Happy Equinox! Texas is delightful right now, bright and sunny with fresh green popping up everywhere! The studio is in full-swing with producing pottery for Artscape at the Arboretum. April 24-25, I can’t wait! In the meanwhile, I’d like to share with you a commission that was an absolute joy to work on during 2020. This was painted for a dear friend who covets a Constellation Thai Monstera, but, alas, they are incredibly expensive at the moment. Thus, the Monstera Faerie now graces her walls, chillin’ out on a plant that never needs watering. I hope you enjoy it, too!
Author: olisny
Artscape at the Arboretum 2021
Hello 2021! What’s this? You have a socially-distanced, outdoor event taking place for me this year? I accept! I have been informed that the Dallas Arboretum is going forward with Artscape at the Arboretum this year. They have assured artists that they have had success with distancing and spacing during a few 2020 events and are following all health protocols.
For those who have never been, the Dallas Arboretum is a HUGE outdoor garden. Plenty of well-circulated, outdoor areas to be in. Personally at my booth, I will be offering hand sanitizer, wearing a mask, and frequently wiping down my wares with disinfecting wipes. Artscape takes place in late April of this year, so I expect many more of us will be vaccinated as well.
This is a new year, and while my online shop has been open, I look forward to being able to physically sell my wares. Touch and feel and interaction is so important, and as long as we can do it safely during the pandemic, I feel comfortable attending and vending at this event. I will update with any changes, but in the meanwhile, I look forward to seeing you at the Dallas Arboretum in April!
Production in a Pandemic
Goodness! It’s been a while, eh? This year has been a doozy, and I’ve had my own share of “How in the world do I deal with this?” moments. Every single show I had on the docket for the year has been cancelled, sadly. I love going to shows! I love meeting people and making things that make them happy. The moment someone finds “their” mug or plate is a precious moment of joy for me. It’s a delicate balance of staying positive for next year and trying to stay grounded in reality. I’m sure most people can relate to that!
Because I suddenly find myself with no shows or festivals to prepare for, I’ve turned my attention to a project that’s been on the back burner for years: an Oracle Deck. We’ve entered the harvest season, and I’m starting to see the fruits of my planning and drawing. I share with you a collage of in-progress photos: sketches, prototypes, computer drawings, lists of drawings to complete. It is my goal to have a finished product in-hand before the holiday season!
I hope that all folks are doing well during this tumultuous time: the wonderful thing about the world is that it’s natural state is of one in balance. May you find your OWN balance and peace.
What is an Altar?
I’ve just released a new zine to accompany my new altar collection release! Altars can have a varying meaning to a lot of different religions. This zine just covers the basic components of pagan altars. If you meet me at a festival or show, I’ll have cute lil’ copies to pass out! In the meanwhile, please enjoy the digital version: a super-long image to scroll through. For others who love to print, cut, and fold: a printable PDF version to keep or share. I also invite you to check out my new Fae Magick Altarware Collection, now available in my online shop.
Metroplex Magick Supplies
So, things have quieted down here at my little studio; much of my business depends on faires and events, which are not happening right now! It gives me pause to consider ramping up my online presence at bit. Personally, I prefer to meet people and let them touch and explore my pottery so that they find “their” piece. Regardless! I figured this would be a good time to share a little bit about some local magick and metaphysical shops in The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Do some research on the locals and decide where to go when the malaise of quarantine has lifted.
First off, you need this map. It’s a Google Map with a collection of all the metaphysical shops in the DFW area that have a physical location. This list does not contain online-only retailers or artists. This list does not include energy workers, psychics, mediums, etc. We’re just dealing with shop-owning suppliers and artists here.
CAVEAT! I haven’t been to all the shops listed on the map. The Metroplex is big. Like, you would be driving all day and then some, aaaaaand probably use up a tank of gas if you were to travel to ALL of these shops. This post will likely become a living post, so I can update details on shops I HAVE visited. I’ll also note that not all of the shops on the map are specifically oriented at serving the pagan community at large. Example, Central Market is a specialty grocery store that happens to have a most excellent selection of fresh herbs, dried herbs, incense, essential oils, teas, and more.
Map Last Updated: 03/2020
My Visit List Last Updated: 04/2020
Enchanted Forest – I’ve been coming here for years. The owners are friendly and knowledgeable: my husband often gets pulled into long discussions when he makes tarot 2020card purchases! They have a good selection of herbs, crystals, and jewelry. Online presence? They’re pretty OG. Not much social media, not much website. I visit primarily for the chit-chat and immersion. Last visit: 01/2020
Rock Barrell – I’m relatively sure my fairy godmother took me to their first location when I was small to purchase my very first crystal necklace. It was all downhill from there. This shop caters primarily to jewelers, but you want to get you some fancy rocks? They gotchu. From polished glass to expensive specimens behind the case, these guys have a good selection. They also have a high-quality selection of findings, so if you’re the crafty type you can purchase all the components to custom-make yourself something special. Online presence? Negligible. You want to actually visit in person. Last visit: 01/2020
Fort Witch – Don’t let the size fool you. While this shop is itty bitties, it packs a punch from all sorts of local artists. They have a fine herb selection, candles, and other basic altar supplies, as well as lovely handicrafts from local pagans and witchy folk. Online presence? Big. They stay quite up-to-date. Last visit: 01/2020
Retro Revolution Plano – This is more of a classic head shop, but dang they have a collection of goodies that sure appeals to my hippie-pagan self. Obviously they have a good selection of incense, as well as pipes and whatnot, many by local glass artists. You’re also likely to find some cool wall tapestries and other goods to spice up your personal altar space. (They also have a Dallas location, which I have not visited.) Online presence? Not a whole lot. Another shop you have to visit and poke around in. Last visit: 11/2019
Silver Pyramid – Uh oh, I haven’t visited here in a few years. How embarrassing. My last visit was pleasant, though as soon as the quarantine is over, I believe I will drop in and give a more deserved evaluation. Last visit: A wee bit too long ago.
SoulTopia – Oddly enough, I haven’t actually been to either of their locations, but I’ve visited their booths at several fairs I’ve been to. They have a wonderful collection of all sorts of supplies, and the owners make a massive effort to reach out to the community. Their online presence is huge: they have podcasts, Facebook Live events, the works. It almost feels as if I have visited. Last visit: Mobile booth 10/2020
Disclaimer: All opinions and observations are mine. While I may be friendly with the locals, they’re not compensating me in any way. I purely made this list and map to help other pagans and weirdos locate where like minds shop. Do you know of a shop that should be on the map? Let me know! I only write an opinion on places I have actually patronized. Feel free to share this map with anyone you please.
Event Updates!
WELL! First show of the year was fantastic and amazing, then we hit a brick wall, didn’t we? I’m sad to say that any spring shows I was going to be attending have been cancelled, the biggest one being Artscape at the Arboretum. Currently, any summer shows are looking iffy at this point.
But fear not! I’m still open for business. Working out of my home studio has a distinct advantage at this point in time! The postal service is still delivering, and if you’re local, you have the option to pick up. (From a safe distance away, haha.)
I know a whole lot sucks right now, but if I can help brighten your world a bit with some glittery, rainbowy, magickal art, I’d love to do so.
Visit my online shop: https://faeriehive.square.site/
Thank you!
Austin Witchfest 2020 was fantastic! I wish to thank everyone who patronized my booth; you have helped to support me in my craft, something for which I am ever grateful. For those who wished to purchase online, I only ask that you give me a few days to unload my stock and evaluate what I have available to put online.
Some items I completely sold out of! In the next month I will be working to replenish and restock everything. Keep an eye on my social media outlets, as I will be posting official shop updates, as well as work-in-progress photos and stories.
Austin Witchfest – March 7th
This Saturday, March 7th is Austin Witchfest! It’s the first event of 2020 for me, and I’ve got sooooo many new goodies. Keep an eye on my social media feeds for: incense holders, altar plates, goblets, wall hangings, and magic potions! (New items won’t be in my online shop until after the event.)
For more information on the event, check out their FB page.
Winter Sale!
I’m having a Winter Sale in my shop! I need to make room for new things this coming year, so there are some pretty hefty discounts I don’t normally offer. ❄️ Check it out!
If you’re local to Plano and will be at Dickens Downtown, I will have this SAME sale going on at my booth! Come pick out something special~
Small Business Saturday
Whew! This has been a mighty busy fall season! I have one more in-person event scheduled for the year: Dickens Downtown in Downtown Plano on Friday, December 6th at 5pm. I’ve attended the past three years, and it’s a delightful time: artists, Santa, roasting marshmallows, hot cocoa, the City Tree lighting…I hope to see you there! I’ll have plenty of new ornaments to adorn your greenery this Winter.
Thanksgiving is this Thursday, and Saturday the 30th is Small Business Saturday! I will be having an all-day online sale: 10% off of everything with the code SBS19 and discounts on items I need outta here to make room for new cool stuff.
While you’re in my online shop, did you know that I offer digital gift cards? It’s TRUE!
