At Acid Queen, each piece of jewelry we create is not just an accessory; it’s a meticulously crafted talisman with its own story, personality, and intention. Every design begins with inspiration and an unbreakable commitment to artistry. For our latest collection, Light as a Feather, we’ve poured our hearts into honoring the season of Fall and the element of air, infusing each piece with the ethereal qualities that remind us of spirituality, connection, and the unseen realms.
From initial sketches to the final polish, every step in our jewelry-making process is integral in the overall piece coming to life. Here’s a peek behind the scenes, showcasing the artistry and dedication that go into creating each piece for our one-of-a-kind collections.
The Beginning: Theme and Inspiration
Every Acid Queen collection begins with a theme that resonates deeply with my personal journey and creative inspirations. For Light as a Feather Part II, we drew from the energy of autumn, the element of air, and the mystical threads connecting us to the spirit realms and ancestral wisdom. Like many of you, my spirituality is rooted in a connection to the universe and a belief in magic, and this collection is inspired by symbols and tools often used in spiritual practices: incense burners, feathers, wands, and the grounding, meditative power of crystals. Through these pieces, we aimed to capture the essence of fall in a new, unexpected way—drawing on elements that evoke the ethereal qualities of air and its ties to mind, intention, and meditation.
From Concept to Creation: Sketching and Selecting Stones
With the theme in place, I begin by sketching designs that bring these inspirations to life. I don’t usually map out every single piece, but drawing becomes a meditative practice, allowing me to sink into the collection’s energy. It also helps me consider the practical side of each piece’s construction as I sketch. Light as a Feather is both a metaphor and a literal reference. I chose this name because it touches on themes of witchcraft, levity, and the symbolism of feathers—representing flight and the element of air. While sketching, I thought about my personal connection to air, which brought visions of incense smoke swirling, birds soaring, witches flying on broomsticks, and the kind of magic that’s felt, even if unseen.
The stones chosen are carefully selected to amplify and work with the energy of the theme. For Light as a Feather, I chose stones that enhance intuition, encourage calm, and foster a sense of inner strength—such as Amethyst, Rainbow Moonstone, Labradorite, Opal, Clear Quartz, and Opalite. These stones are meant to serve as talismans, grounding you in meditative energy and connecting you to the unseen.
Building the Design: Wax Carving and the Lost Wax Method
With designs and stones in hand, the next step is perhaps one of the most delicate and intricate parts of the process: creating the wax models. Using traditional wax carving techniques, we meticulously shape each piece, ensuring the design details come to life in the wax itself. Wax carving allows for flexibility and experimentation, giving each piece a uniqueness that is impossible to replicate.
Once the wax models are completed, we send them to be cast. We use the lost wax casting process, an ancient method that involves encasing the wax models in a plaster mold, then melting away the wax, leaving a perfect hollow in the shape of the jewelry. Molten metal is then poured into this hollow, creating the first rough form of our pieces. While we don’t handle casting in-house due to time constraints, our casting partner is one we have worked with for many years and is imperative in bringing our wax models to life in metal. This collaboration allows us to focus on the magic we bring to the creative process and running the business.
The Finishing Touches: Sanding, Polishing, and Patina
Once the cast pieces arrive back at our studio, it's time to bring these babies into their final form. This stage is where we refine each piece, correcting imperfections, smoothing edges, and preparing the metal for its final transformation. We grind and sand each piece by hand, removing small fractures and polishing out surface irregularities. After sanding, the pieces are tumbled for 24 hours, a process that smooths and polishes the surface, giving the metal a beautiful finish.
Next, we apply a patina to darken the metal, creating contrast and depth. By carefully buffing the higher areas of the piece, we bring out the shine while leaving the recessed areas darker, enhancing the intricate details. This is a meticulous step that makes each piece uniquely striking, giving it that signature Acid Queen look.
Setting the Stones and Final Assembly
With the metal perfected, it’s time for the final step: setting the stones. Each stone is chosen not only for its appearance but for the energy and intention it brings to the piece. Every stone is set by hand, a delicate process that requires patience, skill, and attention to detail. After setting, the pieces go through one final tumbling session for additional polish, and then they’re ready for assembly.
Bringing It All Together: Photography, Listings, and Launch
Our process doesn’t stop once the jewelry is finished. To share each piece with you, we photograph it in-house, capturing the details and energy of each design. We write out descriptions that reflect the spirit and story behind every piece, ensuring you feel the same connection to the collection as we do. From the first sketch to the final photo, we aim to create an experience that resonates with the essence of Acid Queen Jewelry.
The Love and Dedication Behind Every Piece
Creating a one-of-a-kind collection like Light as a Feather is a labor of love and passion. Each step, from choosing the stones to applying the final polish, is crucial in bringing our vision to life. Our jewelry is crafted with intention, designed to empower and connect you to your own inner magic. When you wear an Acid Queen piece, you’re not just wearing jewelry; you’re carrying a piece of art that has been carefully crafted to serve as a personal talisman—a reminder of your strength, intuition, and unique journey.
Thank you for joining us on this journey and allowing us to create pieces that honor the magic within each of us. As we release our final seasonal collection of the year, we look forward to sharing even more of our passion and creativity with you... Stay tuned!
