Winter Solstice and Trees and Rings

In our neck of the woods, Winter Solstice falls on December 21st at 3:04pm.
Solstice celebrates the rebirth of light after the darkest period of the year.

In honour of the Winter Solstice I thought it would be apropos to share some rings David has made that incorporate woods with Solstice connections.

Trees and botanicals have always been central to the winter Solstice celebration. 

Evergreens are symbols of rebirth. 

The oak tree is sacred to Druids and Mistletoe found on oaks is especially sacred. In the Celtic language, Mistletoe means “All heal”. Mistletoe is a token of good will and peace. 

Holly’s evergreen nature gives it a special place.

The cutting and burning of a Yule log is perhaps the best known tradition of the Winter Solstice. In pagan times different woods were chosen to produce different effects. 

Aspen invokes the understanding of the grand design.

This is a Juniper heartwood ring with an Aspen interior liner

Birch signifies new beginnings. Holly inspires visions and reveals past lives.

A Birch wood ring with an inlay of river rock

Oak brings healing, strength, and wisdom.

These are Maple Wood Rings with inlays of natural Oak knots

Pine signifies prosperity and growth and Willow invokes the Goddess to achieve desires.

This ring is Shortleaf, Loblolly and Eastern White Pine

How ever you celebrate this season of light and renewal ~

We wish you and yours a bright and blessed Solstice. 

With much love, as ever

Nicola and David 

 

A Wooden Wedding Ring for Tim

It was Spring.  The birds were just returning to the meadow. . .

Working with Tim; a self described '60 year old semi-retiring medical guy', was a lovely experience. Tim was looking to replace his gold wedding band which he explained had outlived it's wear-ability years ago. He was also looking to set a good environmental example for his grand kids. Tim gave David excellent information in terms of sizing and fit, and he was drawn to Juniper heartwood.  Beyond that he gave David artistic license to create something beautiful.

Just the other day we received this lovely warm letter from Tim ~ and a photo of Tim and Ingrid's hands taken at their daughter's wedding.

"Greetings David and Nicola.

I commissioned a Juniper Heartwood Wedding band from you last year. After I received it in the Spring I started to wear it sparingly because we were prepping the old house to sell, then proceeding with the renovations on the retirement home we moved to. With all that work, I didn't want to risk it harm. I now have the opportunity wear it out to community and events and at Church. The two of us are well worn and inseparable now.

I'm always delighted to wear it (a perfect fit) and Ingrid is joyed with it too. It is truly a work of art, unique in composition, and announces it's presence in a way that jewelry never can. It's subtle, and reflects light with a warmth that only finely polished wood can. The grain flow and contrast suits my heartwood. So a truly grand and sincere thank you for your composition David.  Kindest regards, Tim."

 

Mohamed and Samantha and their Gibraltar wedding

Samantha and I began our communications in January of this year. 

In an early email, Samantha sent us a photo from in front of the mosque where she and Mohamed had their religious ceremony last year. They were planning their civil ceremony for this summer in Gibraltar and contacted us about commissioning rings for the occasion.

Samantha was so wonderful to correspond and work with; she's the kind of person I'd hire in a heartbeat :) and someone I'd love to have as a friend and neighbour.

Once she and Mohamed worked out their designs, David went to work creating their rings.
When we sent them the photographs of their completed rings, Samantha wrote:

Hi Nicola and David,

Just when we thought we couldn't be any more blown away by your work.. These rings look absolutely stunning - just beautiful. Thank you so much for all you do, and all you've done for us.
Of course we can't wait to get our hands on the rings and see them up close! Based on the photos, they really do exceed our expectations. I can't find words!!
Thank you again. We will let you know when they arrive. I also have to compliment your photography skills! I'm consistently impressed by the two of you.   Take care, Samantha (and Mohamed) 
A couple of weeks ago, we received this lovely email and these beautiful photographs of the happy couple wearing their Touch Wood Rings.

Hi Nicola,
I've been meaning to send you a note for some time now. Mohamed and I could not be more in love with our rings. They are simply gorgeous, feel good to wear, and we get compliments every day! I attached a few photos with a close up of our rings from our wedding day in Gibraltar in case you'd like to see. I hope you and David are well and staying warm up there. I bet the fall colors are quite lovely by you.

Thank you again for making us such beautiful rings!

Samantha (and Mohamed)

David and I wish you both a long and healthy lifetime of happiness together ~ and in the words of Audrey Hepburn, remember; 

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” 

You'll also find Mohamed and Samantha's pics on our Touch Wood Rings Facebook page.

Thanks again to you both and bouquets of love!!