Solstice

17 March 2026 Freshwater Bay, Freshwater, UK

It's that time of the year when I start to make new things for the shop!

This winter I have been reading all about Celtic traditions. It is absolutely fascinating, and it all makes so much sense to me.

Celebrating the turning of the seasons, the way in which the sun ultimately affects everything we do to survive. Appreciating the world around us in the tiny details of life. I think we have become way too wrapped up in our human-made world, with human-made problems, we forget about what is really going on around us, as creatures that are just inhabitants of this same planet as many other species.

Even the most 'powerful' humans are only powerful for what they can destroy, not what they can create. It is a sad state of affairs. But, yet, we couldn't exist with out the tiny pollinators, and they cannot exist with out the sun. We all come from and return to the soil, after all this power...to destroy, yet the sun will still create life as long as it burns.

I therefore present to you my new collection, devoted to the Sun!

The dark, the light and the equal lights - Solstice & Equinox pendants.

The crow, keeper of winter’s wisdom, stands at the threshold of the longest night — a symbol of resilience, inner knowing, and the quiet promise that even in darkness, the light is turning.

Ostara, Spring - A talisman of renewal and quiet beginnings — narcissus, primrose and egg symbols honour rebirth, balance and the first stirring of light after winter’s rest.

Litha, Summer Solstice — The height of the sun’s power — a symbol of vitality, warmth and life in full bloom.

Mabon, Autumn Equinox — Oak leaf and acorns speak of strength, grounding and the quiet wisdom of harvest and letting go.

Each pendant is available in 9ct Gold, Sterling Silver or Bronze.

Solstice // Equinox

I also recently added some new Rain Cloud Earrings and Cloud ring to the Nocturne Collection too!

...and Folklore collection is also now available in Bronze!

...and some very twinkly Shooting Star Earrings with moonstones.

An Aether necklace to go with the earrings, in sterling silver and freshwater pearl.

And, lastly, some little Maris earrings also with freshwater pearls. These are sown in silver but can be ordered in gold, just get in touch!

So that's it for my update!

Spring is really happening here in the UK and I cannot wait to get in the sea and lie in the garden. I have ordered a new sun lounger for my patch of lawn, and that is where I hope to be for most of the summer.

Of course I will be back here to post about our holiday adventures too, which I hope there will be many. I'm still not brave enough to sacrifice our savings for a holiday abroad (it's scary when you have an irregular income) and my car is on its last legs too (or wheels?) so it maybe more camping again, which I think the kids have grown out of sadly! I will really have to think of ways to entertain them, as a bucket and some sand doesn't work anymore ha ha!

Wish me luck xx

I post over on my jewellery website too btw... Only Through Shadows

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Winter celebrations 2025!

27 December 2025

Happy Xmas! Well it is the 27th now so it's a bit late. We have been having a very nice time over here, just staying home and taking it easy.

The run up to xmas is always a bit hectic with jewellery orders, which came later this year for some reason, meaning very tight December deadlines for me. I'm so pleased to have got them all completed on time. It is such a fulfilling moment when I can make a lovely xmas for my children so they are not missing out just because I'm a single parent (always a worry I have).

We bought our tree at the end of November, this year we got a little tree in a pot which even came with a small birds nest in! These days I just let the kids do the tree and I do the rest of our flat. My son and I made a brass garland with stars and he did the moon.

Our tiny tree sapling from a few years ago is still alive!

It is a bit tight without a separate dinning room. We always have Xmas dinner in the evening (family tradition) so that we can have candlelit dinner. So for lunch I just put some snacks out. I used this little victorian wash stand (that used to be my daughters desk) which is handy because you can put plates and cutlery in the draw! My mum came over for xmas day this year.

I love that our dog has her own stocking and presents and really joins in the whole fun. We all laugh and spend a few minutes to give her belly rub and help her open her gifts.

Remote controlled concentration.

I have had these vintage star baking tins for years as they perfectly hold a tealight.

It has been a great year, a sense of stability with regards to my business, Only Through Shadows, which is 5 years old now! Considering all the obstacles this year for the jewellery trade, I'm so proud that I have managed to keep going and keep making. I can't wait to make new things, so many ideas always whizzing around in my head! I have also been keeping quite fit by walking my dog so much. I would never find the motivation without her, she's the best! So enthusiastic for life (and cheese)

P and L are doing well too, its a funny age gap now, as my daughter is now a teen and my son still at Primary school, so they are not as close as the used to be in some ways. Sometimes I think you just have to accept the ebb and flow of children growing up, changing one minute and then reverting back the next minute. I now just trust the process. At least at xmas they are both like little kids again which is lovely.

As for me, I am just happy to be growing old, grateful for that privilege. Next year I will be 48!

I'm sure I will be back here with a similar blog post...