You know those stands inside souvenir shops full of (probably fake) stones, where you can choose your own to fill a little bag with? Maybe it’s common for kids, but that was one of my favorite vacation activities growing up.
One of my best childhood memories is when my mom took my sisters and I gemstone mining at the Seneca Caverns. It was so much fun. I remember finding it very interesting, as well. The entire scientific process involved in stone formation is crazy, but I’m not gonna get into that.
Around middle school, I started paying attention to the meanings behind different stones. I got some every now and then on that basis. Oh, I also got a moonstone because of its presence in The Vampire Diaries (lol).
In high school, I started buying more stones (crystals, in particular), which may be because I became old enough to get a job. Nevertheless, my interest became a passion. I loved learning about different crystals' origins, properties, and components.
I like wearing clothes that relate to other things I like. I like cats, I’m wearing cat pajamas currently. In 2020, I was rearranging my crystals and thought, “I want a crystal hoodie.” I googled and googled. I looked for sweatshirts and tees too. I wanted something themed around one individual crystal, not a periodic table of them. I tried finding something based on every crystal I could think of, but couldn’t find anything other than a couple of tops with those graphics that look like stickers on them. Unrelatedly, I made the website for Sunset Society later that year.
In 2021, I was drawing something to make a sticker. I started thinking about the crystal hoodie again. But this time, I realized I could make one. I realized I could make a variety of them, actually. I wasn’t sure where to start. Impulsively, I ordered a several hoodies in a couple different colors. My sister had a heat press and agreed to print them for me, so I brought them to her house. They are still there. I planned on sending designs to her, but couldn’t decide what to make. It seemed like there were a lot of limitations. My fault for buying the hoodies first, but it was difficult to force myself to make something to go with their color. Shortly after, I moved out of town, and just sort of let the crystal hoodie idea go.
Upon working on other projects, I realized I needed to pick the exact color, fabric, weight, and measurements of the clothes I designed. I wanted to be able to bring any detail to life. I wanted the clothes to be high quality and sustainable.
After a few clothing drops, it was 2023 when I, once again, thought about the crystal hoodie. I envisioned exactly how I wanted it to look, then started drawing, picking colors, and ordering samples. This triggered a continuous array of ideas that I can’t wait to share with you. The original hoodie design isn’t based on Moonstone and will be part of a different Stones collection. After I designed it, I started on the Moonstone hoodie....
I started by sketching a few simple hoodie outlines with a moonstone on them. I felt like all of the moonstone placements looked sort of awkward. That led to the decision of using a moon, with moonstone inspired colors, instead, which I drew on my iPad. The goal of our Stones collections isn’t necessarily to include the exact stone on each piece, but instead to focus on details that relate to their unique characteristics.
I knew I wanted “to get through the phases” printed on the pocket. I knew wanted to include a crescent moon on the hoodie, as well. With those details, the whole moon on the front was overpowering. There was too much going on with no open space to separate details or allow them to stand out. I didn’t like it on the back either. I got the idea to include only a portion of the moon instead, to be printed behind the pocket, kind of like when part of the moon is covered by mountains, buildings, etc. Then, I arranged about 50 different design versions.
I thought gray really helped the moon colors pop. I chose this one. It made the most sense because the text “strength clarity balance” is aligned with “to get through the phases” in a way both texts can be read together from left to right. With “☾stone” at the top, the point is
Moonstone:
Strength, clarity, and balance to get through the phases.
Next, I made measurements, selected colors, and chose materials. Once every thing was ready, I began ordering samples. While awaiting their arrival, I started designing packaging, which I made this moonstone for. But, I thought it would look good on a shirt.
so I made these too.
In the meantime, the hoodie required several adjustments and additional samples. This took many months, but eventually…
it was ready. ft. Shiro
Regardless of your beliefs about their qualities, the meanings associated with different stones can serve as encouraging reminders. For example, a crystal known for its ability to enhance confidence can encourage you to be confident by reminding you of that trait, reinforcing it in your mind. Our goal is to encourage you in a similar way: We make clothing pieces inspired by stones and their meanings so when you wear the clothes, you’re reminded of those meanings, therefore are encouraged (hopefully).
Maybe you like stones and believe in their ability to bring positive feelings through energetic properties. Maybe you just think they’re pretty. Maybe you’re interested in them scientifically. Whatever the case, we hope our pieces inspire positivity in your everyday life.
Thank you so much for taking the time to learn more about our Moonstone collection. Use code MADEONTHEMOON for 20% off your purchase <3
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