Anathemum

A few new things, a few old things

2012-01-21T10:03:00.005-05:00

Just a reminder that my shop is open and running! All orders will receive free charcoal tablets with orders over $15. Here's a few new things and a few old things.

Blue Eye Notebook

Custom Amulet Pouches

The Hare Notebook

Altar Wash

Ch-ch-ch-ch changes.

2012-01-01T16:55:00.004-05:00

To say that I've gone through some changes in the last 6 months is a slight understatement. I'm pregnant and will be bringing a little witch into this world in May and Joey and I are over the moon about this. This change has not yet allowed me to return to my previous shop duties but will eventually. I have been steadily working on my book/miniature/doll projects which can be viewed at Salt Moths for those interested. Currently the shop is open with limited stock but I have many ideas to fill it with.

For those of you who've sent little messages of love I have read them all. Thank you for your kindness.

In reflection on the the goals attained this year I did create more and attend and vend at the festivals I wanted to. My path is still evolving and I better understand it now more than ever. I hope this new year, other than bringing change, will also continue to bring some wonderful personal growth.

Many blessings to all of you.

Direction

2011-07-03T11:21:00.002-04:00

Some of the door charms and necklaces that didn't find homes at the festival. Maybe you could take them home?

So while my computer is on the fritz I've had the time to work on some personal and one of a kind projects of mine as well as contemplate the direction of the shop. While I do enjoy crafting supply for the discerning witch I enjoy doing the one of a kind items more so this leaves me with a dilemma.

My current sales venue (Etsy) is flooded with Pagan suppliers so much so that none of us really stand out anymore, with the exception of a few Witches who do things differently and better (You know who I'm talking about). I've decided to no longer expand my botanica and I won't be creating new incenses or oils for the time being in an effort to focus on a more specialized set of products. I will keep my favorite of the botanica products such as my inks, a few incenses and powders but most of my current stock will be discontinued (more than likely this means a sale so keep an eye out!).

With this change I will bring about more of a focused idea with my art and ritual supplies. More charms and ritual jewelry, more block prints and artwork, more embroidered tarot bags, more leather and woodwork, more one of a kind pieces crafted by me. Once my shop reopens, which I hope will be soon, these changes will begin.

2011-06-28T20:43:00.003-04:00

After the Virginia Renaissance Faire my computer crashed and I haven't fixed it yet. This leaves me unable to edit and process photos so the shop will remained closed until said computer is back on it's feet. I'm tryin' to make it work, I promise.

I'd like to thank all the great people who came out and saw me at the fair, you were all kind and funny and amazing! We got rain and sweltering heat but it was fantastic. I truthfully have very few photos from the faire because of the modern camera anachronism issue but I snagged a few.

Recently several odd occurrences and creatures have crossed my path. I've been having sleepless nights and scattered dreams, many involving those witches I know. So I've taken this time to work on some personal projects to calm the buzzing.

On the way I have some new products and one of a kind items plus all of the one of a kind pieces that didn't find homes at the faire. I look forward to coming back!

Secrets and works

2011-05-07T20:29:00.003-04:00

Some of the jewelry you'll be seeing at my booth at the Virginia Renaissance Faire. Handcarved Yew pendants, talismans, charms, spirit and divination bags, and many one of a kind items will be sold in addition to some of my most classic incenses, oils, and artwork. Any goodies not sold will be put in the shop. Remember, I'll be there the weekend of May 14-15 and closing weekend June 4-5. I hope to see you there.

Snow in spring.

2011-03-27T11:00:00.001-04:00

It snowed this morning. There are blooms and blossoms and pollen and snowflakes. The Old Woman has one last laugh.

I've been going through some really uninteresting and unspiritual real life job changes so things have been quiet. I went from a flexible schedule to a fixed one and have had to spiritually change some things. Before I worked a job that allowed me to freely speak about who I am and what I do and it was the first job I was able to do that. It was liberating but alienating but I had time for crafting. Now I feel as though I've taken a step backwards in my progress by changing my job to one where I feel as though to expose myself might leave my employment in jeopardy. So I will stay quiet for now.

I've also been having trouble composing words and sentences and my spelling has worsened. My productivity has slowed. It will pick back up as I'm gearing up for the festival.

The winner of my little contest, which I am sorely late in posting, is Unknown Binaries! Please email me at anathemum(at)gmail.com to collect your prize. A big thanks to those that participated, I loved reading all your words.

Ink and Paper

2011-03-10T14:47:00.010-05:00

The Hare Notebook

I often worry that being witches of a digital age has stifled our written word within ourselves.

For myself I can't really get behind the idea of a typed grimoire that's bound in a plastic binder. Plastic is unreceptive. It makes something that should be so personal so very sterile and clinical. It's not as though writing it by hand within a nicer book is harder, it's perhaps more intensive but this implies that the shortcut is the way to go and my mindset couldn't be farther from the truth. For those who find the binder and typed method suitable I encourage you to try a bound book and written words. The claim is that "if I want to change something it's easy to and I don't have to start a whole new book." Part of our learning as witches involves changes that we should embrace, not hide as though they're shameful. Even the most elite of witches started somewhere small and meager.

I'm a purist when it comes to things like this. Perhaps it's the artist in me. I want to use ink and pen and paper within a bound medium. I want to mix my blood with the ink. Or spit. Or whatever. I want my hand to ache after I've transcribed an incantation. I want that ink to accidentally or otherwise be smudged. I want to feel my words as they appear on the page. To add color with paint and mud and blood. This is why I've created all these inks and little notebooks for you witches. To encourage the recording of our paths in a traditional and tactile manner. I personally use one of my little notebooks for recording my results of tarot sessions.

To help encourage all my witches to put down the keyboard and pick up the pen I've got a little giveaway. I want to see pictures of your grimoires, those of you who are willing to show it. A link to a flickr post or photo host will do. Doesn't necessarily have to be of the whole thing, maybe your favorite page. Got a sketch of a deity? Beautiful, let's see it. Don't have a camera? Post the favorite piece of text from your grimoire instead. Please give credit if the posted text or photo is not your own.

The winner will receive this block printed lined notebook. A Piccadilly by brand, measuring 3½ x 5½ in, 100 lined acid free pages with a stitched binding. A silver cardboard notebook printed with my Sticks and Skulls print in high quality black ink. Fits perfectly within a tarot pouch or pocket and is perfect for all sorts of scribbles and sigils.

I will accept entries through the Vernal Equinox, March 20th. Thanks and happy commenting!

Alllmost spring

2011-03-04T10:48:00.000-05:00

While things may have been a little quiet in my internet world, I've been a busy bumbling bee around my little thicket. I've been cold stratifying and starting seeds for the witch's garden this year (soooo many plants!!!!), working on dolls and furnishings (as seen at the Spirit House, go look!) and enjoying the first few warm days we've had in Virginia since last fall.

It seems as though every witch I know has fallen ill these past few weeks, myself included. Bouts of coughing and feverish night and dreams have sequestered me to the least labor intensive of my crafts. It has also given me ample time to reflect on past and future projects. Things have slowed in the shop a little since I'm taking some time to work on some personal projects of mine that until now were on a very far back burner. It feels so good to every day be able to do what I love. Don't worry, I have many beautiful things planned for the shop these next few months.

Last March I was putting coolant into my car in the parking lot of my man's job (a disadvantage of driving a 15 year old car). Stuck underneath my tire was a piece of paper and as I bent down to pick it up I discovered it was a tarot card. The Justice card. A return to balance. Adjustment. I quit smoking that month and haven't had a cigarette since.

I've made it a ritual now to pull a spread at the yawnings of spring, preferably the first New Moon. My spread this year was ehhhhh but at least I have a heads up. I've always thought of spring to be the beginning of my year. You know, start the seeds, watch them grow, harvest, death. It seems more reasonable to me.

Dye and Fiber

2011-02-04T11:15:00.015-05:00

Solar dyeing, Hibiscus flowers on the left, Onion skins on the right.

The more effort you put into an item, the better it is at performing whatever task you've assigned it. It's about intent. This applies for all aspects of magic and life; amulets, charms, workings, crafts, gifts, whatever. I try to impart everything I make with immense intent, not only just my incense and oils, but other items too. I've always been one to break crafts down, find the roots of them. Sure it's easy to buy dyed fabric but why not do it yourself? If there is so much more intent imparted upon the materials then the finished product will be pulsing with energy.

Natural fibers are a love of mine. I love knitting, felting, and sewing with them; wools and cottons are my absolute favorite. I do a little amateur weaving now and then with scraps of yarn. You've seen many of the pouches and dolls I've created here using them. Something I've been working on recently is Natural Dyeing. Among several books I got for Christmas (Bookbinding and Doll making, I'll eventually get to those) I received a book called A Dyer's Garden: From Plant to Pot, Growing Dyes for Natural Fibers. This book is beautiful and has wonderful pictures and information. In an effort to cut down on things I buy I want to focus on things I can grow or make within my house, hence the book. This year I will add Woad to my garden since I've been dyeing to achieve a beautiful blue without the hassle of an indigo dye pot (chemistry is not a strong suit of mine).

I've already experimented with natural dyes including Alkanet Root (red), Hibiscus Flower (berry red), Safflower (bright yellow), Onion Skin (bright yellow) and some of the results can be seen in the inks and chalks within my shop.

Pot dyeing, all sorts of fallen leaves and berries with muslin.
A few results, Hibiscus on the left, the fallen leaf dye pot in the center, and onion skin on the right.

A bowl of Safflower and Hibiscus. This yielded a lovely berry pink.

Wool yarn, a moth's dream. So many beautiful colors.

Several years ago I visited the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and came home with armloads of natural yarns, mostly wools, wool blends, and cotton. I bought so much I'm still working through it! One of my favorite commercial yarns (and a total guilty pleasure) is Noro, a Japanese yarn company that manufactures beautiful wool yarn. It stripes stunningly and the colors are vibrant. The company does as much of their spinning by hand as possible and creates these delicious color combinations. Another favorite commercial yarn brand is Lambs Pride by the Brown Sheep Company, a beautiful blend of soft wool and mohair and a dream to knit with. I've been knitting up a storm creating all kinds of pouches bags and purses to store your tarot cards, runes, or gemstones and bones in. Most of them will go to the festivals but some will be left over for the shop. I'm in love with all the colors my house is filled with right now.

And so is Gypsy :). Or maybe it's the squishy yarn bed she's lying on....

Journey Charm

2011-01-23T19:21:00.008-05:00

A Gypsy ready for travel...

I hardly ever use prewritten incantations found in books, I prefer to write my own, sometimes just shooting from the hip in situations, or use ancient ones such as the Orphic Hymns. However I wanted to share one I found within a chapter from Trance-Portation: Learning to Navigate the Inner World. What I really love about this book is it a book for all faiths, it doesn't cater to one specific Trance bound spirituality, it caters to all. The beginning of the exercise speaks of preparation for travel and creating personal warding, something I can't advocate enough. Without warding it's as though you left the front door open to your house while you go grocery shopping. In addition to verbal incantations you can wear jewelry, masks, or ritual garb to give added protection.

Among other useful exercises, this incantation known as the "Sith Galdor", as quoted from Anglo Saxon Magic by Godfrid Storms, is taken from an eleventh-century manuscript and used to protect travelers at the beginning of a journey, astral or physical. Sig, the old English word for Victory, is associated with the word Sigil. You can also substitute the word "Gods" for a deity of choice, Hermes is a good one as is Hekate. May you use it for your own journeys, within covens or solitary.

With this sphere I gird me round (turn clockwise tracing circle around self with finger, wand, etc)
By the Gods grace grace may I be bound,
Against sore stitch, against sore bite,
Against all horrors that haunt the night;
'Gainst dread that folk fear everywhere,
And loathly things that here would fare,
Sig-galdor I chant, a sig-rod is my stay,
Word-sig and work-sig ward today.
No nightmare do my spirit harm,
No foe oppress, no fear alarm.
Nor wight nor weather threaten me,
From danger defended I will be.
I bid the good Gods victory give,
Guarded so, safe shall I live.

Customs

2011-01-18T14:18:00.009-05:00

Here's a small collection of customer orders I've created this past year. I've made a TON of custom spell candles but I didn't photograph all of them. I love making special one of a kind items for people, I hope to do more this year!

Luck Magic
A page trade I did with Danni over at The Whimsical Cottage. These are the ones I sent her, Ganesha and Cernunnos.
A spirit necklace.
Leather Aegishjalmur.
Some custom candles.
An owl doll.
Luck Amulet and some Red Hot Luck Oil for a customer.
The Rabbit Moon Tarot Bag. Tawny colored rabbit fur, pale pink muslin hand dyed with hibiscus flowers, and lined in gray felt. Accent in brass, quartz crystal, and vintage shell and vintage brass stamped leaves, as well as an eye milagros. To keep my Art Nouveau Tarot Deck in.
Another custom Tarot Bag for a friend.
Some more beautiful candles and a custom Atropa Belladonna wooden needle case.

Quiet Notes

2011-01-14T09:29:00.001-05:00

Fresh Yew, the Mountain Dream Tarot, frogs, bees, bird bones, coyote skull, and many other things

Today I'm rolling smudge sticks for the shop, listing a few new items, and enjoying the quiet around here. The days are getting longer and I've been thinking lately more about my own personal trance work and otherworld travel.

I was given Trance-Portation: Learning to Navigate the Inner World for Christmas from my family. I've found it concise and extraordinarily helpful. I've always been a dream walker; I see things or travel to see other witches while attempting to sleep. I also rely more on the signs I see from day to day; creatures that cross my path, interesting articles that seem to coincide with other signs, black dogs, found objects, weather patterns, etc. But lately, in an effort to submerge myself deeper within my practice, I've wanted to see what I don't see in my normal waking consciousness, the juicy innards beneath the crumbly crust.

I will document as much as I'm able to here. In the end this mode of communication might not be for me. But we shall see.

Reflection

2010-12-31T12:06:00.006-05:00

2010 was a year of growth for me, both personally and spiritually. While I'd been practicing for many years this was the year I took my path by the reigns and put the pedal to the metal. There has been more communication between me and the spirits around me, or perhaps I just learned to listen better. I no longer feel the need to shelter those around me from who I really am. I'm open and I've found more acceptance than I ever thought I would.

This was the year I opened my shop and the first year I would truly identify as a professional artist. I reached and exceeded every professional goal I set for myself and I have all of you to thank for it. My customers and the people I've found through my creations are some of the most amazing people I've ever met. You are all kind, forgiving, and exceptional. Never forget that!

In my personal life I've tested my working limits. I've taken on more than I thought I could handle and came out victorious. I shook off demons that have followed me for years and I feel so free now. I've spent more time with my family this year than I have in so long and it's amazing. I have the best family anyone could ask for. They are loving and supportive and hilarious and they make me feel good when I'm around them.

Today my plans are to clean my house from top to bottom and fumigate my entire space. We should all get rid of all the magical and physical crud that adorns our spaces and start fresh for the new year.

My goals for 2011? I'm ringing it in big. I will go back to school and work towards a degree in art with the eventual goal of becoming a teacher. I'm planning to attend a few festivals this year and be a more active part of my Pagan community. I want to explore my path in a deeper way and form more connections with my familiar spirits. I want to create more than I did last year; I want the energy to flow from me like water, like blood, like a life force, because it is. And I want to document it all better than I did this year.

So to you I say my friends, Happy New Year! Love, Alyssa.

Moon Days

2010-12-20T17:37:00.005-05:00

Snow still coats the grass here. It's cold and the Winter Hag is welcomed. Tracks of rabbit, squirrel, and perhaps fox scour the Thicket. I shouldn't need to remind you, but our Solstice and Lunar Eclipse happens tomorrow, so powerful and so rare. Perfect for some spell work and moon magic.

Have a Blessed Solstice, my wonderful friends.

Coldness, newness

2010-12-13T17:22:00.003-05:00

It's cold. Bitter windy winter cold. The Old Woman is here and she dusted the Earth with a fine covering of snow today, like powdered sugar on frozen pastry. Her sharp bitterness has not deterred my creation and I'm working on many beautiful one of a kind and special items for you.

A few new items have arrived in the shop, new oils and new incenses, as well as a one of a kind Smudge Fan.
Temple Incense
Pythia Oracle Incense
Sacred Blessing Oil
Red Hot Luck Oil
Blood Shaman Smudge Fan

As a gift to my lovely customers, I'm including a little sample of my Divination Oil with every purchase while supplies last. Thank you for being wonderful and amazing!

Whether you read bones, stones, and end trails, or the more standard cards, palms, runes, tea, or pendulum, you need to connect yourself with the divine. In addition to always burning incense, anoint yourself or your divinatory set with this oil to open the doors and allow spirits to aid you in your augury.

Anathemum's Holiday Gift Guide

2010-11-23T11:55:00.000-05:00

This year is my first Yule as a shop owner and I'm so excited. While all of my products and creations make wonderful gifts for heathens, I've created a few small specific things for you to give your favorite Witches and Sorcerers this year. Remember, I always offer gift wrapping on request as well as discrete shipping labels when requested.

I really went bonkers with some paper goods this year. I created several types of notebooks, all perfect as stocking stuffers for our favorite witches, as well as a set of Yule cards. I always carry a journal with me for spontaneous writing and sketching and these are small enough to fit in a pocket or purse without taking up too much room.

And for those who aren't sure what they'd like to get for a Pagan friend, I have gift certificates available. These are good for all my products, special orders and commissions!

As a special gift to all my amazing customers and readers I'm having a small Black(Mass)Friday holiday Sale! Spread the word!

Drying Time

2010-11-15T12:37:00.007-05:00

Block printed Spirit notebooks, for your travels, available in the shop
Natually dyed cotton, from left to right, Hibiscus, boiled maple leaves and holly berries, and onion skins
Another batch of Indigo Sigil Chalk, cured and ready for your magic

Dark Half

2010-11-05T12:00:00.001-04:00

Our celebrations were quiet and personal this year. We carved our pumpkins and dressed to the nines to visit a very well done and elaborate haunted trail. I trimmed my hair and welcomed the Dark Half of the year modestly and as usual was stricken with a cold. Truth? My gods have been quiet and it's a welcome silence for once. I was feeling a little overwhelmed with spirits buzzing in my ears constantly and they've quieted down now to a dull whisper; much more manageable.

As far as projects go, I'm working mostly on dolls and a few natural dying projects which I will regale you with details shortly. Things for the apothecary have been quiet except for a few commissions but but keep a lookout for a specialty oil or two coming soon. Blessings to everyone.

Astral Rabbit

2010-10-27T16:18:00.003-04:00

Follow the Astral Rabbit to the Spirit House.

Moths.

2010-10-20T13:27:00.001-04:00

Moths. Go take a look.

Bumbles and Messages

2010-10-16T14:20:00.005-04:00

I find that being overly in tune with nature you tend to pay attention to the little things. The way the leaves move, how a passing animal looks at you, weather patterns, planting, blooming, fruiting, harvesting, seeding. Without this consciousness we cannot call ourselves witches.

Many animals live around us in the Thicket. I've gained their favor by holding funerals for their fallen, but more importantly I feed them. I grow flowers for the insects, leave seeds for the birds, and offer fruits and veggies. And sometimes a little bit of our dinner for the bigger critters.

I nearly missed this bumblebee as I went out onto the balcony to replant the strawberries (I've been meaning to for weeks, just haven't gotten around to it) plus clean up and sweep the outside altar. He was sleepy so I moved him from the floor to the iron table outside where he sat, little purple wings glistening in the sun. We have a nest of bumblebees outside my altar room window and they see and hear many of my spells and rituals. I find them rooting around my plants and outside altar. They slam into the windows like little drunkards. And they come to me often. Sometimes as an omen, sometimes to say hello.

Most witches will say that animals come to them to die. For some this is true, even the smallest beast has put themselves in my path to ease them into the Otherworld. Remember the Mockingbird and Squirrel? Also, plenty of insects find their way into my little home. It's our reverence that draws us to them and them to us.

All this being said, do I consider all animals messengers? Yes and no. All animals have connections to the divine. Some do a better job of getting those messages through; birds, insects, rabbits, you know the types. Sometimes I find it easier to work with tactile animal spirit messengers. When I call upon spirits, I'm also calling on animals I've worked with or helped. Who are yours?

La Catrina

2010-10-10T08:19:00.005-04:00

For those curious of the sidebar link to the right, I decided to put my doll projects over there at Spirit House to keep things separate since I have a vast amount of doll related projects and I didn't want it to muddle the good thing we've got goin' here. Go take a look, there's a few things there already and plenty more to come including the doll lovely above.

On Altars

2010-10-05T13:21:00.009-04:00

Throughout our home we keep several altars, as every home should. Some are discrete, some are not. I normally keep five in our 1200 square foot apartment but for Samhain I add a sixth. Let's take a tour of a few of them.

First, the Ancestor Altar created on our less than used dining room table. It holds several ancestral items, the book, the owl, and the small German Skull, as well as keys and lanterns to open the door and find the way to this world to visit us. There's also some black, silver, and white Mardi Gras beads from New Orleans on the table, sort of a nod to the Ghede. When it gets closer to the thinning veil I'll add food and flowers to this space. The denim vest hung around the chair is also an ancestral item but it stays year round. The Virtual Boy in the other seat is, well, a Virtual Boy. Heh.

Next we have the House Altar, residing on the kitchen counter, which changes from holiday to holiday. It keeps our house spirit, the little Knight.

He is currently fighting a dragon with his unicorn steed at his side. Joey found him in his store one evening and took him home and since I added him to the House altar we've had no home trouble. Sometimes he fights other things but I think he likes slaying the dragon best.

The Working Altar in my Studio/Altar room. I use this altar for my work and it's where I make most of my products. The top has all sorts of trinkets; found feathers I've had since childhood, squirrel bones, graveyard dirt, candles, etc. The bottom is in homage to the Dark Gods arriving and the Light Gods leaving. The Earth is returning to dormancy. The glass stemware holds natural objects found in the Thicket or close by; Crepe Myrtle bark, Rowan Berries, Yarrow, and a seashell. Also found here is my cauldron, mortar and pestle, several rosaries and crosses (given to me by my amazing Mom. I keep them there because they are filled with her love and protection), and my lanterns. The brass boxes hold charcoal disks and matches.

Results...

2010-09-22T17:59:00.003-04:00

And the winner is....

Teckla!

Congratulations! Email me at anathemum@gmail.com to claim your prize.

Thanks to all those who participated and all the kind words you said. Warmed this witch's heart...

Flow and the Giveaway.

2010-09-16T10:30:00.007-04:00

As an artist first and a Witch second the ebbs and flows of my "muses" wane and sway with the calling of the deities and spirits. Lately I've been nothing but output; creating every spare moment I get. The cooling of the Earth and harvest does this to me and I don't think I'm alone in that sentiment. Sometimes I have a drought, usually in the summer. My spirits are quiet and nothing gets done and I wallow in my brains silence. I welcome the deluge of inspiration come the cooler months.

My altar space is currently full of experiments and successes. Chalks, brews, salts, tinctures, oils, amulets, teas. Medicinal and magical. Here are a few of the things you might have already seen, I have many more things headed your way.

Mystic Eye Bag

Hickory Snake Nut Amulet

Corvus Ritual Mask (sold)

Barn Owl Ritual Mask (sold)

Indigo Sigil Chalk

Hamsa Tarot Pouch

To celebrate my 100th sale in my shop and to say thanks for all the wonderful comments and kindness I've got another little giveaway for you.

The Acorn Amulet. To give honor to Dryads, Cernunnos, Pan, The Green Man, Artemis, or a Druidic Path. Holds aspects of fertility and protection. Strung with black leather cord in two widths. Measures about 12 inches long.

To enter, please leave a comment in this post. The winner will be picked on Tuesday September 21st at 5pm est. Reblogging or posting about this gets extra entries. Enjoy!

The Shenandoah

2010-09-09T14:22:00.007-04:00

We spent the weekend in a small cabin with our great friends on the banks of the Shenandoah River. The weather was stunning and the river was warm. We dragged an old green canoe out from under the deck and paddled up and down the river looking at old mountains and farmland, giant cattails and forests of seaweed that lapped at the bottom of the boat. I felt my gods there. I felt at peace. The normal buzzing and humming of spirits was silent because they were no longer trying to reach me. I was there with them.

During the day I gathered up fallen branches and logs around the property and as evening fell I cleaned out the fire pit and we built a nice fire that we cooked our dinner and eventually dessert on. Fire roasted hot dogs and smores, nothing could be better. We sat around the fire listening to the crickets well into the night while just existing and enjoying the silence away from our jobs and lives. It was incredibly relaxing.

I didn't find much in the way of herbs but I gathered acorns as there were plenty to be had.

One new thing and one old thing in the shop today but both happen to be pouches. The Tambourine Evil Eye Bag and Web of Wyrd Rune Pouch, both embroidered and simply beautiful and at reduced prices. With the Yule season fast approaching, the decorations are already being put up in stores, we should begin to think about what we'd like to give a special witch we know. Give something handmade and unique to support their craft. I take commissions if you can't find something that's juuust right for them.

Tambourine Evil Eye Tarot Bag

Web of Wyrd Rune Pouch

The Gods Speak

2010-09-02T21:36:00.002-04:00

Mockingbird skull and limb bone, Squirrel Jaw and limb bones

How do your deities call to you? For me it's a gnawing I get on the fringes of my brain. A buzzing of my mind. A need to travel deep within nature. A sudden idea for a creation, I always will sketch the idea to return to it later. They come to me in dreams, subtly or strongly. I will be drawn to their aspects and satisfy them with an offering or a gift. It isn't always a deity that speaks. It can be local spirits of nature, the thunder, the rain. Sometimes I receive an influx of gifts, mostly in the form of animals that have passed on, sometimes in a local wild crafting find.

I live near the Rappahannock River in Virginia. I enjoy watching her ebbs and flows, droughts and floods, and every year she claims more lives. At least 5 people die every summer while swimming in her cool waters. As an animist I believe everything contains a soul; rivers, trees, mountains, even the tiniest of seeds and the strongest of storms. Why is my river angry? Or is she? I wish I knew.

This weekend I will be spending time in a cabin right on the Shenandoah River. Maybe I will paint, maybe I wont, I'll let the river dictate my activities. The relaxation will be welcome and I'll come back with stories and some wild harvested goodies.

Before I go, a couple of new specialty candles and prints arrived in the shop this week. I'd love to do another deity painting. Any suggestions?

Cernunnos Spell Candle

Graveyard Dirt Spell Candle

Rainbow Eye Print

Hecate Print

Hickory Dickory Dock and the Mushroom Chronicles

2010-08-28T15:29:00.008-04:00

Today Joey and I took Gypsy to the Prince William Forest Park for a nice long walk. We are so lucky to live within 10 minutes of a glorious National park filled with many trails and wildlife and magic. It's beautiful and I've hiked through about it several times. When I was a child my parents took me to marvel at wonders built by man. I will take my children to marvel at wonders crafted by nature.

We haven't had much rain this summer and all the rivers and streams are low. But since the air has cooled off many mushrooms have burst forth from the ground. We spotted nearly 14 different varieties the one trail we followed. I am poor at best when it comes to mushroom identification, except for Morels, Stinkhorns, and a few Amanitas. All of the mushrooms we saw were lovely and I plan on harvesting those I can properly identify next time.

I gathered a few Hickory nuts, some acorns, and happened upon these Cicada wings just resting on a small table guarded by the most peculiar caterpillar. We also found two fauns resting among the trees and they begged us to follow. Gypsy's nose wiggled and ears spun. They stood waist high and still had their spots and let us get strangely close before bounding off into the trees. We followed for a while before becoming tangled in spiderwebs and decided to stick to the trail.

Hecate

2010-08-22T10:41:00.005-04:00

Anyone remember the Hecate sketch I posted here? Well I felt her tugging at me to finish it so I've worked on it a little bit for the past few days and completed it. I'm such an advocate for watercolors, I love their flow and movement and translucency.

Hecate; Watercolor on cold press watercolor paper; 2010
My scanner isn't high enough quality to do this piece any justice, even my 12mpx camera doesn't quite get it, so I'll be taking it to get professionally scanned this week. Often personal pieces such as this turn into shop items so I will be offering prints so you can adorn your altar or home.

Step by step (or when I remembered to take pictures). You can see my process here but it's mostly wash after wash to tone up the colors and then detail work. I also struggled with wanting to ink an outline which is something I've drifted away from, finding more of a heartiness without it.

Hecate is my matron and the Goddess I communicate with most frequently. I try to do little things for her everyday even if I don't need her for a spell or ritual. I draw something related to her aspects, give her small gifts, or read a book about her or that has her as a heavy feature. We cannot ever expect spirits or deities to aid us outright without signs and offerings of our devotion. With the darkening of the Earth steadily and swiftly approaching the Fleeting One will feel most at home, and so will I.

I'd love to paint your favorite deity! I will take commissions of this size, 6"x12" (15.2x30.5cm) or smaller of your deity. Email me (anathemum(at)gmail(dot)com) if you are interested!

Giveaway Winner!

2010-08-14T18:23:00.004-04:00

To all those who participated or reblogged my post, many thanks and blessings to you all. This was fun and I'll be sure to have another giveaway soon.

The winner is...

Wait for it...

Blue Druid! Please email me at anathemum(at)gmail(dot)com so I can get your contact information. Thanks again and blessings to everyone!

Giveaway

2010-08-10T17:05:00.006-04:00

So as a thank you to all my readers, as quiet as some of you may be, and in honor of the upcoming spirit season (I've got it on the brain really bad!) I have a small giveaway for you! A red wool spirit necklace.

Featured here is a rustic and simple necklace that will protect you during spirit travel and connect you to your spirits. It will aid you in opening those cosmic doors. Red wool is adorned with a carved wooden skull bead and an old iron key. Red thread has long been an aid in capturing negative spirits, protection, or as a spirit line. Anoint the old iron key with your favorite psychopomp oil and cleanse this piece often to remove anything unwanted picked up during travel. Wear during ritual or everyday. This necklace is about 18 inches (45-46 cm) long.

To enter my giveaway, please leave a comment in this post. The winner will be chosen on Saturday August 14th at 5pm so get your comments in before then! If you reblog this post once please link to it in your comment and you will get one additional entry, reblogged twice you get two additional entries, you get the idea :) Have fun and thanks again!

Barn Owl Mask

2010-08-10T13:24:00.002-04:00

Cut, punched, and wet formed ash gray suede leather Barn Owl mask. Another ritual mask you can expect for Samhain.

Corvid Mask

2010-08-06T14:13:00.005-04:00

Cut, punched, and sculpted leather Corvid mask. First in a series of many simple ritual masks that will be available for Samhain. Any requests?

This leather is as soft as butter and feels so good. Is anyone else as PUMPED as I am for Samhain this year? Cause I’m goin’ all out. Just you wait...

Luray

2010-08-02T20:37:00.005-04:00

Last week Joey and I spent time in the mountains of Luray, Virginia. The mountain air is so sweet and fresh, I'd love to live out there. But our desperate need for internet and stuff to do outweighs our love for nature (so he says) so we will stay closer to the coast.

We took a tour of Luray Caverns which we both haven't been to in over 10 years. It was stunning and immense and would you believe people get hitched down there? They've got that stalagpipe organ and a ballroom. "Kids these are our wedding pictures, from the UNDERWORLD."

They also have a hedge maze which we conquered!

Sacred Psychopomp

2010-07-14T09:46:00.004-04:00

Sacred Psychopomp Necklace in Corvus

It's finally finished and I love it. For the spirit walkers and in honor of our favorite psychopomps, ravens and crows. For followers of the Morrigan, devotees to Odin and Huginn and Muninn, and worshipers of the Underworld and our dark goddesses.

Available in the Shop.

Totem Dolls

2010-07-13T17:09:00.008-04:00

I'm finally breaking my blogging silence! I've been busy crafting away in my little hut and the internet has taken a back burner to stitching next to Joey while he plays video games. This fellow is one of my recent creations since I've been on a doll making and miniature kick lately and plan on starting up a small shop for some of them. Anyone who has been following me for long enough knows my love for miniatures and dolls.

He is a barn owl and while he currently remains nameless he is a messenger, psychopomp, and wise little critter as an owl should be. He is hand stitched in muslin from a self-drafted pattern and then painted with acrylics (trial and error for sure!). His feet are sculpted from polymer clay over a wire armature, painted, and then sealed. I knitted him a little scarf from some wool and made him a lapel brooch with a carved bone skull and some copper wire. He wears an amulet of glass and resin beads. He stands at about 5 3/4inches tall and is made with a 1/12th dollhouse scale in mind (More on the dollhouse later!)

I have several other totem animal patterns in the works including a fox, rat, cat, and a rabbit. What's great about these dolls is that they can be catered specifically to your totem animal or spirit. Have some ideas? I'd love to hear them!

Geography

2010-06-05T14:21:00.007-04:00

Some honeysuckle for the spirits

We all have our own little internet "covens"; Witches we associate with through social networking sites, blogs, and internet stores. We join the giveaways, participate in group discussions, comment on blogs. We wish each other blessings on holidays. We do swaps together and send gifts to brothers and sisters across our Earth. I'll trade you 3 Mockingbird feathers and her foot for a fox skull. Wait for the package. Most of us are the "solitary" witch with nothing but virtual friends. I've begun to think that lately this is not enough.

Solitary can mean that we don't follow a specific tradition or if we do we practice alone. I would say that I locally know only 3 or 4 witches I'd call my friends and I practice with none of them. Most of them are Wiccans so I'm the oddball out. They bring an athame and a bowl, I bring bones and cornmeal. We are just too different but our overlapping Animist beliefs bring us together.

Some of the Witches I know both virtually and locally have spouses or partners that practice similar beliefs. I do not but have an amazingly supportive man who helps me dig up previously buried animals for their bones and who calls from the bathroom when he's finished clipping toenails or shaving his head (silly punk men) so I can collect the personal effects. He is willing to halt a bike ride or a walk while I climb into brush to pick Yarrow I've found by a roadside and points out roadkill in case it's salvageable. I'm damn lucky for that.

A few months ago I began a search for festivals or groups I could join to support my local Pagan community and ideally do some vending for. I belong to plenty of online groups and I wanted something tangible whose minds I could pick in person. I love talking to other witches. My search came up fruitless. I found plenty of Wiccan covens and even just Pagan groups or some Pagan Pride get-togethers but they were either inactive or intolerant of those who don't follow the "harm none" rule. There was even one that refused admittance into any of their festivals or events for not being Wiccan.

At this point I took a step back. I have no issue with Wiccans, why do they have issues with me? I thought about other alternatives and found that I'd be able to vend at the local Renaissance Fairs which is fine but I was looking for something different; something more witchy. Despite living 30 minutes from Washington DC I found few things in the way of events or accepting groups and maybe that's part of it. I worship in the wrong part of the country. I'd hate to go to an event or become a vendor and bring out my bones and cornmeal and have everyone go "Huuuuh??". What steps do I take? Is is even plausible to start my own event? Where did this intolerance spawn from? Is it a backlash? Am I destined to forever be a solitary plus 1?

What do you think, witches?

A few works in progress...

2010-05-28T19:11:00.005-04:00

Sacred Psychopomp Necklace in Corvus.

Blue Hamsa Pendant

Crossroads Key Pendant in Persephone

Crossroads Key Pendant in Trickster

I had the itch lately to create some jewelry pieces for the shop. I scoured my collections of saved and found items, vintage jewelry and findings, and purchased a few things at antique stores. In addition to the the other items the shop currently carries I've wanted to do a little more art and handcrafted items. I am an artist first and a Witch second so having both these aspects flit about in my brain provides nearly boundless creativity. Nearly.

The piece at the top has been the most time consuming as the Raven skull was carved by me out of salvaged Poplar wood. I searched for a large enough branch of Yew since it would have been more appropriate but the only Yew trees I know of are in graveyards by large public roads. I already look daft stuffing my purse full of small branches and dirt while dumping whiskey on the ground so attempting to lug a large five foot branch out of the cemetery and into the car is pushing the boundaries of the public ignoring me. Someday, someday.

A reminder, I will be on vacation from June 12-19 so the shop will be closed during that time. I will return with bountiful goodies pillaged from the sea and hopefully a not too sunburned rear.

New Items at the Shop!

2010-05-12T08:30:00.003-04:00

Summer Solstice Incense Blend

War Water to curse your enemies.

Sanctify Cleansing Kit for cleaning and purifying all your tools and your space.

Evil Eye Altar Box to protect your pretty items.

Ancestor Offering Box to hold gifts for your ancestral spirits.

Love and Sex Spell Kit to attract great love and even better romance.

So things on my home front have been a little wacky and as a result I've been working my "real people job" more than expected. This has given me less time to devote to the listing of items but I've got some time today to expel the backlog I've accrued. Don't forget I take custom requests!

Follow me on Tumblr!

2010-04-28T16:54:00.000-04:00

So I broke down and made a Tumblr. While nearly the same concept, it seems more streamlined for my scatterbrained head. For everyday postings and what-nots and pictures check me there now! I will most likely keep the blog for larger announcements and postings.

Giveaway! And more Grimoire work

2010-04-15T10:56:00.013-04:00

Hey Guys and Gals, I'm a sponsor for The Spooky Spring Easter Casket Giveaway over at Bloodbath's blog! You have the chance to win some Spirit Sustenance Incense and some Graveyard Dirt from my shop plus a ton of other cool prizes from some really great Etsy sellers, so hop on over!

I've been working on my Grimoire as often as I can and have done a few small watercolor pieces in it, mostly on pages devoted to deities and I have yet to really put color on anything else. I chose one of my favorite images for the inner front page, sketched it and then used a steel tipped pen and "Black Magic" Higgins ink. It was interesting how the slightly slick Moleskine sketchbook paper took to the watercolor, the color sitting and beading on the surface until it became absorbed by the paper. I have so many Evil Eye/Hamsa pieces of jewelry and trinkets, and with it being the symbol and logo for my shop I thought it was appropriate I emulate it here too. It's probably my favorite occult symbol and when I open a brick and mortar shop I'll be sure to include it there too.

I also sketched out this Hecate picture last night. It being a dark moon and a Wednesday, Hecate was calling. The sketch isn't finished but will be done in watercolor within the following days. I've been looking for a good image of Hecate for my altar and have found very few so I decided to just draw one myself that encompassed as much of her imagery as possible. I plan on adding some Yew branches and maybe her wheel as well. Most Pagans tend to neuter her power and water it down, making her just another crone or moon goddess or whatever. I embrace all aspects of her and wish that others would too, her vast knowledge, her ability to traverse the heavens, earth, and underworld, etc. I guess we all look at our deities differently.

For the shop the next items I plan on working on will be Spell Component Kits, but ones that cater to all levels of Witches. There will be no specific instructions, just themed items. For example: the Hexing kit will include a Bayou Black candle, War Water, Graveyard Dirt, Coffin Nails, and so on. As for myself I really enjoy crafting a spell of my own, not using one straight from a book. Yes, I use some ideas and reference from many books but part of any works of magic is your gut and knowing what works for you. Use it! Use the knowledge you've obtained through all your practices and mold it to your path. Use your deities, your spirits, not someone elses. That's the great thing about being a Witch.

What's your favorite occult symbol?

Black Candles

2010-04-05T10:50:00.001-04:00

Bayou Black Spell Candle Pair for Hexing and Banishing, and a listing for Your Custom Spell Candle Pair! Details and additional products at Anathemum.

I received a Sunshine Award from Danni over at The Whimsical Cottage! Thank you, Danni. You've always been stellar. I have a feeling that if we met in real life we would probably hit it off splendidly.

~Here are the Sunshine Award Guidelines~

1) Please thank the person who gave the award to you.

2) Copy the award and place it in your blog.

3) Link back to the person who nominated you.

4) Name 6 things that no one would really know, about yourself.

5) Nominate your Sunshine Award bloggers and post links to their blogs.

6) Leave a comment on each of those blogs letting them know you have nominated them for the Sunshine award.

As far as the 6 things about me go...
1)I have a thing about collecting. Joey calls it a "problem" but I call it a solution! Sort of. I collect many things including frog figures(been doing it since I was probably 9 years old), mice/rat figures(I've had many rats and mice as pets, they are great), owl things(my amazing Mom buys Owl figures for me and she is the single source of all my owl jewelry, I have some wicked cool pieces!), antique tins and metal boxes, skeleton keys, evil eye stuff, real insects (I find them dead on the ground), feathers, shells, plus plenty of curios I use in my rootwork.

2)I'm ridiculous about fashion. I wear dresses or skirts and heels every day and probably only own 2 pairs of pants, one of them is solely for work. I refuse to pay more than $50 for any one item which leaves me to vintage shopping, or raiding closets. I don't think people need an excuse to dress up, they just should! I go wild harvesting and into graveyards in 3.5 inch heels! It sounds daft but fashion is an extension of our psyches and mine is colorful and fun and creative. I have lots of vintage clothes and accessories and my style has 1930's, and 1940's-50's, Gothic, mystic shamanism, gypsy queen, and Victorian circus influences. Joey got me the Salem Cloak by Black Market Baby for Xmas and it's great! I also name certain dresses or outfits. I also wear vintage fur. I'm a fashion dork.

3) I had plans to hopefully get my Art degree in Craft and Materials Studies with a focus on Fiber and move to New York to work for the Jim Henson Creature Shop, but I think I want to be a Cultural Anthropologist instead. Working in the art field for income all but killed my creativity and made me hate art so I had to make a change.

4) I go through reading phases. Sometimes I'll crush 3 books a week, sometimes I wont read for 2 months. This does not include reference books which I'm constantly poking my nose in and out of.

5) My hair grows incredibly slowly. It's also been every color of the rainbow when I was younger. It's now just natural brown and long. I also cut it myself.

6)My musical taste is varied. The most "Pagany" music I listen to is Type O Negative's October Rust album. I listen to metal, 90's grunge, vaudville and swing, blues, doo-wop, and classic rock.

These are some blogs which I think deserve a look!
Conjured Cardea
Swamp Pixie Herbal
Enchanted Garden Studio

Graveyard Dirt

2010-04-01T12:32:00.008-04:00

Some new products! Ritual Bath Salts in Sea Witch and Aphrodite's Bath Water, and a business success incense called Business Boom. They are all available at Anathemum's.

Yesterday Joey and I visited the graveyard in Downtown Fredericksburg. It's a confederate cemetery but I found gravestones as recent as the early 2000's buried there (most likely family plots). The graveyard is pretty big and was very quiet despite the area and all the busy streets. We found a bench and sat down for a while to enjoy the beautiful day and spectacular weather.

Proof I was there!

I then wandered around a bit and gathered some graveyard dirt from the blessed ground of the cemetery. Joey acted as my distraction in case anyone wandered by but we were completely alone for a while. Well, not really alone, but you get the idea :) I was also considering listing some of the dirt in the Shop if anyone was interested.

Also, to my surprise I found what I believed to be a Yew tree, which would be appropriate in a graveyard most certainly. I've been searching for Yew to wild harvest some and was unable to find a bulk supplier of the tree. I'm decent when it comes to plant identification but wasn't sure (especially because it wasn't giving off it's unmistakably strange red berries at this time) so I took a sprig home for further investigation. (by this time my purse was filled with leaves and my hands were covered in dirt, like a true witch!) It turns out I think I'm right! Or at least I hope I am.

Bricks and the Vernal Equinox

2010-03-20T15:15:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone has something special planned for the Vernal Equinox today! In addition to being one half light and one half dark, it's also the first day of Spring! Get outside! Plant seeds! Do something!

So here's what I've been thinking and if you call me daft it's not like I haven't been called so before (:P). I sorta want to open a brick & mortar store for Spiritual and Witchcraft Supplies.

*pauses for droves of negativity*.... Ok then. I think it's a brilliant idea.

I live in a great location for one; right near historic downtown Fredericksburg VA which is full of antique stores, small art stores, indie coffee bars, great little bars and restaurants, a civil war cemetery, all surrounded by a really beautiful college campus. All the buildings there are old and full of character. I wouldn't need anything big either, maybe 300-400 sq feet, maybe less. Joey said there used to be one downtown a while ago but there isn't one now.

I'd also want to do a consignment based system with local artisans who can feature their handmade items within the shop because I try to support local farmers, artists, and stores as much as I can.

This is obviously something that's a few years away but I've been pricing out leasing spaces just to get an idea.

Also, a few new things on the way for the shop, stay tuned!

Candle Making!

2010-03-04T13:58:00.006-05:00

Red Cedar Spell Candles, for sale at Anathemum.etsy.com

So I totally took the plunge yesterday to destroy the kitchen and decided to try my hand at candle making. However, I'm a strange kid when it comes to buying "for real" supplies for certain crafts, I'd rather just wing it with thrift store finds. I went to a craft store looking for votive molds and I found them. For $20. So forget that. I used a beat-to-crap pot I had and a green bean tin can as my double boiler and decided to make little fat tapers instead. I'd also bought a pound of pure beeswax on a super whim about 2 years ago (it was probably on sale) and some wicks so I just went at it.

I'd been collecting scrap wax from all the burned out candles I've used over the past couple years and decided to mix it in with the beeswax, sort of a waste not want not idea. I also decided to not to add any fragrance but just let the scent of the pure beeswax suffice. It smelled so good as it was melting! Like warm honey.

Baby candles!! It's also good to not let the wax get too hot while dipping and to let the candles cool before dipping again (learns the hard way) so I just did a few sets at a time so there wasn't too much down time. For the red ones, I rolled them around in Red Cedar powder a few times during the whole candle making dipping process and mixed with the honey smell of the beeswax it smells great! I can't wait to make more of these.

Witches, what is one new craft you'd like to try? Or, if you've tried them all, which is your favorite?

Seven of Tentacles!

2010-02-27T13:10:00.007-05:00

"Ah! The Seven of Tentacles is a very powerful card…"

From Articulate Matter, a sculptural webcomic.

I've been dealing with a lot of negativity lately but this made me laugh really hard! I have a soft spot in my heart for squids and my love for them made me get one tattooed on my arm several years ago. The posts are all really adorable and funny so go check it out.

Scribing

2010-02-26T13:07:00.005-05:00

Eleggua Vintage Key Charm available in the Shop

So I've begun transcribing my Grimoire pages into it's new home in the Moleskine Sketchbook. My hand is wrecked from it. I never realized how much information I had accrued over these ten years and I'm learning more every day. I have a million pieces of paper everywhere and to compile all the information is a challenge! It's also interesting to see how my path has changed and evolved. Even my beliefs have changed, but with knowledge comes a different understanding of things.

My ritual structure was very strict before and I felt stifled by it. Now I just go with it, let the muses take me. I use different deities now but still all similar aspects which I find amusing. I'm always drawn towards aspects of the water and night, chaos and darkness. Nyx, Persephone, Hades, Hecate, Ochum and Yemanya just to name a few. I think it's the Cancer in me :).

Witches, what were your first tools of witchcraft? Please elaborate!

A couple business things, I created an Anathemum Facebook Page. Become a fan and get special promotions, announcements, and updates for the Shop!

Busy witching

2010-02-24T12:07:00.010-05:00

Heal a Broken Heart Incense Blend available in the Shop

So I've been a very busy witch lately; brewing incense, making oils (Van Van and Red Rose to name a few), and crafting for the shop. I also had my first sale a few days ago which was inspiring for me and while things are slow I have a lot of confidence that it will pick up. I also bagged up some Ostara incense I brewed which will be for sale for the coming Sabbat by this evening. The whole room smells wonderful!

My witchy area is a mess because I've been using lots of my herbs and resins and I have nowhere to store them currently. I found a cabinet at Ikea I really like with glass doors but it's pricey and my car needs new brakes. But while everything is all scattered all over it's making me a little bonkers. It's nice to be able to see everything out but it's still unsettling.

One of the drawers from my altar. It holds a little bit of store stock, a cowrie shell necklace, skeleton keys, rocks, gemstones, coffin nails, and lots of other bits and things!

I've also had Grimoire issues for a while. I've used a composition notebook for the longest time and while that is acceptable it's not what I'm really after. It's messy and disorganized and out of place and many of the things written in it I no longer feel is relevant to my path. Not that I'd like to discount those things but I need something that's representative of me as a Witch now, not as a Witch 5-7 years ago. For years I've used Moleskine sketchbooks to journal and sketch in and I thought it'd be the perfect medium to organize my Grimoire a little better. Anyone who's used them loves them. The page weight is good enough to even paint on. Beat that composition notebook!

What do you use for your Grimoire/Book of Shadows, Witches? (I see lots of lurkers, I want to hear your voices!)

Etsy Update

2010-02-21T01:42:00.005-05:00

Today I listed a few things in the shop. Egyptian Oil, Patchouli Oil (the first listing of this already sold, this is the second), and a Tarot Enhancement Incense Blend. Give them a look!

Yesterday was quite productive for me and I blended several incenses and oils which should be arriving in the shop within a few weeks. Is there a specific incense or oils you'd like to see in my shop? Let me know! I'm always open for new ideas!

Malachite Key Charm Etsy Update

2010-02-10T11:46:00.004-05:00

Today I listed the Malachite Key Charm in the Shop. It's still snowing here and I wish it would just quit already. I want spring to be here! Sigh.

Snow!

2010-02-06T20:08:00.007-05:00

So we had a ridiculous snowfall today! It's rare that here in Northern Virginia that we get such snow but this year has been a record! I don't know how people deal with this stuff all the time. It's lovely but such a hassle!

Other than eating ice cream, chocolate pudding, and having great spaghetti for dinner I've been doing something with those keys I got from the antique store the other day. I think I'm going to turn some of them into these beaded pendants. What do you think so far?

Quick Etsy Update

2010-02-05T11:21:00.005-05:00

Today I did a quick Shop update and added some Four Thieves Vinegar. Ya know, no matter how many times I bottle this stuff and even when I use a funnel I always spill it everywhere! I guess my home is pretty protected by now, eh? :)

We are preparing for a supposed 40 inch snowfall between today and tomorrow so I won't be leaving the house! Lots of crafting to be done here while the boyfriend plays video games. We also had ice cream for breakfast so we're off to a good start to a great weekend!

Etsy Update: Incense and Bags

2010-02-04T14:33:00.011-05:00

Today I listed the Mystic Eye Pouch and a batch of Kyphi Incense in the Shop! I really love the design on the Kyphi tin I came up with. I find that selling incense with a container seems like a cool deal since I ALWAYS have an issue finding containers to put things in. This simplifies things :)

Since moving I have found nothing but positive things to say about this area. I live about 15 minutes from a historical college town full of antique stores, which I've been prodding through lately, hole in the wall shops, great little venues and restaurants, and a giant library to boot! There is this one very large antique store that has dissapointed me with it's service. The store is beautiful, clean, decent prices, and a great selection. The owners of this consignment based venue are very wary of any "young" person that ventures within the building possibly because of college students stealing in the past. This leads them to follow you around the store the entirety of your browsing. I like to touch, pick up, smell, and sort anything I want to buy and their presence makes me uncomfortable. And they've seen my pentacle so who knows what the lady blue-hairs think of me now! :D

On my most recent antique trip I picked up a lot of antique keys. While not skeleton keys, which are typically are more expensive, these keys are old with strange notches for the tumblers of locks. Some are very rusted and have wonderful personalities. My plans for these keys will take the shape of some sort of Hecate/Spiritual Gate/Knowledge Based etc charm which is still in the muddly puddles of my creative brain space and has yet to take true shape. Stay tuned for that. We are expected to get anywhere from 12in of snow to 40in of snow this weekend! I might have to go to work, or I might get to sit around the house watching tv and crafting which I'd much rather do that go to that "real" job any day!

I'd like to think that in these last two weeks of absence I've been pretty busy. I've got several WIP's lying around including several more trinket bags. The lack of sales in my Etsy shop has not deterred my progress at all, it has probably strengthened my resolve. I will try and generate more traffic to my site. Want to trade links, witchy friends? Let's do it.

Juniper Smudge added to shop!

2010-01-14T16:01:00.011-05:00

So today I added a Juniper Smudge Stick to the shop. When Juniper is carried or burned it helps break hexes, increase psychic power, and guards against ghosts and sickness. It also protects against theft so this is a great herb to keep within your home! I have Juniper readily available to me so I plan on keeping these in stock regularly.

In the past I had used a small bookshelf and small wall shelf as my altar and for years I'd groused about not having adequate space for my ever expanding collections of tools and herbs and various witchy items. I never had the space for something more suited to my needs. Several weeks ago I was poking around the local thrift store and happened upon it. It was perfect. A small peacock colored dresser... for only $10. Its dark knobs called to me, it's perfect amount of storage space and shape. It was beat up and had great character to it. I had to have it.

I cannot account for the weight of the actual piece since I charged the boyfriend with sole responsibility of it's transport, but it fits perfectly in the space provided. I've slowly been unpacking small box after small box and to see everything evolve is wonderful. Before I'd have to sift through at least four or five chests and boxes to find the right items I needed, and now with the procurement of this dresser, everything seems so much easier.

I know, I know, it looks a complete mess and that's because it kinda is. Ask any witch and I'm sure there's a moderate amount of "organized disorganization" to every setup. We installed the shelf above and I use that mainly as effigy space and the top surface of the dresser is working space, where I bind smudge sticks and blend incense etc etc. I think an altar can and should serve both functions, for worship and work.

Once all the artwork and charms are hung it will look more like my old space but until then I'm satisfied with it's state.

Now organizing my herbs are a totally different story....

What inspires your altar?

Etsy Shop Open!

2010-01-07T15:05:00.005-05:00

So I finally opened the Etsy shop! It will only have a few things in it at first but my stock will slowly grow as time passes. The first few things to go in there will be some Smudge Sticks and a Dragon's Blood Oil, as well as the Tambourine Evil Eye bag I showed the other day. Most of the items should be listed by tonight, if not tomorrow. Swing by and check it out! I'd love to know what everyone thinks.

Anathemum on Etsy

Winter berries and beads

2010-01-04T16:52:00.004-05:00

So after about a month or so of unpacking, straightening, and decorating, I finally have the time to do some crafts. Our new apartment is lovely and I'm enjoying spending time making it our own. My craft room is coming along at a slower pace then the rest of the place but it's starting to take shape. This is the first time I've had a room devoted solely to crafting so I want it to be organized and perfect, both of which take time.

The room itself gets good light despite the winter sun and my Sage is still doing well. Remember when I started growing plants from seeds? It was a larger undertaking than originally expected and only the Sage survived! I still have yet to harvest anything from it since it is still quite small but I'm sure once it warms up and can be put back outside then it will flourish!

The apartment community is full of trees and woods which is lucky considering it's straight off such a busy road and area. There's a large Holly bush right outside our balcony and many more scattered throughout the property (in fact one of Gypsy's favorite "spots" is right by this cluster of three of the largest Holly trees). I've also found Juniper, Oak, and Birch. Once the leaves return I may even find more of nature's treasures along the way.

Over the holidays I gathered many holly branches (under the cover of darkness like the sneaky witch I am), used a few for decoration for Christmas, and dried many of the berries for use in future projects. The Juniper above shall have a similar fate, being dried and used for decoration and projects. I love it's dusty little berries, the color reminds me of cold bitter winter winds.(By the by, isn't the Macro setting on our new camera just the bee's knees? I'm loving it!)

In addition to all the organizing, I've been working on a few projects here and there, this one included. It involves some hand bead work and newly learned french knots and embroidery. There was no pattern used here and I just kinda went with it as I always try to do, just letting the muses guide me. Unless I'm working on something very particular and specific I try not to use patterns. I enjoy having the shapes unfold around what I'm doing as it's a very organic process that way and it always produces better results. Try it and see what you come up with! This motif is going to become a tarot bag or similar sack of holding. I'd love to know what everyone thinks!

Moving!

2009-12-05T00:57:00.005-05:00

Things have been quiet on the internet for me because I'm moving in the real world! Yes, that's right, a new little abode to call our own with a separate space to devote solely to crafting! All my precious supplies and tools are tucked away in cardboard boxes and it's quite exciting to think of all the organizational possibilities and the vast amounts more space I'll have to spread my creativity on to. Be back soon!

The Dark Half

2009-11-01T13:33:00.005-05:00

Good evening everyone. I'm wishing you all a Happy Samhain, Dia De Los Muertos, Dia De Los Santos, All Soul's Day, or whichever Ancestor/Spirit Festival you celebrate. This is the lower part of my altar for my favorite time of year. I painted the small cat painting in the back which at some point may be for sale in the etsy.

With the beginning of the dark half of the year I am always filled with bountiful inspiration. On it's way is a shipment of bottles from the Sunburst Bottle Company which are ready to be filled with all sorts of delights for the coming darker months. I've already drafted a label design as well which I shall debut in good time.

I hope the conjuring of your ancestors is blessed and for now I'll leave you with some pictures I'd like to share from recent outings and museum trips with the boy.

2009-10-13T13:18:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know that I'm still hanging around. For the time being my focus has shifted elsewhere but with the approaching Sabbat I feel it's time to reenter the blogosphere and pick up my tools to begin crafting again. I should have a small posting coming up within the next few days to show you what I've been up to.

Feels good to be back!

Don't forget to check out the Giveaway over at Carolina Gonzalez's blog!

More charms and uncreative titles.

2009-07-20T15:19:00.004-04:00

It's been a long time, I know. But I'd quickly like to share some small things I've been up to. I'm tired so this will be short and quick.

These are some smudge sticks that just finished drying. They are made with Sage and Lavender and tied with purple cotton cord. The Lavender is from my own garden and I was nearly bitten by a large spider while harvesting some. I think it's Arachne telling me to keep up with my crafting!

Below are several more charms I've made similar to the one in my previous post. All of these are made with a mixture of bought and found, vintage and new beads and findings.

This one focuses on the Water element, being made with silver chain and several shell beads and freshwater pearls. The other beads are glass and amethyst stone chips and silver toned dangles to catch the light.

This one focuses on the Fire or Sun element and channeling masculine energy. It has amber colored glass, Red Jasper stone chips, and a mixture of brass and gold metals.

This one is my favorite and represents Persephone, Queen of the Underworld. The upper part is a wheat design with spring colored glass teardrop shaped beads, while the lower part represents the time during the year that Persephone spends in the Underworld with Hades. The red glass beads are shaped like Pomegranate seeds and I thought it appropriate to add them.

Evil Eye Amulet

2009-06-20T01:32:00.005-04:00

Here's what I've been up to lately! I've been making charms and amulets, most of which I will debut a little later, but for now I'd love to know what you think of this simple charm! It is used to protect the owner from the Evil Eye, or those who look at you with jealousy and envy and can even curse or jinx you. It protects you from those who covet your belongings, success, and power, and repels the negative energy created. There are also two round Hematite beads on this charm which will dissolve negativity and help protect your aura.

These charms are simple but effective and can be hung in your house, above a doorway, in your car, in your garden, or even worn as a striking piece of jewelry!

These, I hope, will be a great addition to a shop I should be opening within the next few weeks. Love to get some feedback!

Hiking and works in progress

2009-06-17T16:03:00.007-04:00

Last week I went hiking in Great Falls Park, Virginia with a few friends. It's about an hour or so away from where I live which isn't a bad drive for a place so beautiful. We ended up hiking about 6 miles before the thunder rolled in and we decided to call it a day. We scaled large rocks, shimmied along sheer drops, hiked through muddy bogs that sucked at our boots, and hopped across the river on slippery rocks. It was amazing. We only stayed on the Virginia side and next time I'd love to hike along the Maryland side.

Stunning trees while on the Swamp Trail

The swirling river...

Moss covered trees

I took this while sitting on a large warm rock in the middle of the river. I could have sat there for hours...

I've also been very busy with assembling swap and personal packages for the Summer Solstice round of the WWP @ Craftster.org.

I blended a few batches of Summer Solstice Incense, made a custom incense blend for a friend, brewed up some Four Thieves Vinegar, and did the first few steps of a batch of Kyphi incense. I went on a craft stash shopping blowout and bought a ton of silver charms on clearance to work on some charms and amulets using the many beautiful beads I have. I also started another knitting project using some vibrant teal colored wool I got at the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival I attended several years ago. I still have yet to work through all the wool I bought when I was there. This is proof I need to knit more, haha!

Exploring scents and gypsy magic

2009-06-10T02:18:00.010-04:00

So I've been absent for a while but in that time I've acquired a real job and have slightly abandoned most of my projects in exchange for commuting. Instead I've been stocking up on supplies and continuing research and general reading about certain paths and delving deeper into my own. Today I went and purchased the pictured mortar and pestle which is dense and heavy and spectacular for grinding tough resins. The ones I've used in the past didn't have the perfectly bowled bottom but this one does. I plan on wearing shoes when I use it since I know I'd break a bone or two if I dropped it on my foot!
I've only recently begun to brew things again and also pictured in the photo are two small bottles of Dragon's Blood oil I brewed recently. There's also some loose incense pictured here that I'm making for a friend containing Myrrh, Rose, Jasmine, Frankincense, Spearmint, and a few other fancy things. I don't like using anything unnatural or manufactured so my incense and oils are the real deal. The base I use for my oils is Safflower oil which is rich in Vitamin E.

I've also been doing some research on gypsy paths and religion and picked up a book at the thrift store called Gypsies: Their Life, Legends, and Lore by Konrad Bercovici. It sort of jump started an interest for me in their paths. The book itself is old and slightly archaic, being written in 1882, but is full of interesting wisdom. Occasionally older literature can be a bit of an arduous read but it flows easily. It tells a first hand account of their history through the author's experience living with the Gypsies for a considerable amount of time. It's interesting. Also was in the book store today and picked up a Llewellyn book called Charms, Spells & Formulas by Ray T. Malbrough. The book itself had recipes and such pertaining to Hoodoo and while most people snub anything published by Llewellyn, this book isn't too bad. It's useful and informative and contains many recipes and instructions for oils, incense, powders, etc, which is right up my alley. While I never try to go straight from books when it comes to recipes and spells, it's good for reference.

Pictured above is the top section of my altar again, this time in honor of Ra, the Egyptian Sun God. He represents light, warmth, life given by the Sun, and growth. While I try to stick to mostly the Greek Pantheon, there are a few members of the Egyptian Pantheon that tend to communicate with me well. Nut, Bastet, and Seshat are a few of them.

Secret Fairy Projects.

2009-04-24T03:19:00.011-04:00

I've been struggling with a new job and school and have really had to discipline myself to finish the projects I've undertaken. This is one of the little projects I've done which will be sent to my partner in one of my most recent swaps over at Craftster.

Fairy Magic Trinket Bag

This one was really ambitious for me but probably the most fun so far. I actually traveled with this little project, taking it to the boyfriend's house and back since I really wanted to work on it as often as I could. I broke away from the typical square shape I usually use and started experimenting with different shapes through knitting. After drawing it all out and planning the shapes and designs, I knitted the front piece first using a mossy green wool. I then cut the rest of the bag from chocolate colored corduroy salvaged from some pants I thrifted. This is when I began the hand beading, letting the muses guide my design and color choices. Since my partner is really into fairies I wanted the colors and designs to emulate dancing fairies, laughter, and nature. After finishing the beading, I lined the bag with green felt and stitched it all together using a pea green embroidery floss.

I will be accepting commissions for these shortly if desired. I'd love to know what you think!

Mystic Trinket bag

2009-03-23T09:49:00.005-04:00

It was a nice day out yesterday and I decided to spend most of it with my family, but into the evening I decided to make another trinket bag. These are such a fun and tranquil craft and I've already begun a third one.

I really wanted to focus more on the beading with this one. I knitted the main part of the bag with a lamb's wood/acrylic blend of worsted weight yarn using size 2 needles to get a really tight knit and solid base for the beading. The beads used are all glass beads, some of them were reclaimed from childhood jewelry and some of them were gifts. I just kinda went for whatever with the design as always. I then stitched up the sides using purple embroidery floss in both a whip stitch and back stitch.

I find that these are simple enough that I don't get distracted while making them and move on to something else like I tend to do with larger projects. I have a problem with that :)

Cold Spring

2009-03-21T13:24:00.010-04:00

Today I'm devoting solely to some crafting and cleaning. So far I've organized my craft area and desk, watered the seedlings, moved around some furniture, and completely revamped my altar. I've been pretty productive so far.

Today I made a trinket bag with a really vibrant spring theme. I've had this cotton yarn lying around for a few years. I got about 50 yards of it at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and have never really found a purpose for it. I thought the colors, pastels wound with red thread, were really perfect for the season. I knitted up a quick rectangle with it and stitched it up with red embroidery floss, attached a braided handle to wear it around your neck or tie it to a belt or something, and glass and wooden beads for decoration. This was my first time adding beading to anything and I think it turned out well. I get a really good vibe from it, very strong and cheerful. I really plan on making more of these today. They take no time at all and they're really fun.

The seedlings are going strong! This is the Flax here, but many of the others have sprouted. I keep forgetting that Rosemary and Lavender have a longer germination period then most of the other seeds I planted so I was getting quite impatient! But now their little sprouts have poked their heads about the soil so I'm happy.

I wish the light was better in this room, but alas. This is the upper part of my altar. I just added this part today since I usually run out of space on the bottom part quite quickly. The upper part changes the most here. On either side of the vintage glasses used as tealight holders are two needle felted eggs I received in my last swap at Craftster. The pretty lady in the center is a vintage find from the 40's or 50's I believe and I sometimes use her as a Goddess figure. The little wreath behind her is woven Willow branches.

Below is the more working area of the altar. This is the cleanest it will ever be. Incense is burned down here, charms and amulets are charged, stuff is constantly being done on this part of the space. Either that or I do it outside. But for those times when I can't and the nosy neighbors are watching I do this stuff inside.

I'd like to wish everyone a wonderful day and for those celebrating have a wonderful Spring Equinox.

Another watercolor

2009-03-15T10:04:00.004-04:00

Goddess of the Dark Blue Watercolor on Paper. 2009

These are really relaxing. The process is incredibly organic and even though more planning went into this one I didn't feel constricted. Fun stuff.

I'd love to hear what you think about it.

Watercolors

2009-03-14T08:49:00.005-04:00

On a whim I decided to break out the watercolors after using them for my Craftster card swap portion. I love the murky mixing of colors and the transparent layers. It's all very fun for me and watercolors are more forgiving than you'd think. It's sort of a self portrait since I was in a selfish and strange mood last night.

Consumption by the Blue Boy Watercolor and ink on paper, 2009

I know it looks just like slap dash color, but it means something. I'll leave that up to interpretation, though. I might work on some more watercolor stuff since it's so organic and enjoyable. I dislike any craft that is too much of a hassle because it gets in the way of my process, of the flow from my brain to my hand.

Apologies for the shoddy picture, but I don't have a very good camera. I use my phone :)

Started my seeds today

2009-03-08T10:22:00.007-04:00

So this morning I decided to get a jump on things and plant my seeds. It's such a beautiful day I thought it terrible to waste it on silly things like sleep. I planted half my seeds in the cut off bottoms of water bottles, and the other half in those newspaper starting pots I was telling you about. I really just didn't feel like folding all that newspaper. Heh. They're now sitting outside on my back porch in the wonderful morning sun.

Here's some strawberries. I hope they do well. I'd love to be able to pick these right of the vine and eat them. That would be wonderful. The beans are in there too, but they're hiding.

A Moth's Closet

2009-03-08T03:05:00.002-04:00

So I decided to start another blog, this one being just for my clothing inspirations. I hardly buy new clothes anymore, most of them are vintage, thrifted, or made myself. I draw lots of inspiration from stories, art, nature, and I wanted a place to document it. Go check it out.

A Moth's Closet, or the button to the right :)

Under the weather

2009-02-27T21:11:00.008-05:00

This is the grizzly scene at my desk. I've been really under the weather and have been consuming tea at an alarming rate. I have one of the three bugs going around, this is the "congestion, torn up throat, coughing and sneezing" one. There's also a puking bug too and I'm very glad I didn't get that one. What I hate the most about being sick is the fatigue. I barely have the energy to think of something to say so all of my projects have been put on hold until I feel better.

I made this mug around the same time I made the other three, but this one is mine. I have a bad habit of while making gifts and crafts for others, I always have to make myself a little something too. Isn't it always important to just treat yourself every once and a while? I think so.

I've started folding newspaper starter pots to begin my seeds in for this year. So far this years I have seeds for Rosemary, Lavender, Chamomile, Thyme, Poppies, Sage, Peppermint, Spearmint, Dhalia, Flax, Black-Eyed Susans, Cherry tomatoes, and String Beans. I'm really excited. When I transplant them, I plan on giving the Peppermint, Thyme, and Spearmint their own containers since they'll grow like little rabid beasts. This year is my first year trying vegetables too and I hope they turn out yummy. If they do, I'll definitely try more next year.

Until then, I'm going to nurse my disease. I hope I get better soon. Wish me luck!

Tidbits of floss and wood

2009-02-20T19:14:00.005-05:00

I think everyone really underestimates the beauty of Carnations. People label them as a generic flower and even get insulted if they receive these instead of roses, but I think their beautiful ruffled petals are lovely. They promote healing and they were given to me by someone really special to me. They make me smile every time I look at them. I plan on drying two of them, and pressing the other two so their beauty will serve me in other crafty ways down the road.

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So I've been involved in mostly swapping recently, but in taking a break from those projects I decided to poke around with something I've been wanting to do for a while. I've made several wreathes, dream catchers, and even bracelets using branches, but never just a star. I decided to give it a go.

The twigs themselves are pine from my yard. The black and red cord is embroidery floss and the copper bits are some copper sewing thread I have. There's an assortment of beads on there, including some gemstone beads I have (Red Jasper, Hematite, Unakite), silver bells to keep those pesky bad spirits away, the black and gold glass spiral bead at the top, and a small gold toned honey bee.

This little project was really fun, and surprisingly quick. I think if I hadn't been watching television I could have finished quicker though. It now hangs above my main doorway. I've already made several more, but a growing headache will prevent me from sharing pictures this post.

Hope you enjoy.

I've been working on....

2009-02-13T02:37:00.016-05:00

Stuff! Lots of stuff! Is everyone just as excited for spring as I am? I'm really looking forward to going outside and collecting branches and acorns and twigs and things, and just enjoying the sun. In the picture above are some smudge sticks I threw together after a trip to the store for some fresh herbs. One of them is Sage and Lavender (grown myself) and the other two are Sage and Rosemary. They're almost dry, probably another week or so.

Meanwhile it's still dark and cold out so I suppose I will just sit inside and craft. Heh. I've been working on many things, some personal, some for other people, most of which I can't show you since they are part of my swap over at Craftster.org.

These are some natural bobby pins I made the other day. Just kinda got in the mood of it and didn't wanna stop, but I ran out of pins. If I used any more I wouldn't be able to put up my hair. From left to right- star anise, small pine cones, acorns, and a bobbin (I know this isn't natural but I wanted to make it anyway, heh). And the typical action shot below of me wearing the acorn bobby pin. I have long hair and it's sometimes difficult to find stuff to do with it other than keep it down. So making these cute bobby pins was some great motivation to do some fairy-ish messy updo's. Like that glow of my 22" monitor on my face? It's the only way I get a tan :) Haha!

For Christmas my sister gave me this children's wood burner she found in her boyfriend's garage, so I've been practicing with it. I have a GIANT stash of wood pieces from when my mom used to do wood crafting so I only need to buy big things like boxes when I want to do something. The tip of the burner is a chisel tip and kinda clunky but I'm slowly learning to control it. I've been making little charms like the ones above. They're pretty fun and easy to do. I also did one and decorated one of my oil bottles with it.

This is my Sleeping Serpent Oil. Like the tag? I think it's adorable :). It's strung there with some copper wire, teal colored wool yarn with black embroidery floss twisted around it and a few beads. I actually carved out the stars on this one with an exacto blade so it's woodcarving too! Hah! I like how rustic it looks and I'm always thinking of ways to make my stuff prettier. The Sun and Moon charms above are going on some personal bottles of their respective Oils just like the one above. I might do this regularly since making these little wooden charms is easy peasy. And if when I open a shop this would be a cute addition to the bottle.

Here are the Sun(left) and Moon(right) oils doing their thing. I only brew oils in small batches right now because it's only me using them. I use Safflower Oil as my base because it's colorless, odorless, and lots of antioxidants and Vitamin E.

I also bought tons of seed packets because I plan on starting up my herb garden again, but in containers. Also I want to grow a few veggies since stuff like Tomatoes grow easily in containers and they are super yummy. I get most of my herbs at the Global Food market either dried or fresh, grow a couple, and plan on growing more. I really need to expand my stock of herbs but it's hard without buying them online. Might do some personal swaps to get some more herbs, eh? Who knows.

I know this was really just a quick overview of what I've had my paws in and I will be sure to keep you updated. Hope everyone else's crafting is going just as well :)

I have RETURNED!

2009-01-30T03:50:00.009-05:00

Man I've been gone a while, eh? Here's the catch up:

Classes started again and so far I'm having a swell time. We have great discussions in Sociology and Drawing II is definitely worth it. We've been doing contour drawings of bones in ink which come out looking magnificent despite their occasional inaccuracy and we're going to be using live models this year as well! I've only used photos for reference and pose study, never live models so I'm really excited about it.

I went into DC recently to stock up on art supplies at Utrecht's in Northwest. While I was there me and my friend and fellow artist (pictured above) visited the Hirshhorn Art Museum for our midterm project. It's one of my favorite museums because the art they have there is modern in premise and experimental. They have a fair amount of Installations too, like a few really trippy video installations that are seizure inducing. They have this really wonderful exhibit there called Strange Bodies that if you're in the area you should check out. Once I get the pictures from my friend I should be posting them.

As far as crafting goes I joined another Pagan swap over at Craftster this time for Ostara so I've just started doing some more crafting for that. I took some time off from art after the holidays because I was just exhausted. Now that it's been a few weeks I've really begun to miss it so this swap came around at a great time! I also might be interested in some small personal swaps as well.

I should have some photos of what I've been working on within the next few days in addition to a new layout. It feels good to be back.

Last semesters work + mug reaction + commission

2009-01-03T05:29:00.013-05:00

So my mug post at Craftster was pretty great, even got chosen as a Featured Project. This intrigues me greatly because of the wonderful response I got. If I make more, would people be interested in purchasing them? I'd probably have to get a paypal or etsy account first. Trouble is I don't have a bank account and I doubt people would be willing to send me a check/money order. I'd love to be proved wrong, though.

Basically within the next month or so I hope to start taking commissions and selling crafts/art online. I'll probably take commissions for 18x24 charcoal portraits/drawings in addition to the other crafts I do. I'd take commissions now if a check/money order is okay for payment. Contact me with interest.

Also, for those who haven't seen it, pop over to my Flickr photostream to see some of my work for drawing class. All done with traditional mediums. When I say portrait, I mean like the ones below.

Happy New Year! Plus custom ceramic mugs

2009-01-01T01:00:00.001-05:00

Let us welcome the New Year! By posting our holiday crafts! Hah!

This year for christmas I was broke. But I'm clever so I decided to customize some ceramic mugs for my friends. I bought several ceramic mugs at the thrift store for $.99 each and then purchased one of those ceramic paint pens that you draw with and then bake it in your oven to make it dishwasher safe. The paint pen was the most expensive part, it ran me about $4 at Michaels and they come in tons of colors. I thought the paint pen would be easier than just the regular ceramic paint and it was. The only thing is that the paint sets up quickly so if you want a smooth surface to your paint then work on one area at a time. Also, the paint clogged up the pen tip several times, but cleaning it off wasn't a big deal.

The green mug has tentacles circling the entire upper rim of the mug. The blue one has "harlot" in fancy script. The small white teacup has "RELOADING!" and zombie hands and splatter on it (ode to L4D). No stencils were used.

This was easy and fun. I have already doodled on a few more thrifted ceramic mugs and might sell a few, might give away a few.

Resolutions

2009-01-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

Continue to quit smoking.
Focus more on my artwork.
Lose another 15 pounds.
Stand up for myself.
Learn to better control my temper.

This is all I can think of right now.

New Year's Eve, and a swap package.

2008-12-31T04:00:00.003-05:00

Okay so it's almost the new year but I'd like to post some photos of things I've worked on during the holidays. I just decided to start early while I had the ~~motivation~~ time. This will be a photo heavy post.

This is the package I sent for the Yule swap over at Craftster. The main item is a Moon Goddess shrine. When I asked how my partner how she envisioned the goddess she said as a moon goddess so I kinda ran with that theme.

The background is old book pages over a box built from thin wood and watercolor paper for the sides (so as not to ripple when many layers of paint were added). I then used acrylic paints to build up the background color. The moon is from a science book from the 1960s and the goddess is a vintage image I found online. I printed her out in black and white and painted her with watered down acrylics and glitter paint. The pressed flowers in the background are from my yard (periwinkle and silver maple). The stars in the background are iridescent sequins with paint in the center.

I also made a Pagan rosary. Instead of using a charm for the end I decided to use a small glass vial instead. You can put a small gemstone or even herbs within it. I attached that pretty little topper to the plain cork myself to jazz it up. I originally attached a small bail to the cork on the vial but I didn't want the cork to pop out if she chose to wear it, so I had to devise something pretty but appropriate to hold the vial. I wrapped a thin piece of jewelry wire around the small neck of the vial and created two loops to attach jump rings and therefore the silver chain. Ta-da.

There are 9 beads around the actual circumference of the necklace, 9 being a sacred number to the Goddess. There are three spiral beads surrounded by marcasite, each spiral representing the three aspects of the Goddess (maid, mother, crone). Along the hanging part above the vial is one spiral bead, several marcasite beads and 4 small glass seed beads representing the elements. Each of the colored glass beads represents her children and one for herself.

I hand carved a pine box so she could store her tarot cards in. It's painted with acrylics. I lined the inside with purple felt and the inside of the top with another vintage book page.

This is a Yule ornament I made using one of those blank glass ornaments. The little goddess is carved out of wood. The gold spiral is painted on the inside. I won't even tell you how hard that was.

Here's a few goodies I included with the package. A few drawstring bags and incense and gemstones.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-24T16:11:00.003-05:00

I'm too busy right now to keep up here, so I'll start blogging again in the new year when I'll have time to post all my holiday projects and gifts. Stay safe, everyone! See you in 2009.

Women's health, My beautiful Cervix

2008-12-10T01:36:00.006-05:00

If you ladies out there have not visited My Beautiful Cervix yet, you really should. It chronicles a 25 year old student midwife and the changes in her cervix during her cycle through photography; one photo for each day of her cycle. Having never seen my cervix, this website was wonderful, empowering, and informative. And incredibly interesting. I love learning how different parts work and look and this site is right up my alley. Also being the daughter of a very healthy nurse makes me appreciate this website and the impact is has for women's health and fertility awareness.

Take a minute. Take a look.

Brain fuzz ground fluff

2008-12-07T21:14:00.005-05:00

Snapped a quick blurry picture of some left over snow on the deck. It was the first snow of the season. You can see a small paw print in the upper left from my sister's Chihuahua. I'm mad at it right now since it barked from 8:30 this morning until 3pm at nothing. Or it could have very well been barking at ghosts. Either way it was difficult to ignore and has left me slightly cranky.

As you can see I changed the layout of the blog. It's marking the transition of the Holly Kings reign into the Oak Kings reign. I'm literally going cross eyed from sitting in front of the computer for so many consecutive days. Still chugging away at my holiday crafts and I really wish I could get a break. You should see my apron. It's covered in paint and three types of glue. I've also hit a creative block. It usually doesn't take me any time at all to redo a web layout but it took me 2 days. My brain is tapped out. My brain needs a break. Can't even type a cohesive entry. What are you doing to fight the crafting block blues?

Mini shrine, The Gloaming of the Forest Floor

2008-12-06T19:03:00.006-05:00

So this is my new deal. Wanted to try something new but didn't want to buy anything new since money is tight. I recently gutted a few old books from the 60's while making stash book boxes and wanted to use the pages for something fun. Anyway, I call this one The Gloaming of the Forest Floor. The little lady is supposed to be a dryad or a little woodsy person with roots for feet. I know they look like tentacles :D. I wish I had a camera that could pick up all the details.

I cranked this out last night in about 3 hours or so. They go quickly when you get inspired.
I built the box out of a small piece of wood for the back and watercolor paper for the sides since I would be adding lots of paint and glue I didn't want it to ripple or warp. The box is 5.5in x 3.75in and .75in deep. I then built up the insides with ripped book pages. I added acrylic paint in many layers and then pasted on pressed leaves from my backyard (dandelion, silver maple, clover). Then I added all the dimensional parts like the moss and the trees. The tree leaves are leaves from black fake flowers. I cut and shaped a few of them. The little lady is a vintage photo I printed out and pasted on card stock. I then used thin acrylic paint to color her.

Holly King scarf

2008-12-06T01:51:00.005-05:00

So here is my finished scarf. Worked on it maniacally while watching movies at the boyfriend's house a few days ago. I call it the Holly King scarf because of the colors and the season. I used 2 worsted weight yarns, Lambs Pride (85% wool 15% mohair) in Aubergene and some Peruvian brand called Chaco (100% Virgin wool) that I got at the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival several years ago. This scarf is soft and squishy and feels great. What do you think? (ignore hair and face please, it's been a long day)

It feels good to have finally finished something while all these half finished projects lay in pieces around me. My room is a disaster because of all the craft supplies. I could make a nest with them. I have been trying to put away and organize things as I go, but it's been tough with all the different projects I've been working on. Yesterday I managed to fold a bunch of fabric and organize it by color, hang up clothes and sort out all the dresses and skirts I need to hem and alter once my machine gets out of the shop (hopefully by next Thursday), and organize some beads and ephemera. I still need to go and buy more of those plastic bead cases and some boxes for scrapbook papers but my car is also in the shop until at least next week. So I'm stranded at home with my crafts. They're holding me hostage. Save meee!!!

Last week I also took a quick sewing gig making a few children's capes for a local dinner theater's winter production of A Christmas Carol. One of my friends is an actor and they had a costumer quit suddenly on them so he called and asked if I'd break out the sewing machine. I had to use my backup which I nearly ended up destroying out of anger. They also gave me a pattern with missing pieces so I had to improvise. It didn't earn me anywhere near the amount I expected, but it was money none the less. It will at least pay for shipping for my holiday stuff.

Once I finish all these projects I might start gearing up to do some more swapping and maybe an Etsy shop?? I know, I'm dreaming, but it would be nice since I have so many supplies already. The better question would be is it worth it or would people buy my stuff. I can't wait to show you some of the stuff I've been making but I don't want to ruin any surprises for my swap partner :). I've been getting into collage stuff lately which is super fun. Ya know, shrines and all that. It's a hoot.

Okay, enough talking, back to the grind.

Winter crafts.

2008-11-30T02:06:00.008-05:00

I'm back from my Thanksgiving getaway. It was enjoyable but stressful and tense. One member of my extended family is less than good and a terrible host who goes out of their way to make my family and I feel unwanted and uncomfortable. Beyond that I ate great food and spent time with my Yaya who is a wonderful and caring woman and a hoot to talk to. But after a few days being on a different schedule and doing lots of family things I feel the need to relax and chill for another week! Heh, I wish. I have a 9am Drawing class that I need to be bright and chipper for. I also never said what I was thankful for so I suppose I should say. Mostly, I'm thankful for my friends, my great family, and my boyfriend who loves me more than he probably should. Also the friends I've made on here who keep me wanting to craft every day. I'm also thankful for sleep which I am looking forward to my own soft bed after sleeping on a blow up mattress for several nights.

On a separate and slightly scatterbrained moment, I also quit smoking. It's been close to a month and I've been doing well with it although sometimes I get antsy for the slight escape of a cigarette. Most of my friends smoke but thankfully my boyfriend does not and never has smoked so at least I can feel good being smoke free around him. I smoked for 8 years so I figure it's a good change. I can smell things much better now and I don't smell like smoke all the time and use less perfume. And I save money!! Which is truly wonderful.

Been working on a few things craft wise, including a scarf I've been knitting for myself for what seems like ages now and several Yule ornaments. Whenever I knit anything for myself it takes forever because I feel no sense of urgency like I would if I was crafting for someone else. I also started a new miniature, a 1:12 scale enchanted garden. It will be the craft I work on between other crafts if I ever get any time. I just redid my seasonal altar this evening so I'll have to take pictures of that. I used some holly I gathered from the large 25 foot holly tree in my Yaya's side yard which is included in the picture above. I also am involved in a Yule card swap so I'm working on those too plus the rest of the Yule craft swap stuff. I need to get the sewing machine up and working again so I can stitch up a few more dresses that are more winter appropriate (my tush is freezing in the thin dresses I've been wearing!!) plus sew a few things for the Yule swap. It's getting stressful to say the least but I'm glad to be kept busy.

How are you handling your holiday craft crunch??

Turkey and such

2008-11-26T16:40:00.004-05:00

Quick post: For those in the USA celebrating Thanksgiving, have a safe and wonderful holiday. For the international, be safe and wonderful anyway! I'll be off stuffing my face full of tasty Greek food.

Interior witchy "craft" area miniature

2008-11-20T20:06:00.007-05:00

I didn't post this originally but I finished it in the early to middle of October. Working on some other miniatures right now and just thought I'd share this older one with you.

I was inspired to start work on the interior of the space with my other miniature potion shop door as inspiration. I really wanted to stay with the natural feel of things and keep it looking rustic so I utilized as many natural materials as possible, keeping the construction of the furniture to found twigs (mostly Pine and Silver Maple found on the ground). The first interior piece I created was a large witch's workbench with ample shelving above it for bottles and herbs and plants. This is a space I would die for! There's tons of room for crafty spell working and storage. What a clever and small witch must live here. I also added some more whimsical potion ingredients in there, such as "Moondust", "Golden Sunshine", "Mermaid's breath", "Worms" and "Dragon's blood"....

Everything is sculpted using polymer clay and the only premade miniatures were the glass bottles. I guess I didn't make the beads either, but I glued them together with suuuuch finesse :P . The beads are a mix of glass, shell, and plastic. I made more things for this setup such as a small grimoire but I didn't want it to be too crazy, plus I can use them for other miniatures. Also, I'm terribly exhausted. If I miss anything, let me know! Apologies for the lackluster photos.

Starting from the left side of the crafty work space... There is a small broom made with raffia and a Silver Maple twig wrapped with black wire. The shelf below holds a pitcher and two copper pots, one containing a ladle and the other a wooden spoon. A small handwoven basket made from scrapbook paper filled with small eggs sits on the upper shelf. There are several real candles in the picture, hand dipped by me, as well as some potted plants. The top left plant is pieces yanked from silk flowers, then to the right of that is actual Rosemary in the small pot, and to the right of that is Lavender. The rest of the plants are silk. There's also small muslin bags full of herbs as well. And a dinky seashell. There's a basket filled with mushrooms and another filled with bones.

In the center... There are more bottles filled with oils and herbs and other goodies. You also get a better view of the basket of mushrooms and bowl of bones. On this little witches desk space there is a mortar and pestle filled with Lavender flowers. The copper colored bowl is filled with Frankinsense resin, the bowl above it with the more brown herb is filled with Witch Hazel. The red contents of the bowl next to it is Red Sandalwood and the small bowl below it is filled with Spearmint. There's an open bottle of "golden sunshine" and more mushrooms as well as a candlestick. You can also see the bitsy skull in these pictures.
Oh! I nearly forgot about her little teacup! I imagine it's filled with Jasmine tea being that I'm quite partial to it myself ;)

And the far right... top shelf bottles are Lavender and "Dragon's Blood" as well as a grassy type plant. The second shelf has "Moondust", three lovely jars filled with assorted things, and a glass bottle filled with "Mermaid's Breath". There is also a crystal ball and another lovely green bottle.

Sewing machine mayhem

2008-11-19T19:00:00.005-05:00

My sewing machine just crapped out. I'm really frustrated about it! I think it needs oil but I have none. It's a problem with the upper mechanism that I can't seem to figure out. I do have two sewing machines but the working one has a tension issue that I've never been able to fix. This means my projects are going to take twice as long now. Sigh. It's been a bad a day all around.

I think I'm just going to work on some miniatures until I work up the energy to begin sewing again with the crappy machine.

Concept art, or what I do sometimes for money

2008-11-18T19:35:00.005-05:00

So this is what I do to make money. At least right now. I thought I'd share one of the concept sketches I did for a project I was involved in. See? I also do normal art. I've done tattoo design, children's book illustrations, color work and line art. In my heart I suppose I'm an illustrator but really I just adore the creation of the character no matter the medium. I create characters constantly, make little costumes and stories, and think deeply how a character acts and behaves. Sometimes doing concept art for other people is a little daunting and difficult to chug through since there can be restrictions put on the product.

Don't really know why I felt like sharing, I just did. In a crummy mood but needed to do a post. Heh.

Apothecary Label

2008-11-16T04:55:00.008-05:00

So I got my partner for the swap I'm involved in over at Craftster.org. Then I realized that when I need to send things in plastic bags, I wanted a label to go on top of them. Using some wonderful vintage graphics from The Graphics Fairy(check that website out!! I was drooling over all the images) and various fonts from Dafont I Photoshopped together a 3.5 inch wide label for small plastic bags.

I was definitely going for a vintage apothecary label sort of look. I plan on writing in the item on the line using my ink and quill pen so that way I can just print out a whole page of these blank labels to save paper. I suppose these would come in handy if I ever decide to open a shop... hah!

Other than that I've decided to start wearing skirts and dresses more often. Before I would wear a pair of torn up jeans and an old band t-shirt with a smart looking cardigan. I always buy clothing at the thrift store and make something frilly and girly and never end up wearing it. I've decided to start, it's a waste otherwise. For the past 3 days I've worn 2 dresses and a skirt and I don't plan on stopping. I even picked up a vintage sleeveless plaid dress at the thrift store today. It needs to be taken in, but I'm excited about it.

You are The Magician

Skill, wisdom, adaptation. Craft, cunning, depending on dignity.

Eleoquent and charismatic both verbally and in writing,
you are clever, witty, inventive and persuasive.

The Magician is the male power of creation, creation by willpower and desire. In that ancient sense, it is the ability to make things so just by speaking them aloud. Reflecting this is the fact that the Magician is represented by Mercury. He represents the gift of tongues, a smooth talker, a salesman. Also clever with the slight of hand and a medicine man - either a real doctor or someone trying to sell you snake oil.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Also, don't steal the label. Or I'll hex you!! :)

Antiquita, dust fae

2008-11-08T14:34:00.005-05:00

So here is my new little lady. I was definitely inspired by my Halloween costume since I was cleaning up most of the little white bits of lace and such yesterday. I absolutely adore her little face. I named her Antiquita (an-ti-kwi-tuh) because I imagine her playing in the dust around old books and dusty china. Her hair is yarn that I unraveled in two colors, a dusty pink and a white with iridescent bits in it. To make her hair have so much volume, I glued some polyfill to her head first and then bunched the yarn around it. Her little face is hand painted and I was going for more of a kabuki type look here so she's not so Froud-y.
Her outfit is made of vintage and scrap lace, tulle, and fake flowers. I wanted to incorporate more of a nature feel into this one which is why there are so many layers to her little skirt. I do need to find a less clunky way of doing shoes, though because these look like paper sacks tied to her feet, haha.

New Layout

2008-11-08T01:18:00.007-05:00

I'm sick again and I felt restless today so I did a new banner and background for the the blog. Wanted to do a colder sort of layout for the approaching dark months. Also I organized the cabinet under my bathroom sink, shuffled some things around on my work desk to give me more space to craft, and organized some of the fabric and ribbon scraps I had lying around from my Halloween costume. Seeing all the white and antique-y lace lying around inspired me to craft another little fairy doll. All I have to do is put wings on her but this WIP picture shows her naked and headless. Slightly horrifying, eh?

I should finish her and post pictures tomorrow while it's still light outside. I never end up getting out there while the sun is still out and it's changing my mood. Plus I keep getting sick which always destroys the energy I have to do anything. Oh well. Tomorrow, then.

Witch hazel doll finished

2008-11-06T16:47:00.011-05:00

I finished up that doll I was working on. I decided to name her Witch Hazel since I always associate it with little warm creatures like this. I made her wings from some craft wire and tulle and I'm totally doing it differently next time because they were such a pain! I gave her shoes from felt as well. I really want to make more of these and even my mother was excited about them. Like I said before she was made from scrap fabric and lace. Her body is made from floral wire covered in felt. Her face is hand painted and her hair is made from unraveled yarn. Her little pentacle pendant was made using a jewelry closure and some jewelry wire. It was so overcast today I was surprised I could take photos at all. It's been raining the past few days so I had been waiting to go outside and photograph this little lady. I think my favorite part is her head. I love her crazy hair and sly little face, you know she's probably scheming about something by just looking at her :)

I know I made her a pentacle but what I find funny is I rarely wear one myself. I do own several pentacle pendants, a pewter one and a copper one, but I don't really identify with them as much as I suppose other witches do. I respect the symbol greatly and use it when need it, but I don't really like to wear it. I prefer Celtic knots, the Witch's Sign or the elemental Earth symbol or any jewelry with leaves or elegant flowers I find really symbolic to me. I know, it's a little strange, but I follow my feelings and instincts when it comes to symbols.

Other than crafting little fairy friends I'm very excited because I'm signing up for my first craft swap!! I'm too excited about it. It's a Witch/Wiccan/Pagan swap that should be sent out before Yule. I've already started gathering items and poking through my stash to figure out what I have and what I need to get and this is even before I've got my partner assigned to me. Haha, I'm such a sucker for crafting :)

I also can't believe Yule is fast approaching. I would love to make all the gifts I give but not all my friends are so receptive to crafting. But the ones that matter appreciate it I guess. Worse comes to worse if they don't like what I make I can keep it for myself :)

More Oils and clothing rant

2008-11-04T21:36:00.013-05:00

Yesterday I decided to strain and bottle one of the oils I had made. It was the "earthy feminine" one and I was head over heels excited. I did end up putting too much clove in it so that scent is the most powerful but it still smells nice and would be great for a winter scent. I don't like to make my oils in too large of a batch since they keep better otherwise. If I sold the oils then maybe, but until then I like the small batches. Also I know I should keep oils in amber bottles, but I ran out! I have to order more but until then this will be fine since I keep my oils in a dark box. The labels are just sticky labels that I write on using my quill pen and ink I've mixed myself. Yes, that is my kooky handwriting :) I always write the given name of the mix and then the contents as a quick reference on the large bottles. On the drams I just give the names. I always record the amounts and ingredients in a separate notebook (which actually right now is a beat to crap composition book so I need a new one) just in case I want to make more later.

As you can see I put my terrarium behind my new bottled oil, which is doing quite well. It has even sprouted a few new mossy sprouts which are too cute for words. I'm quite thrilled.

On another note, I went clothes shopping today which is always a mixed experience. I don't think they make clothes for women who have breasts. Everything is strangely shapeless which on my body would make me look pregnant. I'm no twig, I wear a size 12 pants which to me is what a typical woman's shape is. But even for me I can never find anything that is flattering unless I modify it or take it in or let it out. Personally, I don't feel like paying $25 for a shirt that I'm going to have to take in myself. I've tried shopping at plus-sized stores but everything there is a little big for me. I'm stuck in this clothing size limbo. This is why I usually go to thrift stores and work from that since if you can shop right you can find some swanky stuff at second-hand and thrift stores.

On a different note, I did get some cute new boots today. I stole the picture below from the website of the store I purchased them from. Aren't they cute? They have a wingtip style and they're really comfy. So I guess my shopping today wasn't a total bust :)

Impish Dolls and shoes.

2008-11-02T19:48:00.009-05:00

Hello there. I do hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Halloween/Samhain. My day went well, and the party I attended was a hoot. My costume turned out wonderfully and I received many compliments. I wish I had a full shot of me right now, but I don't. I'm waiting for my friend to post the pictures she took and then I will promptly steal them from her :).

On a side note, here are the before and after of the shoes I wore with my costume. I found them at the thrift store for $6. They're patent leather which is pretty awesome.

The downside is I ended up injuring myself while walking in them. I don't quite remember how but I'm sure these shoes were the culprit. I've had knee problems for about 8 years now so my knees have been aching for the last few weeks due to the change in weather. But this time my knee pain has increased and I now have numbness in my toes on my right foot. So I'm in a good amount of pain. I've been doing a little bit of crafting to help me feel better, so here's some WIP's.

I was inspired by a combination of Brian Froud and the wonderful stuff created by Liselotte Eriksson who is a multi-talented fantasy artist from Sweden. I made an armature with floral wire and covered her body in felt and fabric scraps so she is poseable. Her face is a wooden bead that I painted, and her hair is yarn that I unraveled and glued onto her head. I still need to put wings and shoes on her but I'm excited about the prospect of making more of these. They require such a small amount of materials so I get to use up all the little scraps I have collecting around my work area :) I already have a few ideas for more of these little impish ladies. The cool thing is she is also the perfect size for my miniatures.

Halloween Costume, wigs and masks

2008-10-25T15:00:00.012-04:00

So I've been spending time on my costume for Halloween/Samhain. My friend and I are being porcelain dolls, but with a slight French Victorian feel. Her costume is completely black, whereas mine is all white. I've had to purchase few things for my costume and the most expensive item I had to purchase was a white Marie Antionette wig. My friend is wearing a wavy black wig and a top hat. For her I made an all black fascinator that gets attached to her top hat using purchased and thrifted materials.

I used vintage buttons from my stash, black flowers from the craft store, some thrifted black lace and satin ribbon, large feathers, and marcasite beads.

We are also both wearing masks but since I don't have a hat to get in the way, I decorated the mask to my liking :) I didn't have to purchase anything to make this other than a small fabric mask for $.99 at the costume store. I could have made a mask from scrap using paper mache or something, but I wanted something flexible. As far as the base goes, I altered the shape of the eyes and the outside edge to give it a more feminine shape and allow me to see much better.

I used thrifted lace (one color was tea dyed), pearls, large feathers, silk flowers, pine branches that have been stripped of their bark then sanded and brushed with a little white acrylic paint, hemp string, vintage buttons, and some remnant trim for the edge.

For my costume I chose to wear a large wig instead of having a top hat. Since my wig is a Marie Antoinette styled wig I decided I needed to swank it up a bit.

I purchased the wig at the local costume store. I didn't have to purchase anything new, I already had all the materials which are similar to the ones I used on the mask. There's orchids and roses, pearls, large white feathers, satin ribbon, and a small mushroom bird.

I still have to complete the rest of the costume, I can't wait!

Dark fall scented oils

2008-10-23T16:37:00.008-04:00

Today was a pretty lazy day. I slept a while and had strangely vivid dreams. Last night I had a dream involving my old dog, Sam, who passed away 4 or 5 years ago from cancer. Whenever he shows up in my dreams I know two things; that I need to pay attention to what the dream tells me and the dream is going to be violent and crazy. In any dream he's in he provides comfort and solace and he acts like a guardian. It's nice to see him so happy again, with his big brown eyes.
Other than having meaningful dreams I've been lounging around mostly today and poking at the occasional project. Mostly I'm concerned about getting my Halloween costume finished so I've been focused on that. I did take some time today to work on two more oils that I wanted to try. I wanted a dark and full scent and the two I worked on both remind me of the deep mossy crunchy leaves and crisp air of fall.

This oil makes me think of Voodoo, dark and sultry but filled with power. It has fresh Rosemary, Cloves, Orange peel, ground Nutmeg, Cherry bark, and whole Allspice. The scent of the cloves is full and sharp and it lingers in your nose. The cherry bark gives it a bit of earthy sweet, while the dried orange peel gives it a small citrus bite. I love this one, can't wait to see how it turns out.

Now this one is a different kind of dark. It reminds me of a sleeping serpent, slow but strong and slithering through tall grass. It has heaps of Green Tea, Jasmine flowers, Valerian root, Yellow Mustard seed, and Anise. The licorice note of the Anise and the awkward soury sweet of the Valerian root make this scent a little lighter. I'm excited about this one too.

Once again, both the bases of these oils are Safflower oil. I use it because it's odorless, colorless, and rich in vitamin E :)

Scented Oil and rants.

2008-10-21T17:05:00.008-04:00

Yesterday was a "me" day. I ran some really fun errands to two thrift stores and the global market. The global market in this area is all Hispanic and Asian foods and it's a treasure trove for herbs. Yesterday I picked up some Safflower oil, Mullein, Hibiscus, Lavender, Rose petals, and a huge bundle of fresh Rosemary all for a ridiculously reasonable price. Within a 20 mile radius there are only 2 pagan stores. I'm familiar with the owner of one since she was a regular installment at the bookstore I worked at a few years ago. She's the High Priestess of her own coven and tradition and while she's an alright woman she seems like the "crafting only for money" type of gal which is really disappointing. It doesn't matter if I agree with her coven's tradition and beliefs because I'm not a part of it. But the only way to become High Priestess in her tradition is to pay for each step and class, and her prices are not cheap. I think you should earn money for your coven in different ways. But that's just me. Anyway, the point of me talking about this is because I think a lot of pagans get all their supplies from specialty stores. I'm definitely more on the frugal end of things preferring to shop at thrift stores for bowls and containers and such and global markets for herbs. I also grow my own Lavender but its flowering season was over which is why I needed to get some. I only go to the pagan store for things I can't get, like Frankincense or Dragon's Blood or something. I enjoy the thrill and hunt for new things at the thrift store, so I suppose I'm predetermined for it or something.
Anyway, today I decided to work on a scented oil. I wanted it to be flowery but earthy as well. So I added a ton of lovely herbs for just that. I used Rose, Red Sandalwood, fresh Rosemary, Mullein, Hibiscus, Frankincense I then stuck them in a jar with some safflower oil since it has no scent and its rich in vitamin E :). Also despite being slightly windy outside it was still a lovely day so I did all my work outside, to the chagrin of a nosy neighbor who I told I was making potpourri for my mother.
I live in a very uptight neighborhood who frowns upon difference. If you want to plant something new in your front yard, you have to make a request to the Home Owners Assosciation in order to do so. So everything I plant is in the back :).

Spider webbed purse

2008-10-19T19:14:00.001-04:00

Didn't get much done today. Woke up extremely late and didn't even make it to the pharmacy to fill a prescription before it closed. But it turns out I had left the prescription at home anyway, so ugh. I still have a ton of art work to finish and haven't even started it. I should move to a plane of existence that has 35 hours in a day because I'd find stuff to fill all the time up. I made up my lack of prescription-filling by purchasing some wonderfully smelling candles. Pumpkin spice is the name and they smell goood. I did however make this bag a week or so ago and have neglected to photograph it until today. It looks bulgy because all my stuff is in it. The fabric used to make the bag are both remnants I had lying around. The spidery outside being a wimpy cotton spidery Halloween print and the lining being a stiffer olive and brown upholstery material to give the bag some structure.

The image is one I got from Sexy Witch which is a great site. It has images of witches from before 1800 until now. It's such a great resource but also fun to poke around. I saved more than a few images :) This specific witch was for a pantyhose ad from the 20's. I did some color editing on it and removed the logo. I then printed the image on some iron on transfer paper, then ironed it onto some muslin and stitched it to the bag.

The construction of the bag is just a simple tote since I wasn't in the mood to spend years making something sassy. I did line it with one large pocket and a smaller pen pocket since writing utensils always find their way to the black hole at the bottom of my bag. Here you can see the same nylon velcro wallet I've had since around 1997. It's still going strong. Okay okay enough stalling, I have work to do :)

Cold Leaves and Moss Terrariums

2008-10-18T16:54:00.002-04:00

It's been a crazy few days. Went to see Doug Stanhope in Baltimore on Thursday which was really awesome. He's a really vulgar comedian that makes hilarious and socially relevant points that you can't help but agree with. Been doing some knitting too and spending some time outside since this is one of the first actually cold days. It actually feels like fall now. The air has a cold bite to it and the sun has been mostly overcast which cast a cool light on all my photos. Normally I touch them up a wee bit but it was unnecessary. Today felt like an outside craft day so I decided to try my hand at a moss terrarium. Basically what a terrarium does is provide a mini ecosystem for the plant. It creates its own humidity within a container. I used a good sized glass jar from the thrift store. It's always handy to pick up jars if they're large and cheap especially since I find uses for them all the time.
First I cleaned the entire interior of the jar with some bleach since you want to deter mold as much as possible. Then I put a layer of small gravel rocks, about an inch high, on the bottom of the jar to produce drainage. I got the moss from my backyard. I dug it up using a trowel and got the dirt from the same place as the moss. Something about the acidity in the dirt.

Then you water it but not too much. And that's pretty much it, or so says the internet. I really hope it goes well, because I'd love to do a Venus fly trap terrarium as well. When I lived in an apartment by myself about 3 years ago I had several Venus fly traps but I could never keep them alive because I didn't know the best way to regulate their moisture. I tried a lot of things and most of them failed. Now I'm excited at the prospect of such compact and easy container gardening.

Look at how beautiful that moss looks with all those little leaves. So neat.

Altoid Tin Travel Sewing Kit

2008-10-14T02:40:00.001-04:00

This was a quick project. I originally had one of those tiiiiny travel sewing kits that they gave out at hotels a skillion years ago along with tiny soaps and single serve cotton balls. So using some scrapbook paper I had lying around I decided to jump on the Altoid tin bandwagon and make myself a swankier travel sewing kit that wouldn't take up too much room. I actually already carried an Altoid tin in my purse but it just held band-aids instead of anything useful.
I attached a piece of felt to the top to hold the needles and maybe the safety pins if I feel really organized. There's still a few band-aids in there, some buttons, a spare bobbin with a bunch of black thread on it, a small set of travel scissors, and the tiny file that came with the original sewing kit. Figured it might come in handy. The insides are also lined with some random black scrap cotton to reduce the clonking around sound as much as possible. I found another tin lying around from a pack of Camel Izmir Stingers from when I had money and decided I'd spend the $4.35-ish a pack cause they tasted slightly sweet. But anyway, all the fancy Camel cigarettes came in these metal tins that are more square in shape than the Altoid tins, but equally as reconstructable.
I'll figure out a crafty use for the Camel tin eventually.