The Costumes
The Wildhair Studio Booth
I made a point of wearing an outfit that I made for each day. The first day was a Katherine Tilton pattern in dragon skin. The second you see in the photo below and left was my Colette Patterns Parfait dress which was its inagural outing - and the day I choose to wear flip flops, it started to SNOW! Then, the last day I wore a dress that I upcycled by combining 2 skirt bits made of muslin that I hand-dyed with a fun batik t-shirt. It's my faerie / cinderella dress. However, I was too shy to ask to have my photograph taken. So, I'll have to have a photo session and post photos later.
House Elf Adoptions
About a year ago, I sculpted all kinds of faces in paper clay. I painted them with about 5-10 layers, then all of a sudden hated them. Hated. "Oh god these things are ugly." So, I put them in a box and tucked them away in my art supplies. I didn't want to look at them, but I knew from past that if I threw them out I'd be even more disappointed with myself and filled with regret. About 1 month before FaerieConWest, I got them out thanks to encouragement from my mom. We gathered bits that suited each face and vintage swarovski rhinestone crystals, I pulled out frames I had stashed away and my paint box. I set about painting frames and they revealed their personalities as house elves. I knew when I originally sculpted them that each one was destined for someone. They were born to help people overcome, remember, heal, and to instill their home as a sanctuary for rest, rejuvination and respite from the daily grind. What I did not know is anything about the people who would buy them.
As I finalized eyes, lips, direction of look, and combinations for each elf's face, I would squeel with delight! They all make me so happy. And I even saw faerie lights around my home, inside and out as they came to life through my hands.
Each one is up for adoption, and if you are ready, they will help you in more ways than you can imagine. Ready can mean many things - open to the idea of fae, complete with a previous phase of your life, about to step into your power, etc.
The upper left is Bee. She had the bee and her lips painted as a last minute addition the night before the event. And Sunday, a little girl named Beatrice stopped by the booth with her mom. They admired each of the house elves, but when I pulled Bee from the opposite side of the booth, something magic happened. Brings tears to my eyes as I write. Bea had a moment of recognition, a gasp, and a tear nearly fell down her cheek then turned to hug her mom tightly. How does one describe this...? It was so genuine, and was what the faces were telling me as I sculpted them. Though I didn't know it at the time. They wandered about the festival, but ultimately came back and adopted Bee. She's going to be put in a place of honor on their altar. I know little Bea will have great dreams and Bee will help her trust her heart as her compass in life.
Lower left is the Pook. This guy popped when I put in his turquoise eyes. I screamed with glee. When I first painted him, I thought bleah... this spotty paint job is so tacky. But, it's what he wanted and what makes him stand out against the orange leaves and purple feathers. He was adopted by Carl. Carl is a cool guy who has just stepped into retirement, a new phase in his life. As Carl admired him, I said, "This guy will call you to task. He means business. You know, like when we sometimes need a swift kick in the ass." To which Carl said he needs that sometimes to find his keys. Perfect! Sometimes I don't know why I say these things. They just fall out of my mouth into the air. I'm so thrilled he's going to live with Carl. A good home he will have! And I do believe that Carl is in for some adventures. :)
On the upper and lower right you'll see 2 wizened dragon eyes. Their irises are vintage swarovski crystals. As I was sitting at my desk pondering what to do with my dragon like stash of crystals, I began to sculpt eyes. I draw eyes all the time. One, two, pairs, singles. I did a whole series of pins in 2012 that were just single eyes. The dragon eyes are to be used to seek wisdom with only the purest of heart. They will be kept on altars and used by two very magical women who are dear friends.
Next Show: Spring Fairy Festival in Tacoma, WA
Saturday March 22nd 2014 10am-7pm Sunday March 23rd 2014 12-5pm At Freighthouse Square Tacoma, Washington My mom, Peg, and I will be vending next at the Spring Fairy Festival which will be held at Freighthouse Square. Mom made some amazing little wands and channeled the fae as she spent an entire year crafting them. Every one is unique and special. I will be bringing the house elves for adoption. I have a feeling a few will be picking out their next home at this event. |