Leftover Bindrune Earrings

I am not a jewelry maker. I am only just finding my jewelry wearing self to be honest.

But I had leftover bits from my AlphaStamps design kit and they demanded to be used. 

So I made these earrings from Patina Brass Narrow Feather Charms, Wide Feather Charms and
42mm Bronze Key Charms.

The top bit is a bindrune combining the runes Fehu and Perthro. A bindrune is a symbol which combines two or more runes and sort of joins their meaning. Here I'm mixing luck and new beginnings with magic, hidden knowledge and feminine power. I'm hoping these give me a little boost when I where them. (There's some debate about the meaning of Perthro but I like that particular interpretation.)

Simply connected all the bits together with jump rings and the attached the top bezel to an earring post. Easy peasy!

Here's my supply list for this unexpected extra project.

Patina Brass Narrow Feather Charms
Wide Feather Charm - Patina Brass
42mm Bronze Key Charm
14mm Round Glass Cabochons
14mm brass bezel

Earring posts
Jump Rings

Miniature Novena 7 Day Spell Candles.

It's FINALLY spring and I have a head cold. Despite my nose is being an absolute jerk, I've been working away, making a butt ton of these adorable miniature novena candles.

They are in real glass and made with real wax but there is no wick so they cannot be burned. But really... gah! they are just so cute!

I've made a whole range of Saintly ones.

Like my favourite dude Saint Expeditus.

Our Lady of Guadalupe and a slew of others.

You can check them all out in my etsy shop. 

There are also a bunch of wee magic 7 day candles too.

Who doesn't need a tiny Jinx Removal candle?

If you don't know which saint or spell you'd like, but want need some miniature non-burnable candles for your doll house I have a discounted listing for 4 randomly selected candles available.

And now I am off to edit video and do battle with my sinuses... it's a hardcore rockstar weekend!

Wild Faerie Wands

Not all sticks are plain old twigs. Some are faerie wands hidden in plain sight! (I've mentioned this before)

I happened across a fair number of wands this weekend. I'm sure the weather has the wee folk a little more fumbly and droppity than usual.

With the plethora of wands scattered about, I thought I'd share some thoughts on embellishing wild faerie wands.

There are a number of things to consider when encouraging the wand to reveal it's magical nature. 

The type of tree the wand is from is the biggest determining factor to the type of magic that the wand will best preform. Here are some simple examples:

Locust (above): protection

Apple: fertility
Oak: truth and knowledge

Willow: emotion

Ash: wisdom

Cedar: cleansing

A quick google search for "magical properties of wood" will lead you to a wealth of information on the subject.

Charms can add to the magical purpose too! A key might be helpful for magic that opens the way to you. I think that acorn caps, buttons and found objects hold a great deal of magic in them. You could also sew beads and gems to those magical wands.

You might carve and shape your wand. Whittle a point, or carve patterns or symbols into the bark.

Colour can add to the magic too! Again, a little research will provide you with a lot of information on colour and magical associations... but don't neglect your intuition*. Faeries in your particular region may have a very different opinion of the colour yellow than the faeries in my back garden.

For a little more 'how-to' I've made a little video. Hop over to youtube and give it a gander...

*I have always read that faeries love milk. That leaving a small dish would be an appropriate offering. Mine HATE milk! The last time I left them some they turned all the milk in the house sour. So trust your experience over what some silly website says... even this one.

Cimaruta Charm Bouquet

I've mentioned the cimaruta charm before. It is an Italian folk charm whose main purpose is to ward off the evil eye. Generally, it is a silver charm comprised of a sprig or rue with magical symbols attached. Below is the most common version of the charm you will come across. Available HERE)

The illustration upon which this is based appeared in print around 1888. It incorporates a Christian symbol, the fiery heart, and therefor considered a late example. Earlier cimaruta include an array of symbols for both protection, and as representation of a variety of goddesses.

I've always been attracted to this charm and with a lush rue plant sitting in the herb garden I thought I'd create my own version.

My cimaruta includes a star, a four leaf clover, a Mano Fico, a moon, and key

It may not be a typical cimaruta, but I think it's a rather pretty and cheerful sort of protective charm.

I've tied everything together with a pretty pink ribbon, and will hang it on my front door to protect from the evil eye and untoward ill intentions.

It's raining today and with a sweep, and a smudge, and this on my door... well it seems a grand way to clear away misery, wash away bad mojo, and ward off general ickiness.

I think there are loads of possibilities here. Combine bundles herbs, colored ribbon and symbols to suit your needs.

And hey, if you create something pretty in the process? Woo hoo! I'm sure prettiness can add to magical potency.

Old Glass and Another Apothecary

This is a much smaller version of the Fairy Apothecary I showed off earlier in the week. I had a couple of requests for a tutorial and an AlphaStamps deadline looming so... ta dah!

This is probably about 1/4 the size of the earlier version, but crammed with just as many wee jars and bottles and vials. Overall size is approximately 3" x 5.7".

I've skipped over the box assembly in the video tutorial. It's easy peasy and you can look at the old vids on my channel to see how I generally stick stuff together and cover with paper.

Instead I've focused on recreating the look of authentic old glass. It's not over the top grungy... but it absolutely replicates the appearance fairly accurately.

So hop over to the tutorial HERE

And grab all of the supplies you need HERE

Or here's all the bits listed separately:

English Fairy Garden Collage Sheet

Fairy Apothecary Collage Sheet

Mini Cigar Box - 3x4

12 Tiny Glass Bottles

Amber Even Tinier Bottles*

Amber Resin Potions Bottle

Bruised Pink Antique Scrapbook Paper

Corked Vials

Even Tinier Bottles*

Large Clear Resin Potions Bottle

Mini Mason Jar - Large

Pickle Jar with Lid

Small Amber Resin Potions Bottle

Small Clear Resin Potions Bottle

Small Metal Box Feet - Tree Bark

Tiny Round Bottles*

Mrs Pickle's Pumpkin House

There are many different types of fairies. Most of them are quite cheeky. Some of them are fairly dastardly. And others still are of the helpful variety. This is the home of Mrs. Pickle, a helpful house fairy.

Her pumpkin is quite cheery, with flowers and moss and butterflies too.

This plate appears above the entrance. I think it must be her lucky number.

 There is a bright window that the sun streams through in the morning.

Inside is everything she needs to help the household she chooses to assist.

Don't think for a second that fairies will help just anyone. 

Even the nicest fairies are picky and particular.

If you're very fortunate one might choose you! They'll help with the gardening.

Mrs. Pickle keeps meticulous notes about the what has and has not been done. Today is dusting day... which is actually the opposite when a fairy does it. Fairies distribute it rather than sweep it up.

She also mends small holes and snags and replaces buttons you didn't even know you lost.

She's an accomplished laundress too. Her stain removal skills are second to none!

And all she requires in return is to be left to her own devices...

and an occasional thimble of sweet wine and jam.

Mrs Pickle's Pumpkin House is listed HERE

Supplies and notes for Mrs Pickles Pumpkin:

Small foam pumpkin from Michael's
Wooden window (HUGE pain to add to the curved surface)
Flower Soft - Sweet Pea
Mini Rose Buds - Ivory*
Mini Rose Buds - Medium Pink*
Moss
Snail shell
Acorn
Handmade toadstools
Faux foilage
Bark (used for interior floor... will NEVER use again. Totally uneven!)
English Fairy Garden Collage Sheet
Tim Holtz Idea-ology Word Bands - Incantation
Prima Marketing Junkyard Findings Water Pipe Parts
Mini Ceramic Garden Gnome Beads (not exactly what I used, but close)
Miniature Milk Bottles in Crate
Miniature Table & Chairs Set*
Miniature Metal Wash Tub
Iridescent Glass Spheres (used with Diamond Glaze to create bubbly wash water)
Coal Scuttle Set
Black Parlour Stove
Fancy Bronze Mirror Frame Setting
25x18mm Plastic Mirror
Orange Pumpkin Teapot
Miniature Vintage Sewing Machine
Silver-Plated Spoon
Pennies
Thimbles
Spools
Pins
Glitter
Small vial
Paperclay
Paint
Love
Magic

Magic Mirror on the Wall

This month's AlphaStamps kit is themed "Snow White". How could I talk about Snow White, and not talk about magic mirrors?!

You know the story, the Wicked Queen gazes into her magic mirror to ask "Who's the fairest of them all?"

The idea of a magic mirror isn't made up. They have a long history with documented usage as far back as 3000 B.C., and are found in both Western and Eastern cultures.

Mirror gazing is a method of 'scrying'. It can be used for fortune telling, inspiration, spiritual guidance and prophecy. The viewer gazes into a reflective surface (like water, crystal balls, mirrors) and with focused meditation/trance interprets the visions or symbols that appear to them.

While the mirrors appear dark, and there is some fear that surrounds them, it is worth noting that there is also a belief that they can be protective, reflecting/deflecting evil or negativity.

Black volcanic glass called 'obsidian', is a traditional material used for scrying mirrors... but we can fudge our way around that. I simply cut a piece of Clear Plastic slightly larger than the frame opening. Make sure that the plastic is free from dust and coat ONE SIDE with black paint. You want complete coverage so you may need a second coat. Then glue into place with the UNPAINTED SIDE facing outwards. You should have a nice glossy surface for divination!

Note: A piece of decorative paper on the back will protect the painted surface and look much neater.

For a bit of an extra magical punch, I've added some symbols on to the base of the
Gothic Mirror With Drawer. I've also included elemental symbols and those representing Venus (as mirrors are sacred to her). In that little drawer I'll place some stones and herbs to encourage 'sight' and for protection.

The piece is finished off with Tiny Mixed Size Flat-Back Pearls (painted copper) Raw Brass Fancy Fleur de Lys and Antique Gold Square Filigree elements.

Here's all the bits if you'd like to make your own:
Gothic Mirror With Drawer
Tiny Mixed Size Flat-Back Pearls (painted copper)Raw Brass Fancy Fleur de Lys
Antique Gold Square Filigree
Round Brass Knobs - Set of 6
Mini Metal Box Feet Set (not exact, but close to what I used)
12x12 Clear Plastic for Windows
Acrylic paint

And now to brew some tea and gaze into my magic mirror through the rising steam and ask...

"Who's the fairest of them all?"

Note: The answer is probably Kate Bush.

A Floo Network Fireplace

I interpret "Do you want to play with a fireplace?" as "OMG, MAKE A FLOO NETWORK THING!"

That's exactly what happened.

I've made a number of pieces inspired by the Weasley's (my favourite magical family) lately, so I wanted to do something a bit different with this piece. It occurred to me that it might be fun to create a something as if I lived in that magical world! And so, here is what I imagine my floo network fireplace might look like...

I'd have framed pictures of my magical relatives above the mantle. Stacks of books with magical titles, a Round Tin of tiny buttons, Cookies and a big bunch of Rose Buds too.

Of course I would read the Daily Profit regularly, and there's a stack on the floor. (Hint: A google search will provide you with several printables.)

You can't have a Floo Network fireplace without Floo Powder. There's some of that sparkly green stuff ready to go in a Tiny Glass Jar. And, because I'd be a mess even in the magical world, some powder has spilled and swept into the corner.

There's a lot going on this piece, but it's not ENTIRELY jumbled. It really does remind me of home with it's just-the-right-amount-of-clutter but not hoarder-level mess.

Even though it's not in complete disarray, there are loads of details to be found. Little stories within the scene, like this mouse keeping watch over the biscuits. That tea cup on the mantle and haphazardly placed pair of sparking red shoes clearly show what a busy witch I would be. (BTW I would wear those shoes every single day.)

I am quite smitten with this piece and think I'll keep it in view to remind me to strive for magical living in this world, and as evidence that a little mess is just fine and dandy.

Want to make your own? HERE is everything listed in one place and below is a list of the supplies I used:

White Undecorated Fireplace
Dark Blue Porcelain Tiles
White Porcelain Tiles
Blue Ceramic Urn
Corner Room Box
Coal Scuttle Set
Set of Miniature Books
Tiny Glass Candy Jar
Tiny Grey Mouse
Mini Silicone Mold - Cookie or Biscuit with Filling*
Mini Rose Buds - Red*
Mixing Bowl Set
Chamberstick Candle with Glasses
Doll Buttons - 6mm Mix
Domed Apothecary Bottles*
Miniature Round Cookie Tins
Simple Cups & Saucers Set - Set of 12
3-3/4 Inch Wooden Posts
Pumpkin Pods
Blue Damask Wallpaper Scrapbook Paper (outside of piece)
Wonderfully Wicked Haunted Scrapbook Paper
Little Library Collage Sheet
Something Witchy Collage Sheet
A Witchy Encore Collage Sheet
Glitter
Handmade shrunken head
Tiny sparkly shoes!
Paint
Glue
A crap-ton of love