The ninja-est engagement rings.

I was honored to be able to participate in a really fun and romantic engagement proposal a few weeks ago, and I wanted to share the story. It includes mystery, subterfuge, excitement, romance and of course jewellery, so it's bound to be a great read.

My friend Morgan suspected that her partner Ian might propose at a big music festival called Harvest. Being a good feminist she thought she should have something to give back when Ian  popped the question, so she had me make him a secret engagement ring as well. She was right, because Ian had already commissioned her engagement ring from me. also in secret, of course.  The rings were both finished the day that Ian had planned to propose, and as I arrived at Harvest, much later than I had planned, Ian and Morgan both came to meet me at the gates. I was in a tizzy as to how to get them each their respective rings without the other one catching on.  Morgan came over to my side of the car to chat with me, and Ian stayed on the drivers  side of the van chatting with my partner Chris. I sneakily handed Morgan the ring for Ian, and then while she was distracted I handed Chris the ring for Morgan to give to Ian. Still with me? 
Amazingly, neither one noticed the other pass off. It was truly the ninja-est ring delivery ever. 
We then took a walking tour of the site, and eventually we got to a tent, where Ian told Chris, "hold my beer". (So appropriate) And took Morgan inside. 
A few minutes later they called for us to come in. Ian was still on his knees with Morgan and around them were candles and lots of beautifully framed pictures of their life together. There was also a written sign saying "Will you marry me?" 
Morgan was tearing up and Ian was totally surprised by the ring she had had made for him. 
It was pretty much the most romantic thing I have ever seen in real life. And it was so wonderful to get to participate in this special moment. 

The rings are, for her: princess cut morganite ( for Morgan obviously) accompanied by two diamonds from Ian's grandmothers earrings. They are set in rose gold. 
For him: A rose gold base, with layers of antler, copper and maple, creating a striped band. It was a really fun challenge to make and I really enjoyed working with the organics especially the antler, since I am used to metal. 

I love making wedding and engagement jewelry. It's incredibly rewarding, and fun, but it was extra awesome to get to make the rings for my friends, and then be with them at this special time. 

What's been happening? Reenacting!

It's been a long while since I had time to blog or email, because for the last two months I have been working really hard developing some custom medieval belts and sewing historical clothes for people. After I built my blue swan belt, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to create some more. It turns out I love making belts. It's a really complex challenge and involves a lot of skills, from wax carving to leather work, and oh so many rivets, Each belt had close to 100 rivets, all done by hand. 

Belt plaques getting ready for mounting. 

I spent a week in Quebec, camping on a beautiful property in the 14th century, complete with medieval outbuildings and a fairy tree. I even got to learn the basics of willow basket weaving ( I still have a long way to go before I am much good at it) but I really enjoyed the process. 

Then it was belts belts belts, until August 13th when we headed up to Prince Edward County for our annual Deed of the Red Knight, event. It was pretty glorious, despite insane quantities of mosquitoes and serious heat.  I got to see my newly made belts worn around camp, which was really fantastic. 

Here's the company all lined up and ready for battle. Scroll down to see a gallery of belts! 

Thanks to Tasha of La Cote Simple, for this great photo. 

Featured

Today I am excited to be featured in the  fashionandbeautyinc.com blog. It's a Toronto based fashion blog dedicated to all things fun and fashion. You can see my knuckle rings and my medieval ring with a moonstone.

In other news, Christian Cameron has featured me once again in his blog. This time, I made him a gold heraldic rivet to go in the hilt of the mammoth ivory dagger hilt he was assembling. Not your every day project. You can read more about that on his blog.