred in many cultures and has long been seen as a symbol of strength and power. Because the acorn only appears on a fully mature oak, it is often considered a symbol of the patience needed to attain goals over long periods of time. It represents perseverance and hard work.

Ares - Infinity chain link mens bracelet in solid heavily oxidized Sterling Silver. Handmade Industrial chic for Men by Arctida

As we all probably know, today is the Valentine’s Day which usually means presents :) I don’t know about you ladies but I find it very troublesome finding gift for guys. Last year though I found a great handmade and practical solution for my hubby! Black fingerless gloves for him from Socksandmittens on Etsy and psst… they have more colors than black :) It was actually those gloves that gave me an idea to start my own jewelry collection for men, so thank you Tanya for inspiration :)

And on that note, here comes my second men’s bracelet – Ares, this design it is made of hand forged oxidized Sterling Silver infinity shaped links.

                                                    To see more of my mens jewelry collection click here

Arctida celebrates 200 sales on Etsy!

Woohoo! I've reached the 200 sales mark in my Etsy Store today! *picture me making a Happy Hippo dance here* :) Thank you so much to all of my awesome customers who allow me to do what I love and love what I do! I'm hoping 300 sales will come sooner than I think. Wish me luck!

The 200th sale was my Golden Rutilated Quartz wire wrapped in gold filled *Alina* earrings!

and here is the rest of my *Alina* series

Citrine and Gold filled

Pink Amethyst and oxidized sterling silver

Labradorite and oxidized sterling silver