A companion for the journey
I recently had the pleasure of creating this lovely custom doll for a fellow artist. She is to be a gift - a wise grandmother spirit to accompany the family’s matriarch as she walks the path toward elderhood.
This grandmother doll represents the ancient lineage of wise, healing, and protective grandmothers who came before us. Her presence is a reminder that we carry the wisdom of these ancient grandmothers within us, always. Even when we feel bereft of connection, lost, or alone, we have access to their guidance. She is both a supportive presence and a portal for ancestral healing and connection.
I created a necklace from a bell strung on handspun nettle cord that I tied with 10 knots - each knot is a prayer for deepening ancestral connection and healing. Her pocket holds a double-terminated quartz crystal and her wet-felted wool cape is adorned with an antique button closure. Her dress and cape are made from Corriedale wool.
As I tuned in with the spirit of the doll and the depth and wisdom of the ancient grandmothers that she represents, I was called to the primordial wisdom, strength, and resilience of moss; the nourishment of nettle; the physical and emotional healing properties of yarrow; and the nurturing heart of rose.
Each of these plants is rooted in ancestral remembering. Together, they tell a story of healing, holding strong boundaries, nurturing a practice of self-love and compassion, and embodying the wise grandmother archetype. When fully embodied, the wisdom of our ancient grandmothers is able to expand and overflow, reaching those around us who need our care and attention.
The medicine held within the wise grandmother: Moss, Nettle & Yarrow that I gathered from the forests and beaches of Lingít Aaní, and rose petals.
My hope is that this grandmother spirit doll will be a supportive reminder of the ancient grandmother lineage that is always with us, encircling us with love, wisdom, and protection.
If you’d like to order a custom doll, I have space for one or two more this year. Wherever you are on your journey, I’d be honored to craft something to hold your unique intentions. Send me a message to order a doll or to learn more about the process.
(As with all of my offerings, payment plans are available.)