The ostensorium (ostensory, monstrance) is a glass-framed shrine in which the Blessed Sacrament is publicly exposed. It may be of gold, silver, brass, or copper gilt. The most appropriate form is that of the sun emitting its rays to all sides.

Not being Catholic or religious but very spiritual, my goal was to replicate the vessels used in Roman Catholic, Old Catholic and Anglican churches for the exhibition of some object of piety such as the consecrated Eucharistic host during Eucharistic adoration or Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

When I received Sandra Evertson’s Ostensorium of Baltic Birch, I was incredibly inspired by how sturdy and substantial it was. I knew that I had to encase it in solder while adding my “Gilded Relics” embossing techniques. I sculpted and designed a free form Sacred Heart to rest on an ivory velvet pillow. Relics & Artifacts® Bohemian Jewels and small spiritual medals were embellished behind vintage convex glass.

In between the soldered base and Helios I, I created additional rays from double twisted and hand forged wire while individually soldering an assemblage of faceted Amethyst gem beads, rhinestone spacers, embossed metal, tiny crosses and spiritual medals. Each have been securely soldered in place. I continued to design and solder each embellishment to the Helios I, as well as throughout the base. Antique silver angels, embossed metal, Relics & Artifacts® Bohemian Jewels and a gorgeous Amethyst and White Topaz sterling and bronze were also soldered.

I created the soldered and embellished crown and cross while soldering the two pieces to a large antique silver embossed angel stamping. I created a stand using found objects to repurpose. This assembled piece and the ostensorium were soldered together for stability.

I created a stand using found objects to repurpose. This assembled piece and the ostensorium were soldered together for stability.

I truly enjoyed creating this beautiful work of art!! It was a very labor intensive piece taking five days (10 to 12 hour days) to complete. Yes, I was a bit obsessed (LOL)! I cannot wait to work on more Ostensorium works using multiple mediums and design inspirations!!

Supply List:
Relics & Artifacts® Ostensorium
Relics & Artifacts® Bohemian Jewels
Vintage rhinestones
Solder