Beautifully detailed moths wrought in copper and reminiscent of antique botanical prints dangle from sterling silver earwires.
I made these earrings with copper metal clay cast from an intricately detailed stamp designed for working with metal clay. I cut the clay into the shape of the moth and then painstakingly refined all rough edges and then fired it in a kiln. Once fired the moth components are solid golden bronze and they are burnished for several hours and then I add simple beaded sterling silver earwires for the perfect minimalist finishing touch.
Moths are a wonderful symbol of that which is hidden, even from ourselves. They can be an incredible reminder to us that if we break through that surface to what is hidden, when we brave confronting what is unknown, we become more ourselves. Moths are a beloved source of inspiration for me in that, like butterflies, they are not only beautiful and magical, they are a symbol of transformation. Whenever I see one I believe I have been given a gift, a reminder to myself that I am always transforming myself, when I feel that I am not growing and moving forward as much as I think I should I remember the moth in it's cocoon, appearing to be at rest but doing all kinds of important work underneath the surface.
The earrings measure 1 inch in total length and are just over 5/8 of an inch wide.