Treasures Aplenty in the Steampunk Apothecary

Always of fan of faeries being introduced to well, everything, I was intrigued to see how they had infiltrated the Steampunk Apothecary. Part fantastical adventure romp, part craft guide, Steampunk Apothecary is the latest book from Jema Hewitt, a talented jewellery and costume designer. Jema’s alter ego Miss Emilly Ladybird is on a mission to seek out strange and unusual artefacts for her employers Dickens and Rivett. Along the way she encounters a host of astounding creatures including fairies, vampires and mermaids and shares her observations and exploits in the book. The 20 themed projects are inspired by these tales and are aimed at all levels of crafting ability. The jewellery and accessories include a Fairystone pendant complete with polymer clay seeing stone, a Key to Elfland necklace, and a beautiful Fairy-wing Tiara. The projects encompass many techniques and materials so there is something to suit all crafters looking to blend a little magic and retro-futuristic technology to create something wonderful. And with the invaluable advise on creating patina and other tips, the book also serves as inspiration for creating your own unique pieces during your Steampunk adventures.

Steampunk Apothecary is published by GMC (ISBN 978-1861089755) AND PRICED AT £14.99.
Available from Amazon.co.uk

Summer FAE Out Now!

Hooray Hooray, the 1st of May!
Which means of course, a brand new FAE!

The summer edition of FAE is jam-packed with fae fruits! Our cover faery goddess is Atalanta Bluff photographed by Hayley Madden. The faery news section looks at powerful females in television fantasy dramas, and also welcomes a new baby!!! Bryony Whistlecraft takes us on a journey through the age of enlightenment. Rob Wildwood gives an exclusive interview about his latest book, ‘Magical Places of Britain’, and Hannah Titania talks about the Fae and music. Charleigh Riche reviews the spring Faery Ball with photos by Bonnie Baker.

Ahob gives Hobstix readings for two lucky readers! Felicity Fyr Le Fay talks about Elemental Health, and Cara Bamford tells us how we can help our buzzy little friends, the Bees. With the Faery festival season coming up, we take a look at funky festival wellies! Mysterious masks, and Faery Goddess Crowns and Headdresses, and Fairy Freckles accessories. Charleigh Riche reviews the spring Faery Ball, and Bryony Whistlecraft previews an amazing art show called Twilight and Magic. Doreen Virtue shares a card from the Angel Tarot deck, and Solaris shares her Faeryscopes for the coming three months.

Triba Mythica

Artisans and costumiers Triba Mythica officially launched at this Spring’s Avalon Faery Fayre. Combining the creative talents of fantasy artist Esther Remmington and her partner, leatherworker Martin Winckles, Triba Mythica bring you Faery, Tribal and Mythical themed leather costume pieces, leather journals, jewellery and accessories. Their costume pieces include fantastic armour and masks, antlered headdresses and elegant leaf corsets, perfect for faery balls, Ren faires or LARP. Esther and Martin’s individual skills are best showcased on their range of leather bags and journal covers which are etched with Esther’s beautiful designs and hand coloured. You can see what is currently available on their Etsy shop, or visit the Triba Mythica stall at events around the UK. The duo also welcome commissions, should you have something specific in mind.

Eldrum Emporium

For faeries looking for furnish their Domythic domicile look no further than Eldrum Emporium. This delightful collection includes furniture, cushions, and wall hangings as well as clothing and bags. Everything is handmade and stencilled using exclusive designs inspired by myth and nature. The furniture range is made of reclaimed items that are lovingly transformed into unique statement pieces by Eldrum Emporium’s creator Ali English. I’m particularly in love with Ali’s sumptuous silk cushions and wall hangings which bring a little magical luxury to your home. Also on the shop is a collection of herbal products, as Ali is also a professional medical herbalist. And if that wasn’t enough, Ali is available for interior design commissions – whether you’d like a special wall hanging created, or a whole room given the Eldrum Emporium make over. Please do visit the facebook page to see more examples of her work and see the utterly inspiring rooms in Ali’s own cottage.

Spring FAE Out Now

Spring has sprung and the new issue of FAE is here! Featuring FAE cover competition winner, Julie Boehm as our ‘Spring Faery Maiden’ (Photographed by Guenther Stierle, Salzbourg). Kate Magic shares a delicious raw recipes with us. We welcome new columnist, Ahob Goblin, and his ‘Hobstix’ divination. And a happy hello to ‘Solaris’, FAE’s new Faery Astrologer. We present art by Linda Ravenscroft and Naomi Von Monsta.
Doreen Virtue presents her exclusive ”Magical Messages from the Faeries’ column. There is some very interesting Fairy News for Gnome lovers with insightful comment from former ‘Goodie’ Bill Oddie. We also present EXCLUSIVE images from Invicta Art photography, one of four super faery fashion features, from The Dark Angel, Atlantis Fae and Twinkle Littlestar. Felicity Fyr Le Fay takes us on a journey through ‘Faery Time’ photographed by Bonnie Baker. We look at the ‘Irony of Fe’ with Ceri Norman, and Bryony Whistlecraft takes us back to the Ancient Isles. We also see a small selection of your cover competition entires – Thank You to everyone who entered.

Faun’s Von den Elben

German Pagan-Folk group Faun have just released their latest album. Von den Elben invites you into the world of syrens, elves and romantic, medieval ballads. Diese kalte Nacht appears on the album, along with 12 other tracks. You can hear samples of all the tracks on the Faun website, or order through Amazon, iTunes or Google Play.

Devi Clothing: Honouring the Goddess

A familiar sight at many UK festivals, Devi clothing is now available online. Deeply inspired by the flowing forms of Nature, especially the shapes and patterns of the veins in leaves and butterfly wings, the Devi collection is feminine and elegant. It ranges from leggings and skirts, to dresses, tops and the beautiful Damia wool coat, all of which harmonise to create a unique Goddess style. There are also a range of co-ordinating bags and hip belts to accessorise with. Everything is ethically made too, so you can shop with an easy conscience.

That Art of Larry MacDougall

Larry MacDougall is a character designer and visual development artist for animation, games and stories. His faerie tale inspired work has appeared in Spectrum, as well as numerous other books including The Secret History of Giants, Eragon’s Guide to Alagaesia and The Secret History of Hobgoblins. Prints of selected work is available from Larry’s Etsy store.

Festive Greetings from Fae Nation

Ollie & Jack Frost Meet King Winter
from Ollie’s Ski Trip by Elsa Beskow

Wishing all our readers a very Merry Yuletide and Wonderful New Year!

The Silence Beneath the Bark

In the depths of a great forest clad in a great white mantle, curious little creatures discover how beautiful, fascinating and white snow is… as it whirls them giddily on their way to extraordinary encounters with the strange and wonderful. By French animator Joanna Lurie, le silence sous l’écorce was Oscar-shortlisted for Best Animated Short in 2011.