#WordlessWednesday - Magical Knots

$7 - Celtic knot variation on reclaimed fabric by Free Dragon

 

#WordlessWednesday - A Magical Winter

Primitive Hand-painted Winter Witch Wood Sign by The Homespun Raven

Featured Favorites Friday: The MD Promotion Team is having a SALE!!!

In case you missed it, the MD Promotions Team is holding a Fall Into Autumn Sale!
From August 15th to the 31st, you can save 5%-30% on spectacular handmade items by using the coupon code "MDFIAS" at checkout!  Over 40 Maryland Etsy shops are participating in a huge sales event!  Check out our captain's blog for the full list.

Did I mention we are having a huge GIVEAWAY too?  You can enter here.


For this weeks Featured Favorites, I would like to share a Treasury Collection of artisans participating in this sale.  Check them out, click through their awesome stuff, and don't forget my own giveaway here.

'Harvest Blue Moon' by ReadingsByKat

Over 50 Maryland artists and crafters are participating in the Fall into Autumn Sale with gorgeous handcrafted designs.Coupon code MDFIAS gets discounts in all these fabulous shops!

Stained Glass Trinket B... katescauldron $29.00	Pinwheel Star Pin Cushi... Springwaterdes... $8.00	Bracelet with Blue & Gr... PurpleDotBouti... $28.00	Pastel Powder Blue Croc... bettesbags $23.00
Beard for a Beanie Hat,... TimeWasJustADr... $12.00	Quilted Coffee Cup Hot ... DebLeeCreation... $10.00	PRICE SLASHED---Sodalit... joyaslindas3 $39.00	Vintage Johnson Brother... MontageDecor $19.95
Toddler Hat and Infinit... CraftMeCrazy $20.00	Turquoise and Jade Crys... RockefellerCry... $21.95	The Blue Lagoon Bag SeasideSiren $70.00	Vintage Glass Mason Jar... rustbelttreasu... $25.00
Nautical Table Topper isewmuchtime $23.00	10 Blue Flower Petits Purplecorner $2.00	Necklace Guitar Pick Bl... TheCraftyPanda... $12.50	Yellow Rose Lavender Ir... RealisticFlora... $40.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

MD Promo Etsy Team - Fall Into Autumn Sale and GIVEAWAY

The MD Promotions Team is holding a Fall Into Autumn Sale!
From August 15th to the 31st, you can save 5%-30% on spectacular handmade items by using the coupon code "MDFIAS" at checkout!  Over 40 Maryland Etsy shops are participating in a huge sales event!  Check out our captain's blog for the full list.

Did I mention we are having a huge GIVEAWAY too?  You can enter here or at the end of this post.

Autumn is a season of change and transformation and I'd like to honor that while featuring Maryland Promotions Team-members. I have asked hem to share with me their most trans-formative or life changing fall memory and they have agreed to allow me to share these moments with you.

large fabric covered button earrings

Mary from KissemHut is a a preschool teacher and an eclectic crafter who has a wide variety of jewelry, accessories and decor in her shop.  You can find her at her etsy shop where you can get 15% off with the code MDFIAS, blog and facebook.

We didn't have four seasons in the Philippines where I grew up. The things I knew about fall were entirely based on movies and tv shows that I've seen. I moved here to the US about 5 years ago - right when the leaves were changing. I was so fascinated with how beautiful everything was. That view was one of the first things I loved about moving here. I thought to myself that if this is what I'll see every year, then it wouldn't be so bad. The drive from Reagan Airport to our house was one of the most beautiful routes I have taken in my life and it was one of the things that assured me that I was in a whole new place. I will never ever forget how scared and excited I felt at that time.

Peridot and Pearls Multi-strand necklace

Janet from A Gems Journey and Janet's Fun Jewels has passion for the creation of jewelry and thrill of the hunt for gems.  The code MDFIAS will get you 5% off at JanetsFunJewels and 10% off at AGemsJourney.  You can also fan her on facebook.

I would have to say fall, in general has some very bitter sweet memories for me. I was way too young when my father passed and it was a cool November day. The 8 short years I had with him were the foundation of what made me who I am today. I learned to love and let go of someone who treasured every little thing I did. We loved to walk in the woods and look at the wildlife in all seasons, but fall had a special kind of magic. But best of all, I LOVED to sit and in his lap while thunderstorms rolled through. The fall storms were the BEST ... watching all the colors fall to the ground. To this day a good thunderstorm and the beginning of fall brings back all the warm memories I have of an amazing Dad.

Copper colored Wreath

Rebecca from Wreaths By RebeccaB makes each of her wreaths as if they were for her own front door, with a unique flair and eye popping beauty.  Use MDFIAS for 10% off at WreathsByRebeccaB and fan her on facebook and her website.

The birth of my second son, 5 years ago this November was a beautiful time for us! What a way to end Fall and begin the Winter months...
Another fond memory I have is jumping into a huge pile of leaves with my sisters that my dad would rake up for exactly that purpose.

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Laura from Rockefeller Crystal got tired of salivating over mesmerizing magazine pictures of crystal jewelry so she decided to create her own.  The team coupon code MDFIAS is good for 15% off at RockefellerCrystal but Laura can also be found at RockefellerJewelry and her facebook page.

My most transformative moment has to be the birth of my son on November 20. Unfortunately it wasn't the happiest time for me since I had complications delivering and I recently married the boy's father who I knew in my heart of hearts wasn't the right man for me. However, the picture is of my two babies a few years ago and it's definitely a fall moment that I will savor for the rest of my life.

Fall Place Mats

JoAnn from I Sew Much Time boasts an amazing array of Handmade Quilts, Towels, Wall Decor ,Table Runners, Bags and more.  She eats, sleeps, and quilts, hence my shop name.  She is offering 10% off at ISewMuchTime with MDFIAS and you can also be one of her first fans on facebook.

One of most life changing fall memories was a few years back when my husband and I visited Deep Creek Lake in October. We took a quilt and a picnic lunch and sat near the lake on a crisp autumn day and I remember looking around at all the beautiful scenery. I remember taking in the moment with all my senses. I could hear all the sounds of nature like the birds chirping, the water lapping on the beach, and the leaves crunching under walking feet. I could feel the wind blowing on my skin and blowing my hair so much I could hardly see. I saw all the beautiful homes on the water’s edge, and the white puffy clouds in the blue sky. What a beautiful day we had that autumn day in October at Deep Creek Lake. And then, of course, reality set in and we had to drive home. But, what a day, and we still hold those memories.

Next Wednesday I hope I can share more Autumn Memories with you, including my own.  For now, please check out the list of participating shops and their discount.

Oh yea... and enter the giveaway!

Featured Favorites Friday: Vintage Altar Pieces

I have a confession... It will surprise no one who knows me... I am a Stuff Witch.  I like magick, witchy and pagan stuff.  I like having options for any type of altar I could ever imagine using.  I like to be able to shift my space to maximize correspondences for any given working.  I like the shiny pretty things.  And I'm OK with this.  As a relatively green-minded earth-loving pagan, I really enjoy the opportunity to recycle or up-cycle beautiful objects instead of buying a new shiny something from my local pagan store.  Conveniently the etsy market-place is full of amazing vintage pieces, many of which are altar worthy.

 Vintage Brass Swirled Candle Snuffer by ThisLala $16.00

Vintage 1960s Linen Oval Runner by girlgal6  $18.00

Vintage Brass Moon Candle Holders by Creos $60.00

Vintage tiny wood chalice by genemachine $6.00

Vintage Knife by VintageMementos $17.00

Vintage Brass Censor by LadyMegg $10.00

Featured Favorites Friday: Lugh Time

As the wheel of the year truns those of us in the northen hemisphere have recently celebrated the first of the harvest festivals, sometimes called Lammas and other times celebrated as Lughnassah.  Today I am sharing with you some beautiful artisan crafted items that celebrate the Celtic God Lugh.

I love the idea of these Magical Melts from Moonlit Herbals.  What a creative way to combine multiple magical components together in a way that can be used without an open flame.

Her Light of Lugh Magical Melts are scented with Satsuma Oranges, Cassis and Pineapple and contain soy wax, organic herbs and flowers, glitter, crystals and the highest quality essential, essence and fragrance oils.

This gives me an idea to set up a long-lasting spell or altar, honoring Lugh and the Light to last all day, bringing blessings and strength to my home.

 You can also find this shop on facebook.

This beautiful hand-crafted Altar Tile featuring Lugh's shield was made by one of my favorite etsy sellers, Paula of The Whimsical Pixie.  The detail is amazing and I love the grain accents along the edges.

This piece honors Lugh as a sovereign protector and warrior. For Paula, his shield represents ability and versatility, attributes that have helped us survive long winters for century's.

This tile would be a beautiful seasonal accent for not just an altar but a home as well.

The Whimsical Pixie can also be found on facebook.

This hand-sculpted pendant depicting the Spear of Lugh crafted by Caeruleus Lady of Hooded Crow Crafts just jumped right off the page at me.  The detail is amazing and as the paint is metallic it will shine as it moves.

There are many myths surrounding the Spear of Lugh including one that tells the spear head had to be kept in a pot of water or it would ignite and cause fire around it.  This pendant surely brings to light that same fiery and powerful essence.

The talented artisans at Hooded Crow Craft would be happy to work with anyone to create a beautiful and meaningful pendant to honor their own gods.  Such work makes my hear joyful.

Follow along with the goings on of the shop at their blog.

Mickie Muller is one of my favorite artists when it comes to laying the might and majesty of the Gods onto canvas and paper.  I am familiar with her main shop offering various items with her artwork on them but I have just found out that she is also the creator of a Celtic Ogham Divination Oracle called Voice of the Trees.  This is SO cool.  No really... SO COOL!

In her Voice of the Trees shop you can find prints, mugs, tarot bags, mirrors and home decor with the deep and meaningful images representing the Trees of the Ogham.

Today I chose to share with you a beautiful wall candle sconce depicting Lugh for the card of Ash.  This card represents transformation and action, breaking inertia and taking care of business.  I wish all of us the power of this card in the months ahead!

You can also find Mickie at her blog and her art website.

Have a great Friday everyone!

Featured Favorites Friday: Mail Alert #2

I enjoy participating in giveaways.  It's so exciting to get mail and I have won some beautiful items by amazing crafts people, just take a look.

This beautiful 5x5 moon art photo traveled across the Atlantic and now resides on my living-room wall.  Suzi of MoonDreamin was amazing and so generous to send some extras along too!  Please check out her shop, she has some amazing prints and items available!

5x5 Moon Photograph by moondreamin won from Kalstek Photography

Here is some more artwork that I won from Andralynn.  I love her style and color choices!  My munchkin and I actually sat down together to pick out what she wanted in her room and I think my munchkin made perfect decisions.

Whimsical Mouse, Felt Kitty, Hello Sunshine (original) by Andralynn

Speaking of my munchkin, this is my absolute favoritest ever prize won to date.  Franchesca of SmallBirdStudios did an amazing job taking one of my most loves pictures of me and the munchkin and transferring it on to distressed canvas.  Now I will have this moment forever and I think $22 is so worth it.

me and the munchkin from SmallBirdStudios

These vinyl wall decals from CherryWalls are so super cute and they came carefully packaged with detailed instructuions, an applicator and super cute extras!  You even have lots of colors to choose from!  These silver butterflies are going to a special set of twins for their birthday!

Butterfly Wall Decals from CherryWalls

See, told you the munchkin had a blast picking our my her winnings :)

Please click through the links and check out all the other amazing things these shops have to offer!

CLOSED - Mini-Giveaway Featured Favorites Friday - Spiral Hawk Studio

As if one giveaway wasn't enough...
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the pleasure of introducing to you the amazing pair of artists that power Spiral Hawk Studio, Rachel and Daryl.  I found this lovely shop through etsy teams and was very graciously given a beautiful art print that hangs in my ritual space.  I asked if they would be interested in appearing here and am very excited to share more about them.

Oh, and if you read all the way to the bottom there may be a RaffleCopter form for a mini-giveaway here and an automatic entry into their giveaway at 100 likes on facebook!

Set of 8 Bookmarks

 About us: Daryl & Rachael Roy, with Our artistic powers combined We Are..SpiralHawk Studio!

• We Create Unique Handcrafted Art, Jewelry, Walking Sticks, Wands, Decor and so much More...!
• We are Collectors, Miners, Finders and Campers, We are Seekers and Helpers and Friends to all Creatures.. We keep to Ourselves, but, look what We Make- from Our hands to Yours, for Creations sake.. with Blessings and Smiles, and Grateful Hearts- We share with you here, Our Spirits, Our Arts...
• Sticks and Stones, Gems and Bones and Silver things to Adorn you! Custom Creations, Vintage Sensations and more than Obscuria for you..! (...and, Free Gifts with Every Order!)
• We Love makin' stuff, and findin' treasure..and travelin' for work and pleasure..We work real hard at minin' stones, stringin' beads and findin' bones..
• We accept Requests, Custom Work..and We are "Trade Friendly"- just convo Us with your thoughts!
• "Our Shopscape" is everchanging!! 
• You can find us on etsy, on facebook, at our blog, and through our sister shop StrangeBrewsVintage

Trio of Wooden Owl Beads

Q: What got you into your work here on etsy?

A: We had been urged onto the internet by friends and family; previously we had simply set up tables at our local flea market and at random local shows. We found Etsy to be pretty much perfect for us as an outlet for the things we make to find a home!

Q: What is your favorite part of the etsy selling experience?

A: The Etsy selling experience has been fun! We have shipped orders to France, the UK, Germany, Canada, Poland, and every region of the USA. We never would have reached these customers with a local shop! And being able to follow up, get feedback from your customers and answer any questions they have after the transaction lets you really connect with people as the the maker of the item and the user of the item.

Carnelian Nuggets with a Glassfilled Spiral Shell

Q: What's so important about what you make and how you choose to make it?

A: Ritual tools such as wands and personal stones, staffs and jewelry made with various semiprecious stones are not usually easily accessible. Even with the information age and the internet, it can be hard to find tools etc that are affordable. We mine the minerals we use ourselves whenever possible and harvest our own materials (wood, shed antlers, etc).  We are Eclectic and prefer not to label ourselves as belonging to any one Religious Group. We have deep spiritual connections to the Earth and Nature; we're shamanistic in our rituals and methods of thinking, and this comes through in the things that we make.

Carved Spiral Poplar Wand

Q: Which piece is your favorite to make?

A: I really enjoy making wands. Each piece is made from wood that I harvest myself with reverence and respect; each crystal is hand-picked for each particular wand. And carving, to me, really puts a piece of YOU into what you're making.

Phantom Crystal Triskellion Staff

Q: Which piece in your shop has the most meaning for you?

A: This one

Phantom Crystal Triskellion Staff

We have a vast array of products in Our Shop- surely something for everyone, and New Items of every sort showing up almost daily! We take Requests & Custom Orders! Just Convo/msg Us your thoughts, and together lets bring your idea to life! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway ends in one week at midnight on 27th April 2012 .  Open WorldWide! All winning entries will be verified.  If a winning entry cannot be verified a different winner will be chosen.

The Winner will be notified by email and has three days to reply or another winner will be chosen.

Goddess Artwork by Daryl Roy

SpiralHawk Studio is a working MultiCraft Studio/Shop- sawdust and beads speckle the floor, stripped saplings lean against the walls, Tools of All Sorts for so many Crafts are here and there and otherwhere..! There are Gemstones and Rough, Leather and Stuff, Beads and Bells and Ocean Shells- Papers and Books, Boxes with nooks, even some Art in a frame..  Coppers and Silver, Glass from all over, salvage, vintage and antique.. Minerals, Drusy, Crystals and Stones- Fossils,Teeth, Fur and Bones.. We just Love to Create!

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. Please note that I am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. **

CLOSED - Giveaway! Featured Favorites Friday: Come to the Enchanted Forest

Today I am so happy to bring to you a giveaway from Sandi's Enchanted Garden. I came across her shop and fantastic blog and was delighted to trade with her for some super fun cascarones. I have to tell you that the quality of her items is exemplary! All of her wares are hand made using quality ingredients! Here you will find only authentic and witchy wares such as premium spell candles and holders (wax and glass), incense, herbal mixes, wood work, and glassware and many other Kitchen Witchy crafts all designed by Sandi herself.

Read through to the end of the post to enter via RaffleCopter to win any item in the shop up to $15 in value.

5 Element Wax Tea Light Holders

Moon Phase Candles

Sandi has been a practicing pagan, herbalist, and reader of Tarot for almost 20 years and, like me, enjoys working on custom and individual projects.  She has been designing her own herbal blends since 1995 and selling crafts and candles for over ten years.  Her candles are decorated through painting, printing, carving, and many other -ings to make them beautiful and unique! Her spell tarts are a fun way to be able to cast a spell and let it sit and build power without having to watch it or worry about their house burning down!

Sandi's candle waxes:

• Are 100% vegetable, made with Pure Soybean oil, GUARANTEED!
• Are all NATURAL and biodegradable.
• Are manufactured meeting FDA standards.
• Are Kosher Certified.
• Are NOT tested on animals.
• Contain NO palm wax.
• Contain NO petroleum, paraffin or beeswax products.
• Contain NO pesticides and NO herbicides.
• Contain NO toxic materials.
• Contain NO Genetically Modified Material.
• Are considered GRAS under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act

Rose & Milk Bath Soak - Love!

Recently over on her blog Sandi announced some new fun things coming to her shop.  I have to tell you, I am so excited about candles for Dark Goddess energy as well as the bath salts.

Even just looking at the pictures of Sandi's products anyone can see the love and caring energy that was put into each part of the crafting process. I must tell you, I am totally enamored with her spoons!

Namaste Bitches

Enter below for a chance to win one item valued up to $15!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway ends in two weeks at midnight on 27th April 2012 .  Open WorldWide!  All winning entries will be verified.  If a winning entry cannot be verified a different winner will be chosen.

The Winner will be notified by email and has three days to reply or another winner will be chosen.

 ***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.  Please note that I  am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. **