Da'oud Thompson’s blog

The Fung Shui of a fledglings nest

nobody@vox.com(Da'oud Thompson) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:22:09 -0700

Every year, when I arrive at the Colorado Renaissance Festival, wild birds have colonized the rafters with a nest or two, filled with eggs.

One day, we find a blue egg broken on the floor below the last nest. Later, four little chicks hatch, and a riot of chirping ensues each time the parents fly in to feed them. For a time, Daddy finch, red breasted and diligent, brings food. Mama finch keeps up the heroic effort, long after the dad has disappeared.

On the weekend, we lay out our jewelry, dress up in Renaissance garb, and converse with the crowds. Mama finch flies into our booth, between costumed heads and the ornate roof. Tweet freaking tweet, all sales stop for a moment as Mama regurgitates into peeping throats of intrepid chicks.

I get codependent with these little beings, worrying about their future. How will they survive amongst the many hazards that await, the crows that flock, the cats. It's nerve wracking.

The next weekend, the birds are ready to fledge, yet crowds abound. I worry. Luckily, they wait till monday, and take off, one by one, leaving the nest empty, and the booth is alive with happy flying little birds. Even red breasted Papa arrives for the big event.

I am told that in fung shui, the nest was situated in the public recognition, reputation and esteem section of the booth, a propitious place for new life to emerge. Precious emeralds, sparkly alexandrite, passionate rubies find new homes. On the peak of my shoppe's tower, a baby finch sings a joyful tune.

I hope I handle it better next year.

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Why Renaissance?

nobody@vox.com(Da'oud Thompson) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:06:09 -0700

Walk down the isle at one of the larger Renaissance festivals in America, and you might run into my jewelry shop, sometimes built to look like an ancient temple, a many towered princess fort or a Swiss Chalet, what ties them together is the sparkly gemstone encrusted treasures to be found within. Dressed in a leather vest, feathered hat with favors and pins a plenty, I stand next to the red headed charmer/comedian, Starr. In this theatre of a Renaissance Village, playful interaction, jesting, and telling a yarn to amused onlookers is the order of the day. Get silly and try on some gorgeous pearls, why don't you? Have Da'oud take a look at the diamond you've been saving in that hideous setting Grandma left you...

At the Renaissance Festival people get dressed up, eat exotic food, imbibe ale or wine, and meander into a realm of silliness, beauty, and humour. We here at Jewelry By Da'oud hope to provide fulfillment in the realm gemstone colors and shiny adornment.

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May the Squid be with you!

nobody@vox.com(Da'oud Thompson) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:32:04 -0700

Recently, I was asked what's with the Squid thing? Ever since my youth, the Far Side comics featuring giant squids doing anamorphic things grabbed my imagination. First came the squid pendant, next it sprouted wings. A Squid Pin, three squids around a stone, and a squid ring are all a part of this retinue. Fun and squidly. Squids are like rockets underwater, squirt ink to confuse their enemies. I guess I need to take pictures of all these things, eh? stay tuned!

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What inspires my jewelry

nobody@vox.com(Da'oud Thompson) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:08:03 -0800

I am a jeweler who designs and sells my work primarily through Renaissance Festivals. I work in silver and gold, and have a variety of designs both whimsical and fantastic, as well as Celtic knot and Art Nouveau designs. I specialize in wedding rings and sets. My website is jewelrybydaoud.com

I usually get special orders from people, and that defines where I go with my creativity. Want a winged monkey earring? Send me in that direction and I research it, and develop and sculpt a wax model, cast it up, refine it, and then mold the best in the series for my final piece. The process of casting is documented on my website at the following address: http://jewelrybydaoud.com/waxcasting.asp

I'm inspired by nature and the grand chaotic fractal world of vines, leaves, flowers and branches. I frequently make the prongs to hold stones secure out of these design elements. I use animals, birds, reptiles and such in the same way. The beak of a bird may hold in a side of a stone, or the tongue of a gecko and his padded feet to secure a stone, such as in the Gecko ring. For an example of the Gecko ring in gold, check here: http://jewelrybydaoud.com/detail.asp?ProductID=149&cat=3&subcat=36

Because I'm sometimes trying to meet the needs of a customer for their special project, and then they allow me to add this new design to my zoo, I'm open to the wide world of possibilities. I'm listing some directions I'd like to go, should anyone like to commission me for something in that direction.

Ideas for future projects:

    American Indian pictographs on rings or necklaces
    large pectoral necklaces with gemstones and floral or art deco themes
Ancient Coin jewelry, already in the works, more on this later...
    Luckenbooth broaches and rings, I have a few right now, but no photos as yet.

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