Today you are receiving the first of the audio companions for the Locket Project.
In this episode, you can hear my whole backstory and how this talisman came to be.
I also share my trippy thoughts on how small acts of self-healing can impact a widening ripple of cultural evolution.
It's an optional listen. It's just one story. Take it in if it feels right, leave it here if it's not calling to you.
Thank you for sharing this journey,
Kate Ellen
Today you are receiving the first plant companion profiles for the Locket Project. Think of it as a little poem of attributes. My hope is that by sharing a little about these plants, you will connect with a few that might support you during your ritual and beyond.
You will receive 3 plants profiles, with basics on their medicinal and energetic properties. I intentionally selected some plants that are easy to find. Most of these plants grow in many ecosystems & you might find some of them growing right in your yard.
What I am sharing is some of my lay knowledge from my burgeoning study of herbalism. I encourage you to turn to a trusted herbalist/doctor before ingesting any of these plants because that is outside my expertise.
Plant medicine is much more than 'taking herbs' to what ails us. Plants are energetic beings like you and me, so eating or drinking these plants is not at all required to receive healing benefit or to create a relationship with them.
YARROW
Wound healer
Stopper of bleeding - both externally, internally and metaphysically
Womb tender
Harmonizer of transitions
Smooths out emotional fluctuations that feel too intense
Spiritual protector
Assists in solidifying boundaries
Aligns power with tenderness
A bit playful
Today, you are receiving a few short journal prompts to prepare you for your upcoming ritual. I know that for myself, the idea of this level of self-devotion and care is really appealing, but actually implementing it into action feels a little intimidating. It requires some intentional thinking and planning. Will I just fantasize about honoring myself in this way, or will I actually call in the resources I need to actualize this desire?
These prompts are here to support you in affirming your desired ritual. They are meant for you to respond to on paper, by voice memo, by simply contemplating while on a walk or during meditation. It is your time and space to create the healing intention for yourself in preparation for actualizing your ritual into reality.
Meet your next plant companion, one you likely already have a relationship with.
ROSE
Ancient heart healer
Grief tender
Giver of strength to explore sadness and grief without getting lost
Psychic protector with it's boundary enforcing thorns
Nurtures and softens world weary hearts
Immune supporter
Cooling astringent
Exalter of beauty
Symbol of heart chakra, home of love and devotion
Today, the journal prompts revolve around setting the scene for your ritual, by thinking of who will be there.
This is an especially important step to contemplate, and one that might require a few brave moments if you decide that you would like others to be involved in your ceremony.
Brave because you will be asking people to show up for you, and brave because you will occupy and take up space. This can be an unfamiliar or even uncomfortable feeling for some of us, especially if we have done a lot of caretaking for others, putting ourselves last, isolated ourselves, or had any fear of being seen.
These prompts are here to support you in crafting a ritual in whatever way you want. There is no wrong way to do it, so take time to consider your desires and have full permission to honor them.
BERGAMOT
Grief tender
Puts your mind in 'rightful place' —
understanding you are at the right place, right time and in the right moment
Anxiety and depression reliever
Hands you a regal scepter and crown - making you the authority in your life
Calming
Sleep supporter
Boosts esteem and ability to make decisions
Helps in developing your own spiritual, emotional, and energetic neutrality
Supports inner awareness to give strength
Hope you're making some little connections to these plant beings.
Let me know if I can support you in discovering more.
Your last grouping of journal prompts are intended to bring the logistics into focus for you. This is a bit of 'set and setting' forethought will carry you very far when those moments of doubt might creep in. You can do this, it's as easy as considering and planning for the following:
Dear loved one,
As you know, I went through __________ (experience). On _______(date), I am hosting a ritual and ceremony to honor that experience and I'm inviting you because ___________. I would love for you to serve the important role of ______________ (witness, reader, prayer offering, candle lighter, tea pourer, singer, etc). Will you be able to join me?
Nourishment # 8 - Your official Audio Guide
Today you are receiving your Ritual Audio Guide for the Locket Project.
In this guide, you will be walked through the steps of the ritual. You can approach using it in a few ways:
∘ Listen in full to prepare yourself. You can gather your own materials, thoughts, people, intentions, and practices beforehand using the audio guide as a simple outline. When the time comes, you can return to it or use the printed version that will be arriving soon in your kit.
∘ Listen in real time. You can listen as you do the ritual, pausing when needed. It might help to hear it in full once before actually starting so you can think and gather ahead of time. If you plan on doing the ritual solo it can be a lovely support. It's also a nice tool to share with anyone you are inviting into a ceremony with you - to help them feel confident and prepared to support you.
This is a private audio file that you're welcome to stream or download, we ask that it only be shared with folks who will be participating in your ritual.
Download your audio guide here >
We're thinking bright this Spring -- warm, glowing colors are our inspiration for the following months, so here are our March moodboards to sprout new creative ideas and keep your style fresh as we celebrate this first day of the new season.
-Caroline <3
This bright cleansing oil is gentle, free of chemical preservatives and alcohols, and will leave you feeling like you just bathed in a hundred roses. Suitable for all skin types, especially dry, sensitive and blemish-prone skin.
Check out Monastery's collection of skincare goodness here
1. Work with people you like. If I'm going to take on the risk of running my own business, might as well be very picky and selective about who I work with-- afterall the only boss I report to is me! I do not need to suffer any fools :) So not only do our shop artists have to hit aesthetic and craftsmanship standards, but they also have to be 'together' business people who are pleasant to work with. Marja always brightens up the shop, she exudes self-actualization, which leaves so much room for good things to happen around her. I know that this thoughtfulness is in each piece of her meticulously designed and crafted jewelry too, which makes wearing it all the more powerful.
2. Don't be afraid to change directions. Marja made a big transition in the last few years to grow her fine jewelry collection. It's inspiring to see artists draw closer to what they truly want to make even when they cannot answer the question, "Will this work?" business-wise. I've always found that following the money, or starting with the money question, moves you down the road, but often in the wrong direction. Instead, follow the inspiration, the drive itself, the thing in you that just needs to get out... and if you do that well, well... the money is likely to follow.
So anyways, all this to say that Marja and her beautiful, transformational work is popping up this Saturday 12/16 from 11-6 and you can get a chance to see what I'm talkin' about. Come meet the artist, hang, play dress up-- and we will have some exclusive in store sales going too.
If you cannot make it in store, be sure to sign up for our email list to receive a 10% off discount code to purchase her work online this Saturday.
xo Kate Ellen
]]>The quick & dirty:
- We'll be open 10am- 7pm
- Kate Ellen's Seven collection in sterling silver will be 50-75% off
- 10-15% off select home goods and apparel
This year we will be donating ALL proceeds to North Bay Fire Relief.
Come by to say hey, check out the shop makeover, get yourself something real nice and help our northern neighbors.
Also, tune in for our very first Cyber Monday! Email insiders get the full scoop and pre-sale shopping access.
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This Saturday, November 18th our friends at BASIK will be joining us at the shop! Their line is new to Crown Nine and I'm excited to have them in the store this weekend.
BASIK CANDLE CO. is owned and produced by Travis and Allen (and their dogs), who work out of their studio to create fragrant, environmentally-friendly pieces.
These phalate-free coconut wax candles hit a perfect balance between femininity and masculinity because of their unique blends of scents. They all evoke a warm vibe, one that makes me wanna grab the nearest blanket and get cozy for the evening.
My personal fave is the Blood Orange + Bergamot. Um, yes please.
They'll have a selection of pieces in all sizes and will be bringing the good vibes, so come hang out with us this Saturday and snag a candle or two. <3
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We love how Sharon's jewelry strikes a sweet spot between understated and playful to bold and definite statement making. She'll have some last of their kind pieces and a few sample sale pieces on hand at the show.
For all the badass bosses out there, Sharon has your jewelry needs covered.
Last of their kind pieces, sample pieces and a whole lot of awesome.
Plus a 10% discount on her collection all day. In store only.
Saturday, October 21
12-5:30
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Each piece carries such thoughtful design and detail- starting from inspiration of all things nature- to the intricate designs hand carved into wax and finally translated into a variety of metals. and, diamonds. lots of diamonds.
Check out our current selection of Branch lovelies and definitely try some on the next time you're in the shop.
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Our current holding of work is all super soft silk tassels on antique brass chain in pops of color- peach, turquoise, coral, rust.
A couple things about this lady-boss
+ Everytime I get a package from her I am in heaven, even the way she wraps a box and folds tissue paper is inspiring
+ She is also a sculpture artist, which makes sense when you look at her jewelry. The language she is using is about form and structure. I see it as little meditations on how things are bound, attached, and where they are also free and loose.
+ Her instagram is one of my favorites of all time... her work looks amazing in these images but also seeing process and inspiration images really rounds out how I understand her work. This gal broadens my own art education and pushes how I think about jewelry in all the right ways.
Emily with Tuttle
One of her amazing wall-hangings
Statement necklace heaven
Her collection is on sale now through August 1st.
Simply enter code COLORZ to get 10% off your order.
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Now thru 4th of July get 10% off her entire collection with code FAR OUT.
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Our ORIGINS blog series is back y'all and we're kicking it off with the lovely Claire Sommers Buck. We've carried Claire's work in the shop for awhile now- her earthy, southwest-inspired pieces are some of Crown Nine shoppers faves.
Enjoy our chat with Claire below. xo
C9: Why do you make art?
CSB: I make art, specifically jewelry, because it feeds my passion to work with my hands. I love being able to manipulate a material into something wearable and have people truly connect and interact with my work on a daily basis.
C9: How has your work changed over time?
CSB: My technical and conceptual skills have become much more refined since I first started making jewelry. I currently spend more time in the design process, analyzing themes and methods of production. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that jewelry design and fabrication is now my full time gig. It’s really fun, however, to look back on my older creations and feel the raw innocence and wild spirit that personify them.
C9: How do you know when a piece is finished?
CSB: This can be a tricky decision and one that most artists can agree is the most difficult when designing a piece. I generally know when a piece is finished when the comfort and elegance of the design cross paths.
Follow Claire Sommers Buck
Instagram @clairesommersbuck
]]>Edgy, glamorous, stylish shots from our NYC gal @colletteishiyama
Enjoy! xo
]]>HELLENIC- the latest collection from Marja Germans Gard- features her signature bold geometric shapes in sterling silver and bronze with a glowy matte finish. Perfect for stacking and layering, these pieces will have you feeling like the fierce Greek goddesses they're named after.
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Freya is an Oakland floral artist we love recommending. The veteran designer uses a wide variety of sustainable forms outside of just flowers: herbs, fruits, branches, succulents, plants and pods are usually beautifully nested in surprising yet effortless arrangements. Her vibe is relaxed, warm, inspiring which comes across in her works.
Juicy Fact: Freya is also an incredibly talented and moving visual artist and painter. Get obsessed with her paintings and visit them in person in local restaurants like Salt House, Paragon, Anchor and Hope in San Francisco, and Molina in Mill Valley.
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Kate Ellen works closely with gem-cutting rock-star Jean-Noel Soni to select and create custom rings featuring his precise and one-of-a-kind designs. The infamous and award winning gem cutter approaches each crystal family and each piece of rough stone as an individual to be honored, working with his sense of intuition to bring out the best and most interesting qualities of that species and each stone.
The tattoo clad designer tends little care for the established cuts that dominate the current market, yet he simultaneously deeply respects the legacy of his trade and the history of how stone cutting has evolved over time. The scintillating gems produce more than just a visually dazzling display, they also evoke an ethereal wonder.
Kate Ellen loves working with Jean-Noel. "First Jean-Noel himself is so fun and easy to collaborate with-- he brings a vitality and enthusiasm that is really energizing-- he brings super good vibes which is paramount to me because I truly believe that artists put something of themselves into their work that remains. His stones are jaw-dropping; whenever I see one for the first time it feels like nothing else-- just pure joy and beauty."
The process for designing a custom ring using Jean-Noel's begins with an inspiration stone-- clients usually look through the @topnotchfaceting Instagram account and find stones the desired color or shape. From there he selects a piece of rough material-- usually sapphire, garnet, spinel, or phenakite-- and he gets going on cutting a custom stone.
Kate Ellen begins her design work once the stone arrives finished and uses it as the basis for her inspiration. The mounting is crafted to that stone, the shape, faceting patterns, and light refracting map the direction of the ring. Budget extra time for buying on of these rings, Jean-Noel's work is in high demand and usually has a waitlist.
Jean-Noel focuses on sustainable material from around the world, primarily from Sri Lanka, Africa, and even Montana. He cuts stones with both beauty and waste reduction in mind. His totally unique approach has garnered him awards from The Gemology Institute of America (GIA) and American Gem Trade Association.
Owl N' Wood {recently relocated to Old Oakland} has always been known for the impeccable mix of international labels inspired by her Afro-Scandinavian roots alongside vintage finds from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Find a unique mix of local brands, including Rachel's eponymous line O.N.W. -- think long, sleek lines and sexy draping soft fabrics.
The new sunny storefront is on one of Oakland's most historic blocks and hosts a stunning image of style (and everything) icon, Sade. You may have seen the larger than life Jimi Hendrix at Rachel's original location.
Located a half block from Crown Nine on 9th between Washington and Broadway.
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