Owning this blog has been a fantastic experience for me thus far. I have been blessed enough to have a superb readership base, and to say that the support that I have received within the "Buffy" community has been incredible would be an understatement. In addition to those wonderful things, I have also been given the chance to get to know some brilliant talents within the community. I had recently featured the lovely UK-based artist Heather Gates, and I have got yet another UK-based artist to showcase today! Today, I am going to be writing all about the wonderful creations of the sublime Robyn Lees. As well as being an artist, Robyn is also a jewellery maker, which is the aspect that I am going to particularly focus on (I am a jewellery fiend!). I selected three items to review: a replica of Buffy's cross necklace, a necklace with the iconic "B" logo, and a glow-in-the-dark claddagh ring necklace.
I really must comment on just how well-made every single one of the necklaces are. The silver chains are light-weight, but not flimsy and they are not fiddly to fasten. As for the charms themselves, it is evident that a lot of hard work has gone into creating and sourcing them. The cross replica necklace looks exactly like Buffy's iconic one that was heavily featured in seasons one and two, as well as the opening; it would be perfect for cosplaying or for just pretending that you're a badass vampire Slayer, either works. The cross itself is fairly lightweight which is brilliant, as it does not feel obnoxiously heavy every time you move your neck. In saying that, though, it also feels durable.
Next we have the "B" logo necklace! It feels very smooth to touch and it is very lightweight, especially for quite a large charm. Whilst on my neck, I could barely even feel it, which in my opinion, is a good thing. There are few things I hate more than a heavy feeling necklace that makes you feel like you will break your neck every time you move. It sort of makes me wish that my name began with a "B", it would be a pretty cool representation.
Last but not least is the glorious glow-in-the-dark claddagh ring necklace! I especially love this one because of the incredibly ornate details on the "ring" and because of the selection of beads. I have always adored claddagh rings and I am never seen without a necklace, so this is simply perfection for me! Though my iPod camera didn't capture the glow very well (it was also around five in the afternoon when I took the photo), it is definitely there.
I can honestly say that although I have written about a lot of things, I have never complimented tags for necklaces. In fact, I have never even given them a second thought. With tags, I tend to just rip them off my jewellery and then dispose of them. Not these tags, though! They are just the cutest little things. How many jewellery makers do you know who would put a "thank you" message on their tags? Not many, I bet. I think that it is such a sweet gesture to do that, and I was pleasantly surprised to see such gratitude. These are the first tags that I am ever going to keep.
I had mentioned earlier in this post that Robyn is an artist. On her store, which I will provide a link for later, you can find a variety of superb art. She was generous enough to send me a lovely piece of "Buffy" art featuring our heroine that she had created using a stippling (ink dots) technique:
I had mentioned earlier in this post that Robyn is an artist. On her store, which I will provide a link for later, you can find a variety of superb art. She was generous enough to send me a lovely piece of "Buffy" art featuring our heroine that she had created using a stippling (ink dots) technique:
As I am not an artist myself (I can't even draw stick figures!), I am always very impressed when I see artwork created by others. What better thing to have than awesome art featuring "Buffy" characters?! Not only that, but Robyn's art also comes with a COA (certificate of authenticity) that she has personally signed to verify it. So whenever you purchase art from her, it will really feel like a collector's item!
But wait, that's not all! Robyn doesn't just create delightful "Buffy" art and jewellery. She also makes necklaces, bracelets, cuff links, earrings, rings, clothing, bags, pet tags, anatomical themed jewellery, brooches, pins and even a keyring. Her Etsy shop even has a whole category dedicated to TV, film and game themed creations. As she has over 700(!) items in her Etsy shop, it would be impossible for me to break down everything that she makes, but I can guarantee that you will find something in her shop that you like.
Though I have already thanked her prior to me writing this article, I would like to reiterate my thanks to Robyn. When I had started this blog earlier in the month, I had certainly never thought that I would be featuring somebody so talented. Once again, I am amazed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of the "Buffy" community.
But wait, that's not all! Robyn doesn't just create delightful "Buffy" art and jewellery. She also makes necklaces, bracelets, cuff links, earrings, rings, clothing, bags, pet tags, anatomical themed jewellery, brooches, pins and even a keyring. Her Etsy shop even has a whole category dedicated to TV, film and game themed creations. As she has over 700(!) items in her Etsy shop, it would be impossible for me to break down everything that she makes, but I can guarantee that you will find something in her shop that you like.
Though I have already thanked her prior to me writing this article, I would like to reiterate my thanks to Robyn. When I had started this blog earlier in the month, I had certainly never thought that I would be featuring somebody so talented. Once again, I am amazed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of the "Buffy" community.
Since Robyn had sent me some business cards (I have already distributed one!), I thought that it would only be fair to include one here, as I adore the design and you can perhaps get a feel for her aesthetic. You can follow the links printed on the card to find out more about the lady herself, and to see more of her creations. In case the photo I attached has not shown, I have also provided the links below:
Website - http://www.robynlees.com/
Etsy shop - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RobynLeesArtwork
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/robyn.lees29?fref=ts
Instagram - https://instagram.com/robyn.lees29/
Everything that she sells in her shop is very affordable and the items that I own are certainly of high quality, so I could imagine that the other jewellery is, too. Robyn's feedback on Etsy is a whopping five stars, so that just proves that she is reputable. I am truly delighted with the necklaces and art that I have and they are certainly fabulous, unique items that I am proud to have in my collection. You can bet that I am going to be sporting that cross necklace next time I cosplay as Buffy!
As with all shops, stock is subject to change. I have listed what is available as of 26/05/15.
Website - http://www.robynlees.com/
Etsy shop - https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RobynLeesArtwork
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/robyn.lees29?fref=ts
Instagram - https://instagram.com/robyn.lees29/
Everything that she sells in her shop is very affordable and the items that I own are certainly of high quality, so I could imagine that the other jewellery is, too. Robyn's feedback on Etsy is a whopping five stars, so that just proves that she is reputable. I am truly delighted with the necklaces and art that I have and they are certainly fabulous, unique items that I am proud to have in my collection. You can bet that I am going to be sporting that cross necklace next time I cosplay as Buffy!
As with all shops, stock is subject to change. I have listed what is available as of 26/05/15.