Shield of Elytra (NFS)

From the Nice & Not for Sale Collection

The Playa Jewelry piece that started it all. It was spotted by LadyBee herself at 50 paces in Center Camp one middle-of-the-night stroll. Thanks to this design, I'm a 12-year (and counting) member of the Playa Jewelers Guild. 

Originally sculpted in Precious Metal Silver Clay and worn to my first burn "Cargo Cult" in 2013. Renamed in 2025 for my return for Burn #5 when I am age 55 in 2025. Name is in honor of my dear bestie from our 1980s college years.

She is diving in to experience Burning Man and I can't wait to see the world of the Playa in 2025 with her fresh eyes. Like me, she carefully, conscientiously chose her Playa name - Elytra. I love it, its perfect for inspiration and folds so beautifully into the Shield Ring design and the theme: Tomorrow, Today.

Definition: Elytra (singular elytron) are the tough fore wings of beetles. The elytra are not used in flight but are to protect the more delicate hind wings. The elytra are often colored or decorated with pits and grooves.  

I love this. We have tough outer layers we decorate, color and pattern for the outside world. They protect and embrace our inner selves, our true being and empower our ability to fly. 

Learn more about me, my Playa designs and a wealth of incredible makers from Black Rock City at PlayaMakers online

Photo Notes

My hand and custom DIY "MAN-icure" over the Temple, 2013. Also shown is a treasured photo of yours truly with LadyBee herself, which I believe was taken in 2014 or 2015.

About the Nice & Not for Sale Collection

Some things in life - and at A Nice World - aren’t for sale. It might be because they’re too sentimental, or one of a kind, or available exclusively through our beneficiaries. Or maybe they were made for a world (Burning Man) where nothing is for sale. This piece is one Nice example.