by Erin Kandoll | May 8, 2025 (Check out the Video Link at the end of the blog to see Mayfest in full swing)

There's something magical about Petersburg in May. Our little Alaskan town transforms into "Little Norway" as Mayfest celebrations honor our Nordic heritage. Surrounded by fjords and mountains that mirror those of Scandinavia, I am again drawn to the influential feminine figures of Norse mythology that have long captivated my imagination and inspired my work.

This year, I'm thrilled to unveil The Valkyries Vault—my annual Mayfest Trunk Show collection that goes beyond beautiful adornments to connect you with the transformative energy of these legendary warrior women. Join me for the debut at Firelight Gallery & Framing this Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, from 5:00-7:00pm in downtown Petersburg, Alaska.

The Wisdom Keepers of Valhalla

If you're unfamiliar with Norse mythology (or just need a refresher from your Viking history days), the Valkyries weren't just any warriors. They were divine feminine forces who determined destiny – "choosers of the slain" who decided which fallen heroes were worthy of ascension to Valhalla.

What draws me to these figures isn't just their battlefield prowess and profound authority. These women held the ultimate decision-making power in a mythology of powerful gods. With a single gesture, they could transform death into transcendence, ending in the beginning.

This transformative, decisive energy feels especially relevant to us today. How often have you stood at a crossroads, knowing that your next choice could completely alter your path? The Valkyries remind us that we each hold this power within us—the ability to choose our direction and transform our circumstances through deliberate action.

Beyond Beauty: The Intention Behind Each Piece

Each piece in The Valkyries Vault collection is crafted with intention, not just aesthetic appeal. When I sit at my workbench and begin the creation process, I think about those who will eventually wear this piece—what power they might need to summon, what transition they might be navigating, and what strength they hope to embody.

The Valkyrie influence runs so deeply through my work that it's already woven into some of the most beloved pieces in my Signature line. Before the Valkyries Vault took shape, these warrior spirits quietly inspired the sterling silver creations that have become staples in my collection—pieces available for you to experience.

What's magical is how these Valkyrie-inspired pieces complement the organic beauty of my Whimsy Rainforest line, creating a perfect balance between ancient warrior strength and the gentle wisdom of Alaska's wilderness. Let me tell you about these current designs and how they bridge the gap between mythic power and natural grace:

The Valkyrie Cuff with Labradorite is the collection's centerpiece. It features a premium Labradorite cabochon that captures the essence of the northern lights—the same celestial phenomenon the Vikings believed might be the gleaming armor of the Valkyries riding across the night sky. The stone's transformative flashes of blue light mirror the Valkyrie's ability to instantly transform a warrior's fate.

The Valkyrie Hoops merge warrior strength with woodland elegance through intricately stamped leaf motifs that catch light like moonlight on a warrior's shield. This fusion represents the connection to decisive action and the natural world from which we all draw our power.

The Sterling Silver Valkyrie Cuff offers a minimalist interpretation of warrior strength. Its clean lines and substantial weight create an immediate presence on the wrist—a tangible reminder that true power often lies in clarity and purpose rather than ornate display.

The Valkyrie Woodland Shields transform the protective shields of these legendary maidens into wearable talismans. These three-dimensional pieces are available in three versatile styles. They catch the light with subtle brilliance, creating a powerful presence that draws the eye.

The Goddess Hoops complete the collection with bold geometric patterns that echo ancient sacred architecture and divine feminine symbolism. These striking silver earrings make a confident statement while maintaining perfect balance—embodying the harmonious duality of strength and grace.

From Valkyrie Vines to Dew Drop Halo HairKeepers

The Valkyrie influence runs so deeply through my work that it evolves with the seasons. Initially, I created my Valkyrie Vine chain for necklaces—delicate sterling silver branches that echoed the protective shields these warrior women carried. Those same organic lines have transformed into something entirely new: Dew Drop Halo Hair Keepers with that distinctive Norse Valkyrie flair.

Something about the pre-dawn hours in Petersburg's rainforest reminds me of Valhalla itself—that otherworldly moment when dewdrops cling to leaves like natural jewels, and you can almost imagine Valkyrie wings brushing through the mist. This is when I do my deepest thinking about how ancient warrior energy meets the gentle wisdom of Alaska's wilderness.

Conscious Craftsmanship

As someone who values responsible consumption, you'll appreciate that each piece is handcrafted with ethically sourced materials. The premium .925 sterling silver carries natural properties of purification and protection that align perfectly with the Valkyrie's role as guardians.

The collection's signature stone—Labradorite—is thoughtfully selected for its beauty and meaning. Revered as the stone of transformation and connecting to the higher self, Labradorite enhances intuition while facilitating connections to higher realms of consciousness. When you wear a piece containing this stone, you carry a physical reminder of your transformative potential.

These symbolic pieces are more than just jewelry; they're talismans meant to accompany you through years of personal evolution and meaningful moments.

Where Heritage Meets Purpose

Living in Petersburg, we're surrounded by layers of cultural heritage that make these pieces particularly meaningful. Our Norwegian roots run deep—our ancestors carried these legends across oceans, whispering tales of powerful women who rode across battlefields and skies.

Yet we also honor that this beautiful island is the traditional territory of the Tlingit and Haida peoples, whose rich traditions of powerful women and cultural strength have shaped this land for millennia.

When we wear these pieces, we connect to a lineage of strength—as beautiful jewelry and as physical reminders of the many cultural threads that weave together to create Petersburg's unique tapestry. The blending of Norwegian fishing heritage with indigenous wisdom and Alaskan wilderness creates something entirely new while respecting what came before.

The beauty of mythological archetypes is their universal relevance. Whether you have Nordic ancestry, indigenous roots, or come from another tradition entirely, the Valkyrie represents qualities we all recognize: discernment, courage, decisive action, and the power to transform circumstances. These energies transcend cultural boundaries—ones we can all benefit from channeling in our modern lives.

Jewelry as a Catalyst for Transformation

Its profound relevance to contemporary women continues to inspire me about the Valkyrie motif. In a world that struggles with gender equity, these ancient figures represent a radically different vision of feminine power—decisive, consequential, and fundamentally necessary to the cosmic order.

The stories behind Norse mythology's Valkyries provide powerful metaphors for modern life. These figures weren't merely decorative or secondary characters—they were essential to the cosmic order, making life-altering decisions and standing firmly in their power.

You're not just wearing beautiful jewelry when you wear a piece from this collection. You're carrying a tangible reminder of your ability to make decisive choices, protect what matters, and transform challenges into opportunities for growth. This is jewelry with purpose—adornment that serves as both expression and reminder of your inherent power.

Join the Circle of Modern Valkyries

I invite you to experience this year's Valkyries Vault collection featuring new Valkyrie-inspired one-of-a-kind stone cuffs, earrings, necklaces, and rings at an exclusive trunk show on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Firelight Gallery from 5:00-7:00 PM. This intimate gathering will feature:

• First access to the complete Valkyries Vault collection
• Complimentary Norse-inspired refreshments
• Personal styling consultations to help you find the piece that resonates with your inner warrior

For those unable to attend the trunk show, a new Valkyrie's Vault collection will be available later this year. The date is TBD.

Join the VIP Family for exclusive early access to my online collections. >> Join the VIP FAM

Claim Your Power, Make Your Choice

In Norse tradition, being selected by a Valkyrie was the highest honor, recognizing a life of courage and purpose. The pieces in the Valkyries Vault collection offer a similar acknowledgment of your journey, celebrating your capacity to face life's battles with determination and grace.

Whether navigating professional challenges or personal transformations or simply wishing to connect more deeply with ancient feminine wisdom, these pieces are daily reminders of your inner strength and the long line of powerful, mythic, and real women who have shaped our understanding of feminine power.

Join me in honoring the legacy of the Valkyries and discover which piece calls to your warrior spirit.

Want to See "Little Norway" in Full Swing?

Check out this three minute video from Linblad Expeditions, capturing the small island community of Petersburg Alaska, in all her Mayfest Glory! 

>>Mayfest in Petersburg | Alaska | Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Twisted Ginger Jewelry: Adornment with purpose, beauty with meaning.

!