A Type of Magic

As a kid I loved mythology and had I spent more time in the ocean rather than being restrained to collecting seashells on the beach, I bet I would have spent my time hunting mermaids. Of course when I use the word 'hunt' I mean luring them in with halves of tuna sandwiches in the hope of sharing deep and meaningful conversations about the universe and the meaning of life. If mermaids were real, then I assume they would be an ancient race with many great gems of wisdom to impart on their land-locked brethren, the human race.

There seems to be many different types of magic, apart from the traditional mythological creatures of unicorns and mermaids. The most modern in my eyes would be photography and the art of applying make-up, used to transform one person into something more magical and alluring such as this face shown above surrounded by pink leaves and flowers. I love the natural look of freckles as well as thick lashed without the clumpy mascara. It seems wonderful the way the leaves match the lips and tongue of this girl who may even represent some sort of mystique forest sprite and a guardian of plants.

I don't believe in the healing properties of hexagonal crystals but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy wearing them around my neck. You can easily detach these little crystals and string them along a range of different silver chain necklaces- I know I have many stored in my little jewellery holder available to mix and match. For a few extra dollars there are more perfected styles in pyramid points as well as small crystal skulls but I think I prefer the more common touch- there's a whole lot of colours available for these healing crystals, my favourite is Lapis Lazuli.

What could be more magical then leaving your old life behind, grabbing a whole bunch of balloons and floating away from all of life's problems such as the nine to five grind and the sole crushing reality of adulthood? I love the dreamy pastel colours of orange, pink, lilac and opaque as well as the brooding head-tilt of the two girls anchoring the mass of balloons. My imagination was taken away by Disney Pixar's 'Up', I was one of the pathetic people to cry because seeing it made me realise how easy it is to let your entire life slip away from you because of the ordinary and taking part in day-to-day routines.

If I had an empty desk space that I felt needed decorating I wouldn't mind filling it with a variety of lucky cat statues with their poised paws and range of colours, but I've also taken a licking to teapots in the shape of elephants. There aren't as many available lucky cat statues on Etsy but there are some lovely good luck charms that can be held in ones hand. I don't really believe in good luck charms anymore, I have the support of my family, friends and boyfriend which I believe to be all the good luck I need but when lucky cats look this good and colourful, it seems I should be scoping out the dusty shelves of Asian green grocers more often.

It's a wonder how some of these images of mermaids are put together- whether it's entirely Photoshop or people in costume as well. One of the girls I used to sit next to in math class was doing mermaids as her focus for art class and she was doing drawings but also had to explore photography a little bit. I've seen the mermaid costumes on the outfit and there is the minor detail of the feet to walk around when in costume but I wonder if there are full fish tails available. Bustiers have been popular in recent years, so they shouldn't be so much of a problem really.

Pink and purple hair reminds me so much of fantasy and unicorns as well as small little figurines of My Little Pony- it doesn't seem to matter whether you're wearing an outfit with colour or all black. Colour seems to adore the company of other clashing colours and patterns seem even brighter and bolder but when wearing all black, you still have the appearance of a sunny disposition and are somewhat kooky and approachable. There's also the small matter of being able to wear black lipstick and looking like a bad-ass punk, or perhaps a shade of soft pastel pink to match your wickedly dyed hair.

I believe the model shown above is Bambi, but it's a little difficult to tell without a proper look at the prim eyebrows hidden under a bandanna adorned in spikes and studs. There's something modern and very twenty-first century gypsy about the bandanna, nose piercing as well as pyramid shaped ring in blue resin. If I'm not mistaken, it looks like the works of Elke Kramer or something similar. I personally love pyramid shaped rings as well as hexagonal shaped crystals. There's something satisfying about the regular polygons and shapes as well as the pointed natured of both three-dimensional shapes.

I've always wanted a dream catcher, though I have had the good luck to not be plagued by nightmares and bad dreams. As of late, things have been strange in my subconscious while I sleep but my greater nightmares are faced everyday on the street when meeting new people and at work. I wouldn't mind having a dream catcher clipped above my ear to keep away all the negative and snide comments I hear when at work but I suppose that's a far stretch. I'm sure there's plenty of amazing and colourful dream catchers available at the Camberwell market, as well as on Etsy adorned in feathers, beads and webs in many threaded colours.

This little cat reminds me much of the black cat in 'Kiki's Delivery Service', a popular Anime film from the creative world of Hayao Miyazaki which I really want to buy on DVD or maybe even rent from my university library as soon as I sign up with them. I've seen the movies 'Ponyo', as well as 'Spiritied Away' from the Japanese creative genius and I loved them for their imagination, unusual plot quirks as well as great Anime art. I always feel sad and left out when there's a marathon of all his movies going on when I don't have full access and subscription to the television network.

The most magical pieces I adore at the moment include the range of Olympia Le-Tan book clutches made using brass, Liberty lining on the inside and embroidered detail as well as felt on the front cover. When I settle into doing my university degree and the routine as well as workload I may one day enroll in a course outside my own institute for textiles as well as fashion design perhaps. It's nothing more than a hobby to me and I think I would enjoy keeping up to date with fashion and like-minded people in this field.

I spent most of my money on my black Yves Saint Laurent ring (very much worth it though!) and I'll be waiting for a little while until I can get my rolls of film developed. I'm sure when I see the old nostalgic images of my final week of school and celebrations I'll fall back into my routine of carrying a camera around in my pocket and maybe having cheap disposable cameras with me as well. I should stock up on as much as Kodak as I can since they are sadly going bankrupt after the digital age has revolutionised the world of photography.

I love the use of two photographs used together in a mirror image- there's something cheap but satisfying about the appeal, just like eating greasy fast food. I love the psychedelic colours of this shirt all melted together that match her hair and front fringe- that seems really magical. I wonder if Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry ever had hipsters and girls with multi-coloured hair attend their fine institute.

I actually can't wait for university orientation to start and to finally join 'Monash Muggles', a club dedicated to the reading as well as viewing of Harry Potter movies including trivia and dressing up. I wonder how much of the classes at Hogwarts were dedicated to using crystals... probably mainly Professor Trelawney's Divination since she used crystal balls, tea leaves and other methods to predict the future. There are people out there that believe in the power of crystals and that they have an influence over human behaviour but I mainly adore them over their colours and shard-like shapes.

No matter how hard I try I can never find anything as mystical looking and spectacular as this aquamarine coloured piece of crystal quartz coated in gold plate. I know the chemical process of gold plating but it's all very complicated when using electricity and what's known as electrolysis- I wonder what is the stone used for this crystal necklace and whether that's real gold used. It would look wonderful when worn around a plain white sweatshirt with a simple print on it- had I the money and a little less-discipline when it came to buying things I wouldn't mind getting a sweatshirt from Yokoo Gibraan's Etsy store.

You only live once so maybe my life would be spent better experimenting with my hair and making it into wild colours; the thick curls shown in the hair here could almost be mistaken for dreadlocks in its very early stages. I love the variety of colours within this very small section of the rainbow- it's as if each lock of hair has been individually dyed using variation on dye all mixed together on an artists pallet. My mother would personally disown me if I ever had my hair in such a shocking colour buy dip-dyeing means that only the ends are in a shocking colour and they can easily be removed with a simple snip using scissors.

Black Mood

I'm not in my usual dark and mysterious, black-magic-loving mood but I still can't help but sort out some of my favourite images conveying a mystical mood. I am attracted to the notion of shutting myself away in my room, burning a scented candle and reading 'The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy' but after being in a frenzied shirt for my work shirt as well as my wallet, I turned the place upside down and into another mess so that's a no-go zone for the next few days till I have motivation to clean and fold clothes once again. So although I'm off my usual mood of loving black and have been buying colourful things as of late, I wouldn't turn down the opportunity to create some of my own magical photographs by using a shattered lens cap to create warped images such as this. Since Kodak is on the verge of delcaring bankrupcy I find myself moving towards creating photographs that can't be created using a digital camera in a sort of vendetta against the digital age.

Another mystical tool I'm longing to decorate my room with is a lovely set of healing chakra crystals- sat on top of a desk or wardrobe but first I have to wait to get the guts to clean all the dust away. Still, it may be a worthwhile endeavour to see the different shards and spectrum of colours sealed within the walls of these darkly coloured crystals. The hexagonal points lets the light bounce off in all manner of wonderful ways but it also looks a bit like jelly too.

As well as updating my room I'd love to update my hair but I'm also wary of the way everyone around me would take to it! I don't have the pale complexion and blue eyes of this lucky girls to be able to wear soft pink hair, my nose is a little too broad and features aren't all that delicate. The only thing I've managed to start off this year is shaping my eyebrows in the way I want- I still don't know whether I'll dip dye my hair... I'm happy just to admire others who have taken the plunge and accepted the commitment.

While I am in a bit of a colour-loving mood, I still want to get my hands on some creepers. Currently my staff-discount is a ticking-time-bomb waiting to expire so I'm hoping to get everything I can out of my retail experience before it all comes to an end. Unfortunately my manager had no information that was of use as to whether I'll be kept on or anyone else being kept on, when my discount ends and when I have to hand in my keycard. Maybe I'll be able to get a few good book bags, satchels and a pair of black shoes in creepers style before it all comes to an unholy end.

I haven't totally abandoned my love of dark magic, I really want a Nick Von K necklace of a cow skull which comes in brass and sterling silver. While I would never be allowed to display a real cow skull in my necklace my mother can't put up too much of a fuss if I were to wear a smaller one around my neck. It would look fantastic against a black plain dress and I also wouldn't mind seeing the colours of the metal clashing with a vintage, floral patterened dress. I have now given up on buying a cheaper and smaller cow necklace skull from one of my local shops, instead I've got my eyes on the lovely creations from Nick Von K and his four collections.

Despite hitting the middle of Summer, wearing black patterned tights won't go out of style for a while- I should invest in a few pairs of myself. I'm thinking of getting dotted tights as well as tights dotted with hearts. I have no idea as to what brands are good and bad and I don't exactly like buying non-branded stuff from eBay so maybe I'll just stick to hunting around Myer's ladies accessory department.

All I Want For Christmas

One thing I would never turn down should it appear in my Christmas stocking are thick rings made of precious metals such as the ones pictured in this post. The first reminds me a lot of the Globetrotter range by Matina Amanita which called upon buildings and cities from all over the world to inspire their collection. I do quite like the cluster of buildings in yellow gold and rose gold, my top three favourites being the middle and right ring in the top row and the left ring in the bottom row. Russian architecture immortalised in a ring is just so great, I love the enamel and swirling effect. If I were to ever to Russia it would be a photography expedition to enjoy their buildings and their unique structure.

Another design I love when incorporated into ring design is the use of studs- it's not often you see it at all and when it's done well with precious metals the alarm bells go off in my head telling me I must get it. The best brands I know of to get studded rings are New Zealand label Stolen Girlfriends Club as well as Meadowlark; if you're still having problems in your hunt then the best description I can give is to search for pyramid rings rather than stud rings. There can either be pointed and dangerous looking rings or the softened continuous string of studs around the band of a silver ring. It'd be great if I could spoil myself in some of this tough and dark, gritty jewellery but I have an overseas trip to save for.

I love the use of big chunks of raw crystal held in a claw, so by that logic I must therefore have a great adoration for this gold coloured piece and it's rugged. What I love so much about gemstones that are rough cut and look a bit like three-dimensional shattered glass and how the chipped texture really catches the light well and shows off the colour of the crystal material used. It doesn't really matter that the precious metal used for the base and claw of the ring isn't matching gold- in fact if they had chosen to use gold metal for a gold coloured piece of quartz gemstone then it wouldn't have the same sort of impact and gravitas to it. Might even be considered over-kill. No no, this piece is perfect as it is and I love the way it's been crafted, although when trying to braid your hair and you want to wear a ring like this it is recommended you remove it before doing anything involving thin strands of fibres.

As well as rough shaped pieces of geode and quartz clinging together in stalagmites the rough shape and unique sculpting of the precious metal bases also gives it a lovely astrological but home-made look to them. I'd love to get my hands on some rings like these, or better yet find the person who created them because the use of citrine quartz and what looks to be sterling silver as well as rose quartz clusters on a yellow/rose gold metal ring is simply breath-taking. Hard to find in store or online, you are best to search high and low in markets as well as in boutique hippy stores for this sort of thing. Even then it would be difficult to track down. Some of the best things in life are the most elusive and the joy is in the thrill of the hunt rather than hanging that stuffed deer over your mantelpiece.

Clink Jewellery

I've been after mystical and healing crystal jewellery for a while and I found the perfect solution to my search while looking on a New Zealand shop's blog! Superette are a store I added to keep in contact with brands such as Deadly Ponies, Stolen Girlfriends Club as well as D_Luxe Jewellery but I have now discovered another gem of a brand to add to that list. Clink Jewellery have created and harnessed some of the mystical properties believed to be carried in some semi-precious stones in the forms of gorgeous pieces of jewellery. The first photograph shows the raw crystal characteristics of an amethyst coloured quartz geode, hung aloft on a chain necklace and a silver bail.

I was most impressed with this netting necklace which supports a small carved piece of quartz in an amethyst colour in the shape of a skull. I have a small addiction with skulls in pretty shapes and sizes at the moment; along with this piece there's a cow skull in sterling silver I'm thinking of buying down at one of my local shops as well as a small glass bottle of vodka in a skull shape I'd love to display on my window sill. I can't find this piece available on the shop's website so I think someone else may have beaten me to it but it would have been a lovely necklace to wear while on public transport- being able to touch and feel over the sculpted curves and dips of the skull as well as the neat and square teeth. The polished and tumbled look of the rock is what really speaks to me in the design of a skull.

In the traditional shape of a healing crystal comes this pointed and pyramid shaped stone on the end of a silver chain necklace. It looks more like a prop to be used by a hypnotist rather than something you'd wear around your neck but it still looks lovely. I know the perfect thing to wear with this jade coloured stone: a red coloured jumper! Subconsciously I've been wearing red and green as well as favouring my green turtle backpack when going out to work the last two days... I've come down with an infectious case of tinisilitis and holiday Christmas fever. I much prefer the clean lines and sharp point of this necklace compared to the rough and raw look of crystals bound by netting, but I'm morning the loss of the skull stone necklace still.

This Jade Point Necklace is definitely a must have! Jade is known to strengthen the heart, kidneys and immune system. Helps cleanse blood and is a powerful emotional balancer.