Now for the unpacking...

Just look at that mess!



We're slowly getting settled in our new digs. We've still got a few more loads of stuff to bring over (damned stuff) but slowly all of our junk will find a place in the new house. Our fantastic "Home Sweet Home" sign is hanging proudly and I think that this place will be pretty sweet in no time at all.

We woke up one morning to see 3 deer crossing the lot next door. We've seen a chunky raccoon running about. There are wee mole hills scattered all over our side garden. I'm sure that we'll be shaking our fists at all these guys when they get into our veggie patch but for now it's nice to see them out and about.

We took a short break from the unpacking to visit several garage sales this past weekend. We're looking for some bed rails and a coffee table but no such luck so far. I did find these two great vintage books.

Books are probably the very last things I need but who could pass up directions for making meat pinwheels?

What was in those jars anyway?

Even if you aren't magically inclined, making your own incense is a great craft. Loose powdered incense has to be one of the simplest things there is to make... especially with the aid of an old coffee grinder.

Cleansing Incense

This is one of my top three favourite magical blends. I take a bit of frankincense and myrrh, add a healthy dose of copal and few drops of rosemary essential oil (though I'd prefer to use leaves). Grind it all up and ta da! you've got some of the best incense there is. I'll sprinkle this on a charcoal and walk through the house, using the smoke to cleanse our new space. It's fantastic stuff and it smells a treat.



Joy and Laughter Oil

Nice quality almond oil with citrus essential oils blended in (orange/grapefruit/lemon). I also tossed in some dried orange peel since I'm a sucker for natural floaty bits in my oils. I'll use the oil to anoint some very pretty candles I bought and light them in the new house to ensure loads of happiness throughout.



House Blessing Incense

Dragons Blood, benzoin and lavender ground into a fine powder. I'll sprinkle a bit on a glowing charcoal to seal in all the goodness.



If you don't have a local occult or new age shop you can find many of the ingredients for making incense from health food stores and shops that focus on eastern goods and food stuff.

It's a beautiful day. If it weren't for the thump and rumble from our neighbours across the street I might have been persuaded to play hooky from packing for a short while. At least the sound is motivation to forge ahead.



Once again we are living in a war zone. It's a battle between me and the boxes.



Most of the books and crafting goods have been packed away...



I did manage to get some crafting in though :)

Before packing up the herbs and oils in my cupboard I put together a kit of goodies to prepare the new house. There's Joy and Laughter Oil, House Blessing Incense, and a cleansing incense too. I'm also going to make up a nice big batch of Four Thieves Vinegar. The plan is to clean out the whole place and then seal in all the goodness I possibly can.

Anyone out there have their own magical moving tips?

Another find

Today, amidst my paints and screen printing supplies I came across an old box filled with...



... lovely old wooden checkers.

I also discovered 4 wisks hiding in my junk drawer. I don't recall ever buying a wisk so how have I come to own 4 of the things? I think my junk drawer is breeding.

A pleasant surprise

We stopped by the new joint last night to take some measurements. The plot next door has been sold and they've already chopped down a few trees so we may have to contend with a bit of building over the next while... at least there's an end to construction. Hopefully we'll end up with some nice new neighbours :)

The packing continues and I suppose one good thing about it is that you are forced to go through your stuff and give some thought about what you want to lug to the next place. You also discover treasures you forgot were hidden in the back of the closet. Today I came across these lovely things...

Lovely vintage tin reflectors for x-massy lights. Hmmm, I wonder what sort of crafty purpose I can put these to?

Packing... Oh the joys

We've begun packing our things away, getting ready for another move. It's sort of depressing really, putting away all the lovely things that inspire me, all my tools and bits and bobs. *sigh* It's only for a few weeks.



We have come across several boxes that didn't even make it to the 'unpack' stage at this house. Really, we hardly had time to settle in.

Ah well, "On to better things" as they say.

Fingers crossed and all that jazz.

No. 3 The Empress

Here's my latest attempt at the Major Arcana ~ The Empress.



The Empress is a mother figure and this lass is pretty much looks the part of motherly perfection. The arch behind is pattern paper, representing domestic skill. There's also some handmade paper peeking over her shoulders to hint at the wheat fields usually depicted in this card. Usually the Empress is crowned with 12 stars, representing the 12 months of the year but I've given our gal 12 pearls of wisdom instead. Lastly a heart shaped locket signifying her association with Venus and 2 halves of a pomegranate hidden within... a lusty and fruitful symbol :)