Thursday, October 14, 2021

Earthy Halloween Mugs

As soon as I saw the mugs by Mary Habib I pictured myself in a forest cottage enjoying a cup of coffee with a cat curled on my lap while jewel-toned leaves drifted to the ground. These wheel-thrown mugs are each unique and any witch who enjoys a cuppa will love them. The shop is Meraki Designed.

Pumpkin Patch Mug

Witch Flying High Mug

Fall Owl Mug


Cauldron Witch Mug

White Pumpkin Patch Mug

Harvest Mug

Several of the mugs can be made to order in a variety of sizes and colors. There is a large selection so visit the shop while you have your cup of coffee!

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

My Spooky Agenda: October 13 - 20

 

Wednesday the 13th

Thursday the 14th

Saturday the 16th

Tuesday the 19th

  • The 13 Days of Halloween begin!

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Halloween Cloth Art Dolls

If you like primitive, vintage-style Halloween decorations, I think you'll like the art dolls made by Sharon Stevens. They're whimspookal (that's not a typo) and quirky. They're big too- almost 3 feet! I especially like the witches. You'll find them at Mustard Seed Originals

Witch Art Doll

Bat Girl

Primitive Witch

Pumpkin Girl

Big Nose Witch

Vampire Doll

The vampire doll really makes me laugh! He is groovy.

Friday, October 8, 2021

Spells, Fortunes, and Divination

Illustrator Pam Wishbow has a collection of tarot cards, quick fortunes, and prints with a modern style that I think are really awesome. You'll also find jewelry and comics in her shop too. I have a divination deck and paper Ouija board designed by Wishbow that I just love.

Hex Breaker

A Well Lit Path: Single Use Fortunes Booklet

Scratch Card Advisor Pack

Urban Divination Deck

Buried Enamel Pin

To Keep Me Warm Print

Harbinger

Memento Mori Forged Steel Charm

There are so many fun things to look at in this shop! Plus there are lots of items that would make great little Halloween gifts for your friends.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Bewitching Dolls from Dovile Doll Art

I've have featured the bewitching art dolls by Dovile Rukseniene several times over the years and have one in my collection - I really need to add another. They are simply spellbinding. Here is what is available right now in the Dovile Doll Art shop.

Wall Hanging Vampire Bat Art Doll

Gothic Bat

Kitchen Witch

Dracula Art Doll

Day of the Dead Art Doll

Hand Painted Eye Earrings

I think you can see why I love these dolls so much. I can attest to the quality of work- the goth doll that I have is so beautifully detailed that I expect her to come to life. 

Here she is:




I just love her!

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

My Spooky Agenda: October 6 -13

 

By now you probably don't need my help finding spooky things to do. It is the first week of October after all! But just in case you're looking for a little something different, I'll post some events that I'm interested in. 

Each week in October, I'm also going to post a link to a spooky short film you can watch for free. These won't be violent or gory- I just don't get excited about that. These films will be more whimspookal in nature. Even if you're super busy, you'll still have a few minutes to watch these I hope.

Have you seen The Lady ParaNorma by Vincent Marcone? I watch it every year and have posted the link before. Marcone also has a storybook you can purchase at My Pet Skeleton that echos the film. 


Wednesday the 6th

  • (1962) Tod Browning Death Anniversary (1930s film director of Dracula and Freaks)

Thursday the 7th

Saturday the 9th

Tuesday the 12th

  • (1692) The Salem Witch Trails officially end with a letter from Province of Massachusetts Bay Governor William Phips

Wednesday the 13th

What ever you decide to do this week, don't stress about it and have fun!

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Teacups and Bowls for Spooks

I'm just loving all the wonderful spooky ceramics I've been finding lately. Niki Croom has a collection of Halloween teacups that are the cutest! Her shop is Croomer Art By Niki. You'll also find tiny bowls, serving dishes, and original art.

Spider Web Teacup

Boo Dish 

Skull Mug

Gothic Skull Plate

Two Handled Bowl

Ghost Mug

We should probably have at least 31 spooky mugs to drink from in October. That would make for a great coffee klatch- look it up.

Monday, October 4, 2021

Macabre Mix Monday!

I just looked at the calendar and realized that we still have 4 full weeks to celebrate Halloween. That is a delicious thought to chew on. There is still time to make a purchase and have it arrive in time!

Here are a few things on this Macabre Mix Monday that I'm eyeing.

Ceramic Jars from The Bazaar Finds

Ceramic Bird Leg Candle Holder from TauteCeramics

Pumpkin Treat Box from Esther and Irene

Mummy Headress from Spunki Spirits Shop

Pumpkin Bat Stand from Knob Creek Metal Arts

Crowned Rodent Skull Specimens from Starling Witchcraft

Skull Stoneware Mug from Gaean Allusions Studio

As always check out the shops for more macabre pieces. You never know what will catch your eye!

Friday, October 1, 2021

October 1st: It Begins!

I woke up this morning to a chilly house. The living room thermostat said it was 63 degrees inside. Perfect. Can you imagine how disappointed I would be if I woke up on October 1st in a muggy, hot house? Well, I'd be miserable. Right now I'm so excited for all the Halloween traditions: mugs of cider, warm cinnamon donuts, and pumpkins everywhere! 

I sometimes get asked about what I do for Halloween and while I have a few traditions it really depends on what regional activities are taking place. I try to experience new things every year. If you live in the southern New England region, you might see me at one of these events I'm eyeing.

  • Beer Tasting at Mike's Maze in Sunderland, MA - believe it or not, I've never been to a maze! Mike's Maze is supposed to be one of the best in the country and now they have a beer tasting aspect as you wander through the corn maze. Well, I can't resist that.
  • Curioporium in Hartford, CT - This immersive theatrical experience opened last Spring and is a 90 minute tour of the curiosities and peculiarities of the fictitious Haversham family. I've had this in my sight for some time and have been waiting for October for my first visit. Tickets are limited so I'd better get moving on this one.
  • Salem Night Faire in Salem, MA - this event is presented by The Black Veil Tattoo Studio and I've been wanting to attend for several years. It takes place after dark at the Olde Salem Village. It has shopping, ghost stories, and a bier garden. What's not to love?
  • Spooky Saturday markets seem to be a thing at Mill No. 5 in Lowell, MA. There is one every weekend in October and I really need to make it over there to see the rehabbed mill with shops, food, and even a theater. 
That's four weekends right there! Yikes.

Two non-site specific events I plan to participate in are:
  • Notebook of Ghost's October Reading Challenge. Read 13 books or 31 short stories in the month of October and share what you're reading with the hashtag #31SpookyStories on IG. Sian Ellis provided cute downloadable progress sheets to keep track of what you've read. I'm going to try to complete both challenges. So, don't disturb me when I'm reading. There will be no test at the end.
  • The Great Pumpkin Project is such a wonderful idea. I've been promoting it for a few years now and participating in a limited way. The challenge for this project is to carve pumpkins and leave them mysteriously around town. I usually only participate the week before Halloween, but this year I may try to do more. You won't believe the joy you'll get out of doing this...really. Tag your pumpkins on IG @greatpumpkinproject and view the amazing places people leave their jack-o'-lanterns.
Finally, someone in my town has declared themself the King of Halloween (the nerve!) and started a Facebook group to challenge my fellow residents in some Halloween decorating contests. I'm all in! I really think the town needs a Halloween parade- we have one for everything else. I may just declare myself the Queen of Halloween. Watch this bat channel for my entries.

I hope you have your Halloween agenda packed with fun activities, but remember, don't stress about it. In the words of Mr. Burton 

"Everyday is Halloween isn't it? For some of us."


If you're in the area and want to meet me at any of these events, message me on IG @shiversdelight.

Thursday, September 30, 2021

Spooky Hollow Halloween Clay Figures

Carmen Ellis at Spooky Hollow makes clay Halloween characters that have the cutest faces. Her collection is definitely whimspookal. She likes to feature the Grim Reaper in a variety of costumes that makes him absolutely lovable. Ellis calls him Grimmy Reaper. Who knew you could fall in love with the Grim Reaper! 

Bedtime Grimmy Reaper

Halloween Black Cat

Classic Devil

Halloween Grimmy Reaper

Grimmy Reaper Block Head Ornament

Skeleton Figure

Many of these figures are made to order so order now. Can you believe October starts tomorrow!!