Project Etched Echos
When healing the heart, we must learn to accept the echoes of the past—those pieces of hurt that never seem to completely fade away. In an attempt to quiet those echoes, Kristin turned to the grounding art of traditional woodworking.
This connection between healing and craft was cemented with the very first handle she made, which bore the inscribed words: "May the flowers bring you home." It was a tribute inspired by Freya’s meadow—a serene resting place in Norse mythology where the best and bravest warriors lay their heads to rest, choosing quiet peace over heading off to eternal war with Odin.
Project Etched Echoes is born from that journey. Drawing on the rich myths, runes, and symbology of the North, every single piece is uniquely designed and hand-carved in-house. It is an exploration of turning deep, internal reflection into bold, lasting art.
Wayfinders’s vigil
Loki & Fenrir
Berserker’s Legacy
Channel the raw strength and ancient wisdom of the North with this hand-carved 90cm Chieftain shield. This specific piece features a personalized handle inscribed with the words: “May the flowers bring you home.” A subtle nod to Freya, the wife of Odin. While many believe that all great warriors go to Valhalla to train for the end of days, Odin and Freya actually share the fallen. Freya receives the first pick, taking the very best of the best to Fólkvangr, a beautiful meadow where they may finally lay their weary heads in eternal peace.
The Twin Bears: At the heart of the design stand the Twin Bears, a tribute to the legendary Berserkers—the most feared warriors of the Viking Age. In Norse mythology, the bear was the sacred animal of Odin, representing indomitable strength and protection. These carvings capture the primal energy of the forest, serving as a reminder of the power found in one's own nature.
The X Rune (Gebo): Prominently featured, the Gebo rune translates to "The Gift." Its shape—the X—symbolizes the intersection of two paths or two people. It signifies partnership, hospitality, and the sacred exchange between warriors, loved ones, and the gods.
The Rune Ring: Surrounding the centre, the Elder Futhark inscriptions ground the piece in historical mysticism. This ring represents the completion of knowledge and the infinite nature of all possibilities, creating a focal point of balance.
Every inch of the shield’s surface is defined by Traditional Norse Knotwork. These flowing, interlaced patterns represent the interconnectedness of all things—life, death, and the eternal cycle of the universe.
To honour historical authenticity, the back is reinforced with linen and the edges are wrapped in cow leather, providing the same durability required by the shields of old. The deep relief carving, achieved through precision routing and Dremel work, creates high-contrast textures that play elegantly with light and shadow.
Product Specifications
Size: Approximately 90cm in diameter (Chieftain scale).
Material: Aspen wood, genuine cow leather, steel boss, and linen reinforcement.
Finish: High-contrast stain to emphasize the intricate hand-carved details.
Mounting: Designed for prominent wall display or as a centerpiece for historical collections.
The Berserker’s Legacy
The Wayfinder’s vigil
This shield serves as a spiritual map and a protector for the journey ahead, blending the watchful eyes of the gods with the ancient magic of the pathfinder.
The Ravens of Odin (Huginn and Muninn): The four ravens circling the shield represent the constant presence of the All-Father. In Norse mythology, Odin has two ravens: Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory). These Divine Scouts fly across the world every day, returning at night to whisper what they have seen into Odin’s ear. On a shield, the raven represents higher intelligence, foresight, and the ability to see hidden truths. They suggest that the bearer is never truly alone, guided by both wisdom and memory.
The Vegvísir (The Runic Compass): The prominent eight-armed symbol at the bottom is the Vegvísir, often called the "Viking Compass." Derived from Icelandic grimoires, it is said that "if this sign is carried, one will never lose one's way in storms or bad weather, even when the way is not known. It represents spiritual and physical guidance. In the context of your work, it acts as a protective charm to ensure the traveler always finds their way back to their true home.
The Algiz (Y) Rune: The rune at the very top, resembling a trident or a "Y," is Algiz. Algiz is the rune of the elk and represents a shield or a protective "higher self." Its shape mimics the antlers of an elk or the spread fingers of a hand raised in protection. It serves as a spiritual lightning rod, connecting the earthly realm to the divine. Placing it at the "North" position of the shield marks it as the primary source of defense against negative energy.
The Vine Work & Growth: In contrast to the rigid geometry of the compass, the flowing Vine Work weaves through the center. These vines represent Yggdrasil, the World Tree, and the organic growth of the soul.
While the runes provide the structure and the ravens provide the sight, the vines represent the living, breathing journey in between. They signify that even in the heat of battle or the struggle of a journey, there is life, flexibility, and the potential for new growth.
Product Specifications
Size: Approximately 90cm in diameter (Chieftain scale).
Tier: Pathfinder
Material: Aspen wood, genuine cow leather, steel boss, and linen reinforcement.
Finish: High-contrast stain to emphasize the intricate hand-carved details.
Mounting: Designed for prominent wall display or as a centerpiece for historical collections.
Loki & Fenrir
Embrace the chaotic power, fiery cleverness, and raw strength of the Norse cosmos with this hand-carved Chieftain shield. Featuring dynamic, high-relief pyrography and deep carving, this piece captures the infamous father-and-son duo whose destinies are bound to shatter boundaries and reshape the cosmos.
Loki (The Trickster & Catalyst): Positioned on the left, enveloped in flame and shadow, stands Loki—the shape-shifting god of wit, mischief, and change. Rather than simple malice, Loki represents the necessary spark of chaos that tests strength and forces evolution among gods and mortals alike. His flowing form and fiery aura capture his unpredictable nature and mastery over transformation.
Fenrir (The Monstrous Wolf): Dominating the right side is Fenrir, the legendary giant wolf whose colossal power terrified the Aesir into binding him with the magical cord Gleipnir. With bared fangs and broken chains, Fenrir embodies untamed strength, inevitable fate, and the unstoppable force of true freedom against overwhelming constraints.
Jörmungandr (The World Serpent): Coiling around the figures and weaving past the base of the shield is Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent. Another child of Loki, his endless, encircling body represents the boundlessness of the seas and the fateful loops of time that hold the Nine Realms together.
Yggdrasil & Níðhöggr: At the bottom center lies the World Tree, Yggdrasil, surrounded by a serpent at its roots. This imagery grounds the chaos of Loki and Fenrir within the cosmic framework, symbolizing the deep-rooted connections between destruction, rebirth, and the ultimate cycle of existence.
The Boss & Knotwork Border: The central steel boss is etched with starburst geometric patterns, serving as an anchor of order amid the surrounding chaotic energy. Framing the entire composition is a outer border of delicate Norse knotwork secured by a hand-studded rim.
To honour historical authenticity, the back is reinforced with a durable green linen backing and fitted with a sturdy, hand-carved wooden grip secured by heavy bolts. The edges are wrapped in cow leather and studded for authentic field durability and striking aesthetic contrast.
Product Specifications
Size: Approximately 90cm in diameter (Chieftain scale).
Tier: Mythic
Material: Aspen wood, genuine cow leather edge wrapping, steel boss, copper studs, and green linen backing.
Finish: High-contrast stain to emphasize the intricate hand-carved and hand painted details.
Mounting: Designed for prominent wall display or as a centerpiece for historical collections.
Jörmungandr: Lost at sea
Embrace the untamed fury of the ocean and the inescapable grasp of fate with this Mythic-tier shield. Featuring dynamic, swirling waves and intricate, scale-woven knotwork, this piece captures the terrifying majesty of the World Serpent and the unyielding courage of the seafarers who dare to challenge his waters.
Jörmungandr (The Midgard Serpent): Dominating the composition is Jörmungandr, the colossal child of Loki, whose endless body encircles the known world. Rendered with brilliant metallic dry-brushing, his golden, knotwork-laced scales and fierce visage represent the overwhelming, chaotic forces of nature and the boundaries of Midgard. He is the storm waiting to break, a slumbering giant whose inevitable awakening signals Ragnarök.
The Fleet & The Tempest: Caught within the serpent's crushing coils are three Viking longships, violently tossed by the frothing, tempestuous waves of the open sea. The prominent raven banner on the central sail serves as a steadfast nod to the Allfather's watchful eye, symbolizing the bravery, exploration, and defiance of humanity venturing into the unknown, even when facing impossible odds.
The Runic Boss: Anchoring the swirling storm is the central shield boss, bearing a stark, striking runic symbol. This acts as the eye of the tempest—a focal point of order, spiritual protection, and unwavering resolve amidst the surrounding chaos of the crashing ocean.
The Bound Realm: Framing the epic saga is a solid, contrasting rim that binds the chaotic energy of the sea and the serpent within the shield's bounds, just as Midgard is held together by the very serpent that threatens to destroy it.
To honour historical authenticity, the back is reinforced with a durable beige linen backing and fitted with a sturdy, hand-carved wooden grip secured by heavy bolts. The edges are wrapped in cow leather and studded for authentic field durability and striking aesthetic contrast.
Product Specifications
Size: Approximately 90cm in diameter (Chieftain scale).
Tier: Mythic
Material: Aspen wood, genuine cow leather edge wrapping, steel boss, copper studs, and beige linen backing.
Finish: High-contrast stain to emphasize the intricate hand-carved and hand painted details.
Mounting: Designed for prominent wall display or as a centerpiece for historical collections.
Projects
Homestead plaques
by Custom order
Yggdrasil
This piece is available!
Berserker’s spirit
This piece is available!
Oden
Available by order
on the bench
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ORDERS NOW BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH OUR STORE (THE CUPBOARD)
Choose Your Scale: The Shield Ranks
Our wooden shields are available in four distinct sizes, named for the historic ranks of Norse society. Whether you are looking for a compact accent piece or a commanding focal point for your great hall, there is a scale to suit your space.
Karl (12"): A compact, striking piece perfect for smaller walls, bookshelf displays, or creating a gallery wall of your favourite runes and symbols.
Drengr (25"): The standard warrior’s scale. A versatile, medium-sized shield that commands attention without overpowering a room.
Hirdmenn (30"): The seasoned guard’s shield. A large, historically immersive size that brings a true sense of the Viking age into your home.
Chieftain (35"): Our most massive, imposing shield. Designed to be a breathtaking centerpiece above a mantle or the focal point of a room.
See our FAQ section for additional information regarding historical sizing details
Choose Your Artistry: The Craftsmanship Tiers
Once you have chosen your shield's scale, select the level of carving and artistic detail that best fits your journey.
The Pathfinder Tier: Designed for the steadfast explorer, this foundational tier features clean, powerful lines, beautiful wood staining, and classic navigational or protective symbols. It highlights the raw, sturdy beauty of traditional woodworking.
The Mythic Tier: Our most intricate, time-honoured artistry. Shields in the Mythic tier feature highly detailed, deep-relief carving, complex Norse knotwork, Elder Futhark rune rings, and elevated metallic dry-brushing that brings ancient legends and sagas to life.
COMMISSION YOUR LEGACY
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Have a specific rune or spirit animal in mind? Let’s discuss the symbols that tell your story.