Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Commemorating Across the Universe

So, when I found out a book deal, I went on the hunt for something really special to commemorate it. I decided on jewelry--I wanted something I could wear, maybe even pass down. There are a lot of star-shaped jewelry, but I wanted something special and unique.

My next thought was to get a class ring made. Instead of a school name, I'd have the book title engraved, and my "graduation year" would appropriately be 2011. There were few designs I liked, though, and the ones I found were all vastly overpriced. I grew really frustrated with the whole idea.

Then I went to my source for unique, amazing stuff: Etsy. And I found Rickson. Rickson designs and makes her own jewelry--and when I say this, I don't mean she pieces together strands of beads or twists wire, I mean she created custom molds and works with liquid metal and is amazing. Take, for example, this necklace which is beautiful on both sides:
 Beautiful, right? I just adore it--I love how the staircase leads to a door, how the heart is so dark on one side and light on the other--it's amazing.

So clearly I was dealing with an artist here, but I wanted something specific to my book. Well, as most of you know, the book's title came from the Beatle's song, "Across the Universe." Not only is it the title, but it's my favorite Beatle's song, and something that I listened to over and over and over again while I was writing the book.

And Rickson makes what she calls song rings--a ring with a snippet of the actual music notes of the song engraved into the metal. Can you make me one using "Across the Universe?" I asked. "Can you get it to me before my book launch?" And because she's so awesome & amazing, Rickson got it to me (after shipping express from Canada!) just in time for the launch!



I love it--it's perfect. Totally unique, and totally perfect to commemorate the book launch! And not only does the outside have the musical notes of the song, the inside is engraved with something from the song that perfectly fits the book... "words are flowing."

Remember when I said Rickson was awesome? She's so awesome that she actually made a video of how she handcrafted the ring!!!! Be sure to check it out here: she makes the ring out of wax first, then pours plaster around it, then melts the wax and uses the plaster as a mold. Even when I knew the basic process, I had no idea how much detail and care went into the ring's production until I saw the video. Thank you so much for making the ring and the video, Rickson!!

28 comments:

Alice McElwee said...

OMG. This..this is just amazing and awesome.

Carrie said...

Beautiful ring and what a cool way to celebrate your book!

nindogs said...

This is VERY cool. An awesome way to celebrate the launch.

Tracy Loewer said...

What a special way to commemorate your book. Love it! (Also, love LOVE your book!)

Unknown said...

That is super freaking awesome!! :)

Colene Murphy said...

Oh...that takes me back to jewelry making days...

What an amazingly beautiful way to commemorate it! So lovely!!

Maria said...

How beautiful!! A few months ago, I decided that when my book is published I'm going to get myself one of these… http://www.asbworkshop.com/home1.html

Krispy said...

So super cool and very unique!

Trisha said...

That is gorgeous! and what an awesome way of commemorating your book release :) that will be a family heirloom for sure!

Grumpy said...

That is just lovely and so original :)

Lindsay, TheBookVlogger said...

What a great idea! I am so glad that you shared this with us. The video was really awesome.

Nikki (Wicked Awesome Books) said...

The ring is stunning and I'm completely amazed by the detail Rickson puts into each piece. I love the anatomical heart necklace and may get it sometime in the future. I hope you get to show your ring off at the launch party on Thursday! (which technically is today)

Jessica E. Subject said...

It's beautiful. Love the fact that she made a video while crafting your ring. I think that makes it extra special now that you saw how it was made. Best of luck at your launch party today! Have fun!

Unknown said...

Holy smokies! That was awesome!

Congrats on the launch as well!

New follower (aka - The n00b),

EJ

Cherie Reich said...

Oh, wow! The ring is so awesome, and I love that about how you celebrate your book.

Bish Denham said...

That is so awesome gave me chills! Beautiful.

Tracey Neithercott said...

That's such a great idea, getting something to commemorate the event. And that ring is gorgeous.

Liana Brooks said...

Beautiful. What an amazing find. I'll have to go browse there. I love the necklace.

JEM said...

That is so totally cool. I love the idea of special jewelry for the book. I have dreams of a specialized pocketwatch. Thanks for sharing!

Shari said...

That is soooo cool! It's beautiful and it was way fun to watch how she made it.

I am really enjoying your book, finding it hard to put down. I also absolutely adore your blog. I am offically a Beth Revis stalker. Elana Johnson gave me permission, so I figure it's ok. Now when you see me, like every day, you'll know why.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Now THAT is a talisman. So infused with meaning and the magic of creation.

Golden Eagle said...

I love the way you commemorated your book!

Pisinat said...

It's absolutely fabulous! Thank you for sharing this with us!

Rickson Jewellery said...

Thanks Beth! Such nice words! It was my pleasure to create this ring for you. I've added a special coupon code anyone may use in my shop for %5 off any item. It's UNIVERSE. Enjoy!
Rickson

Abby Minard said...

Oh wow, I think you've started something here...all of us are going to ask her to make us rings when we publish our first book! So beautiful and unique!

Unknown said...

What an amazing book birthday treasure. Completely perfect and special!

Casey McCormick said...

I looove it, Beth. The video was amazing.

And that necklace (!) WANT!

Lynsey Newton said...

I LOVE THIS POST. What a PERFECT way to commemorate the launch of Across the Universe, I couldn't think of a better way. And a girl after my own heart, I would have chosen jewellery too! LOL

LOVE the ring and the video was awesome :)