If the Antler Fits

I have had the idea of how in one's life we often find ourselves wearing many different hats or as it happens to be in my case multiple hats at any given time of the day. I was thinking back to one of my favorite Dr Seuss stories , Thidwick the Big Hearted Moose , where if you remember Thidwick keeps inviting homeless little animals and birds to roost on his antlers until his burden becomes so heavy that he finds himself a target for the hunters because he has lost his ability to navigate his environment as he had in his lighter days. Then one day he sheds his antlers and feels light and free again. 

I actually was thinking about a light and cheerful post about antlers and some amazing things that were seen on the runway in fashion week Toronto by my daughter but some how this post turned a little allegorical on me.

I am feeling more than a little weighed down with requests and inquiries about the crochet covered stones and although I am so very happy that they are loved by so many I am feeling that after the next shop update I may take a little break from making them to focus on some new creative projects. I really need to feel light and free again to go where my inspiration leads me . 

Okay , that said I want to show you the wonderful antler inspired jewelry of Dandi Maestre and the fashion of Lucien Matis. I remembered this designer from his days on Project Runway Canada. I love this show especially when the designers have a day or two to make an outfit out of something like plants and flowers or the last episode where they had to design outfits for breast cancer survivors out of post it notes. 

I love the color, shapes and texture of antlers and the other materials Dandi works with . I really appreciate the materials description. "We believe in a return to craft and in being honest with what we do. My one of a kind oversized accessories are handmade in my studio in Toronto, Canada only from natural and recycled materials like big pieces of bull horn and bone, raw amber, natural Amazon seeds, shed antlers, reclaimed wood/driftwood and others, like not endangered shells, that stand out for its rarity and beauty. These materials come from all over the world." I have a small antler collection myself , all found by on hikes in the forest or canoe trips in Ontario. How heavy are your antlers these days? Thanks Melissa for your question about antlers. They are shed very easily by the antler adorned mammals every spring. In Canada it occurs usually just after attracting their spring mating partners. I found a good link with some great information about antlers if anyone is interested.

Comments

[mayaluna]

Thank you deeply for this post! Not only was it inspiring to see antlers used in such imaginative ways, but you helped me put into words It can be a little disorientating being a laden down moose. Oh, Thedwick! I say yes to making room to follow new paths... you never know where they will lead!

[mayaluna]

not sure how my comment got chopped off in the middle... must be those antlers getting tangled up again!It should read: "you helped me put into words all that I'm feeling..."
sweet dreams...

[joanie]

Very heavy indeed. Not with the everyday juggling that is par for the course with families, but with things unanticipated. A potential move to a new county in the next couple of months, sigh...

[melissa]

margie, i'm sorry that your antlers are feeling heavy these days. definitely, having a break from selling your crochet-covered stones will be good for you. i've felt the same way- i used to make many pairs of baby shoes and felt rather weighed down by them (creatively.)
i love the antler-inspired fashion. i've never seen an antlered animal before. do they lose their antlers quite easily? i love the necklace especially.
wishing you a peaceful day. x

[Karen Salva]

Such an elegant post. You have to follow your creative path to keep you psyche pacified. This was one of the big fears I had about going to college for art...would I be as happy creating on demand vs my own inspiration. I see you are a physician...I do not think I knew that...I am a pharmacist when not making things. Wish we had some family physicians like you around here :)

[Rane]

Margie~
We are ever changing
creatures I can't wait to
see what new creative art
comes from you!!!!
Poor Thidwick! I remember
reading this when I was
a child.... I am sorry
that you feel like him.
I hope that you do not
shed yourself of all of us!
We love you and if you want
you can roost in my
antlers!!
I love natural art and
accessories! I have been
loving this style since
I was young.
I am teaching my youngest
son Leo about how the
water and sand smoothes
stones...we have a hand
cranked stone tumbler that
he turns to polish his
stones. He has loads of
fun and is learning how
the ocean and even streams
polish stones over time.
I love to teach all of the
children about natural art.
My antlers are not as
heavy as they were at the
begining of the year...
spring always makes them
easier to bear. I am making
spring dresses for the
girls.. it is by no means
spring yet but it takes me
forever to get done so I
have to start early.
I guess creative release
helps the weight of ones
antlers. =0)
Loads of love to you and
your beautiful family!
Rane and kids
~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~

[nicole/astulabee]

I love witnessing your joy and inspired (and informed) spirit as you make and explore so I really look forward to seeing all that comes next! It is spring after all, seedlings (of new ideas)are wanting to sprout!
and I love these antler pics.
xo!
nicole

[Jessica]

It also presents a great opportunity--you can raise prices until the demand isn't so overwhelming, probably making the same amount and interacting with more "serious" fans of your work.

[nanou]

I hope that springtime will open up new creative horizons for you, Margie ... I (and I'm sure that all of us) just want that you feel fulfilled, light and happy ...

[rebekah]

i have to say that my antlers are feeling pretty heavy.. but i can't wait to shed them in a few weeks :)

[abby]

for some odd reason my comments keep disappearing.

So here is an update... I am shedding my antlers as we speak :) a process that is fun and enlivening. Thank you for the re-fresh and the continual inspiration.