Dec 11, 2011

People and Planet First

The Pagan Team on Etsy is participating in the People and Planet First Campaign being hosted by Artisans Gallery Team on Etsy.

Through a series of blog posts Etsy Teams are taking the opportunity to share their opinions on supporting sustainable communities, indi businesses, as well as the role Etsy has played in fostering that independence.

The Pagan Team is an active group of individuals who come together to support each other. The team has an off Etsy site, The Tree House, where the 'community' that is our 'Etsy Team' gathers to further discuss and support one another as we develop our on line presence and local ventures we may undertake. We also share on the discussion area provided by Etsy, where we have ongoing discussions as well.

The opportunity to connect and communicate facilitates, team activities such as challenges, sales or giveaways. Finding ways to encourage Etsy shoppers to visit our Pagan Team shops in the open market that is Etsy, is part of what our team emphasizes. And then there is the inspiration of team members like Theresa Taylor.

Theresa, is a full time artist with Etsy sites and a brick and mortar Gallery/Boutique the Keyhole Gallery in Lakewood, OH. She describes herself as a DIY Momma who needs to create, and work with her hands. A jeweler first, she loves to work with metal in any application. Art Dolls are her next love, so putting metal and dolls together was just natural, as you can see from her shop DarklingDoll

Theresa i a bit eclectic. As she says, "I followed my imagination thru the keyhole and it led me to open a gallery, yay! It takes all my time, but it is bliss!" To learn more about the Keyhole check out the blog, or find items in the Gallery's Etsy Shop.

There are many active indi business people involved with Etsy teams! The following treasuries are a small sample of Pagan team Artisans work, Check out the great work!


Dec 1, 2011

End of Summer Challenge Winner!!

The winner is Michelle Simkins of Greenfingers!!

I asked her to share a bit about herself!

A little biographical info: I grew up with a crafty mom, in a public school that had good electives and offered art and music as part of the regular curriculum. That combination gave me lots of room and resources to make things from a young age. One of my grandma's taught me to embroider. The other one taught me to crochet, though I never really got past making ridiculously long crochet chains. I also started composing stories as soon as I learned how to write. I've always been happiest when I was either reading a novel or making something, whether it was an object or a story. No surprise that I grew up to choose creative pursuits as my work.

Where do you get your inspiration? My creative inspiration comes from everywhere. Usually it starts as a picture in my head that won't go away, and often I'm not sure where that picture came from. Other times it comes from wanting a finished object--a knitted pouch for my tarot cards, for example--and not finding a pattern anywhere that makes me happy. Once the concept is fully realized, my color and embellishment choices are kind of intuitive. I work by what feels right. Which sometimes means groping around and trying different things until I get that "a-HA!" feeling.

How long have you been creating original knitting patterns? I created my first pattern in 2007. It was the knitted goddess pattern, and I woke up one morning with the idea almost fully formed in my head. It only took two prototypes to have the pattern the way I wanted it.

When & where do you create? I create whenever I can. Ideas seem to come at me pretty regularly, though sometimes it takes a long time to get around to exploring them. I have a spreadsheet on my computer for ideas, so I don't lose track of them. I mostly create in my bedroom or living room, when I'm working on knitted items or writing. If it's something with herbs or flowers I work outside in an old fifth wheel trailer that's heated with a wood stove.

How does it fit in your life? Creativity kind of IS my life. Right now I'm spending all of my time creating, doing energy work and readings, or volunteering. I quit my day job a few years ago and now I work for myself and love it. But my creative priorities are constantly shifting, and certain processes and methods come and go for me. I always love knitting, for example, but how much time I spend on it varies drastically from one month to another.

What advantages to see in being a part of a team and participating in events, like this challenge? For me, being part of a team is about finding other creative people to connect with. It's been difficult to participate lately, with life and family keeping me busy, but I've really enjoyed seeing what other people are creating, sharing ideas with them, and troubleshooting/problem solving with them. And challenges are wonderful because they give me a little creative kick in the pants. With a deadline and some parameters the creative process gets narrowed down a little, which makes it easier in some ways. Other times, the possibilities are so limitless it can be difficult to know where to begin. A design challenge gives my wheels a direction to spin in. Also . . . it's fun to meet a challenge AND to see how other people meet the same challenge.

Thanks for sharing Michelle!

Oct 3, 2011

End of Summer Challenge Entries!

The team was challenged to create an item that reflects the Summer's End. The beginning of Autumn, serious harvest preparations as we see the fruition of our efforts, not only in the garden but in our lives. What have we been putting our energies into? What results do we anticipate?

Here are the entries! Be sure to vote for your favorite!

1. Red Agate Pentacle Hematite Aragonite Moonstone Gemstone Necklace 22 Inches - Summers End By FaerieNotions!


A beautiful sun, setting in the sky, is what this pendant reminds me of. Orange and red bring warmth to the eye, accented by a small pentacle. Hematite, aragonite, moonstone and silver plated spacers make up the rest of this great necklace. The necklace measures at 22" and is finished off with a S clasp. It is believed by many that stones have metaphysical properties. Hematite is a healing stone, excellent also for it's grounding abilities. Moonstone has a gentle protective energy, also well known for attracting love. Aragonite brings an urge to find truth in reality, as well as increasing energy in your self-worth as you seek to find the truth in yourself, and red agate is known for its healing ability and for bringing calmness and peace to the wearer. All of these stones work together to bring you to a more complete and fruitful place, a place where you can harvest your best abilities and reap the benefits of good physical and mental health.

2. Summer's End Knitted Drawstring Pouch by Green Fingers


I designed this pouch for the PaganTeam's "Summer's End" design challenge. It reflects the colors of trees and changing leaves.

It's the perfect size to hold a crystal sphere, or to protect small items like jewelry when traveling. The leaf motif is knitted from superwash wool, and the body of the pouch is a cotton bamboo blend. The entire pouch is machine washable in cold water, but should be dried flat.

3. ACEO Quilted, Embellished Textile Art by Cobaltquilter

This ACEO is one in a series of quilted and embellished trading card sized textile art.

This listing is for the one seen in the first photo titled 'In the light of the new moon.'

This is my entry in the Paganteam Summer's end challenge, winter is a dark time of the year for me, much like a new moon I must maintain my awareness of the coming light!

There are 9 ACEOs in this Gray and Black series.

I have doodled with my sewing machine in black on a gray fabric, this was a practice/warm up piece. I then cut the piece into 2.5 X 3.5 inch trading card sized pieces of art. I have embellished with beads and charms. The edges are a knotted selection of yarns I picked up at the local thrift store!

Each small quilt is then glued to a piece of heavy weight watercolor paper. Each one is titled, signed and dated with the year.

Jul 13, 2011

Healing Intent Challenge winner BluuLotus Designs shares about herself and her creative process!

Hi, My name is Michelle Molesch (BluuLotusDesigns on Etsy) and this is my story :

I knew I was an artist the moment I could use my hands to create, draw, paint, mold and touch. So from the very first drawing I made I knew this is what I wanted to do as a profession when I would grow up to an adult. Although the process of following my dream from childhood to young adult would prove itself difficult, I had to fight for my dream and become stubborn and unwilling to mold myself into something I was not. My parents have well intentions but knew going into the Art field would be hard to make a living off of so they tried to nudge me towards doing something I did not love 100% with my heart. So, with that all said I nonetheless kept pursuing my prefer'd dream in attempt to show them that not giving up something can prove to pay off in the end.

After a year's hiatus after High School was over It was time for me to go to college. I have always wanted to attend an Art School to improve my skills and become a master of the Art. Unfortunately the University's in this country are very expensive and would end up spending most of your life to pay off tuition. So, upon my father's suggestion I went into a community college in North East Ohio (also my birth place) because there I had relatives and family that I could reside with until I found roommates, a part time job and a place to stay. I did so and attended Lakeland Community College for about 4 years taking every available Art Class they had. From this I learned Pottery for the first time taking to the wheel was natural, refreshing and calming to the soul; I learned metal smiting and jewelry design, finding this art form to be one of the most intensive and endearing. I was disappointed with the painting classes and teachers, I REALLY wanted to go into oils and learn the like masters, but alas they were not up to par. I also took photography classes and learned how to use the dark room and the process of creating your pictures yourself was very fun and rewarding.

I also met some of my most important friends and spiritual teacher's that would open me up and show me my path as not only an artist but as a shaman, pagan, medium and green witch. Through these friends I learned deep within my soul I had more gifts than I realized and I am still finding out the extent of where my gifts can take me into this world. I am really grateful for them and what they have taught me about my mind, body and spirit. Given this I changed my outlook on the universe with whole new meaning, it was like a breath of fresh air...a breeze taking me and stretching my imagination as far as I could reach it. But also I needed to keep myself grounded and make sure I do not stray off my given path which indeed I would do so once I had returned to Florida. I did not have a real stable spiritual group in Florida like I did in Ohio so staying on my life path was proving to be more and more difficult with every twist and turn.

Actually I did not get a chance to finish Lakeland and I had to leave not out of my own free will and I was very sad and devastated to leave behind such wonderful friends and community. It hit me so hard I became depressed and sunk into a dark period of my life using the internet, games and of course my art to escape from a reality I did not want to acknowledge. Feel like a bird trapped in it's cage I yearned for escape to spread these wings to fly into the world. I would meet new friend's and people who would encourage me not to give up what I had started. This in turn slowly made me stronger, but I still felt something was missing in my life ..and that was LOVE. I did go through some important life changing relationships that really taught me more about myself and my body.

One fateful day I was bored so I decided to go on a old RPG game online just to make the time go by faster. So, upon playing I found my old guild I was part of and they instantly took me under their wings again. I know this sounds nerdy and corny but I needed to level up my wizard so I was being helped out by a Monk.. and this character was being played by my future boyfriend! Who knew that I'd find love on a silly little game online! We instantly became friends for about a year and kept in touch through MSN messenger and then SKYPE. Talking very frequently to each other and steady gaming partners. Turns out he is only 1 year and 1 day older than me. He is from Vienna, Austria and a pieces to boot like me!

After a year went by I became somehow busy and disconnected from the internet for almost a month in 2009. Once back online, I was afraid my long distance friend would of abandoned me by now...but, this was not the case! Once I got back online he was there waiting for me! Asking me he was worried something happened to me and had missed me dearly. So, from there on out we decided to make the move and meet each other in person. Of course I could not afford to go visit him but instead he would come and see me. After about 8-9 month's waiting we met for the first time in person and I was full of butterflies and anticipation that made me seem like I was floating on Cloud 9!! Everything had worked out great and we immediately made plans to move in with him in Austria! But once again this would prove to be a little more difficult than I thought!

Now this was only because my family's history of unorganized and last minute planning. But other wise we were also bombarded with help for money from both of my younger and older brother's. So the adventure of getting myself from point A in Florida to point B in Vienna, Austria would be a interesting one. I managed to go twice for 3 month periods in 2010. Finally when I had to return back to the states I was could not fathom being apart from my boyfriend. But, was determined not to return until I had completed all the unnecessary paper work to go back into the country. It took almost a whole year but we finally have completed all the steps in order for me to get my student residency permit. The task of moving to Austria was a very tough one! But now with the paper work out of the way I could finally once again spread my wings to the world!

in less than 2 weeks I will be finally flying over to Vienna, Austria and will start (with the luck from the goddess) attending @ the university of the arts in October 2011!!!!! This process has taken over 10 years in the making for me to make my dreams into a reality! Not only will I get to go to a Art School like I've always wanted, but I will be doing it with the man I love in a country I love in Europe! I feel great to finally be able to safely transition into the world. I proved to my family and relatives that not giving up sure does pay off in the end!!!! Now the final task at hand is to choose ONE thing to master in. Which I am still contemplating. It's between Fashion Design, Painting, Jewelry Design, Pottery and Photography!!

So.. now let me tell you a little bit about my creative process.. for me it really depends on what medium of art I am doing at the moment. But in general I find inspiration everywhere I look! If it be in a book, online or someone walking by on the street.. but my main inspiration comes from Nature. I love the earth and all of the wonderful things she has to offer us..and I find that the most inspirational. Once I have chosen my points of inspiration I write or draw them out in my sketch books and go from there!!! I try to make myself sketch more often, that's one of the things I flunked in college..was not being able to sketch out my idea's before executing them! I was sort of the last minute artist.. I hated the idea of sketching them out because I found the image in my head to be already more detailed than what I could fit or have time to do on paper. So in the end I was afraid if I sketched it out it would ruin the concept I had in my head all along! If that makes sense!

Recently I have been creating what I could either afford or could find readily available supplies or materials for! But I sort of go back and forth between painting with acrylics making paintings inspired by Monet in the impressionistic style, or doing my current infatuation with Buddha faces! I also love to paint with watercolors making illustrations first in ink with heavy thick lines reminiscent of the Art Nouveau period inspired by Alphonse Mucha and his curvy women he painted. I also enjoy spending hours knitting away and sewing at the sewing machine. I am working on my own line of knit wear designs but it's a long and slow process! If I am not doing art I am working out, doing yoga, talking to friend's online, blogging, art watching or just chilling with my kitty on the couch (while knitting)!

I hope that my story inspires others not to give up their dreams! because in the end only you can make it manifest for yourself! -namaste!!

Jul 4, 2011

Healing Intent Challenge Entries

The Team was challenged to create a work that reflects intent, how we connect and heal each other and our planet, as an aware family. I encouraged members of the Pagan Team to create with focused intent for those in need beyond our immediate reach. Reflect our ability to heal each other through creative expression. Events in the Universe affect us all, who we stand with to find and give solace defines who we are.

The results are fantastic! Below you will find each entry with a description and a link to the item on Etsy. Please vote for your favorite, the poll will close Sunday July 10, come back to see the winner! There will be a follow up post featuring details about the winning artist!

#1 ArmoredHearts

Fire Lotus Candle Skirt

Spring is the season of fire; this Lotus flower shaped Candle skirt is like a ring of metallic fire around a single flame or consciousness. 3 colors of fire; red, orange and gold create this open blossom. Relaxed and calming; yet empowering.

Decorate your home, altar or any personal space with serene style. This tea light candle skirt sets the tone of healing power and focus for the season and for all seasons to come.

Hand woven stainless steel rings with red, orange and gold anodized aluminum scales in an open lotus flower. Measures approx. 3 1/2 inch in diameter.

3 white, vanilla scented soy tea lights are included. Fits standard PLASTIC tea lights.

Disclaimer: always set a candle on a heat proof dish or plate. This item will retain heat so have a care when blowing out the candle or changing the tea light. I am not responsible for accidental injury while using this product; in two words: BE CAREFUL!

This Pattern was created by Mike Stevenson from Borealis Metalwork and distributed by my scale supplier The Ring Lord.

I love working with scales and have great ideas for this design as well as working to find a similar pattering using large scales and pillar candles, stay turned!


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#2 NativeWorksMother Earth Beaded Turtle Necklace

Why Turtles? 'intent and healing.'

Native American lore teaches that Turtle is the first symbol for our great Mother Earth. It teaches that She belongs to both the Water and the Earth. It is Turtle that brought up mud from the bottom of the oceans to create the first land. Turtle represents the true essence of creativity. All life is created of the Earth and all life shall return. We must remember to respect and honor the gifts that Turtle gives to us everyday. Be mindful of the cycles of give and take. The Earth Mother gives us everything we need to sustain our lives and we must remember to give back to her. Do not abuse her.

Turtle carries her home upon her back, it is her place of comfort and her place of protection. It is her shield against the outside world when she is feeling threatened. It allows her to return to the protective womb of the Earth until she feels it is safe to return to the outside world.

Turtle is a fine teacher in the art of grounding. If you find your self feeling the negative energies of others, whether it be in the form of jealousy, envy, or hate then you need to connect to Turtle and the Earth Mother . Hear the rhythm of the earth and align yourself with Turtle Medicine. Learn to walk a balanced road and you will create a peaceful and abundant life. By doing so you will show others that their negative thoughts and actions do not affect you.

I have been working on this new design over the last few weeks and happy to now have it available on my store. I created this little guy using No.11 seed beads in translucent Dark Jade, inside color Jade and Cream yellow, and light Green.

All beads are hand stitched using a special technique I created to resemble loom beading. I designed the necklace part using the same beads as the turtle so that there is a perfect match. This is truly a unique and one of a kind piece.

The necklace is 81/2" long and fits up to a 17" neck. It was designed to be worn as a choker style necklace.


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#3 TheVillageShaman
Serpentina Ophicius Yellow Turquoise Necklace

This item is an interesting expression of mystery! I have had this anchor piece for a year, and couldn't quite think of the right thing to put it on, or in... or with! Today, I acquire some beautiful and unique yellow turquoise and 5 minutes later, I am compelled to dig up my brass "Serpentina"!

Also recognized as the Minoan Snake Goddess, she's just over 19inches from knot to knot. This is a naturally multi-colored strand of hemp carrying a total of 100 rounds of yellow turquoise (4mm). The brass toggles accent the color of Serpentina perfectly and bring the whole piece together beautifully!

There is a lot of mystery about Serpentina. I have heard that she is referred to and worshiped as the "White Goddess" and is the secret basis for the constellation of Ophicius (recently popularized in Western Zodiac debates and also attributed to the great Egyptian priest and healer, Imhotep). With two snakes, she is/was definitely a sign of healing/medicine, magic, sensual energy and wisdom.

My focus on this peace was of the power of intent to heal. Turquoise is a stone long used as a healing agent and snake symbolism has its most ancient roots in medicine and magic. It is my intent that this very special piece bring positive energy to all who see, hear about, touch and wear it. She has been waiting for a long time and I look forward to finding her rightful place!

For the best in health and peace,

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#4 BluuLotusDesigns

IN-Trance Series: The Sacred Spiral Dance 16 X 20 Canvas

I tend to channel energy from the divine to induce a trance like state as I paint.

I create the painting for free flow of energy and to eliminate the need to be constrictive thus allowing myself free-form of movement while being playful and joyous in nature. This is new to my usual way of painting which is controlling or trying to do something that is not me!

I came to the realization while making my 2nd painting of that the energy emitted off the painting can be very healing.. now each painting I do I shower my love and joy into the painting so I share that energy with other people..as a healer and a shaman I find it necessary to radiate the vibrancy of a deeper subconscious level of attunement with the over soul in order to fully understand the meaning of love for oneself and others. Once the connection with the over soul is complete one may find the need to pass on this unconditional love to those around them.. even strangers. This is my idea for an ideal world where no boundaries exist and we all may live in peace and harmony with each other.
So each step we take to share our love with the higher self may as well be the key to unlocking the tragic state that the earth is in at this moment...lets all remember to be open and share the love and magic that we hold within our hearts and heal one another until no darkness may be left on this planet! -namaste

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#5 EJCreationsIntented

Blessing Salt Healing Blend

Blessing Salt Healing Blend Blessing Salt Healing Blend Blessing Salt Healing Blend
This listing is for one 3"x5" bag of Healing Blessing Salt.

Our Blessing Salts are made for a variety of specific intentions. Healing Blend should be used whenever you are feeling ill. It can be placed in the corners of a room or sprinkle a little in your pillowcase for a little extra healing energy while you sleep. It can even be used in the bath, just be sure to place it in a tea bag or cover the drain so that the herbs do not clog it. It also makes a wonderful casting salt for healing rituals.

Each batch of Blessing Salt is cleansed and charged with selenite before it is packaged. This is done to assure that it is energized and ready to be used when you need it.

These salts are handmade just for you in the heart of Houston, TX!

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#6 Eldwenne


Goddess Spiral and Glass Series Bracelet 1

The Goddess Spiral has inspired me so. In lieu of leaning to the cliche and including the goddess figure, I've taken the symbol of the spiral and captured through the glass beads what the Goddess personifies.

This bracelet contains the Goddess spiral and combines it with beautiful orbs of glass beads with gold painted accents, embellished with copper colored seed beads. Beautiful wine colored glass beads dangle from either end.

Goddess jewelry is empowerment. Serenity. Peaceful strength, surrounded by nurturing warmth.

This bracelet was designed with the goddess' spiral symbol, to invoke strength and enlightenment.

All of Eldwenne's Fantasy's jewelry is cleansed with sage during the creative process, as well as immediately prior to shipping.

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#7 HowlingCaterpillars

Mitakuye Oyasin (Everything is Connected) All Natural Bracelet

This Brand New Item is a Bracelet that was inspired by the Pagan Team Spring Challenge put forward by CobaltQuilter.

It contains all of the Metaphysical Elements in Combination: Earth, Air, Fire and Water, with the fifth Element of Spirit, my creativity, also going into it.

It is 8 and a Half Inches Long from Lobster Claw Clasp to Jump Ring. The bracelet is strung on 7 Strand, .022 Diameter Nylon Coated Miniature Wire Cable. The clasp components are gold plated.

The all Natural Beads are Buri Nuts, Cowry Shells, Lava Rock, and elongated Bicone Wood Beads.

The very prettily splotched Cream and Brown Round Beads are Buri Seeds. Buri gives one a Connection to Higher Understanding. They give Clarity, and a sense of Calm, allowing one to think and feel clearly, and to be in touch with one's Spirit.
The Buri Tree is the most common Palm tree in the Philippines, and has a variety of uses, from the Buds as Vegetables to the Stalk used for creating a common Alcoholic Beverage imbibed by locals called Tuba. The Fibre from the Tree is also used in the creating of Hats and Fans and Rope too! The Leaves are turned into Raffia. The Buds are used in Salads. The Seeds are used for Rosary Beads and Buttons. Immature Leaves can be used for Sails and Baskets.
The Seeds are actually Nuts that are hand shaped. They’re Lightweight, and have a Smooth Finish. They take dye easily making them very versatile to work with.
Buri Nuts' Elements are Earth, and Air. Earth, because the Tree's roots are deep in the Earth. Air, because it gives us back oxygen for us to breathe.

Lava Rock is the Physical Embodiment of Fire. Lava Rock can be used to develop a relationship with the Fire Elementals, bringing about quick action towards long-sought after goals. The Energy of Fire is Direct, Powerful, Passionate, and Headstrong. It can be very useful for those who are Indecisive, or Timid. Lava Rock can also help one develop stronger ties with the Earth, because it was once of one Elemental form, and has been transformed to another. It can also be beneficial for Fire Signs who feel they are too quick to jump into action or fly off the handle, by balancing them with the blending of Earth's Grounding Energies.
The Correct Name for Lava Rock is Scoria. Scoria is a Dark-Coloured, Vesicular(Like a Blister or with Bubbles), Extrusive(Flowing Out, not being thrown out) Igneous Rock. The Blisters are a result of trapped gas within the Lava at the time of cooling. It often forms as a frothy crust on the top of a Pyroclastic Flow.
Scoria's Elements are Fire and Earth. It starts are molten rock which is Fire, then changes into Rock which is Earth.

The Cowry Shell is a Symbol of Good Luck and Material Wealth. It is a Gift from a Goddess, so it always bears her Blessings. If you look closely, the Bottom Side of a Cowry Shell resembles the Female Sexual Parts. The Top Side is shaped like the Abdomen of a very Pregnant Woman. The natural design of the Cowry is one main reason why this Shell has maintained so much popularity throughout the years. Spiritually, according to African legend, if you are attracted to Cowry Shells, you could be kin to an Ocean Spirit of Wealth. It also represents Goddess Protection, which is very Powerful and connected with the Strength of the Ocean. Throughout Africa, and the Americas, the Cowry symbolized the power of Destiny and Prosperity. Cowry was also thought of as the "Money of Ifa", who was a Scribe and allowed messages between Heaven and Earth in the Yoruba culture of Western Africa. Shades of Tekhuti!
Cowry's Element is Water, naturally.

The Carved Wood Beads are from a sustainable source from Korea, or the Philippines. They are an Elongated Bicone shape with Tribal looking Carvings of Lines and Dots.
Trees have the Elements of Earth, where their roots hold them, and Air, which they produce to help us live.

This bracelet is not only Tribal looking but it's a good choice for the eco minded. After doing all my research, I discovered that all of the things I used to make the necklace were sustainable and eco friendly Yay me!

Please check out this listing for the matching necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/71413695/mitakuye-oyasin-all-are-related-all

Apr 1, 2011

Spring Challenge — Healing Intent

I challenge you to create a work that reflects intent, how we connect and heal each other and our planet, as an aware family. I encourage you to create with focused intent for those in need beyond our immediate reach. Reflect our ability to heal each other through creative expression.

I am searching for my role in the relief effort currently focused on the recent devastation of Japan. How do I become an active participant in the well being of those around me that exists under my radar in my own backyard, living in hunger and desolation.

Events in the Universe affect us all, who we stand with to find and give solace defines who we are. I am grateful to be a member of this grand Circle we call a Team.

Details:
Please post a link to your entry once listed on Etsy for us all to see. Don't worry if your item sells you can still be in the challenge, win the poll and have a blog post just about you. If your challenge entry has another destination than Etsy, please post a link where we can see your work, your blog, flicker, etc. I know sometimes when we are creating the piece may tell us who it belongs to before it is finished.

Include a statement in your description connecting your creation to the challenge theme, 'intent and healing.'

Looking forward to seeing peoples creations.

Ideas to run though your head...

The ring of fire, and other natural expressions of our earth's power

Survival strategies — physical, — emotional, -communal

Equinox- balance between the light and dark

Spring is the season of Fire, starting when the Sun (fire) enters into the sign Aries- which is a fire sign and the first sign of the zodiac.

The season of spring encompasses Aries, Taurus (earth) and Gemini (air)
Aries is ruled by Mars, Taurus by Venus and Gemini by Mercury.

Mars is ambitious and inventive, Venus is joy and love, and Mercury communication and intellect.

Due July 1st for Blog poll listing.

Any other ideas? Questions? Feel free to discuss your creative process through this challenge here, on this leaf!
(must be logged in to view and post)

Jan 23, 2011

"Here We Are" Challenge Winner is FaerieNotions!

Congratulations! Tell us a bit about yourself FaerieNotions:

I have been making jewelry for about six years. Beading and working with gemstones brings me a joy I can't describe. I have a huge need to create and share those creations with others. I am a mom of three, two of which are on the autism spectrum. Beading gives me that sense of escape, that break I need, just for me, to help me to get on with my day. There's something peaceful and comforting about stones. They speak to me in a way I cannot convey. I hope that I pass on that sense of peace in everything I create. I aim to make jewelry that is not only pleasing to look at, but also full of positive energy.

Please visit my blog, where I tend to ramble on about thoughtful things:
tryingonmymasks.blogspot.com/

Jan 2, 2011

"Here We Are" Challenge!

The Pagan Teams newest Challenge!

As our team worked through the growing pains of settling into our forum at The Tree House and Etsy's new 'team' section we were challenged to create a piece that will show the world that "We are here!"

What will let the world see who we are in relation to our chosen path and craft/art?

The following artist offer these amazing entries! Be sure to vote for your favorite in the poll! Voting open until January 10th!

Click on images to open a full picture in another window! Enjoy!

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# 1 - Wolf Spirit Necklace - Copper Turquoise Chrysocolla
from Shadow and Spirits


The Wolf Spirit necklace was inspired by this awesome wolf tooth. I added turquoise nuggets and chrysocolla heishi beads to a 24" antiqued copper chain. The wolf tooth is 1 1/2" long and 3/8" wide. I can shorten the chain if you wish. Convo me if you want it shortened.
No wolves were harmed aquiring this tooth. They are taken from the wild from wolves who have died naturally. This tooth has been bleached to whiten it.

Wolves are highly misunderstood animals, who have gained the reputation of being cold blooded. In reality wolves are friendly and social creatures. Aggression is something they avoid, preferring rather to growl or create a posture to show dominance. Living in close knit packs provide wolves with a strong sense of family, but they are still able to maintain their individuality. Wolves represent the spirit of freedom, but they realize that having individual freedom requires having responsibilities. Wolf is a teacher and pathfinder, and can show you how to balance the responsibility of family needs and not to lose one's personal identity. Wolf teaches us to develop strength and confidence in our decisions. He shows we will learn to trust our insights once we learn how to value our inner voice.

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#2- Gemstone Necklace 21 inches - Moonstone Aventurine - Ways of Old
from FaerieNotions

A sterling silver pentacle hangs from soothing aventurine, calming the soul in deep dark hues of green. It is believed by many that stones have metaphysical properties. Iridescent moonstone attracts the eye, offering up protection. This necklace makes a bold statement, measuring at 21", a great length for higher necked shirts. The pentacle is a star, 5 points symbolizing earth, water, fire, air and spirit, joined in a circle. It measures an eye-catching 1" in diameter.

I take pride in offering stones that are natural. There are no dyed or synthetic beads used in my items. That gives each piece a genuine energy that will lift and heal your spirits.

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#3- Tree of Life Pouch
from GreenFingers


Whenever I ponder the earth around me, and my place in it, I find myself drawn to the symbolism of trees. Trees are simultaneously rooted and expansive, a condition that I strive for in my life. So I designed a cable pattern that captures the energy of trees, the combination of what we draw in to ourselves and what we release in to the world, and how that exchange of energy is what makes us who we are. But as so often happens,what I got from the design process was more than I expected. My symbolic tree is reminiscent of an hour glass, indicating the passage of time, and the way we flow through it. And the final surprise for me was the way the linear ribs enclose the swirling cables. How fitting for someone who sees life as a spiral, but must operate in a world that often sees life as a straight line.

Pouch is knitted in Plymouth Yarns 100% Superwash Wool. Wash in the machine on gentle, and lay flat to dry. The color is a delicious celery green, much richer than in the photo. The pouch would be perfect to hold most of the oversized tarot on the market. Buttons are vintage wood toggle buttons I found at a local antique store.

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#4- Antler Runes from inkleing


I love Runes and hand woven things! Runes are my favorite divination tool due to the ancient and rustic feel. These Runes are the Elder Futhark hand burned into shed antler. Shed antlers are the ones I find while hiking in Northern New Mexico that the deer or elk drop every year. Meaning the deer and elk were not harmed to obtain the antler that I use. These were hand cut, burned and polished by me. The bag was hand woven on my little inkle loom then hand stitched together in shades of Gules (red) Or (yellow) Sable (black) Argent (white) and Azure (blue) The dimensions of the bag are 7 1/2” X 6” This listing is for the 24 runes and the bag. I also include a blank rune (wyrd) for those that use it and a little chart with the names for each rune. I alway ship priority mail for fast delivery.

Ásatrú, means " belief in the gods " in Old Norse, the language of ancient Scandanavia.
Ásatrú is thousands of years old. It's beginnings are lost in prehistory, but as an organized system, it is older by far than Christianity. Strictly speaking, since Ásatrú is the religion which springs from the specific spiritual beliefs of the Northern Europeans, it is as old as this branch of the human race, which came into being 40,000 years ago.


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#5- Spell Bottle of Household Full Year Fortune Oil from CauladronCraftMinis

This is my Spell Bottle of Household Full Year Fortune Oil. Meant to bring prosperity, health, and loving relations to your family through herbal and symbolic energies, the oil is sealed within a heart shaped glass bottle. This contains approximately 10 fluid oz and is 5 ½” tall. The oil is an olive base with cold diffused botanicals. These include 3 Bay leaves for victory and protection, 2 cinnamon sticks for warmth, vanilla essential oil for wisdom, chamomile for calm, rose leaves for love and healing, apple oil for bounty and wealth, and yellow carnation for friendship and trust. Symbolic elements include gold and copper flecks and a penny for prosperity, rose quartz nugget for love, 13 moonstone spheres for the yearly moons, and a broom for cleansing. There are no synthetic ingredients in this oil, which can be used in washes, candle anointing, and many other ways. This oil was crafted on Dec. 20, 2010 to harness the combined energies of Winter Solstice, a Full Moon, and the Lunar Eclipse.

Member Items Etsy Mini

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