Bow & Arrow for Alex the Best Stay-Home Papa

In honor of the Father’s Day celebration, which is often just a little outshone by the Mother’s Day extravaganza, I would like to do a shout out to a stay-at-home father, Alex, and share my creation with you all.

Alex works at home, and he takes care of his daughter, Ellie’s everyday needs while his wife Robin also works hard to provide. At times, Robin does feel a bit disconnected with her adorable toddler girl. Noticing that, Alex thought it would be a great idea to have a custom matching jewelry piece made for the both of them, to remind her that she is in fact close to Ellie, and will always be.

What an incredibly sweet thought! I could not be happier to be part of this. After exchanging a bunch of emails, I learned more about the couple’s dynamic, hobbies, and aesthetic. Alex had specific things that he was looking for, yet was also very open to my style and suggestions on little details. And the final sketch came out looking like this.

I decided that instead of making the two pieces identical, they would actually be interactive! Robin’s piece would be the bow, and the arrow is for little Ellie (when she reaches the fine jewelry wearing age).

According to Alex, Robin and he are big video game and comic book nerds. I took different elements from all of Alex’s reference photos and designed the ideal fantasy weapon for them. After etching the bow drawing onto a piece of sterling silver, it was hand-pierced out and sweat soldered onto a piece of brass, then pierced again, creating a substantial weight and a pop of gold color accent. After that, a hardened round wire was soldered on as the bow string.

Since Robin and Ellie are both Sagittarius and they all enjoy astrology as a family, I chose blue topaz for the bling! To bring out the bright blue, I used a violet patina, which also gave it a fantasy weapon feel.

As for Ellie’s arrow, no etching was involved but just as much attention was spent—- The silver part of the arrow tip was beveled down on the edge first before it was connected onto the brass base. Little decorative dots were added with precise hammer blows. The tiny feather part was carefully cut into and engraved lines were added, then a very thin gauge wire was wrapped right next to it and soldered on at the end. I wanted to give the feathery look without making it too pointy so that it would be safe for Ellie to wear and to play with.

Like a toggle clasp, the bow and the arrow cling together and become one piece, but on their own, they stand beautifully as well. I particularly enjoy the symbolic play behind this. As a daughter myself, who fortunately has a wonderful relationship with my mom, I enjoy every moment I get to spend with her. We are codependent in the best ways, but at the same time, I believe that a mother and a daughter should also shine as bright individually. Although I have never met Alex or Robin in person, I believe that they would agree with me on that.

May all of the wonderful papas and mamas (ya why don’t we have a Parent’s Day already?) have fun celebrating parenthood today. Hats off to every single one of you!! We the spoiled brats love you all!!!