Dressing Up for Halloween

Today I did some crafting and decided to print out some free printables I had saved for Halloween arts & crafts.


I printed out a newspaper crown and the banner reading "Nevermore" from http://www.kmckaydesigns.com/projects/vintage-halloween-decor-using-paper-mache-boxes/
great website for ideas and inspiration.

I "aged" the crown and Nevermore sign by spraying Tsukinek Antiquing Soltution [purchased at Michaels] into a few drops of water and with a q-tips ran it across the paper.

                                                               BEFORE:

I attached the Nevermore to an ornament I had purchased from Ikea last year. I hung it like a pendant around his neck.

                                                                    AFTER;
 He's getting ready for the upcoming holidays.  I still need to fashion a paper mache box so he can perch on.  Just wanted to let you know about some great blogs/websites with free printables.

The raven was purchased from Michaels and the treat bag was cut using Cricut Expression & cart. "Creat A Critter2.

Free Printables and/or Crafts:

http://www.sugartotdesigns.blogspot.com/

http://sugartotdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/09/halloween-pumpkin-hats-free-printable.html

http://www.graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/search/label/Halloween%20Clip%20Art

Well it's getting late, that's all for now, have to put King Raven to bed.

I'll have more to come, in the meanwhile let us know what sites you have found your favorite graphics on!

Thanks!

Check out the new Badge

On the right side of the screen you should see a badge for Artfully Musing's webpage, it's a blog dedicated to sharing art and the techniques and products used. Click on the badge to find out about an event she is having in September where she'll show us how to build a witches apothecary. 

During the month of September she is going to post a series of free video tutorials step by step on the process of creating your own apothecary.

So check it out, mark your calendars!

While there check out some of the great images she has to offer and the other wonderful projects she and others  have created.

TTFN

Litha - Getting Ready

I'm getting all my supplies ready for the next celebration; Litha, the Mid summer holiday celebrating the summer solstice.

Writing up my ritual, recipes and activities in my BOS.

Sometimes this is one of the best parts of the holiday, the preparation, decorating, the excitment!

Supplies I will be gathering;


Dark Blue candles for my altar
Lavender Incense (a scent I prefer) although Sandalwood would be good also.
Red ribbon (for crafts,activities)
Colored feathers, 3 ft.yarn Red, Black White for Witch's Ladder
Flowers; Aster, Birds of Paradise,Carnation,Dianthus
Herbs; some from the garden and some from my local go-to place. ( luna sol esoterica)




  * Wood Betony [or Basil]
  * Chamomile
  * Fennel [or Lavender] depending on what incense I use
  * Lemon Balm [or dianthus/carnation]  I love to add dianthus in
                                                             our salads this time of year
  * Mullein
  * Rue
  * Thyme
  * St. John;s Wort
  * Vervain


Activities:


Protection Amulets (more Rue/Rowan)



To see those Mid Summer Nite Fairies,

image fromBrie/Faeryhalls  

Soak Thyme in Olive Oil and anoint your eyelids.

Make a Solar Wheel, 

Witch's Ladder

Anyway these are just a few things, hope they are making you as excited about the up coming holiday as I am.

How are you getting ready?

Resources;

paganwiccan.about.com

Books by Ann Moura - "Grimoire for the Green Witch"

www.annmourasgarden.com

                                     

Sweet Mint Tea

Homemade Freshly picked Sweet Mint Tea

This goes perfect for a very hot Florida day like it was yesterday. I made this and put in the fridge so my husband who was working outside could have something cool and refreshing, which is not only from the temperature of this beverage but from the mint leaves.

What you will need;

·        1 Cup fresh Sweet Mint leaves

·        4 Cups boiling water    

          ·    Tea Pot or heat proof container

Bring water to boil, pour over the tea leaves that have been placed in your teapot.  

Steep for 10 minutes.

Serve immediately or place in fridge.

Enjoy!

source: ehow.com

Soda 1997 - 2012

We lost our cat today. Her name was Soda, she was a beautiful Black cat that my husband had had a few months before we started dating. She had wandered into his yard back in March 1997, a yard he played in with his (2) young child, ages at the time, 6 & 9.  Instantly they fell in love and started a family relationship with this new addition to their little family and when I met them later that year I was introduced to Soda, the little black wanderer, and saw what they saw a very unique and strong willed little cat, a true survivor.  She had been an outdoor cat for 90% of her life, she preferred it, but even with that we still were able to spend time with her and learn to love the cute things she did like smash her face into your face or annoying things like wake you up at 5 am by sitting on your chest and purring with the smashing the face 2 face thing that was cute those other times. ;)  

Read at her services given by her family;

We will miss you Soda!  You did have your own little personality, Thank you!

Soda, You have crossed over now,

Into the spirit realm.
May you walk with Bast,
and we will see you again some day.

Mother Earth, we return to you
the body of one of your children.
Her spirit will return to her ancestors,
and she will continue to live in our memories.
We are thankful that we were able
to share our lives with her,
and give her to your loving arms.

Bast, Sekhmet, we give you back your child.
Noble, regal, honorable cat.
Watch over her, and guide her on her way
to the spirit world.
May she be blessed in your names,
and hunt ever after beside you.

Above prayer from about.com - deceased pet

Candles were lit and prayers & gift given to Soda.

Soda like I said before you are a survivor, you have seen other "siblings" come and go and you have always treated those situations like a pro.

 We will miss you Soda!  You did have your own little personality, Thank you! Signed, 

Your family