My Blog
Grýla the Christmas Witch: Iceland’s Creepiest Holiday Legend
Gryla is the terrifying matriarch of Iceland’s holiday folklore. She’s part ogre and part witch with a penchant for eating misbehaving children. (My favorite kind of Christmas Creep!) According to legend, she lives in a cave in the mountains, emerging around Christmas to hunt for naughty kids to toss into her stew pot. No amount of “nice” behavior can save you if you’ve been bad—Gryla keeps a year-round naughty list, and she’s not shy about checking it.
Exploring the Many Sides of the Queen of Hearts
The Queen of Hearts, a regal figure that has captured the imaginations of many throughout history, is a symbol of power, passion, and sometimes, peril. From the pages of literature to the decks of playing cards, the Queen of Hearts has left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. Let's embark on a captivating journey through the rich history of this iconic figure.
Introducing Three Sisters: A Playful Paper Doll Series for Creative Expression
Introducing Three Sisters. In a world filled with screens and pixels, "Three Sisters" offers a refreshing and tactile creative experience. The paper dolls, with their unique personalities and themes, are more than just toys – they're a gateway to a world where your imagination knows no bounds. So, pick up your scissors, grab your glue, and let the enchanting craft journey with Astrid, Gertrude, and Wilma begin!
A Hidden Gem: The Story Behind the Christmas Pickle
Part of the charm of the Christmas pickle tradition lies in the excitement and anticipation it creates. Families gather around the tree, exchanging smiles and laughter as they embark on the annual search for the hidden pickle ornament. Some families even turn it into a competitive game, with participants vying to be the first to spot the elusive pickle.
Unwrapping Mari Lwyd: A Welsh Winter Tradition
Mari Lwyd, with its hauntingly beautiful horse skull, vibrant decorations, and lively processions, stands as a testament to Wales' rich cultural tapestry. As communities come together to celebrate the winter season Mari Lwyd gallops through the Welsh countryside, a symbol of resilience, community, and the enduring magic of folklore.
Belsnickel: A Quirky Christmas Companion
Belsnickel is often portrayed as a quirky and enigmatic figure, distinct from the benevolent St. Nicholas or the fearsome Krampus. Belsnickel's approach is more mischievous—he visits homes to check on children's behavior and dispenses punishments to those deemed naughty.
Unveiling the Dark Side of the Holidays: Exploring the Legend of Krampus
Amidst the twinkling lights and cheerful carols, there lurks a darker figure from European folklore – Krampus. This horned, half-goat, half-demon creature is far from the typical symbols of holiday merriment. In this blog post, we will delve into the mysterious legend of Krampus, exploring its origins, cultural significance, and the peculiar ways in which some communities celebrate this malevolent holiday figure.
Erika’s Attic: Bringing Crafty Fun to your Atelier With No Shame
Introducing Erika’s Attic, a place where artistic ideas can be explored, appreciated, and enjoyed by a wider audience. I’d like to take a moment to address the stigma behind crafting.
The Oracle Project -An Unnamed Deck
I'm excited to share with you the process of creating a new oracle deck. I'm creating the imagery for this divination set through the use of my own hand-crafted black walnut ink. As I carefully craft each card, I hope…
Erika’s Some-Nonsense Black Walnut Ink Recipe
Erika shares her recipe for black walnut ink. Complete with tips and variations, you can try your hand at making your own natural ink using black walnuts. Nothing beats an art medium that can be made almost for free! Ink-making is both satisfying, and fun to work with.