Jay Jasper's Blog, page 36

To Hell and Back

‘Draupnir‘ tells the tale of dwarven headhunters, a father’s love, the ultimate wealth multiplier, and a journey to hell and back. It’s about a gift, made in response to a wager, that almost cost a trickster his head.

Forged in fire, Draupnir was one of three gifts which also included the Mjollnir and the Gullinbursti. They were created by dwarves, Brokkr and Sindri, as part of a wager with Loki. Loki made a bet that they could not make better gifts than the Sons of Ivaldi.

Loki must have lost his head, betting against the brothers. He was very wrong, and this was no small wager.

The dwarven brothers may have won the contest because of the Mjollnir (Thor’s Hammer), but the Draupnir was literally worth it’s weight in gold – actually eight times it’s weight in gold!

It was time for Loki to pay up and he had wagered his head. But as usual Loki had a trick up his sleeve. He argued that in order for the brothers to take his head they would need to injure his neck and that wasn’t part of the bargain.

The dwarves discussed, and settled for sewing his lips together with wire.

Perhaps just to shut him up.

‘Draupnir’, old Norse for The Dripper, was no slouch of a gift. It was a golden arm ring with a special ability: every nine days it would drip out eight new arm rings of the same weight and quality of gold!

Move over Michael Bloomberg, that’s quite a return on investment!

This arm ring would become a prized possession of Odin’s, but in the ultimate act of a father’s love Odin placed it on the funeral pyre of his son Baldr.

But the rings story does not end here.

In the land of death, Baldr would give the ring to the messenger god Hermodr, who would ultimately return it to Odin.

A circular journey to Hell and back rings true for ‘Draupnir‘ – but if you buy this vase, please don’t return it to me.

It’ll be yours. I insist.

Draupnir
$74
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This story was shared in the spirit of January 31st

Hell Is Freezing Over Day!

Mugshot Monday – White Chocolate

Love is like swallowing hot chocolate before it has cooled off. It takes you by surprise at first, but keeps you warm for a long time.” White Chocolate Mug
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— Henri Frederic Amiel Today is National Hot Chocolate Day!

I hope you may enjoy
a sweet and milky moment Today!

And if you aren’t into the drink,
try this hot chocolate instead and kick off your day with some fun!

Need a mug for your hot chocolate? More mugs can be viewed here.

If you don’t see one for sale in the colour you like,
please contact us and we can work with you directly.

What makes you smile
when you get up in the morning?

No Way To Escape!

It’s national escape day and
we are literally snowed in
so let’s take a look at
a story about trying to escape

(while we will go shovel out)!

Forged Seating tells the tale of one of the most hard working gods of Olympus, a goddess who sat down and almost never got back up, an arranged marriage orchestrated to bring peace to Olympus, and one very unhappy bride.

This week we explore the story of Hephaestus and one of his more seemingly regal creations – a throne for Hera – with our raku pottery vase ‘Forged Seating‘. It will of course be another complex tale of mischief and mayhem.

$68
Forged Seating
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A Complex Relationship

If you think Oedipus had a ‘complex’ relationship with his mother, imagine being cast out of your family home, away from all those you love for the simple fact that due to a physical disability and birth defect you were considered too ugly to live amongst your god like family.

If your name was Hephaestus, you’d know this story all to well. But while in the realm of the mortals he did not let his personal history get him down. He worked hard in his forge and his creations became revered by mortals and gods alike. His work became coveted by all.

Have a Seat, Mother

Fuelled by his popularity and skill (and some resentment that likely burned hotter than his forge), he decided to make his ableist mother a special gift that would appeal to her vanity. After all, how could such an important goddess resist a throne forged by the most talented artist of her time.

There was an unexpected surprise in addition to the throne Hephaestus made his mother. Hera would discover that once she sat upon the throne her son made her that she was unable to get up. Perhaps a fitting turn of events for a mother who rejected her son for being born with a birth defect.

Two Birds With One Stone

If you have read many of these stories, you will know that Hera and Zeus had a very complex relationship (insert link to other vase story here). It was more than likely that Zeus probably enjoyed an affair or two while Hera was trapped on her new throne. But eventually, he would need to find a solution to Hera’s sticky throne problem, if only to stop her complaining.

Zeus himself could not free Hera. So he needed to find a way to appease Hephaestus. But what could he offer a man who could make almost anything he wanted?

Meanwhile, As he pondered this problem . . .

The chaos of Olympus grew as a result of many of the gods fighting over the hand of the most beautiful goddess of Olympus, Aphrodite. Realizing that he could quell the chaos, free his wife and appease Hephaestus all by offering Aphrodite’s hand in marriage to our forgey friend, that’s exactly what he did.

This union would prove to bring misery to both the bride, who would be unfaithful to her vows and the groom, who would once again be consumed with vengeance. But for Zeus, this would keep Aphrodite in play, as one of the many women he would pursue.

The moral of the story?

Perhaps revenge is not a dish best served seated . . . or forged. If you could escape to anywhere today, where would you choose to go? Please let us know in the comments below.

You can check out more of our raku pottery vases here and their stories!

This Week At The Studio In Photos

With so much snow,
the colour at this time of year
comes by way of fungi From high up
(as shared on our TikTok here) To tree barkA close-up of the new nameless vase for Name That Vase!
To low down, fungi is very visible this week!That’s been the week here.

How’s your week been?

“All My Jewelry Has Stories” – Eva Green

Happy Saturday!

Did you know that we make jewelry?

(and a lot of other stuff too actually! click here to see)

Yep! Each piece is individually made by hand here at The Alchemist’s Studio and
has its own unique story!Intergalactic Yoda Pendant – $28
Yin Yang Pendant – $28
Medicine Wheel Necklace – $28 They make great gifts
(for valentines and singles alike!)
shipping is included in the US and Canada!Raku Copper Blue Buddha – $25
What kind of jewelry do you like?

Much more is available over on our
jewelry page!

If you have questions about a particular piece of jewelry – or any of the work we do – please be sure to get in touch.

I hope your week so far has been kind to you and that you’ve been kind to yourself.

Name That Vase – Winter 2022

Poets, writers, wordsmiths and word nerds Get your stories/poems/prose of some sort in for our contest!

‘Name That Vase?’ invites YOU to create a story, poem or prose (thoughtful writing) along with a name for one of our raku vases that just came from the kiln!

Help our vase to know their story!

Consider this a chance to be inspired – a writing prompt or a creative cue.

now Here’s our winner from last time!

Congratulations to Juliette Turrell for her winning entry, Aerugo!

Burnished beauty, subtle lustre. Why do you hide your flame?

Has the hard world tarnished your glow?

Retreat is ever only temporary, the view from the stalls, whilst entertaining, is a selfish seat.

You wrap the verdigris to your soul.

Your bloom etiolates, move into the light!

I feel beneath the layered depths, ferruginous strength still holds.

Not all visible luminosity is fakery.

You are worthy of attention, not just introspection.

Maybe, it takes the unique to see through your camouflage?

Autumnal seraph, ochre sprite. Allow your soul light to flourish.

©Juliette Turrell

Aerugo
$74
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And now to our new vase! hmmm . . . What do you think? What is this vase’s name and Story? Please Share a name and bit of writing as your entry in the comments! Looking forward to reading your submissions!

She Had Flower Power And Knew How To Party!

It not spring yet but Our raku pottery vase

Flora’s Hope, celebrates a very special Roman goddess

Flora was not only the goddess of flowers and spring, but she was also the goddess of youth and her initiates really knew how to throw a great party. Flora’s Hope
$120
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Speaking of great parties . . .

Mark your calendars because Flora’s festival Floralia was traditionally held between April 28th and May 3rd and typically included drinking, flower costumes, plays, mimes, and ended in a hunt and feast! Yum!

This festival celebrated the renewal of life – which is something we can celebrate in spring – or every morning!

What is something that you’ve done that you would like to celebrate today?

And what do you think of our raku pottery vase, ‘Flora’s Hope‘?

Let us know in the comments below!

Have a great Friday!

Born To Be Wise

“Owl is the grand and rather clever
old man of the forest. Dark Blue Owl – $75
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He can also spell Tuesday.”-A. A. Milne.

Click here to see more owls

What is something wise that you have learned or have been told
(on a correctly spelled Tuesday,
Friday or otherwise)?

When Self-Love Goes Wrong

‘Echo‘ is a cautionary tale not to ignore an ‘Echo’ in the woods, or fall in love with a gay, unknowingly asexual man, the broken hearts this may cause, and of course – as per usual in most stories involving the gods – a tale of revenge gone terribly wrong.

But at least there were flowers!

Echo
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It’s not Easy being beautiful

It can be hard to feel compassion for all the pretty people. But sometimes they have rough times just like the rest of us!

Take Narcissus for example.

When he was born, his mother Liriope was awestruck by what a handsome baby she had birthed, much like most mothers. Of course she had big dreams for her son and thus consulted the seer Tiresias who predicted he would have a long and happy life, but only if he never discovered himself.

Don’t play that annoying game where you repeat everything someone says

Like any good mother, Liriope took the words of the prophets seriously. She sheltered her son from self-reflection and banished all mirrors from their home, always keeping a close eye on her son. But no parent can keep their eyes on their children 24/7, as much as they may want to.

One day, Narcissus was walking in the woods alone and was spotted by a mountain nymph named Echo who fell deeply in love with him and decided to follow him. Like part of a bad ‘knock knock’ joke, Narcissus, who sensed someone was following him called out ‘Who’s there?’

Echo, of course parroted his question back to him.

After this went on for awhile, Echo revealed herself, and tried to embrace Narcissus. Unfortunately for her, their romance did not flower, and he soundly rejected her.

Mighty Aphrodite is a real Dear

Aphrodite witnessed this rejection of Echo and vowed revenge. One warm day when Narcissus was hunting, Aphrodite turned herself into a deer and lured Narcissus to a pool of water to drink from. When he went to drink, he gazed upon the most beautiful reflection and fell hopelessly and madly in love – with the handsome man staring back at him.

He was unable to take his eyes off the gorgeous man staring back at him. And after sometime, upon further reflection, he realized his love would not be returned and the heat of his passions consumed him and all that was left was the flower that bears his name today.

Echo witnessed this tragic end, and heart broken, she eventually faded away, leaving behind only an echo.

What did you think of our vase and vase story for ‘Echo’?

You can check out more of our raku pottery vases and their stories here.

Acceptations

“Serenity comes when you trade White Pedestal Buddha Bust – $122
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expectations for acceptance.” ~ Gautama Buddha

To learn more about why I create Buddha busts, please click here