Author: HeathenAlchemist

These are something I’ve been working on non-stop for weeks and weeks. Masks are one of my absolute favorite ritual tools. They help you step out of ‘normal’ space in a way that very little else can. Ornate masks in fine materials like leather and wood can also be completely un-affordable.

Enter the time honored tradition of paper mache.

Yes, the same messy unpleasantness you may remember from art class. I promise though, this is not the paper mache you remember. It’s several layers sturdier, it’s got a good layer of sealant either paint or wood filler (which makes a surprisingly good fur texture if applied properly) and they’ve been textured, painted, and sometimes given lovely felt feathers to create the perfect temporary face for a ritual, event, or festival weekend.

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I have several forms to work with and can create many different faces from each form. The sheer variety means that offering these in the store is going to be difficult. No two are ever *quite* the same, no matter how hard I try. I think they want to be individuals. For now, these will only be available at in-person vends. Oh darn, I guess you’ll just have to come and see us!

Official Event Website:
http://www.mysticmoonevents.com/-may-moon-festival.html

We’ve been going to this festival for years and it’s one of our favorites. One year I was painted blue. Long story. The park is beautiful, the people are magical, there’s always something to do or watch or be a part of all weekend long.

And we’re vending this year!

I’m honestly beyond excited and all the way to kind of giddy and terrified at the same time. We’ll be debuting a table full of faerie crowns and festival masks as well as some of our famous handwoven Viking Knit jewelry and equally famous farm-raised fur accessories. There’s lots more going on so come see us at May Moon!

Well hello and welcome to Spring! At least, it’s Spring on the secular calendar- Sigrblot isn’t until later this month. Close enough to see the new things though.

Many of us have been in situations where we couldn’t use candles, incense, or smudges for one reason or another. Landlord says no, allergies, pets, toddlers, you name it- we’ve all at least heard of someone who had this restriction. Now, there are certainly a lot of other things you can do to help clear and set your space- like ringing bells or singing chants or practicing certain postures- but there’s something very special about a ritual scent. Smell is a very primal sense for us human-bodied folk and we like to have it engaged in our work. So what to do when the usual fiery burn-y bits aren’t an option?

Try a Room Spritzer!

My workshop smells an amazing riot right now after making all of these things. Each uses a complimentary pair of carefully selected and energetically appropriate essential oils to perfume your space. “Cleanse” is a fresh, cooling scent featuring Hyssop and Rosemary- a pair of herbs long famous in Europe as cleansing and protective tools before White Sage ever entered the pagan picture. “Sacred” features the beloved scents of Myrrh and Frankincense, ancient offerings to divinity still used in some religions today for their powerfully protective and divine associations. “Meditation” is a delightful and soothing blend of Lavender and Sweet Orange to relax your mind and spirit.

It should be noted that room sprays in general, when relying on natural oils, do not deliver the same potency of fragrance as candles, incense, or even some synthetic sprays. As always when working with essential oils, there is the possibility for an adverse reaction so please don’t spray this directly on yourself!

I think I skipped basically all of February. In my defense, I was makin’ stuff.

Pictures of the iron wands, faerie crowns, and pyrography rune pendants will be up within the next few days for your viewing pleasure. I’ll also be updating our upcoming events calendar to reflect some newly secured vending spots in May.

I’ll be back soon!

-Masquerade

It’s our first outing of the year and I am SUPER EXCITED!

The Spider’s Masque will have a table at the Indoor Valentine Market at Annmarie Gardens in Dowell, MD. Find out more about the market from their web page by following this link: http://www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/content/valentine-market

Mostly I’ll have the handwoven Viking Knit so if you’re looking for a beautiful piece that is also comfortable and durable, you need to come see our table!

I’ll see you there!