Trace Ellements

Circle of Fire Pendant

admin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:36:00 +0000

I know this will sound strange (and very Freudian), but I like to put things in my mouth. I get a mysterious enjoyment out of experiencing an object’s texture against my tongue and teeth. Porcelain is a most odious oral encounter, and just the thought of its grainy surface scraping against my enamel is enough to send a shiver down my spine. It’s kind of like when you bite into a piece of dirt that wasn’t entirely washed away during a dish's preparation, and it thwarts enjoyment of the remainder of the meal because you’re worried the offense will happen again.

The rasty flavor of metal harkens three years of braces, which included breaking my upper palate to make room for all of my adult teeth, another altogether unpleasant experience. I prefer the taste of things that are glassy and smooth, and perhaps this source of consolation was embedded during my pacifier days, but gnawing on the soft plastic of a teething ring is one of my favorites, reminding me of the firm slickness of gummy bears.

Whatever the origin of my rather odd inclination, one look at the slick glass of the Circle of Fire Pendant by Trace Ellements caused me to shove the duo-toned agate pendant was into my mouth. The tiny clinking of soft stone on my right canine generated a comforting smile. I imagined the plink-plink-plink sound, like that of a pin dropping onto a crystal surface, to be the giggles of tree sprites. I slid its constant coolness against my pursed lips and slowly passed the oxidized brass chain between the closed space. The brass was smooth.

As much as I was enjoying my semi-fetish, wearing this modern take on a retro style derived a more aesthetic satisfaction. The earthy exterior color is set off by a blotchy red, which makes the piece seem aged despite its contemporary design. I clasped the chain of the somewhat weighty circle so that it would rest at the top of my sternum and call attention to the v-shaped space on my chest left bare by a layered, embroidered, a-line dress from Anthropologie. Now if I can just find a pair of strappy yet sophisticated sandals the color of drying mud, I’ll be all set for a romantic dinner for two. My partner forgives my oddity; truth be told, he quite enjoys it.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, November 22nd 2009

A Case of Olive Jade Filigree Earrings

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:32:00 +0000

By Trace Ellements

When I was in middle school, I became obsessed with all things macabre. From R.L. Stine to Stephen King to nonfiction about Jack the Ripper, I loved stories about mind-body possession and carnivorous blobs in a lake and radio reports of a psycho killer gone missing heard by two necking teenagers on lover’s lane. I loved the romantic allure of Anne Rice’s concocted world of witches and vampires who wept for humanity and George Romero’s politically brilliant yet grotesque undead. To me, there’s something warm and enveloping about the dark.

The A Case of Olive Jade Filigree Earrings mentally transport me to the time I sat in front of the tomb of voodoo priestess Marie Laveau in New Orleans studying the repeated trio of black X’s, cigarettes, coins, and candy left on her final resting place. (For those of you who haven’t been there, imagine something out of Kate Hudson’s The Skeleton Key.) Created by Tracy Ellison of Trace Ellements, the earrings have a single rectangular jade stone encased in brass filigree envelopes that attach to the ear with a French lever wire. I imagine Ms. Laveau might have had a pair like these on when she met her demise.

Old fashion in style, this affordable pair of earrings ($28) would well accessorize most clothing that has a modern gothic sensibility. I envision an a-line crushed velvet dress in hunter green. I see the wearer’s pale white throat contrasted with the single, thin strip of a black velvet ribbon choker. Since the earrings have an element of versatility, the outfit could be completed with either stompy black boots (a la Hot Topic) or a cute pair of Mary Janes.

Now that Twilight and True Blood are all the rage, I think girls who aren’t afraid of the darkness will be happy to know they can get their needs met by Trace Ellements.

Written by: Mandy Van Deven, September 18th 2009

Bit of Arts and Crafts II Ceiling Fan Pull

admin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:07:00 +0000

By Trace Ellements

It’s hard to know exactly how to describe a product that is, at once, so lovely, functional, and distinct. The Trace Ellements ceiling fan pull is a handmade, sturdy item that consists of smooth moss green and deep caramel swirled beads held together by thick brass wire. It can easily fasten to most ball chains, and adds a nice burst of color and elegance to an otherwise undecorated ceiling fan. It doesn’t matter whether your fan has a wooden finish, though it certainly complements a brown backdrop. I’m not the kind of person who adheres to a particular decorating scheme, but I think it’s safe it say that this little fan pull would accent just about any color palette in your home. As far as I’m concerned, the kitchen is a nice spot because it makes getting up in the morning that much more pleasant.

The combination of bead designs and textures layered on top of one another forms a coherent pattern of shades. Such a mixture of colors is enhanced by the different shapes of the beads. Indeed, Trace Ellements is defined by difference, given its integration of materials like semi-precious stones; German, Czech, Chinese, and Indian glass beads; and crystal, porcelain, metal, and fabric elements.

Founder Tracy Ellison has been creating inventive jewelry and home accessories, since 1990, and there’s no limit to her artistic combinations. The company also has a range of goodies from earrings to bookmarks to zipper pulls. Ellison's really got something for everyone. If you tend to lead more toward the silver than the gold, or toward bright and busy hues rather than the more muted variety, Trace Ellements has a range of fan pulls to choose from at the very reasonable price of $16.

Written by: Heather Brown, August 20th 2009