Give the Gift of A Kitchen Witch


Give the Gift of A Kitchen Witch
-By Angelique Duncan

This Thanksgiving as you plan the traditional meal you may want to include a Kitchen With to over see the preparations. A Kitchen Witch is a small poppet or doll that brings good luck to the kitchen. She makes sure pots don’t boil over, cookies don’t burn and gravies don’t lump.

The Kitchen Witch is a talisman who originates from Scandinavia and carried over to Europe and then to the United States. Usually taking on the appearance of the traditional Halloween witch, often with a large nose, hunched back and gnarled fingers wearing a simple dress made from cotton, a scarf on her head and sometimes a cloak.. She is usually small only a few inches, at largest about six inches. She rides a broom or sometimes a whisk, wooden spoon or spatula. More modern interpretations depict the Kitchen Witch as elderly, jovial and sweet faced and sometimes she has a youthful more traditionally attractive or sexy appearance.

She is often suspended from a string in a corner of the kitchen facing the room. On occasion the doll might sit on a shelf or windowsill. Tradition states that the most effective place for a Kitchen Witch is to fly is above the stove to so her magical protection is concentrated over the cooking area. She should face the entrance to the kitchen, to ward off any evil or ill intent from visitors to the home whose bad vibes might sabotage a meal.

Sometimes the doll is scented with essential oils or is stuffed with herbs that offer protection and aid in good cooking and help in domestic tranquility. Often a small note is attached to her dress or broom giving her mythology explaining the tradition or a handwritten spell to ensure her magical powers.

Pre Christianity, Kitchen Witches were prevalent in Scandinavian and German homes, given as gifts and passed down from generation to generation. It is recorded that the Kitchen Witch was once a common inventory of the kitchen and was quite common during in the late 1400’s in the United Kingdom. The tradition carried over to the North America. However the tradition faded as Puritan Christianity frowned upon the old folkways and anything associated with Pagan religion or witchcraft during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

The tradition quietly re emerged in the United States in the 1950’s and became popular again in the 1960’s and 70’s as a movement of freethinking was on the rise. Many began to research and practice the old Pagan religions and handmade folk-art was extremely popular during the era. Kitchen Witches were once again given as gifts to young newly weds and as housewarming gifts. They lost popularity again during the staunch religious political era of the 1980’s and early 90’s as all things Pagan were rejected. However Kitchen Witches have made a come back in the modern area partly from a more open and accepting environment to alternative beliefs, a longing for simpler times and the old ways in a world of technology, and a huge resurgence of handmade crafts and the popularity of folk-art.

There are companies that produce Kitchen Witches in popular styles as novelties, however to truly be an authentic Kitchen Witch, it is best to purchase a one that is handmade from an individual seller. This ensures the witch is crafted in the old way of care and concern for the craft. Also she will be unique in her character and her magic will be personal to the home where she will reside.

Consider introducing a Kitchen Witch into your home this fall before cooking your Thanksgiving feast, or giving one as a hostess gift to your friends or family. According to the tradition, not only will the Kitchen Witch bring good fortune to the home she presides over, the giver of the Kitchen Witch will receive good luck as well.

Angelique Duncan is proprietor of Twilight Faerie Nostalgic and Capricious Objects. Check out her artist page to find links to her shops and vintage inspired traditional holiday art. Visit again next month for more traditions and folklore.

Artist Interview September 2017: Creepycute Doll Works

To find where Alecee sells her wares visit her on her artist page on HAB. 

Interview with Alecee of Creepycute Doll Works:

Which pieces of your artwork are you most proud of, currently for sale or sold? Share an image of it if you have one.

I am grateful for this opportunity to share my love of Halloween with my fellow Artists and Collectors. I love all of my works! I especially enjoyed making my conjoined twins, Justine and Elizabeth.

Name an artist(s) whose work you admire and what influence have they had on your art?

Although I appreciate many styles of Halloween art I am especially drawn to works with a vintage look, even more so if they are humorous. I am very fond of Kim Sherrod, her works always makes me smile. Following her on social media taught me that I didn’t have to re-create Halloween to celebrate it! For that I am grateful. Leatitica of Merveilles in Papier introduced me to Mulberry paper. I am awestruck by the works of Sheila Bentley and Scott Smith!

What would you consider the highest honor or greatest goal you would like to achieve with your art?

I am honored each time someone purchases my work. When a patron leaves flattering feedback I am even more happy. That a patron takes time to shares their happiness is wonderful!
I daydream about being on the cover of Art Doll Quarterly or Prims Magazine. To be chosen to participate in The Spirits in Sanford Halloween Art Show is another goal.

What Halloween costume that you got to wear in childhood was your favorite and has the fondest memory for you?

I once made myself a costume of the Esso/Exxon Tiger, I can still recall coloring in every black strip. Before that, all my costumes were from the 5&10, a discount store! More important to me were the fantastic costumes I would sew for my children.

What is your favorite Halloween icon? Why do you identify with its imagery?

Obviously I love pumpkins! Obsessed! I have found ways to turn them into ghosts, witches, skeletons and vampires. Perhaps I adore their versatility!
A Pumpkin is All Things Halloween!

If money and wherewithal were not an issue, what would be your dream way to spend Halloween?

Thank you,
Aleece

Trick Or Treat Give Away 2017

  


Trick Or Treat!
Trick Or Treat!

It’s the 2017 Halloween Artist Bazaar Trick or Treat Give Away!

The 2017 Trick or Treat Give Away has concluded. A winner has been chosen. Thank you to all who participated. Thank you as well to all our friends and those who follow Halloween Artist Bazaar. Keep your Jack o Lanterns Lit and the Spirit of Halloween alive. Check back with Halloween artist Bazaar through out the year for other give aways and art events.

Keep your Jack o’ lanterns lit in solidarity, and to all a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

How To Enter:

Step 1: Visit one of the contributing HAB artist from the list below. If the artist your Trick or Treating is an Etsy store contact them using the “contact the owner” tab on the left sidebar of their shop. If they are on the HAB catalog use our contact form. Leave them a message that states “TRICK OR TREAT!”.
Step 2: Visit our Facebook page and “Like” us and comment “TRICK OR TREAT!” on our wall.
Step 3: Fill out the official Trick or Treat Give Away entry form below.

Official Rules

Entry deadline is Midnight on October 20th 2017 Central Standard Time. The Winner will be chosen at random. One entry per person. Winner will be notified via email. The prize will ship on October 21st 2017. The winners name will be posted on the Halloween Artist Bazaar website and Facebook page. Information obtained will only be used to contact winner in regards to contest. HAB does not release or sell information from our entry forms or contact page. All ages welcome to enter. Members of Halloween Artist Bazaar are not qualified for entry. Contest open internationally, however please note that prize may not arrive before October 31st due to international shipping delays. *Your countries custom charges may apply. * Prize value an estimated $150.00 (and growing as more is added)

Contributing Halloween Artist Bazaar Artists links where to find their wares in order of photo appearance:(check back as the list grows and photo’s of the winnings are posted!)

Twilight Faerie
Sauvage Raven Creations
Mr.Bony’s Nurse
Chaos In Color
Tarryfails Corner
Harvest Moon Studio

Vintage Style Halloween Art Event 2017

  

Take the links below to purchase unique one of a kind vintage style handmade Halloween art, collectibles and jewelry direct from independent artist!

Mr.Bony’s Nurse Paper Mache Pumpkin Ride $160.00
A Paper Witch Black Cat Party Dress Ornament $10.25
Jynxx Designs Jolly Jack O Lanterns Bracelet $40.00
Creepy Cute Doll Works Pumpkin Goulie Ghostie $40.00
PunkinPrims Stubby Stu $16.99
Tarryfails Corner Woodland Jack Magical Bag $7.50
Plum Batty Beaded Pumpkin $20.00
Twilight Faerie Three Owls Decoupage Box $35.00
Sauvage Raven Creations Halloween Black Cabinet $20.00
Art By Sarada Owl and Cat Tea Party $8.00
Nancy Michalak Witches at the Cauldron $18.00
Harvest Moon Studio Vintage Halloween Silhouette Lamp $174.99

Find more Halloween art and collectibles year round by visiting Spooky Cute Team and Halloween Artist Bazaar on Etsy or the HAB sales catalog!

Halloween Artist Bazaar Artist Pages:

HAB Artists

HAB on Etsy:

HAB on Etsy

HAB online shopping catalog:

HAB on Etsy

Artist Interview August 2017: Gothbunny

To find where Katrina Sosnowski sells her wares visit her on her artist page on HAB. 

Interview with Katrina Sosnowski:

Which pieces of your artwork are you most proud of, currently for sale or sold? Share an image of it if you have one.

I think the art I am most proud of right now is my plush version of a Gothbunny. They were a lot of fun to make and I look forward to doing more stuff like that.

Name an artist(s) whose work you admire and what influence have they had on your art?

I have a lot of artists whose work I admire but my top 3 would have to be my husband Mike Sosnowski, his monster paintings are the reason we are married. I started collecting his work at shows and decided I needed to collect the artist too! He is such a big help when I ask his opinion on whatever I’m working on he gives me lots of good feedback and is very encouraging. I’m also a big fan of Josephine Wall. I love her use of color and all the hidden images in her work. I am in love with the fairies of Nene Thomas her work is just so beautiful.

What would you consider the highest honor or greatest goal you would like to achieve with your art?

The highest honor for me would just to be able to quit my day job and make money off making art full time!

What Halloween costume that you got to wear in childhood was your favorite and has the fondest memory for you?

I don’t think I have a favorite costume the best part of all of them was helping my mom make them.

What is your favorite Halloween icon? Why do you identify with its imagery?

I think my favorite Halloween icon would be the Halloween bat, I love that they are cute and scary at the same time.

If money and wherewithal were not an issue, what would be your dream way to spend Halloween?

When my husband and I lived in Hollywood CA we were about 10 minutes away from Universal Studios and we got to go the Halloween Horror nights event a few times, I would love to be able to do that again it was so much fun!

Halloween In June 2017 Gallery

  

Take the links below to find unique one of a kind handmade Halloween art, collectibles and jewelry direct from independent artist! Help keep the tradition of handmade art and the spirit of Halloween alive with your own Halloween in June celebrations!

Ghostgap
A Paper Witch
A Ryer Studio
Chad Savage
Creepy Cute Doll Works
Amethyst Raven
Jynxx Designs
PunkinPrims
A Twisted Pumpkin
Twilight Faerie
Chaos In Color
Tarryfails Corner
Jan’s Beads
Sauvage Raven Creations
The Felted Fey
Art By Sarada

Find more Halloween art and collectibles year round by visiting Spooky Cute Team and Halloween Artist Bazaar on Etsy or the HAB sales catalog!

Spooky Cute Team on Etsy:

Spooky Cute Team

HAB on Etsy:

HAB on Etsy

HAB online shopping catalog:

HAB on Etsy

Halloween In June 2017


Christmas in July, Halloween in June (Repost from 2014)
-By Angelique Duncan

Most folks have heard the expression “Christmas in July”. It usually is used to express a great and unexpected surprise. There seems to be differing opinions and documentation of when the slogan was actually was first actually used. Some historians trace the term back to the 1930’s and 1940’s to different Christian church entities and clubs in regards to annual events involving decorated trees, gift giving and all the trappings of the winter holiday in the hot summer month of July. First official use of the term “Christmas In July” was from an American movie of that title that was released in 1940. However the concept has much deeper and practical origins.

The notion finds its roots in the Victorian era of the 1800’s and early 1900’s. The Victorians, despite being quite extravagant in their winter celebrations with in decorations and gifts were also frugal and inventive people. The practice of purchased gifts at the Christmas holiday did not surface until much later in modern history. The Victorians would primarily give hand made gifts. The common practice was for each family member to make a gift for each other member of the family. For this to be pulled off in time for winter, a lot of planning and preparation was required.

Most gifts were made from what one could find in nature or in ones home. The making of gifts and holiday decorations for the home became part of the summer ritual. During the summer months, materials from nature were readily available. Starting the craft projects early in July gave a window of roughly 6 months to complete the projects of sewing, collecting and drying flowers, canning and preserving special foods from the garden, using oils to sent sachets and pomanders and to build collages or paint objects.

The Victorian practice of hand crafting ones Christmas gifts carried over into the 1930’s during the Great Depression when resources were scarce. In lieu of purchasing items, holiday gifts were from what one could make from what they had on hand. Later in 1944 during World War II, the United States Postal Service and greeting card industry promoted a postal campaign to collect letters and cards in early July for soldiers overseas to help ensure that they would be received for the holidays.

In the 1950’s with rise in incomes and commercialism advertisers for department stores caught on to the phrase to help boost retail sales during the leaner profit months of summer. The idea gained momentum for bargain hunters, who would begin their holiday shopping early in the year. This also allowed for retailers to push out old inventory to make room for the next year’s products.

In the years of the 1950’s through the 1970’s retail marketing of the Christmas holiday season began the day after Thanksgiving, on what is now known as Black Friday. Stores would set Christmas displays and begin their holiday sales for what is considered season of the greatest profits for retailers though out the months of November and December.

In an effort to extend the shopping season and sell more Christmas merchandise retailers began to push the start of the holiday season earlier and earlier each year. The market for winter décor exploded. By the late 1980’s retailers would begin to play holiday music and stock Christmas items the day after Halloween. By the 1990’s and into the new millennium retailers began putting out their holiday merchandise as early as June and July and have capitalized on the “Christmas In July” slogan in hopes to capture revenue from folks doing their holiday gift and decorating shopping early.

The phenomenon of capitalizing and commercializing holidays carried over to Halloween. With the rise in popularity of Halloween in past decades, retailers have taken notice. Sales of Halloween themed items for home decorating, parties, yard decorations and costumes now follows a close second to Christmas related sales and is gaining.

During the early 1990s and 2000’s Halloween entered a surge in popularity in American culture. However availability of quality unique Halloween decorations was limited in the big retail market. Most decorations and costumes prior to the late 1980- 90’s were home made. As the desire for Halloween décor that was on par with Christmas decorating grew, so did the market for Halloween art. Small independent artist and individuals who built yard – haunting décor had found their niche. With the advent of the Internet and the growth of an online upstart auction site known as eBay, demand for handmade Halloween soared. An entire market of Halloween collectors was born. One of a kind direct from the artist creations was highly sought after.

As this national love of all things Halloween grew, national retailers took notice and followed suit. The large retail chains began to offer Halloween collectibles, home decor and elaborate yard art that hit their shelves by late August and September. Big retailers honed in on what was offered by the independent online sellers and created an entire industry of Halloween retail revenue.

Sales of Halloween themed collectibles for home decorating, parties, yard decorations and costumes now follows a close second to Christmas related sales and is gaining. With this popularity of Halloween, retailers now set out mass-produced Halloween items as early as July, often along side the Christmas wares. This has drastically hurt the profits of small independent Halloween artist and yard haunters who once enjoyed a reliable fall retail season for Halloween sales.

From this history a campaign of Halloween in June was born. Independent artist Julia Chibatar proprietor of Ghostgap had the idea in 2013 to create a month dedicated to Halloween outside of it’s traditional month of October as an answer to the commercial concept of Christmas in July. Halloween in June is a month long celebration of all things Halloween with particular emphasis on independent Halloween Artist and their handmade wares. The celebration is a combined effort of Halloween groups comprised of independent artist to raise awareness of the small retail businesses and artist who gave origin to the Halloween retail phenomenon. It is an opportunity to showcase one of a kind handcrafted works available for purchase direct from the artist before the onslaught of big retail Halloween hits the shelves.

Halloween in June is presented by Spooky Cute Etsy Team
Halloween Artist Bazaar Artist Group .

Angelique Duncan is proprietor of Twilight Faerie Nostalgic and Capricious Objects. Check out her artist page to find links to her shops and vintage inspired traditional holiday art. Visit again next month for more traditions and folklore.

Featured Artist Interview June 2017: Nancy Michalak

To find where Nancy Michalak sells her wares visit her on her artist page on HAB. 

Interview with Nancy Michalak:

Which pieces of your artwork are you most proud of, currently for sale or sold? Share an image of it if you have one.

Name an artist(s) whose work you admire and what influence have they had on your art?

Kay Nielsen the illustrator

What would you consider the highest honor or greatest goal you would like to achieve with your art?

I would love to have my angel theme paper cuts be engraved on gravestones/ and or silhouettes of them created in metal as gate designs.

What Halloween costume that you got to wear in childhood was your favorite and has the fondest memory for you?

Being the old woman dressed in a suit with a pillow stuffed and belted at my waist all underneath it and topped off with a powdered gray wig.

What is your favorite Halloween icon? Why do you identify with its imagery?

The candy corn and the old can rattle. The2 or 3 colors, black, orange and yellow used so frequently in the 50’s still conjure up images of Halloween immediately!

If money and wherewithal were not an issue, what would be your dream way to spend Halloween?

Just the right combination of, warm winds, with the leaves rustling underfoot kicking them as we waded through them. The Faint smells of burning leaves and or the damp smell of decaying leaves misting around me. The sharp rise of excitement and the bittersweet knowledge, that the night would end as well as thee magic of the evening. My Halloweens would have to be in New England.

Faerie Welcoming Party


Faerie Welcoming Party
-By Angelique Duncan

Many believe that beginning May marks the return of the faeries from their winter slumber in the underworld. The veil between our world and theirs is lifted and they hold a grand procession and feast to celebrate the end of winter and kick off their stay in the human world until they pass back to the through the veil on Halloween night.

As a way to celebrate the return of the faeries one can hold their own faerie party. Here are a few ideas for hosting a grand celebration fit for the fae folk. Faerie parties aren’t just for children; adult children can indulge in faerie celebrations as well.

Begin with invitations. Send a small vile of glitter or bubbles to your guest with the invitation attached with ribbon or twine. Or send a frilly decorative floral paper invitation, some thing that would intrigue a faeries interest.

Instruct your guest to wear their best faerie attire. This is a great opportunity to have a costume party in the middle of spring. Encourage floral headdresses, accessories and fluffy skirts, garden hats and of course the wearing wings!

If your guests don’t already own a pair of wings then this could become a party activity. Have materials on hand to make simple wings from netting and wire and glue guns to affix flowers and adornments. The same could be done with making wands. Another activity could be to have your guest decorate faerie houses or flower pots that they can take with them to attract faeries to their own gardens.

On the invitation also ask your guest to bring a small shiny token as a gift to the faeries. This can be anything they want to offer the fae; a bead, chain, coin or anything sparkly or floral in nature. Folklore tells us that faeries are intercity attracted to shiny objects and they are pleased when gifts are left for them. It is said that gifts left for the faeries will ensure they will not destroy ones garden. As an activity for the party the shiny objects can be left either at an alter created in ones garden or if in an apartment left under plants and pots for the faeries to find.

Since this will be a celebration of the faeries return it must include a faerie feast. Think dainty and be creative. Serve finger sandwiches, tiny quiche, and pinwheels. Make “faerie toast “ by spreading butter on bread and sprinkling with cinnamon and sugar or colored sugars and putting in the oven or toaster until brown on the bottom and the butter is melted. Cut into squares or quarter triangles. Serve sweets! Faeries love sugary things, cookies, mini cupcakes, be creative and think like a faerie.

Along with the offering of gifts that are left for the faeries make a food alter.Have your guest leave tiny bits of the faerie food or sugar cubes at the alter for the winged creatures to find. Fill thimbles with milk and honey and leave them with the food offerings.

It is said that faeries are most active at twilight so schedule the party in the late afternoon before it get gets dark so that at dusk you and your guest can welcome and watch for the faeries.

These are just some ideas to get you started. The possibilities for a faerie welcoming party are endless. Be creative and remember you are never too old to believe in faeries.

copyright Amethyst Raven

Painting “Garden at Twilight” copyright Angelique Duncan -Twilight Faerie

Digital illustration “Little Sprite” copyright Amethyst Raven and available for sale on Little Sprite.Etsy

Angelique Duncan is proprietor of Twilight Faerie Nostalgic and Capricious Objects. Check out her artist page to find links to her shops and vintage inspired traditional holiday art. Visit again next month for more traditions and folklore.

Easter Hares & Springtime Scares 2017 Art Event

 

  Time for Easter Hares & Springtime Scares!

What happens when Halloween artist create Springtime art? An eclectic and unique mix of Easter art mashed up with Halloween. Participating Halloween Artist Bazaar Artists have created special edition pieces for the 2017 Easter Hares & Springtime Scares art event. Search for HAB Easter items here! Each item for sale in the Easter Hares & Springtime Scares Art Event is featured in order of appearance in the photo gallery with a link to where to buy the item.

For HAB Halloween art on Etsy, visit HAB artist websites and find handmade Halloween, holiday art and curiosities year round through the HAB shopping catalog!

Featured Easter Hares & Springtime Scares Artist:
Tarryfails Corner
Jan’s Beads
PunkinPrims
The Felted Fey
Twilight Faerie
Potion Shoppe
Mr.Bonys Nurse
Gothbunny
A Paper Witch
Abbybelle
Art By Sarada
Jynxx