Category: Symbols

Of Shade and Shadow (by Niamh and Rebecca Schmid) Inspired Scented Bookmark

7/21/2023

Of Shade and Shadow, Book 1 of A Daughter's Ransom Series, by Niamh and Rebecca Schmid is a freaking masterpiece! Well-crafted! Brilliant! I could seriously fan girl like crazy over every aspect, from the characters to the world building to the uniqueness of the story itself! Definitely a memorable highlight and one of my favorites from my 2022 reading!

A bit about the bookmark...

Scent- mint (the cold setting of Mithreema)
Fabric- sparky, grey, cloudy fabric (once more the foggy, rainy, gloomy setting of Mithreema)
Charm- horse (Astra's horse, Dannsaur, both of whom freaking rocks! Also capture the traveling the characters do and the adventure of the story!)
Button- green eye (the antagonist and Astra's PTSD)
Ribbon- gray (matches the fabric)

Available in my Etsy Shop

Blurb...

The Great War is won… so everyone tells her. But even with her brother now king, Astra Verzaer knows the fight is far from over. When her sudden exile finds her alone in the dreary country of Merimeethia with only the aloof Prince Louko for company, she digs deeper in vain attempts to find proof of her suspicions. Yet Astra is not the only one with secrets, and she soon finds herself swallowed up in a sudden uproar over Merimeethia's throne--an uproar which she believes to be caused by the very person she set out to find. But will anybody believe her? Even if they do, will it be too late?

Available on Amazon

My review...

Learn more about Of Shade and Shadow, A Daughter's Ransom Series, and authors Niamh and Rebecca Schmid...

READ INDIE AND LEAVE A REVIEW!!!!

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Oaths of Affection (by Maria Yrsa Rönneus) Inspired Scented Bookmark

6/29/2023

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Oaths of Affection by Maria Yrsa Rönneus is a really fun regency romance that will fill that Bridgerton craving! It is a great book for anyone who enjoys Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde. There are three other books in her Regency Tales series, with another I've had the honor of beta-reading coming out September 1st, Offers of Atonement (which is absolutely phenomenal)!

A bit about the bookmark...

The character of Oaths of Affection were a hug inspiration for the bookmark...

Scent- orange rose (the former for the love interest, Arthur Hastings, and the latter for Marigold's friends)
Fabric- brown with gold speckles (represents Marigold's resiliency, as seen when her awful aunt orders her to only wear brown and she turns that order on it's head)
Charm- copper key (the "fairy" key Marigold's father gives her in the beginning of the story, telling her it "shall unlock any conundrums you may encounter")
Button- green flower (Marigold's eyes and the wedding ring)
Ribbon- light pink (Marigold's friend gives her a light pink ribbon for her "fairy" key)

Available in my Etsy Shop

Blurb...

After her parents' fatal accident, spirited and principled Lady Marigold is forced to live with vindictive relatives. Her father’s fortune gone, marriage is the only way to escape a fate as her spoilt cousin's companion. Yet, inexplicably, her aunt and uncle oppose any suitable match in favour of a shady, overly familiar lawyer.

Before long Lady Marigold is persuaded that the gallant Major Arthur Hastings is the man of her dreams. But, as he is due to leave for India, she dares not trust that his intentions are serious. Even with the assistance of loyal friends, it will take all of Lady Marigold's courage and wit to challenge convention for the right to choose her own future before there can be a happy ever after.

Set in the gloomy year of 1816, this sultry drama of challenge and change, is a Cinderella-story that blends factual history and philosophy with satire and an appreciation of the ridiculous.

Oaths of Affection is the first of the epic Regency Tales by writer Maria Yrsa Rönneus. Transporting you across the centuries into a world of love and jealousy, friendship and deceit, the Tales span the years following the horrendous battle of Waterloo against a backdrop of political tensions, societal pressure, and the opulence of the British aristocracy.

Available on Amazon

My review...

Learn more about Oaths of Affection, Regency Tales, and author Maria Yrsa Rönneus...

READ INDIE AND LEAVE A REVIEW!!!!

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Summer of '77 (by Rebecca Amiss) Inspired Scented Bookmark

3/29/2023

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Summer of '77 by Rebecca Amiss is a great nostalgic trip, exploring huge changes in childhood, from death in the family to a big move! I read Summer of '77 in June of 2022! I really enjoy Rebecca Amiss's writing and have more of her books on my tbr! The next one I have my eyes on is South of Home!

A bit about the bookmark...

Elements I pulled from Summer of '77 for the bookmark, includes a quote I absolutely love, the setting, some major themes and more...

Scent- triple citrus (inspired by my favorite quote from the book: "Anyone can make lemons into lemonade," she said. "But to make limes into lemonade you have to work extra hard.")
Fabric- gold circle spirals on blue and purple (inspired by sparklers and fireworks as the book takes place around the 4th of July and both are tied back to changes in traditions)
Charm- root beer float (important traditions and grief)
Button- sparkly shell (tied back to the story's setting)
Ribbon- sheer gold

Available in my Etsy Shop!

Blurb...

Twelve year old Albert Weiss' life is crashing down. Six months after the death of his mom, his dad decides to move them from Manhattan to York, Maine for a fresh start. With his grief still very raw, Albert becomes more determined to hate his new home, constantly putting him at odds with his father. Albert's dad avoids every opportunity to mention his mom, making Albert feel like he has no one to turn to.
Enter Robin Harper, Albert's eleven year old next door neighbor who blows into his life like a tornado. She is eccentric as she is compassionate–and someone who just may be the key to Albert and his dad healing.

Available on Amazon!

My Review...

Learn more about Summer of '77 and author Rebecca Amiss...

READ INDIE AND LEAVE A REVIEW!!!!

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Butterfly Symbolism

12/3/2018

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Butterflies, much like the phoenix, are a symbol of transformation. Though, commonly associated with Spring, they are perhaps best tied to all year, as their life, too, is a cycle that often reflects our own and the turning of the wheel of the year. As Fall and harvest come to pass and we approach the winter and hibernation, we, too, have feasted and now tuned inward, as the caterpillar becoming the chrysalis.

Like Persophone in Greek mythology, we retreat to and examine the darkness within as we celebrate the darkest time of the year. It is the time for self-reflection, clearing the webs of the old year to make way for the new.

And, just as the caterpillar waits in the darkness of the chrysalis to spread their newly forming wings, we, too, await the new year and the transformation of self.

Inspired by this post by The Enchanted Wren!

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An Ironic Profession and A Masterpiece Cover

6/24/2015

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The box of my books finally arrived! (Can you hear the squealing from there?) And, let me tell you, it is like all the best Christmases all rolled up into one (I might have stolen that line from my mother)! For a profession that relies so heavily on words, it’s ironic that there are no words for moments like these. It is truly indescribable. I mean, I wrote that. This is my story, my baby.

It’s important to understand, though, I did not accomplish this alone. Yes, I wrote a story, but to get it into a form I can hold and open (and caress the cover and sniff) was the support and work and patience of many individuals. What makes these moments even more special is having these people I love stand beside me and support me on this incredible journey, like my boyfriend and the people I mention in the acknowledgements, such as my editor, my brother, one of my best friends.

Jessie J Inspirations (Jessica Johnson), the cover artist, and one of her knuckleheads with her copy of Society's Foundlings!

Another person I mention is my other best friend and cover artist, Jessica Johnson. She deserves more recognition than I could possibly give. Her talent alone is award winning. But the reason why my books are so beautiful, part of the excitement when opening the box, is the masterpiece she made for my cover.

I know I’ve been saying that a lot on social media, but there is no other word that could possibly fit. The details alone are outstanding, like that on the bricks or the wood (or the whole thing, really). But it’s also the attention to detail in the way it fits the story so perfectly - The shoes and wooden porch and the brick steps and the dandelion. And everything about the design came from her. She was one of my first readers and there could be no better book cover for my story.

Jessie J Inspirations with her newest Goddess Art Print at the Long Beach Woman's Spirit Summer Solstice Festival!

This attention to detail is not unique in the beautiful book cover she illustrated for me. You can find it in all of her work, from her Cherry On Top or Pokémon Pinups to her newest goddess art print. Be sure to check out her work. Because trust me, whether you order her work online or buy it from her in person at one of her events, you will be as excited as I am!

Check out more of work:

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Art Belongs to the Customers

3/14/2015

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As artists, we make a specific something with a specific purpose or reason in mind. We try to convey our own meanings.

Every time a customer walks into the booth, I give my well rehearsed spiel. "These are fairy doors. They are hand carved and hand painted. You stick them at the base of a tree or on a bookshelf, anywhere you want to invite the fairies."

My main goal and purpose is to offer products that will draw the fairies into your world and enchant it. While accomplishing that goal, I have also sought out ways to appeal to a wide audience and remain unique.

Despite my intentions as the creator, the customers will find different ways to use my product and different meanings behind it. Take, for instance, Seeds of Inspiration's Ouch Pouch Line. This is an aromatherapy product that can be used in the freezer or microwave as an ice pack or heating pad. It's scented with lavender and chamomile and can be used for anything from bumps and bruises to ear aches and migraines. A friend and constant customer, Jess, used her personal ouch pouch on her bottle fed puppy. The poor little guy was the only one of his litter to survive and the ouch pouch neck wrap helped offer the comfort and warmth he normally would have found from his litter mates.

My customers tend to first have their interested piqued by recognizable, or even not so recognizable, designs. Then the door itself. Sometimes the purchase is for nostalgia, sharing the interest, or a different meaning behind the same message. A Dalmatian fairy door is now used to memorialize a beloved pet who has crossed the rainbow bridge. My TFIOS door becomes a reminder to a loved one that everything will always be okay. Or, most recently, a custom ordered 82nd Airborne fairy door will bring comfort to a little kid every time he gets scared at night.

Another example is my fairy bottles. They normally feature miniature scenes in tiny glass bottles. People have used them as ornaments to hang on their tree. They use it as attachments to key chains. Just a few months ago, at the steampunk convention it was used as part of a cosplay outfit.

John Green said books belong to their readers. The same goes for art. When that door leaves my booth, it opens to something more. It becomes more than I could ever dream.

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The Secret Handshake

11/16/2014

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At my most recent event, a customer mentioned how cool they thought it was that I had very ancient symbols, such as my goddess fairy door, and some newer symbols, such as my Mockingjay inspired ornament. I had something for everyone, they said. As Seeds of Inspiration put it when I was talking to her about it, it’s almost like a secret handshake. Whether it’s the knowing look and smile I receive from a customer picking up the goddess fairy door, or the squeals and shouts of excitement over my TFIOS inspired products, it kind of feels like a secret handshake. The customer and I share more than a mutual understanding and knowledge; we share a connection.

Certain symbols like that of the goddess or the okay… okay clouds from TFIOS fit into certain niches. If you know Divergent you recognize my Divergent door. The same can be said for many of the symbols I use. Some people who have never heard of TFIOS will buy a TFIOS inspired fairy house because the glow in the dark infinity sign on the top reminds them of their wedding. Most of my sales, though, when it comes to a more specific audience comes from people who fit into the niche. Teenagers tend to gravitate most to my products that are inspired by young adult fiction. A woman wearing the celtic knot necklace and matching earrings is more likely to pick up my celtic knot tree of life door.

That being said, there are certain universal symbols, recognized by all and it is all who seem excited to see them. A sixty year old man will pick up the same spiderman fairy door that a six year old girl picked up not five minutes ago. An eight year old boy will gush over the same Lorax fairy door that a thirty year old woman gushed over an hour or so before. There is a connection there, too. Everyone knows Thomas The Tank Engine. Anyone can recognize Thing One and Thing Two. There is no one who does not know the Batman Symbol or The S Superman wears on his chest.

Then there are the personal symbols, like my logo. This is not universal. This does not fit into a specific niche. No one I have ever come across knows the artist. But it’s not so much the artist. It’s not even so much the artwork itself, though it is a huge inspiration. It is a connection, too; a connection to my grandmother that I then share with my customers.

Deep down all symbols are somewhat personal, even the most universal. There is a reason we feel drawn and choose certain symbols over another. When it comes down to it, it can be as personal as scent, and yet it still holds a capacity to connect two total strangers.

Acorn Tops is proud to be able to have a little something for everyone. I extend my hand… you know the handshake.

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Of Shade and Shadow (by Niamh and Rebecca Schmid) Inspired Scented Bookmark

A bit about the bookmark...

Blurb...

My review...

Learn more about Of Shade and Shadow, A Daughter's Ransom Series, and authors Niamh and Rebecca Schmid...

Oaths of Affection (by Maria Yrsa Rönneus) Inspired Scented Bookmark

A bit about the bookmark...

Blurb...

My review...

Learn more about Oaths of Affection, Regency Tales, and author Maria Yrsa Rönneus...

Summer of '77 (by Rebecca Amiss) Inspired Scented Bookmark

A bit about the bookmark...

Blurb...

My Review...

Learn more about Summer of '77 and author Rebecca Amiss...

Butterfly Symbolism

An Ironic Profession and A Masterpiece Cover

Art Belongs to the Customers

The Secret Handshake

On Fairy Wings and Acorn Hats

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