Mistletoe - an iconic symbol of winter. I've always loved the way the balls of it form in the trees and can be so clearly seen throughout the winter.

Mistletoe was considered sacred by the Celts and to have many special properties, including healing, fertility, good luck and protection from witchcraft. It was so sacred that even enemies who met under the mistletoe would have to lay down their weapons and exchange a friendly greeting and keep a truce for the rest of the day. The custom was to hang a sprig of mistletoe over a doorway or in a room to symbolise peace and blessings to all who entered.

The actual leaves of the mistletoe didn't really work with the silver clay technique I wanted to use, so I tried some ash keys instead which lent their wonderful natural texture to the piece.