Tuesday, December 28, 2021

The Old Magic of Christmas


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 information in this book and sometimes I feel I would like more details on certain figures. It moves fairly quickly from one tradition and country to another, but that just makes me want to do more research. 

At the end of the book you'll find a calendar of days, a glossary for terms that may be new to you, and a bibliography for further research. Every time I re-read the book I find something new. This is a book you'll want to keep in your library to extend the Halloween spirit.


Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Friday, December 17, 2021

Sugar Skull Art Dolls

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.

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Oddly Sweet Dolls from Lina Mart Dolls

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.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Spooky Agenda: December 15 - 21

 
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

Thursday the 16th

Friday the 17th

  • (497) Saturnalia celebrated for the first time (Julian Calendar- good luck)

Saturday the 18th

Sunday the 19th

Monday the 20th

  • (1820) John Bell Death Anniversary (Victim of the Bell Witch)

Tuesday the 21st


Tuesday, December 14, 2021

The Devil Makes Work For Idle Hands

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. 

Monday, December 13, 2021

Friday, December 10, 2021

Island of Misfit Snowmen

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!

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Leather Goods to Die For

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.

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Strange Needle Felted Figures

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?