Thorn & Claw

Do you feel different when you adorn yourself with your favourite jewellery?

I believe that wearing talismans that are sacred to us is a form of ritual dressing. We become the altar; the jewels carry our intentions and personal mythology. A necklace can ground you, empower you and hold the energy of familiars and the old gods.

Discover your talisman.
www.thornandclaw.com

FORNI - RAVEN TALON NECKLACE IN SOLID STERLING SILVER

Picture yourself standing at the edge of a forest, the air thick with the scent of pine and earth. As you wear this necklace, you feel the strength of the Raven, a creature known for its wisdom and adaptability. The talon, delicately sculpted yet fierce, rests against your skin, reminding you of your resilience and potential.

https://www.thornandclaw.com/products/forni-solid-silver-raven-claw-pendant

Each piece of jewellery I craft is not merely an adornment; it is a bridge to our ancestral roots, a silent ode to our old mythologies and legends.

Imagine wearing a necklace that holds the strength of ancient oak trees or earrings that whisper stories of forgotten gods. Feel the potency of handcrafted rings that carry the textures of old stones, each one a symbol of your bond with the wild and untamed world.

Let these creations be your talisman, a reminder that you are part of something greater, a living story woven through time and nature.

www.thornandclaw.com

FREYJA - LYNX CLAW NECKLACE IN SOLID STERLING SILVER

Imagine adorning yourself with a creation that transcends mere ornamentation. This solid sterling silver piece, cast from the fierce claw of a lynx, embodies both primal strength and ethereal beauty.

For those who seek more than just jewellery, who yearn for a connection to the wild power of nature and the mystic tales of old - this necklace is your talisman. It is a bridge between worlds, a symbol of courage and wisdom, invoking the spirit of Freyja herself.

The lynx claw rests upon your chest like a guardian spirit. Every glance in the mirror reminds you of your inner warrior, capable of overcoming any challenge.

https://www.thornandclaw.com/products/freyja-lynx-claw-pendant-in-solid-sterling-silver

I adore the sleek and simple statement of an adorned talon. Minimal, elegant and dangerous.

Worn here are the Morrigu Raven talon earrings in solid sterling silver, hand-finished to create detailed shadows and highlights. Accentuating all the intricate textures of the natural casting.

www.thornandclaw.com

One of my favourite parts of the crafting process is polishing and oxidising, particularly on the Raven talon pieces. The dark oxidised texture against the mirror-shine finish of the individual claws thrills me every time. Sleek and dangerous.

All designs are individually oxidised and hand-finished to create shadows and highlights, accentuating the beautiful textures found within nature. Oxidisation will naturally weather in time, creating a truly unique look for whoever wears the talisman.

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Is there a craft or skill you have been called to learn? Is there an art you are already deeply entwined with?

I started silversmithing many moons ago, attending classes in the evenings straight after my full-time job. I have always adored jewellery and how it made me feel when I wore it.

To me, the right jewellery piece feels like an amulet - different designs would imbue different powers upon the wearer. I wanted to learn to forge my own and I missed creating with my hands, making something real and tangible. Silversmithing is an ancient craft, and it feels like alchemy working metals into physical adornments.

Now this craft allows me to forge talismans inspired by natural forms - bones, talons, thorns and claws.

I craft them for you to wear, to feel reconnected to nature when you feel torn away from her. To hold close when in the busiest of places, or stuck inside concrete walls with small windows. When you long to escape into the forest.

www.thornandclaw.com

In ancient Norse mythology, Draupnir (Old Norse for "the dripper") is a ring worn by the God Odin, with the power to multiply itself. Every ninth night, new rings drip from the original Draupnir ring, each one of the same size and weight as the original.

These silver stacking rings are hand-finished, creating detailed shadows and highlights, accentuating the intricate hammered textures.

https://www.thornandclaw.com/collections/rings/products/draupnir-textured-stacking-rings-in-solid-sterling-silver

THE HISTORY AND FOLKLORE OF OSTARA.

Central to the folklore of Ostara is the enigmatic figure of the Goddess Ostara, also known as Eostre in Germanic traditions. She embodies the essence of spring, fertility, and renewal, her name evoking the dawn and the burgeoning light of the season. According to legend, Ostara was revered by ancient cultures across Europe, who celebrated her divine influence during the vernal equinox.

In Germanic mythology, Ostara was believed to be accompanied by a hare, symbolising fertility, abundance, and the promise of new life. This association is echoed in Celtic lore, where the hare serves as a messenger of the goddess, heralding the arrival of spring. Through rituals and offerings, communities honoured Ostara, seeking her blessings for a bountiful harvest and the renewal of the earth's vitality.

https://www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/how-to-celebrate-ostara-the-spring-equinox

Ostara, also known as the Vernal Equinox, is a celebration that dates back to ancient times. It marks the beginning of spring when the earth awakens from its long winter slumber and bursts forth with new life.

www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/how-to-celebrate-ostara-the-spring-equinox

Ostara is typically celebrated around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and is named after the Germanic goddess Eostre.

At its core, Ostara embodies the triumph of light over darkness, symbolised by the increasing daylight and the rebirth of the natural world. A moment of perfect balance, where day and night are in harmonious alignment.

This symbolic equilibrium mirrors the inner balance we strive to achieve in our lives, as we navigate the ever-shifting currents of existence. Ostara reminds us of the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth, inspiring us to embrace change, growth, and transformation.

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OSTARA SYMBOLISM, MEANINGS AND ASSOCIATIONS.

Plants and Herbs: Ostara is intertwined with the emergence of new life, symbolised by the blooming of spring flowers such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. These vibrant blossoms represent renewal, growth, and the awakening of the earth from its winter slumber.

Colours: The palette of Ostara reflects the hues of spring—soft pastels, vibrant greens, and delicate shades of yellow and pink. These colours evoke the freshness of new beginnings and the gentle transition from winter's dormancy to the vitality of spring.

Animals: At Ostara, the hare takes centre stage as a symbol of fertility, abundance, and the playful energy of spring. Its presence reminds us of the earth's fertile potential and the boundless creativity inherent in the natural world. Additionally, songbirds add their melodious voices to the chorus of spring, symbolising renewal, joy, and the return of light and warmth.

Food: Traditional Ostara food is abundant with seasonal delights, including eggs, fresh greens, and dairy products. Eggs, in particular, hold profound symbolism, representing fertility, rebirth, and the potential for new growth. Incorporating these foods into Ostara celebrations honours the cycle of life and the abundance of the earth.

https://www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/how-to-celebrate-ostara-the-spring-equinox

Dúfa is old Norse for 'wave' and is the name of one of the 9 daughters of the sea, the offspring of Ægir and Rán. Each daughter embodies a different poetic quality of the ocean, from crashing waves to softly tumbling sea foam.

With its boundless depths and untamed wildness, the ocean has long inspired tales of healing and rejuvenation. Legends speak of its mystical properties, its salty embrace said to cleanse both body and soul. Ancient cultures have sought solace in the sea, believing its rhythmic ebb and flow held the power to heal wounds and mend broken spirits.

Life-cast from a real seashell, this necklace is handcrafted to create detailed shadows and highlights, accentuating all the intricate textures of the natural casting.

https://www.thornandclaw.com/collections/frontpage/products/silver-seashell-necklace

Can you sense it? The quickening of the warmth? The stirring of the soil?

Winter's unfurling comes at a much slower pace for me this year. I have allowed myself to slow with the season, and I have rooted deeply. This slowing of time has allowed for space for new inspirations and new seeds of potential to be planted for the lighter months ahead.

How do you find yourself as the wheel moves from one season to the next? What calls to you this time of year?

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How will you be celebrating the return of Spring?

Imbolc, deeply rooted in Gaelic history, intertwines with the ancient celebration of Brigid, the Celtic goddess of hearth, poetry, and healing.

As the wheel of the year turns, Imbolc heralds the waning of winter and the impending arrival of spring. In Celtic lore, Brigid embodies the maiden aspect of the triple goddess—a symbol of youthful potential, inspiration, and fertility.

If you would like to explore more ways to celebrate Imbolc, follow the link https://www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/how-to-celebrate-imbolc

Jewellery can be part of a potent personal ritual to connect you to the seasons and the folklore that surrounds them.

Wearing a symbol of what you wish to honour will act as a tactile reminder of your desires and wishes. Adorning yourself in symbolic jewellery is a way of ritually dressing yourself the same way you might a sacred altar.

With this ritual, you become a living altar to honour the season.

www.thornandclaw.com

IMBOLC SYMBOLISM

https://www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/how-to-celebrate-imbolc

Plants:

Snowdrops: These delicate flowers emerge resiliently from the frost, symbolizing hope and the promise of new beginnings.
Crocuses: Bursting forth in vibrant hues, crocuses embody the awakening earth, signalling the return of warmth and growth.

Colors:

White: Reflecting the purity of snowdrops, white symbolizes the blank canvas upon which the coming seasons will paint their stories.
Green: A subtle emergence, green signifies the first stirrings of life beneath the soil, a harbinger of the verdant landscapes to come.

Animals:

Ewes: Imbolc aligns with the lambing season, emphasizing the nurturing aspect of the season as ewes birth new life.
Swans: Revered in Celtic lore, swans represent transformation, embodying the journey from winter's slumber to the awakening of spring.

Food:

Dairy: Imbolc is historically associated with the lactation of ewes. Dairy products symbolize sustenance and the life-giving properties of nature.
Seeds: As the earth stirs with potential, seeds represent the latent possibilities waiting to burst forth in the coming seasons.

https://www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/how-to-celebrate-imbolc

Do you sense the wheel turning once again? What changes have you noticed near you? ⁠
⁠
In the quietude of winter's embrace, there emerges a subtle shift, a stirring of life beneath the frost-kissed earth. Here in the Northern lands Imbolc is celebrated around February 1st and 2nd and marks the gentle transition from winter's slumber to the promise of spring.⁠
⁠
The word Imbolc is derived from the Old Irish word "Imbolg," meaning "in the belly," and this Gaelic festival symbolises the burgeoning life nestled within the womb of the Earth.

www.thornandclaw.com

Imbolc is celebrated around February 1st and 2nd and marks the gentle transition from winter's slumber to the promise of spring.

Imbolc celebrates the midpoint between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox, embodying the increasing daylight and the gradual return of warmth. It beckons us to witness the tender shoots pushing through the soil, mirroring the inner awakening that unfolds within ourselves. As nature readies itself for renewal, so too do we prepare to embrace the burgeoning light within.

In the spirit of honouring this ancient celebration, let's explore traditional ways to revel in the magic of Imbolc.

https://www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/how-to-celebrate-imbolc

I can't quite believe Thorn & Claw is now 4 years old. 4 year of crafting talismans to aid you in keeping connected to the wilds. To ritually dress yourself as a living altar and as an offering to your most ancient roots. Here is to another 4 years of craft and metal-flecked magic.

What would you like to see offered in the future? Serpents, Hawthorn, Ogham trees and perhaps spirals are stirring in my creative waters... but what visions do you want to see brought to life, and in what form?

Let me know what you would like to see transmuted this coming year ahead.

www.thornandclaw.com

HURRY - LAST FEW DAYS FOR YULE ORDERS

There are only a few days left to order for UK deliveries, and international orders are now back to my usual timescales. However, options are available for express postage if you still covet something reaching you overseas before the festive period. Reply to this message and we can speak of possibilities.

LAST ORDER TIMINGS FOR YULE

Any orders outside of the UK = December 4th

Any orders to the UK = December 14th

To guarantee your order arrives on time, I would highly recommend ordering as soon as you are able. Anything ordered after the cut-off times for your location will be crafted with my usual turnaround of approximately 4-6 weeks.

www.thornandclaw.com

New - Necklace chain length guide ⛓️

A few of you requested this, and so I have put together a little guide to help you find the perfect chain length for your talisman, as well as exploring the different chain styles available.

Necklaces symbolise personal talismans that weave stories and meaning into our daily lives as we become a living altar.

This guide will explore the different chain lengths that may accompany your talisman and the various ways in which they may be worn.

https://www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/a-simple-guide-to-necklace-chain-lengths

GALDR - MAGPIE BEAK NECKLACE IN SOLID STERLING SILVER

Galdr is an Old Norse word for spells and incantations. A master of this craft was said to be able to raise storms, make distant ships sink, swords blunt, and decide the outcome of battles.

There is an old folktale that Magpies contain a drop of blood from the devil hidden under their tongues. It was said that if you cut the tongue of a Magpie to let out this drop then it would be capable of human speech.

The symbolism in this talisman represents the power of our speech, and the incantation in every sound uttered from our lips. Words are spelled out because there is magic within every sentence.

www.thornandclaw.com

What does the Raven mean to you? Have you ever had any close encounters with one?

Ravens represent ancient wisdom, intelligence and transformation. They are spectral messengers, bearing the weight of untold visions and prophetic whispers.

Ravens embody shapeshifting gods and goddesses, harbouring the secrets of creation and destruction.

I wanted to try a little something different, so if you find this layout and knowledge helpful, leave a little comment below and let me know what you would like me to share next time.

www.thornandclaw.com

Haffrú - Silver seashell necklace in solid sterling silver 🐚

This silver shell pendant is handcrafted to be worn as a statement talisman, as an ode to the ocean. It also makes a perfect gift for a loved one, a wild swimmer or an ocean siren. Wear this shell necklace as a reminder that we harbour immense power within our depths.

Haffrú, the Icelandic name for the mermaid of ancient lore that possesses ethereal "spae-sight" to foretell the future. Woe betides those who harm her, for in a Norwegian tale a wicked sailor severed her hand. In vengeance, she summoned a tempest that nearly consumed him, revealing her power as a vengeful stormweaver.

Take a closer look by following the link in my bio.

❄️ Last order dates for Yule gifting ❄️

If you wish to gift a loved one or yourself with a thorn & claw talisman, please take heed of the dates below.

Due to the unpredictable nature of this season, I wanted to give you as much notice as possible for order timings. To be safe, I would strongly advise ordering as soon as you feel able to, but the timings below should aid you. There is a little flexibility of course, so if you have any questions please contact me and we can speak of possibilities.

Last order timings for Yule

꩜ Any orders outside of the UK = December 4th

꩜ Any orders to the UK = December 14th

To guarantee your order arrives on time, I would highly recommend ordering as soon as you are able.

Anything ordered after the cut-off times for your location will be crafted with my usual turnaround of approximately 4-6 weeks.

www.thornandclaw.com

The perfect talisman for Samhain, and the darker seasons ahead - Vörðr, Thorn & Claw's signature Raven talon necklace in solid sterling silver.

Ravens are prominent features within Celtic mythology. The Morrigan is the shape-shifting Celtic Goddess of fate and death - in addition to being the patroness of vengeance, divination, and witches.⁠

⁠She was said to fly over battlefields in the form of a raven and determined the outcome of the battles ahead. The Celts believed that as they fought, the Morrigan would soar, shrieking overhead in her raven-form, summoning slain soldiers to the Otherworld. ⁠

www.thornandclaw.com

Will you be celebrating Samhain? Do you have any rituals that you hold sacred? 🍂

The word "Samhain" itself carries the essence of this day, signifying 'summer's end,' where darkness overtakes the light. A time of harvest and introspection, it asks us to reconnect with the earth, to feel the raw pulse of nature coursing through our veins.

This ancient celebration finds its roots in the Celtic traditions, where villagers would gather to share their last bounties of the year. Yet, beyond the material offerings, Samhain is a time of profound spiritual significance. It is when nature's heartbeat slows, the winds whisper secrets and our ancestors walk a little closer.

www.thornandclaw.com