Saturday, February 27, 2010

Featured Artist ~ Fantasy Clay



Susan, of Fantasy clay is a talented artist. I took some time to browse her shop and was truly amazed at her work. She is a must see artist!



Susan, how long have you been creating your clay figures and such?

I have been working with polymer clay for about 10 years now and have taken over the first floor of my house with it. My workspace is our table so I need to be able to move it quickly. Just waiting for the day I can have a craft room (hint, hint kids- move out soon)

So you make them yourself?

All items are 100% hand made, no molds are ever used. Each piece is one of a kind, but similar items can often be made.

Where are you located?

I'm from New Jersey, I live in a small city in the New York metro area. Unlike some, I really like living in a city. Just something about it. I like having everything close by.

What is your family life like?

I've been very happily married to my college sweetheart for more than 20 years now. He still makes me smile by just coming in the room. We have 2 teenagers, actually the oldest will be 20 in a few months. Both are good kids and both are great at giving me ideas for my work, directly and indirectly.

What types of items do you make?

Dragons, Magical Creatures, Fairies, Pixies, Mermaids, Steampunk ,Jewelry People/ Figurines, Monsters, Trolls, Animals, Game Pieces, Geekery, Magnets, Wall hangings, Switch Plate Covers, River Rock Beads and Seasonal/ Holiday



What do you use to create them ?

Polymer clay is my favorite medium. I am always finding something new to try. I love making sculptural and fantasy creatures but I try not to let myself get boxed in. I have started making beads and exploring more cane work recently. I love to explore colors and enjoy trying new materials to enhance my work, like mixed media, inks, mica powders. It always seems like these creatures have their own personalities that have nothing to do with what I want.

Do you do custom orders?

I especially enjoy custom orders. I am willing to try anything, so feel free to ask. 99% of the time, you are under no obligation to buy if you are not satisfied with the work. The only exception might be for a personalized piece.



Where can we find you?

You can find me in many different places.

Artfire Studio

Blog

FaceBook   

Twitter

Flickr


Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Feature Offer

Greeting my Friends,


I would like to offer a feature spot on our site to help mesh our little community from Twitter, as that’s where I have met some wonderful people. You do not have to be Pagan or a Witch, just creative or informative.

Contact me via Twitter @DFApothecary and let me know what information you would like to share with others.

Do you have a blog that offers spells, recipes or crafts?

Do you have an Etsy account of homemade products, jewelry , etc?

Do you have a website ?

I only want to feature the little guy. The people who have small businesses or who share their thoughts on different, positive, subjects.

I think this addition will bring a lot of color and spice to my blog and also assist you in getting the words out that you want people to know.


Bright Blessings to all!

Rules: Contact me via Twitter
          Must be following our blog
          No haters or negative posts
         

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Carpet Fresh for Witches

I found this recipe in the book, "The Way of the Hedge Witch, Rituals and Spells for Hearth and Home" by Arin Murphy-Hiscock.


This powder features ingredients that clear negative energy as well as having the practical bonus of absorbing bad odors and refreshing your physical environment. You can also sprinkle it on fabric covered furniture. It's nontoxic, so it's safe around pets.

1c. baking soda
½ c. salt
2 tbsp mint
1 tbsp dried lemon peel
1 tbsp lavender
1 tbsp rosemary
1 tsp cloves

1. Ground the salt, mint, lemon, lavender, rosemary and cloves in a mortar and pestle, or in a coffee grinder/blender reserved for crafts use.

2. Combine the resulting powder with the baking soda.

3. Sprinkle it over carpets and floors and allow it to rest for at least two hours, preferably overnight.

4. Vacuum or sweep it up. Discard the contents of the bag or dustpan outside.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Picture of the Week

Love Potion Tea

Best time to cast spell: Make the tea on a Friday or during the Waxing Moon.

1 pinch of lavender
2 teaspoons of earl grey tea
3 pinches thyme
3 pinches nutmeg
3 pinches cinnamon
1 squeeze fresh lemon
3 cups pure spring water (it must be spring water)
Honey to taste

Casting the spell:
Place all ingredients in tea kettle. Boil three cups of pure spring water and add to the kettle.
Before drinking, recite this magical rhyme:

BY LIGHT OF MOON WAXING BREW THIS TEA TO MAKE [lover's name] DESIRE ME.

Drink some of the tea and say:

GODDESS OF LOVE HEAR NOW MY PLEA

LET [lover's name] DESIRE ME!

SO MOTE IT BE

Then , brew another pot of the love potion tea and give some to the person you want to love you deeper.

Expected results: Whoever drinks the tea will have their feelings towards you deepen.

(Original Author Unknown)

Friday, February 5, 2010

Wordless Wonders

A House Warming Basket

Take a large Wicker Basket and add the following items. Then Write this out on a card and put in basket.

BREAD- so you may never go hungry
WINE- so you will never be thirsty
HONEY- so you will always remember the sweetness of life
SALT- preserves trust and friendship
CANDLES- so you will always have light
BAMBOO( can be a plant or wind chime) - to bring you luck and protection
DREAMCATCHER- for peaceful sleep

Happy Day!