Raccoon In The popular Starlit Woods

Necklace: Hand-painted stone from creek. Total length, approx. 22 in./ Clasped: Approx. 12.5 in.(adjustable length). Chain: Antique Gun metal. Beading wire: Stainless steel nylon coating. Beads: Swarovski crystal, black Hematite, glass, black metallic, silver-plated round. Earrings: Silver-plated beading hoops, black glass, black metallic, silver-plated round beads. Ear wire: Brass French.

I saw this inquisitive creature one evening along my Shawnee National Forest creek. The Raccoon was up in an old Shagbark Hickory tree on an incredible starlit evening! We stared at popular each other in silence for a couple of minutes. I spoke to it; it hid a little further behind the tree but showed its face again. I feel like we were playing "peek-a-boo". Being that far in the forest, it may never have seen a human. I tried to capture the spirit, surprise and humor of this little guy/gal raccoon on this beautiful necklace!!

I'm excited to bring to you, Spirit of The Creek Fine Art Jewelry!
I live in the woods--Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois. I guess I'm happiest when I'm in the woods surrounded by nature! I love to be immersed in all of the textures, shades and colors of the surrounding forest! Walking deep into the forest, I inevitably stumble upon the most incredible animals and plants in the most unique, artistic settings. Many of you will never see the flora and fauna that I see because it does require time and effort (a lot of walking!).

Are you a lover of creeks, woodlands, and nature? Then, like me, you've probably been there, walking in or along a creek as it placidly meanders through the cool forest. Do you ever just sit still on the bank and watch the water tumble over the ancient stones? If you're lucky maybe a woodland creature will come along for a cool drink!
For me, a woodland creek is a soother of the soul, a keeper of secrets, and fuel for the imagination. It's a magical place! Nature is so calming. That's why I started this unique jewelry line—Spirit of The Creek. In an impressionistic or abstract way, I try to capture a spring wildflower, a woodland creature, and the glittering moon and stars as they, softly, cascade light on an owl resting on a branch of an ancient woodland tree. It's my desire to bring you some of these sacred images hidden deep in the forest—far from civilization!
It is my desire, through my art, to heighten the awareness of the incredible plants and animals that share this planet with us-by painting their image on a tiny stone that's possibly millions of years old. We inhabit such a magnificent planet and there is no spare! It's not just for humans!! Our wildlife needs our help!

My Technique

Each stone is carefully selected from the creek for its uniqueness (shape and
color). The stone is immersed in the water of the creek/stream located in the natural habitat of my subject matter. Using this same water, along with acrylic and/or watercolor paint, I meticulously try to create that sacred image that I have witnessed on my nature hikes. A touch of glitter and a strand of sparkling beads help to add beauty and magic to the incredible image on each stone—a scene frozen in time. When you wear your unique jewelry, think about the creek flowing softly through the forest, a wildflower rising from the earth, or an owl resting on an ancient tree in moonlight. Your stone has seen it; it's been there. Now, you get to wear it! Are you calm now?

Cynthia Caldwell-Hefner
(One-tenth of sales goes to wildlife rehabilitation and/or preservation of wildlife habitat). Thank You!