Shivers of Delight

Looking back over my old posts, I find it hard to believe I never shared with you a book that I love to re-read every winter-  The Old Magic of Christmas: Yuletide Traditions for the Darkest Days of the Year  by Linda Raedisch. Krampus may have been the biggest hit of Creepy Christmas in the last few years, but there are so many more dark characters to learn about. In twelve chapters (I doubt that's a coincidence) Raedisch examines witches, elves, trolls, vampires, and werewolves that all have a place in the folklore of winter. This work of nonfiction is an overview of the many pagan traditions and magical creatures of winter that were occasionally adopted by Christian religions.  Within the pages you'll meet La Bafana from Italy, Frau Perchta of Germany, the Yule Cat and the Yule Goat, and the mischievous Yule Lads among many others. Each chapter ends with a few craft or baking projects you can try that honors the characters of that chapter. There is a great deal of info...

  I hope you find hope and peace this Yuletide season.

The art dolls from Babsia Bimczok have sugar skull painted faces and are made from paper clay and fabric. Each design is unique and very colorful. I think you'll have a hard time picking a favorite. You'll find these dolls at BabsiaBiPainting . White Hair Doll Blue Hair Doll Pink Hair Doll Pastel Hair Doll Red Hair Doll Brown Hair Doll Black Heart Doll There are over 40 different dolls in the shop right now! You'll also find paintings to hang on your wall.

I know I've mentioned in the past that I have three of Lina Macijauskiene's art dolls in my collection- yep, I purchased the two-headed doll after my last post on Lina Mart Dolls. I can't help myself! Lina's dolls, made from fabric and clay, have the most beautifully-made, tiny details and their faces are so sweet. I know you'll want one too. Elada Strange Doll Two-Headed Witch Doll Conjoined Twins Harper Abigail I can vouch that you will not regret a penny you spent on one of Lina's dolls. I gaze at mine daily and imagine they are having all sorts of adventures in the other world.

  I know it's a busy week for many people, but my holiday plans just got canceled and now I'm scrambling for some fun things to do. Maybe I'll read a story or watch a movie based on a death anniversary. By the way, isn't it interesting to know that many horror/spooky films weren't released in October? Wednesday the 15th (1974) Young Frankenstein film released Thursday the 16th (1594) Allison Balfour hanged unjustly for witchcraft in Scotland Friday the 17th (497) Saturnalia celebrated for the first time (Julian Calendar- good luck) Saturday the 18th (1956) A. M. Burrage Death Anniversary (ghost story author) Sunday the 19th Welsh Fairy Tales by Viktor Wynd, online event, 4pm EST (1843) A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas by Charles Dickens published Monday the 20th (1820) John Bell Death Anniversary (Victim of the Bell Witch) Tuesday the 21st Winter Solstice & Yule in the Northern Hemisphere Monster of the Month: Elves , online e...

You've heard the saying "The Devil Makes Work For Idle Hands"? Well, I think the Devil would appreciate it if you did some cross stitch embroidery that he could hang in his lair. If you're looking to stay busy over the Creepy Christmas season what better than a little project? The Witchy Stitcher has really fun patterns in the shop that you can download to your printer. No need to worry if it will arrive in time! Gross Von Krampus Pattern The Season of the Witch Pattern All Hallows Eve Pattern Guardian of the Woods Pattern Not Today Satan Pattern Season's Grievings Pattern Every Night is Halloween There are lots of creepy patterns in the shop. Choose one and vow to have it done before Frau Perchta arrives on the Twelfth Day of Christmas. 

The best part of winter in my mind is the return of the Abominable Snowman. I was first introduce to him at a young age and learned his name was Bumble. The rest is history. I hope you have your own collection of Abominable Snowmen (some call them Yeti). I'm always looking to add to mine. Needle Felted Yeti from Hromov Felts Needle Felted Witch Yeti from Craftspring Yuki the Yeti from 8bitNerdy Abominable Snowman Embroidery Kit from The Surgeons Knots Posable Yeti Doll from Cave Critters Christmas Elf Doll from LouLous Artwork Abominable Yeti from Foresthouse Shop Original Spooky Yeti Drawing from Joanna Viheria Yeti Bonnet from Beholder Fashions Abominable Snowman Tree Topper from TINYfelt696 This is going to be a hard decision because I want them all!

Nora Clark has been making paper clay Halloween art for many years. Her shop Hidden From The Light has a collection of Dark Christmas sculptures that features lots of misfit and not-quite-right snowmen you have to see. They make me laugh.  Two-Headed Snowman Cyclops Snowman Christmas Kitsch Snowman Skeleton Snowman Dark Christmas Snowman Pumpkin Witch I'm showing you a piece of Nora's Halloween art too because I want you to visit her shop asap!

Tara Kloida-White's tooled leather wallets and credit card holders are to die for- actually they are a good reminder that we all will die.  These are special gifts for special people. The shop is sevenannine . Tooled Leather Credit Card Case Leather Raven Wallet Memento Mori Card Case Moon and Stars Wristband Raven Belt Bag Stoneware Green Man Pendant There are lots of Celtic inspired pieces in the shop that will remind you to live as well.

I know it's Wednesday and I should be posting my Spooky Agenda for the week, but my agenda is scattered about at the moment and I'm flying without a broom this week. It will be back! For now, take a look at these offerings. Wookawoo is a shop where creative Varvara offers strange and mysterious wool needle-felted figures. They're just the perfect little stocking stuffer for your weird friends (if they live in Poland because otherwise these might be better New Years' gifts.) Forest Monster Plague Doctor Kitchen Witch Chanterelle Mushroom Pumpkin Man Eyeball Rose Brooch Hope your holiday shopping is going well. Isn't it wonderful that we have so many little shops to choose from?