Cathedral Core Jewellery
What is Cathedral Core? Cathedral Core is an aesthetic which embraces Medieval Gothic architecture in a modern way. Like many Goth substyles it tends towards the dark, but is most recognisable by it’s celebration of tracery and epic statement ornamentation. If you’re not into stained glass windows, Cathedral Core probably isn’t for you. As someone who has adored Gothic architecture since childhood, becoming aware of Cathedral Core and realising that my subject of fascination had finally hit the zeitgeist was a dream! Now all the other cathedral fanciers have crawled out of the woodwork on a much bigger scale and I’m finally spoiled for choice when it comes to Medieval Gothic fashion, decor and art. You may even have noticed a resurgence in interest in illuminated manuscripts in the form of memes. You know, human faced cats and butt trumpets, that kind of thing. Love your work Medieval monks Why am I drawn to this style? For me it was a forgone conclusion. I grew up in a Neo Gothic Victorian house complete with stained glass windows and pull-cord light switches. My aesthetic was set almost from birth and I know I’ll always be happiest surrounded by dark wood, a colour palette of burgundy, forest green and gold and a ludicrous amount of pattern. To find out there are others is strangely comforting. Inspiring advocates I have come across some incredible artists flying the Cathedral Core flag high so I thought I’d share just a few to get you started:For everyday jewellery to set the dark mood check out Disir or for something more ostentatious I recommend William Griffiths.For incredible styling ideas you want to follow Kellsey, Hekate and Federica.And finally for for the most exquisite body art see Penny. https://youtube.com/shorts/aO9uCiWcCPE My latest ode to Cathedral Core Every now and then I like to indulge my love of Gothic tracery, miniature things, hiding stuff and mechanical jewellery by making something I know will cost me dearly in time and money and I’ll probably never be able to sell. But I do it anyway because I’m compelled to. This time it started with the smallest possible chainmaille vest I could construct and grew into a miniature Medieval armoury complete with weapons rack (with sword, axe and pike), armour tree and candle wall sconce, all accessed through a movable portcullis set in a Gothic arch frame. My only regret is that the candle doesn’t actually light up, a copper flame will have to suffice. Each component is constructed from hand pierced sterling silver and the whole piece probably took me a day and a half to make plus another day to draw up the actual design. Check out the making of this sweet little wearable diorama on my Instagram. See more cathedral inspired pieces below or check out the Skadi Black section of my online store for the full range of Gothic goodies. The Armoury – Necklace Portal Remains – Ring Haunted Spire – Ring Winter Nights – Necklace Saint Mittens – Earrings Inverted Belfry – Earrings Cathdral Phantom – Ring
New Stockist – Studio Altered
You can now find Skadi at Studio Altered in Carlton Where art meets identityA sanctuary for personalised body art (tattoos and piercing), Studio Altered is inclusive, accessible and professional. Home to some of Melbourne/Naarm’s most skilled and creative artists, Skadi is proud to be displaying some trinkets in this welcoming and inspiring space! Where168 Cardigan StCarlton, Victoria 3053 check out studio altered’s instagram
Upcoming Event – The Graveyard After Dark Market – March 2025
The Graveyard After Dark Market Expect a one-of-a-kind shopping experience featuring Melbourne’s finest artisans, jewellers, crystal curators, and oddities.There will be free entry, live music, food trucks, a bar and it goes all weekend! Skadi will be there for the full weekend with some exciting new pieces and all the old favourites. Saturday March 1st – 4pm-10pmSunday March 2nd – 12pm-5pm The Graveyard942-944 Sydney Rd, Coburg North more info
The Year of Silver Sorcery
I want to be a jewellery wizard when I grow up! At all the events I attended in 2024 people kept saying things to me like “how the hell did you do that?”, “it’s magic!”, or my personal favourite, “you’re a witch!”. And I thought damn straight I wanna be a metal witch, I’m gonna lean into that! With that in mind, I’ve decided this is now the year of silver sorcery. I endeavour not to make one single piece which doesn’t have at least a little bit of magic in it. Whether that be something hidden, a mechanical element or gratuitous detail, I will bring you sorcery. Now here are some of the pieces which seemed to capture imaginations last year (look closely, the magic is often sneaky)… What’s behind the fireplace? spin the breaking wheel raise the portcullis What’s the story? can you hear that sound? Knock knock, who’s there?
Upcoming Event – A Fairytale Market – March 2025
Tales of Heroes & Villains: A Fairytale Market CANCELLED As you step into the market you’ll find yourself at the crossroads of a villain’s lair where dark magic reigns. This side of the market will captivate those drawn to darker, more thrilling aspects of fairytales. On the other side is the hero’s haven where you can find yourself in the light and wonder, where heroes embark on their journey, magic fills the air and hope shines brightly.On which side will you find Skadi Jewellery Design? When & where:Sunday March 9 202510am – 5pmCoburg Town Hall90 Bell St, Coburg More info and tickets
Upcoming Event – Madame A’s Exhibits – February 2025
Madame A’s Exhibits presents a world of oddities, curiosities, magic and dark arts. February’s market includes local artists purveying entomology, candles, jewellery, crystals, home decor, self care rituals, spooky desserts, art prints and cosmetics, as well as food trucks and tattoo artists. To preview those involved check out Madame A’s Instagram. Sadly this is the very last Madame A’s Exhibits market but entry is free so it’s sure to end with a bang and Skadi Jewellery Design wouldn’t miss it for the world! When & where:Saturday February 15 202510am – 5pmCoburg Town Hall90 Bell St, Coburg more info and tickets
Upcoming Event – Oddities & Curiosities Expo – December 2024
For the first time find Skadi Jewellery Design at the Oddities & Curiosities Expo in Melbourne this December!You can find Skadi between Cut Off Your Hands Jewellery and Cycorg so you know it’s gonna be good! For lovers of the strange, unusual and bizarre; the Oddities & Curiosities Expo features vendors with all things weird. Find vendors with items such as: spooky art, taxidermy, skulls, bones, antiques and vintage items, curiosities, clothing, odd jewellery and much more. We provide a safe place for anyone to come and discover new artists, meet new friends and be surrounded by a community of like-minded people. Saturday 14th December 2024 – 10am – 4pmSunday 15th December 2024 – 10am – 4pmMelbourne Showgrounds, Ascot Vale, VIC more info and tickets
Upcoming Event – BooFest – October 2024
Join me for the first ever Boo Fest Halloween Market on Sunday 27th October 2024 at Welcome to Thornbury in Northcote VIC Australia. Connect and celebrate Halloween with others who live the alt lifestyle and love the spookiest time of the year. Find things beyond the “conventional” for stimulation and dress in your Halloween best (or just for Sunday comfort). We have gathered together 60 vendors selling jewellery, leather accessories, rubber and kink accessories, masks, head and hair pieces, original art and prints, art toys, dioramas, stickers, puppets, pottery and ceramic sculptures, entomology artworks, gothic candles and homewares, cat toys and treats, even some creepy tasty snacks and much much more! for more details & tickets
Upcoming Event – Dark Moon Hobart – September 2024
Next month Skadi Jewellery Design is proud to be returning to hometown Hobart for the Dark Moon Exhibition, a curated curiosities, oddities, magic and dark arts exhibition 🌑Featuring local artists showcasing jewellery, candles, sculpture, self care, spooky desserts, cosmetics and etymology as well as live entertainment and demonstrations, this alternative event is not to be missed! When & where:Saturday September 7th 2024 Hobart City Hall 57-63 Macquarie St Hobart, TAS To keep up to date with all the details and discover the artists involved follow Dark Moon Exhibition on Instagram For more details and tickets
Victorian Love Tokens
https://www.skadijewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/451633252_26455795297344969_347788521360155244_n.mp4 What would you engrave on your love token? Which coin would you choose? It’s time to make the best use of your money, you know it makes cents. Supposedly a practice around for centuries, the making of love tokens gained major popularity again in the 19th century when Victorian sentimentality mixed with frugality were at their height. Using readily available coins and sanding flat one side (usually leaving the monarch’s head in tact), a jeweller could then hand engrave the blank space with a loved one’s name, initial, monogram, date or intimate symbol. This could be turned into a pendant, charm bracelet, brooch or general keepsake.Often elaborately decorated in the ornate Victorian style, these miniature works of art were an inexpensive but highly personal way to show affection. I was recently contacted by a wonderful customer who introduced me to the concept of love tokens (I know, can you believe I wasn’t already aware of them?! I remedied my ignorance immediately of course). Obviously I was completely smitten with the idea and even more delighted when they requested several tokens engraved for family members and had access to an extensive coin collection. Inspired by some original Victorian designs, I went about designing then hand engraving a series of names and monograms with as much embellishment as I could fit on those tiny metal discs.Through further research I found extravagant pieces where multiple tokens had been joined with links to create a family tree on a brooch or necklace. Others were treated like war medals or medallions. The versatility and possibilities for personalisation are tantalising! I suddenly understand coin collectors.And so I was compelled to write this post in case you don’t already know about these glorious little heirlooms. Spread the word! For the full making process check out my Instagram https://www.skadijewellery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/451586045_25951326461180973_698900382901735154_n.mp4
