I’m so excited to finally share the latest design headed to the Magic Menagerie stall: The Sand Clock of Light and Dark. (check it out below)
This pin was inspired by the book This Safe Darkness by Alexis Marigold, specifically the themes of night and day and dark and light. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of the book, and I absolutely loved the world she created. The magic system, the atmosphere, the tension… it all stuck with me long after I finished reading.
While this design is intentionally generic enough to stand on its own as a magical artifact, I still wanted to be respectful and transparent. I reached out to Alexis to ask her permission to include it in this campaign, even though there are no direct quotes, references, or naming tied to the book itself.
If you love dystopian romance, This Safe Darkness is truly worth picking up. It’s an indie author debut, which makes it even more special, and it features a circadian rhythm–based magic system, an underground utopia, and a disabled FMC in her 30's. Please consider checking it out and supporting Alexis if that genre is your jam. You can grab the book (special edition) directly from her website, or if you’d like to support an indie bookstore, both the hardcover and paperback are available through Brightside Books. It’s also available from larger retailers if that’s what’s easiest for you.
As for the pin itself, there is a lot happening here in the best way:
The top and bottom of the hourglass will be 3D molded
Clear epoxy will be used to give the illusion of glass
It features a mix of glitter, pearl shimmer, and pearl swirl enamel
Plus cut-out details
This one is very much a statement piece, and I can’t wait to bring it to life.
