Author: HeathenAlchemist

VARF prep, VARF prep, la la la la la la….

It’s finally here, our big Faire Family Reunion in scenic Spotsylvania, VA. I carried my workshop halfway across the country with me this past spring so I could keep crafting and be ready for all of you.

There are some updates:

The shop is in a different spot this year! I’ve doubled my footprint under canvas so after giving the vendor coordinator much stress over where to put me, we’ve found a spot near the top of the hill. You’ll find me right next to the excellent team from Verillas this year. Come say hello!

We have greaves and tassets! Leg armor to match the cuirasses and bracers was one of the most-requested things last year. There are two styles and two very adjustable size ranges of greaves available to coordinate with the existing armor patterns. Currently tassets are one size fits most but as always, custom fits are possible.

Most of our prices are (currently) unchanged! While I’ve had no choice on some items, most of the shop is still the very affordable high quality veg tan fantasy leather you’ve come to know and love. I’m going to do everything I can to keep it that way for as long as I can. “Fantasy is for Everyone” doesn’t just mean being size inclusive and offering tons of customization options, it also means keeping it affordable.

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again at VARF. Come out and play!

After making it as far west as New Orleans last fall I have finally managed to get to the other side of the Mississippi River for an event. If you’re following me from this time zone and you’re somehow not familiar with the spring fantasy spectacular that is Sherwood Forest Faire, come down here and check it out because we are having a blast.

I got to see the Wellermen, so there’s that.

I also managed to cram most of my workshop into my bunkroom which… well I already knew I was pretty good at Tetris. Orders are being completed here at Sherwood as time allows, and shipping as soon as I can get them out to the post office.

Everything…… is…… so…… far…. apart….. here….

But I’m enjoying myself and I’m still making leather for all of you so this is definitely a win.

The Events tab has been updated now that I’ve heard back from a few more events. Yes, the shop is returning to VARF and Delafaire and new this year I’ll be at the Maryland Garb Sale. I know y’all missed having me there last year and I’m looking forward to it.

See y’all soon!

Or so they say. We’re still here and still creating, getting ready for Mythicon and a trip halfway across the country with Paulo Garbanzo to work the wonderful Sherwood Forest Faire.

Don’t worry, all currently processing orders WILL ship before I leave.

In the meantime, enjoy some closeups of the new pieces coming to the next show and as always find me on Instagram or Facebook for more regular posts and pictures.

Better late than never, the shop can happily confirm that we will be returning to a regular favorite, Rock Hall Pirates and Wenches weekend!

Come find me amidst the swashbuckling crowd for your belts and holsters and armor (and more) needs!

Yes, the fair has agreed to let me bring the entire selection. Wink wink nudge nudge.

See you there!

HOLY LEATHER SALES, BATMAN.

If you’re one of the hundreds of people who took one of my cards at VARF, a surprisingly high number of whom actually did check out the website, welcome! I hope I’ll be back and more active here and on Facebook and Instagram as the season progresses.

I have been dealing with…. a lot, actually. Some of it has been extremely depressing and for those of you who have been checking in on me as I try to deal with life without the dog that was keeping me grounded and oriented, thank you. Nothing lasts forever. This deep loss coupled with record-breaking sales at Virginia Ren Faire have been an emotional rollercoaster that has really been taking its toll.

The scramble-building trying to keep up with unanticipated interest in my work has been taking a toll too, but that at least comes with some benefits. Y’all, I LOVE how much you love my work. I’m not entirely sure how I’m going to keep up with it, but I love it.

For everyone thinking about the pieces they saw and wondering how to get one of your own, you’ve got two options. First and easiest, go to the Store tab and click through to the Square store. Every order placed there is made to order, so it will take a little longer than bringing it home from Faire, but it will be made to your requests. Second and the better option if you’re looking for something more customized than the basic options in the Square store, head to the Contact tab and send me a message.

In the mean time, grab your garb and come play because Virginia Ren Faire continues to amaze me.

Z