~ Midnight Farm ~

Ending Soon ~

2011-05-20T19:23:00.003-04:00

Mr. Binx is ending his auction in less than 24hrs...
I'd like to thank all who have commented on him and for the kind words!

I am working on a Ladye Witche doll now
...and will have her up for auction over the weekend...
I'll share her photos here first!

Blessed be!
Lori

If the shoe fits....

2011-05-17T15:07:00.003-04:00

here is my latest little pinkeep ~

~ a Witches Shoe ~

I stuck in some fabric covered pins too,...

I'll be listing this on ebay this eve ~

a stitching witch can never have too many pinkeeps !

Blessed be!
Lori

I couldn't wait!!!

2011-05-14T15:26:00.002-04:00

Mr. Binx is up and ready on Ebay!

.....go THERE now!!!

Blessed be!
Lori

He is pleased....

2011-05-14T11:27:00.009-04:00

...to make your aquaintence ~

may I kindly introduce...
"Mr. Jasper Binx"

this dapper
Feline Fellow
will be available on ebay this evening at approx. 6:00 p.m. ~

(( notforgottenfarmprimitives ))

in honor of EHAG's
"Friendly Familars Challenge"

make sure to visit everyone's challenge offerings
on ebay & etsy
by typing the latters e h a g into your search

Blessed be & best Witches!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<<<<<<<<<
Lori

Sewing Studio Pictures ~

2011-05-13T13:40:00.004-04:00

FINALLY !!!!!

blogger has been driving me CRAZY for the past two days...
couldn't sign in, couldn't post, it wouldn't update anyone else's blogs ~
AAAAAAGGHHHH!!!!!!

((can't go a minute without my blogs!!!))

*sigh*
ok...i'm better now....

SO
while I was waiting (impatiently) for blogger to 'fix itself'
I did this:

and this :

AND this :

and THIS :

I told you in a previous post that Dani's studio in the new Where Women Create mag
was just plumb making me nuts!!!

I figured...what the heck?
I have so much BEAUTIFUL hallowe'en & holiday folk art
that it is a shame to keep it packed away all year ~

NOW I can have it all around me for constant inspiration & color...

I know, it isn't for everyone ~ but I'm a bit daft anyhoo, so it suits me fine.

I would best describe my decor 'look' as this:
Primitive Farm Girl meets Bohemian Gypsy Witch

um...ok.

that's my story & I'm stickin' to it!!!

I've been in here for two days, soaking it all in...
even when I leave the room and come back in I whisper to myself
* i love it*

...and I do!

so much joy is held in things we love,

....helps inspire us to be our creative best,
dontcha' think?

~~~~~~~~

I'm working on a doll for the EHAG

Familiar Friends challenge,
and will put it up on auction this evening ~

see? I told you I was inspired!!!

<:~)

Blessed be!
Lori

Sweet Potato Moon ~

2011-05-10T20:17:00.003-04:00

available in my little etsy shop along with two others...

www.littlehedgewitch.etsy.com

and THANK YOU !!
for the great response to my little
Hedgewitch Folk ~

Three have found new homes already!!!

I have a couple more paintings that need to get out of my head,
then I can stitch a witch sampler or two....

stay tuned!

please visit my wonderfully colorful and creativiely inspiring blog friends listed on my sidebar!!!

Blessed be!

Lori

They're HERE!!!

2011-05-09T16:00:00.003-04:00

Please welcome my little
Hedgewitch Folk
by visiting my esty shop:

www.littlehedgewitch.etsy.com

they can't wait to meet you!!!

Blessed be & best witches!!
Lori

Creative Chaos...

2011-05-06T12:37:00.003-04:00

I was just looking through my new issue of
Where Women Create....

Dani's (www.spookytimjingles.com) studio is killing me...

it is all 100% her ~ colorful, cute & cool!!!

her hallowe'en decorating these is making my head spin,
and I have had enough trouble with it spinning on it's own because of this:

MY studio!!!

oh what a wonderful mess I create in there,
cloth, glue, trims, paint & dye

canvases waiting to be primed, doll bodies waiting for heads & clothing
and
unfinished frames calling out for some sort of decoration...

when I create, or AM creating, I also create around me...

a wonderful concoction of everything in a flurry of activity

and I wouldn't have it any other way....

...do you 'create' a mess while creating too?

<:~)

Blessed be!
Lori

Rare Beauty....

2011-05-04T10:10:00.003-04:00

...can you see them?

here's a closer look ~

male & female Lunar Moths!!

((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actias_luna))

aren't they just beautiful?

I spotted them last evening on the side of a local building ~

they are my favorite color green!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

speaking of green, (hint hint)
my little dolls are coming along nicely...
i have 3 finished and want to finish more before releasing them ~

oh they'll be looking for good homes and are so excited to meet you!

Blessed be!
Lori

After Hours....

2011-05-02T16:39:00.006-04:00

...in my last post I teased about a new line of little dolls coming soon...

and so far so good!

I've been choosing just the right fabrics and trims,
threads and paints for them ~

I'm SO excited to showcase them,
... that I've even opened a new etsy shop:
www.littlehedgewitch.etsy.com
where I'll list ONLY my finished Hallowe'en Folk Art ~

here are some of the fabrics I've chosen for them,
BUT ~ they still need to be stained & aged...

and how do I do that you ask?

....well, I'll plop a couple of my black walnuts into my trusty cauldron...
...add spring water...
fire it up till bubbly ~
THEN add spices, herbs
and a tweak of magick...

stir and simmer....

sing a song or two, dance around a bit,
... then line dry the fabric til done.

... all the while entertaining my wise old trees and silly bird friends,
I'm sure....

((...well, SHE looks pleased with my outcome anyhow!))
I'll show YOU very soon, indeed!

Blessed be!
Lori

And the Winner is......and more news!!

2011-05-01T10:14:00.005-04:00

Happy May Day!!!

the winner of the Trick or Treat pinkeep is....

Robin from The Cranky Crow!!

congrats to you Robin, thanks for following my blog ~

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and interest in this,
and my 'everyday'blog as well...you all mean the world to me!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ok...now for the other NEWS!
I am working on a complete line of little dolls...

...each one handcrafted exclusively by me
for the primitive Hallowe'en Collector ~

keep an eye on this blog for more info to come soon!

Blessed be!
Lori

the Witches Garden Sampler ~

2011-04-29T11:02:00.003-04:00

yes, I know....
not much progress this week,
BUT

it was school vacation,
we had the in-laws here all last week
and
I had a couple of other deadlines to meet...
SOOoooo ~

here it is so far;

Witches Garden

rumor has it that I started this last year...
yes, the rumor is true.

I want this sampler to be beautiful,
full of different & interesting things to stitch ~

a different band under each line of wording,

and finally, a great 'bottom' ~

I'm making a promise to myself
and you...

to work on this everyday and share more pics of progress...

I'll use this blog as a window into it's completion.

and yes,
it will be available as a pattern...

<:~)

Hoping you all have a magickal day filled with all things creative!!

Blessed be!
Lori

I'll be Returning....

2011-04-28T13:06:00.001-04:00

...to EBAY!!!!

I haven't listed anything on ebay in months...
and have quite a few wicked little Treats for you,
SO
I'll begin listing again

under my sellername
NOTFORGOTTENFARMPRIMITIVES

Always original, always unique :)

please stop by and see my folk art if you get the chance~

Blessed be!
Lori

A Giveaway ~

2011-04-24T16:13:00.004-04:00

In appreciation of my witchy friends...

I'm holding a giveaway of sorts...
I know it is Easter, but I am in Halloween mode all year long!

here is a little treat for you ~

Trick or Treat pinkeeper

just a little ditty I've stitched up to hold your pins and needles...

the backing is a neat black & orange graphic print quilter's cotton...

it measures a scant 2" x 4"
and is rag stuffed for an olde-fashioned feel....
signed and dated for you.

to be eligible to win,
just post a comment on this post,
and/or become a follower of this blog ~

I will hold a drawing of participants a week from today,

Sunday, May 1st
(which is May Day!)

Best of luck to you,
and keep watching this blog for more BIG news
concerning a certain cross stitch pattern...

(I just love to keep you guessing)

LOL

Blessed be!
Lori

Blessings be Yours ~

2011-04-24T08:54:00.003-04:00

...on this Easter Morning!

Blessed be!
Lori

I'm BACK!

2011-04-23T19:18:00.006-04:00

helllooooo my pretties!!!!

Ah yes...

this old crone is back and ready to ride!
I have thoughts of rustling cornstalks and midnight walks running through my head...

my needle and thread are poised to begin transforming plain linen & cloth
into wonderfully magickal things for you!!!!

stay tuned for more postings, freebies, giveaways and witchy fun!!!

Blessed be!
Lori

...getting SWEPT away!!!

2010-08-17T21:49:00.003-04:00

This little
Pumpkin Hearth Broom doll

is being offered on ebay right now!

click on the picture of me as a witch to visit her ~
(on my sidebar)

or go to
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/notforgottenfarmprimitives

Blessed be!

Lori

pumpkinhead dolls.....

2010-08-16T12:15:00.006-04:00

I told you I was lovin' making these!!
here they are, all finished & waiting for new homes...

they will be available at the
Gathering of Primitive Friends show

here on September 18th!

Blessed be!

Lori

Planning AHEAD

2010-08-15T11:25:00.003-04:00

I am having a great time creating these new dolls!!

I like to work on them 2-at-a-time, so they aren't "massed produced"
and can delvelop their own personalities as they are created....

these will be finished and set aside for the show here in September,

but I'll share pictures of them once they've come to life!

Please visit
www.farmhousenotforgotten.blogspot.com
for a chance to win one of my finished dolls,

look for August 14th's post titled
"500th Post, GIVEAWAY"
and Good Luck!!

Blessed be!

Lori

Happy Friday the 13th!!

2010-08-13T08:49:00.004-04:00

No,
it is NOT an unlucky day...
everyday is what you make it.

traditional Olde Ways tell us that
Friday the Thirteenth is especially lucky for Maigickal People and Witchery.

did you know that a black cat seen on friday the 13th
(in some circles, um...no pun intended)

is THEE best luck??

and
if you own a black cat
(or are owned by a cat, rather...)
that you are Friends with a sacred animal
known for their Mystical qualities?

yep.

I'm LUCKY to be owned by three kitties...
Sam, Suzy & Tippy.

I know alot of you out there in blog-land have fur-children too....

give them a special treat today,
maybe open a can of tuna or offer them a bowl of fresh sweet-milk....
stitch up a little cat-nip toy or purchase a new collar for them.

Let them know how much they mean to you

...and your rewards will be great!!

Blessed be!

Lori

awwww, look...TWINS!!!!

2010-08-06T16:56:00.003-04:00

well, sorta...

they started out with good intentions of being identical,

but, as one saw the other,
she wanted a different hat, or hair, or teeth....

*sigh*

so, here are
"Kettle & Karmella Korn"

they are a tinier version of my 'flat dolls'...
both are painted & stained muslin
with needlefelted wool hair.
each wears a candy-corn inspired witch's hat
{except they're different from one anothers'}

I'll be offering them up on eBay this weekend....

~AND~
have you had the chance to see the new Cloth Paper Scissors STUDIOS mag yet?
it is FULL of my fav Hallowe'en Artists amazing studios...
absolute SWEET TREATS for the Spooky soul!!!

get on your Broom and get to your local bookseller before they're all gone!!

Blessed be!

Lori

I'm Dreaming of....

2010-08-05T11:10:00.005-04:00

Bittersweet
pumpkins
tangled vines....

Woodsmoke & Twilight
(no...not the movie)

Impromptu costumes put together at the last minute....

burnt-cork beards and bandana pirate/gypsy scarves

pillow cases laden with candy,
dragging along the ground....

Jack O Lantern "guts"
sugar-highs & belly aches...

the smell of fresh rain on newly fallen oak leaves....

welcoming porchlights glowing through ancient tree limbs

Graveyard hide-n-seek
home-made fudge and candy corn...

hot apple cider laced with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Plaid skirts and wool socks and baskets woven from ash...

Crows in the corn and stew on the stove....

Falling asleep to the sound of the wind through bare branches on an October's night.

"October gave a party;
the leaves by hundreds came...
the Chestnuts, Oaks and Maples
and leaves of Every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
& everything was grand ~
Miss Weather led the Dancing,
...Professor Wind,
the Band..."

Blessed be!

Lori

Look Out!

2010-08-02T08:11:00.002-04:00

This motley crew may show up on your doorstep this Hallow's Eve!!

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/notforgottenfarmprimitives

{better stock up on the candy-corn!}

Blessed be!

Lori

EHAG Emporium sneak-peek !!

2010-07-28T18:00:00.003-04:00

Join me
Saturday, July 31st

Ehag Emporium

(link on top side-bar, to your right)

come see all of the ghoulish goodies
and frightful fancies we've conjured up for you!!

Blessed be!

Lori

in progress....

2010-07-28T17:37:00.004-04:00

I haven't made dolls in ages...

'prolly at least 6 months?

so,
what "possessed" me to create
HIM?

"Good~night Harvest Moon-man"

i dunno...
but, I roll with it.

he's still needing his night-cap and snuggly
(which is what folks carry to bed with them, you know, like a teddy bear?)
but in his case, I'm not too sure what it will be yet...

stay tuned...
I have a Witch, a Devil and a Ghost following along shortly.

Blessed be!

Lori

...by the pricking of my thumbs....

2010-07-25T14:51:00.004-04:00

...something WICKED this way comes!!

you betcha...
...the pricking of my thumbs,
fingers and...um other parts...

when I'm

NEEDLE FELTING

I never can seem to complete one project
without
stabbing myself somewhere....

have I ever told you the story of my lost felting needle at a class I was teaching?

uh huh...looked everywhere for it...
except my chair.

oh yeah...found that needle real quick!

Anyhoo,
I'm working on a few pieces for eBay...should have them ready this week.

in the meantime,
I did list that little Hallowe'en Quilt:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/notforgottenfarmprimitives

...please take a peek if you're so inclined!!

I'm off to grab a nice bowl of Mint Chocolate Chip/Fudge Brownie ice cream (Edy's)

THEE BEST in this bothersome heat!

Blessed be!

Lori

Spooky Little Hallowe'en Quilt ~ finished

2010-07-21T09:00:00.005-04:00

Here's the little quilt I've been working on...

all bound & finished.

I had much fun choosing the fabrics
and arranging them into the little blocks

then I added little rustly jingler-bells to the centers of the pinwheel blocks...
I think that just adds a great festive touch, don't you?

It will be listed on eBay this evening...

~AND~
I am working away on my models for my new Hallowe'en Punch Needle designs...
look for the release of new patterns SOON
(beginning August)

~ALSO~
I will be offering a one-of-a-kind, needle felted, framed piece for this month's
EHAG EMPORIUM
(link on my side-bar)

....&...

~LASTLY, but not LEAST-LY...~
I will be vending at the
Summer In The Valley Antiques show

on Saturday July 24th...

Augusta Expoland- Expo Hall Addition Building Fishersville, Virginia www.picturetrail.com/antiquesinthevalley

hope to see some of you there!!

...busy little witch, aren't I?

Blessed be!

Lori

408 years....

2010-07-19T09:53:00.005-04:00

Witch Hunt
by Alastair Adamson

I am innocent

Please release me,

for I am innocent

Before that day in front ofThe Magistrate

I swear I had never seen those girls before

I know not their names nor ages

Where they live or their families

I am innocent

All today the axes spoke

Rough discourses with each tree felled

There is but one punishment for the crime

I have been accused of

And my memory replays the sickly odor

It's dark in here

I am innocent

The axes stopped,

the oxen stopped

Time stopped

And upon the conflicting testimonies

Of three young ladies

I was led to the pyre

For the blasphemous crime

Of Witchcraft...

on July 19th, 1692

in Salem, Mass.

Rebecca Nurse
...was hanged to death.

her condemnation was Witchcraft ~
she was 71 yrs old.

Lest we never forget...

Blessed be!

Lori

Hi-ho the Dairy-O, a hookin; we will go...

2010-07-14T19:50:00.004-04:00

Here is Mizz Pat Cross...
peeking out from behind
her stunningly bewitching hooked rug...

her colors are gorgeous, her work-woman-ship

is impeccable and her finishing, well,

let's just say it's perfect....

the witch's skin (wool) was hand-dyed by Pat,
and her attention to detail is obvious in the subtle nuances of wool colors.
...she even incorporated a vintage Skeleton Key as a necklace!

(pattern name is "Sunflower Witch"...
...an adaptation of a Notforgotten Farm design,

and available for sale at: www.spruceridgestudios.com )

and here are the fabrics I purchased after our Hook in' today~

don't you just adore that orange & black hallowe'en fabric?
YUM!!!

can't wait to start dreaming up little quilt designs with these, too....

Blessed be!

Lori

...Busy Brushes ~

2010-07-12T17:29:00.004-04:00

Brewing up some more watercolor Witches...

...they'll be available this week on eBay...stay tuned!!

Blessed be!
Lori

Technicolor Dreams?

2010-07-11T08:59:00.004-04:00

New fabrics in beautiful colors of Hallowe'en....

will be turned into doll-sized quilts...

....snipping with my favorite scissors

and handstitching them back together again.

playing with colors like this are such an inspiration to me!!

I'll share pics of the little-quilts soon~

Until then,
remember that today at exactly 3:33 pm

we will experience a Solar Eclipse...
and this eve we will bring in the New Moon....

(no, not the movie!)

Enjoy Mother Nature's lightshow theoughout the day!!

Blessed be!

Lori

Romancing the Stone.....

2010-07-09T09:40:00.005-04:00

Hi Folks!!
WOW did we have a WICKED lightening storm here in VA last night...

Mother Nature's most awesome fireworks display!!!

)0(

I am blessed to have in my posession,
this....

(I call it my Witch's Stone)
I purchased it last year from a friend
who thought of me when she came upon it....

I'm not sure exactly what it is,
but I think it might be a grave marker,
corner-stone or other kind of marker...

do any of you know what it is?

it is approx. 5" square, made from stone,
looks to be hand-carved (Witch riding Broom)
and is HEAVY...
if you think you might know, either post a comment here or email me at not4got@aol.com
I will be sending pics of it up to Salem, MA. to someone I think might know....

I can't wait to find out for sure,
& when I do, I'll let you all know!!

Blessed be!

Lori

<|:~)

Two more framed & offered....

2010-07-08T18:09:00.004-04:00

"Apple Butter Time"

"Portrait of a Witch"

...both on eBay this evening....

Many thanks for the emails regarding my previous paintings...

and yes,
I DO graciously accept custom orders...

...just email me ,

not4got@aol.com

if you have something in mind!!

Blessed be!

Lori

More Paintings...

2010-07-07T08:39:00.004-04:00

here are a few more witch paintings, all framed-up!!

two are on ebay now, the other two will go up soon...

Blessed be!

Lori

~ Wicked Watercolors ~

2010-07-06T08:53:00.003-04:00

Working in Watercolors lately...

wicked little drawings become wonderful works of whimsy...

I'll be framing them in my handpainted wooden frames...

aged and distressed to suit their early look~

they will be available in my etsy & ebay offerings
as ooak, finished works...not available as prints.

look for more Witches, Sprites,
Pumpkins and Black Cats to come!

Blessed be!

Lori

Peacock Feather Earrings

2010-07-03T11:54:00.003-04:00

I've been playing with feathers...

my sweet hubby has been collecting Billy & Indie's tail feathers for about a week now...

the peacock's will naturally shed their feathers
this time of the year, as they molt...

aren't they beautiful?

I use diachroich glass beads, clay beads & turquoise ~
smokey topaz and quartz.

think I should offer them on etsy?

Blessed be!

Lori

A Witch's Garden...

2010-06-16T11:37:00.004-04:00

Come sit a spell with me in my garden, won't you?...

Purple Coneflower

Blessed Thistle

Wild Mint & Yarrow

Brown Eyed Suzy's

Lavender

Scarlet Bee Balm

everything is so lush ~
...a quiet place to meditate and dream...

Blessed be!

Lori

And the WINNER IS.....

2010-05-19T18:35:00.000-04:00

Randomly drawn, from the depths of my cauldron, by my sweet familar Suzy,
the winner of the Starwberry Witch Painting is.....

EMMA from Austin Texas!!!

Emma Commented:
"Your Witch will set the stage for fall decor in my humble abode.
My family is blessed with a daughter and daughter-in-law named Lori!"
"

Emma, please email me at not4got@aol.com with your address!!!

Congrats to you & thanks for giving her a goode home!!!
Thanks to all who entered....I will be having another give-away again soon!!

Blessed be!

Lori

~ A Give Away ~

2010-05-12T17:08:00.002-04:00

Hi Folks!

well I thought I would list this on ebay tonight,
... but I've changed my mind...

instead,

I will be giving it away to one lucky person~
all you have to do is leave a comment for me here on this post,

and you will automatically be in the running for the random drawing
to be held on Wednesday, May 19th at 6:00pm....
for a better chance at winning,
become a follower of Midnight Farm & I'll enter your name twice!!!!

the picture is painted by me in acrylics on canvas artist board...

then stained & sealed with a beeswax finish...a sweet little Witch dressed in her Strawberry Best
is out at midnight, under a crescent moon, tending to her tender strawberry patch...

the painting measures approx. 9.5" x 7.5" ~

The frame is a wood frame that I've hand-painted an old Oxblood Red color, with Pitch Black corners...
it has been severely aged and distressed, then given a rub of blackened beeswax for a mellow glow...

it is not under glass, and has a brown paper dust cover on the back,

with a length of twine for hanging...

signed both front & back by Li'l Old Me.

it would look swell displayed all year long, on a wall with samplers

...or maybe propped on a shelf with old strawberry make-do's ~

Best of Luck to you!!!!

Blessed be!

Lori

Gardening Witch painting....

2010-05-12T09:17:00.000-04:00

here is that painting that I was working on ~

~Gardening Witch~

it will be available for your amusement & bidding pleasure
...on ebay this eve at 6:00 pm

Blessed be!

Lori

In Progress (again) ~

2010-05-09T15:52:00.000-04:00

Hi Folks~
I'm taking a Mother's Day break from my 'usual' creating,
and working with my acrylics....

I'll be listing the finished painting that you see in progress above,
on ebay this evening...

a hint as to what it will be?
Strawberries...
{{{Hmmm...what has that got to do with this witch blog?}}}

You'll soon see!!!

Blessed be~

Lori

A Quartet of Black Cats...

2010-05-05T13:18:00.000-04:00

Just finished making these little felines....

they will be my companions at the
Summer in the Valley Antiques
show

along with finished samplers, little quilts,
small hooked items and dolls

Hope you can make it~

Blessed be!

Lori

Hepzebah, the Spring Witch ~

2010-04-25T18:17:00.000-04:00

I finished her!
she is completely painted, stained, sealed & dressed...
I'll be offering her on ebay in a few minutes!

Blessed be!

Lori

More progress....

2010-04-24T19:00:00.000-04:00

here is the witch...
face painted,

kind of startled expression...

Hmmm....how to dress her...
me thinks black, of course, but then...
purple?
wings like a Raven?
or dirty like a chimney-sweep...

crone's cap or top-hat?

cape or peplums?
plain or fancy?.......

We'll see...

but next,

crackle paint & antiquing before clothing...

more pics to come ....

Blessed be!

Lori

In progress ~

2010-04-23T09:48:00.000-04:00

here's the new witch doll i'm working on~
she's clay-over-cloth...

and will be painted and aged...
I'm thinking of naming her
"Hepzebah"

but that could change as her face is painted...
I'll cloth her in vintage & antique textiles
and accoutrements from my stash
and
{hopefully}
have her finished to list on ebay by sunday~

I'll share more pics of her progress!!

Blessed be!
Lori

Love Your Mother....

2010-04-22T09:52:00.000-04:00

Mother EARTH, that is...

do your part...
not just today,
but everyday:

recycle
reuse
upcycle
plant something
volunteer
waste less

buy organic
go natural

go green

shop local

invest your time

reap rewards

be nice

laugh

shop consignment & thrift
barter
walk

cycle

cloth-bag-it

aluminum-bottle-it

brown-bag-it

compost

give...

~ Happy Earth Day Everyday ~

Blessed be!

Lori

Poppets and Dolls ~

2010-04-15T17:02:00.000-04:00

I haven't made a doll in forever!

I have been itching to make one, so here she is:

she's what's known in my 'circle' (no pun intended)

~ as a Poppet...

A Poppet is a doll or effigy made for spell-casting.

usually, the doll represents the person for who the spell is cast.

The doll is carefully made for the person,

using bits & scraps of fabrics from the person, and are sewn into the doll.

...certain, herbs, stones or crystals may be added as well, to adorn the poppet.

I tend to make my dolls for the purpose

of protecting the house from fire, intruders, interlopers or other catastophes,

and I even charge them to bring luck, health & prosperity to their new owners!!

Back in the late 1970's early 80's,

you could usually find a

"Kitchen Witch"

hanging in the kitchen of your mom,gramma, aunt or a friend's mom...

~ these little, colorfully babushka-bedecked babes rode on a small broom

made from broom corn, and were usually hung near a window above the kitchen sink...

(you couldn't go to a craft fair without passing a booth full of them!)

I even had one in my first kitchen ~ she wore a red calico dress and a bright yellow babushka...
she danced and swayed to the sweetly scented breeze through my garden-facing kitchen window...
(Hmmm...I wonder where she is....)

Nowadays,

Folk Artisans make all types of dolls...some call them poppets,
... but if they aren't charged, they're just dolls.
{please take no offense!!}

some are carved from wood, most are sculpted from air dry paperclay,

but I like to make small, 'tuckable' litte poppets from fabrics,

that can set nicely in a cupboard, box or basket.

I tend to decorate my old farmhouse in a primitive way,

and know that most of you do too,

so my little dolls reflect that look...

This little witch that you see above will be available this evening on ebay~

...She is a Hedgewitch.

A Hedgewitch will bring you luck and help your Gardens to flourish!!

(just don't place her near the mint...LOL!)

of course, if anyone would like a personal Poppet,

I'm just an email away!!!

Blessed be!

Lori

Witchy Stitchin'...

2010-04-13T08:31:00.007-04:00

conjured up this little ditty the other night...
have to finish the background still ~

I LOVE the colors!!!

(will be available for purchase on ebay soon!!)

Blessed be!
Lori

Magical Mint ~

2010-04-12T16:22:00.005-04:00

You know it's Spring when the MINT starts to take over the herb garden!!!

this hardy herb is one of my very favorite,
...although it is quite invasive...
( I generally pull out the 'volunteers' and gift them to my friends,
SO, if you'd like any, just ask...PLEASE!!!)

Mint is known for many properties, and especially for baking or cooking...
but, did you know that if you're in the garden, being bothered by the little flying
"no-see-ums" that tend to make a bee-line for our eyes,
take a sprig of mint and tuck it behind your ear...

it is great for deterring those little buggers!

(I have been known to put it behind both ears whilst weeding~
...yes, I may look like the Green Maiden,
but let me tell ya it works like a charm)

here are some other facts about mint:

MINT (SPEARMINT & PEPPERMINT)G/P/E:
Masculine, Mercury or Venus, Air.

Magical attributes:
Money, healing, strength, augment power, luck, travel.

Uses:
~Mint in tea form aids upset stomachs, flu, and can be used to ease hiccups.

~Inhalations of the leaves in boiling water is recommended for head colds and asthma.

~Mint tea used instead of aspirin is great for headaches, particularly pre menstrual headaches.

~Nervous headaches can be relieved
if you lie in a dark room with fresh peppermint leaves on the forehead.

~Aids the respiratory and circulatory systems.

~An anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic.

~Ideal for treating indigestion, flatulence, varicose veins,
headaches, migraines, skin irritations, rheumatism, toothache, and general fatigue....

so, the next time you are cursing the abundance of mint
that has over-taken your garden paths,
instead of yanking it out & throwing it away,

...take the time to thank it for all it's help!!

Blessed be!
Lori

...my favorite scissors...

2010-04-11T10:20:00.006-04:00

these are my spider-web scissors...
they are by far, my absolute favorite!!!

I carry these in my shop, and I have been making fobs for them too...
I will be opening up a new etsy shop where I will sell them, along with other
Needful Things for the Witchy-Needlewoman !!!
Stay tuned!!!

Blessed be!
Lori

I'm BACK!

2010-04-09T21:28:00.002-04:00

and I'll be POSTING here again!!!

I've been away way too long...
I've missed my dark (but GOOD Witch) side!

Blessed be!
Lori

Changing the "Look"

2009-10-23T10:48:00.000-04:00

I'll be changing the focus of this blog to better incorporate my Holiday folk art...not necessarily just Hallowe'en and Witch-y stuff!

You'll see more of my Christmas, Easter, and Patriotic folk art soon!

Blessed be!

Lori

Food to Die for:

2009-10-18T10:54:00.000-04:00

Living so close to Lynchburg, VA is really neat,
with all of it's history and beautiful architecture..

but amid the hustle-bustle of this old city,
sets green acres of beautiful gardens of antique plantings,
and um...people.

the Old City Cemetary
is a wonderful place to visit...
our family first happened upon it when we moved here some 6 years ago.
we had always been interested in the history of the Civil War and had done much reenacting while living in CT...so it was great to find out that the cemetary held an annual event on memorial day for the confederate soldiers killed during the battles...

Once we got to the cemetary, we realized that it was a city-within-a-city.
streets, buildings, a funerary museum, scheduled walks, and oh,...the gardens.

Some of the plantings in the gardens are as old as the graves themselves, brought it by mourning family members and friends, and the keepers & caretakers of the cemetary have worked hard to keep the plantings alive...
Humongouse rosemary bushes, lavender bushes and ancient roses line the stone walls and bring a park-like setting to the headstones planted among them...

it truly is a special place, an honor to be buried among such beauty...

the caretakers decided that by bringing in honeybees, they would help to propogate the plantings...boy were they ever right!
the committees then decided to sell the honey from said bees, to help raise funds for the maintenance of the buildings/museum...and thusly, "Honey to Die For" was created...

along with the honey, one smart cookie went even further to write a cookbook of sorts, which contains funeral-foods, customs, epitaphs etc...
this book is called "Food to Die For" and is available for sale to the publick.
I've recently been gifted with said book, and LOVE it!

so, here's the link to the Old City Cemetary,
for those that wish to look into it a bit further, plan a trip or just buy the book:

{ www.gravegarden.org }

If you're ever in my neck of the woods,
perhaps we can go visit the city...

and the Grave Garden.

Blessed be!

Lori

{ treats for you! }

2009-10-16T12:53:00.001-04:00

I've just listed three of these spooky/sweet Treat Pockets on my ebay auction page...
(there's 3 different pockets, with 3 different faces)

Needle felted onto wool fabric using my own hand-dyed sheep's wool roving,
and backed & fully lined with cotton fabrics
(fabircs vary from pocket to pocket)

I love them hanging with a bit of bittersweet in them.
plain, simple & folky...

visit
{http://shop.ebay.com/notforgottenfarmprimitives}
to see the other two!

Blessed be~

Lori

{...a quintet of ghouls...}

2009-10-15T08:30:00.000-04:00

Spooky Time Jingles!!

2009-10-13T17:31:00.000-04:00

Please make sure you visit the newly updated
Spooky Time Jingles

website

(www.spookytimejingles.com)

just WAIT till you see all of the awesome TREATS the artists have for you!

(I apologize for not offering anything new this month,
i'm a little under-the-weather)

but I'll be back NEXT month
(November 13th)
with some
Yuletide
(Christmas/Holiday/Winter)
offerings for you...

Blessed be~ Friends
Lori

{ Velvet & Wool }

2009-10-09T12:29:00.000-04:00

I love the look of old faded fabrics,
and especially love to use them in my displays and/or artwork...

so when I found these old velvet Victorian photo albums,

I had to purchase them for their worn & loved, dark look...
i just wish I could have found them with all of their antique photo's intact!
aren't they gorgeous?

and yes, I am a self-diagnosed Tactophile...
anything with texture of any kind will eventually find it's way into my hand...
that's why I love working with wool so much,
whether it has been processed,
or left raw,
carded
or
turned into roving...

I made these necklaces from hand-dyed needle felted wool:
they'll be available in my etsy shop:
http://www.notforgottenfarm.etsy.com/
they're perfect to wear with a sweater and jeans...

some are on a length of sheer black ribbon,
some are attached to tiny bottles
and hang around your neck from waxed black cord...
all are spooky sweet!

the little bottles are cool,
because you can slip in a spell or two!!

Blessed be, friends~
Lori

One More Thing...

2009-10-01T18:41:00.000-04:00

Here's my last item that is finished for the Ghoultide Show~

It's a BIG needlefelted picture of a floating Witch...

housed in an antique frame with a Funerary Urn atop.

it measures approx. 20" x 16.5

one of thee biggest needlefelted pictures I've done to date,
and I'm thrilled at how it turned out...

I love working with wool...

it is so forgiving...

and the dimensions you can achieve are unbelieveable!

you really have to see it in person to appreciate it~

hours of work involved, regardless of hunting for just the 'right' antique frame!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'll be back on Sunday, but won't be on this 'puter till Monday...

so~

Here's hoping that you will all have a perfectly pleasant
October Weekend !

Blessed be~

Lori

{ October }

2009-10-01T13:14:00.000-04:00

"Halloween. Sly does it. Tiptoe catspaws. Slide and creep...
But why? What for? How? Who? When!
Where did it all begin?
'You don't know, do you?'
asks Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud
climbing out under the pile of leaves under the Halloween Tree.
'You don't really know!'
- Ray Bradbury, The Halloween Tree

"Lady Autumn, Queen of the Harvest, I have seen You in the setting Sun with Your long auburn tresses blowing in the cool air that surrounds You.
Your crown of golden leaves is jeweled with amber, amethyst, and rubies.
Your long, flowing purple robe stretches across the horizon.
In Your hands You hold the ripened fruits.
At Your feet the squirrels gather acorns.
Black crows perch on Your outstretched arms.
All around You the leaves are falling.
You sit upon Your throne and watch the dying fires of the setting Sunshine
force its final colors in the sky.
The purple and orange lingers and glows like burning embers.
...Then all colors fade into the twilight.
Lady Autumn, You are here at last.
We thank You for Your rewards.
We have worked hard for these gifts.
Lady Autumn,
now grant us peace and rest."
- Deirdre Akins

"I will dance The dance of dying days
And sleeping life.
I will dance In cold, dead leaves...
A bending, whirling human flame.
I will dance As the Horned God rides Across the skies.
I will danceTo the music of His hounds Running,
baying in chorus.
I will dance With the ghosts of those Gone before.
I will dance Between the sleep of life And the dream of death.
I will dance On Samhain's dusky eye,
I will dance."
- Karen Bergquist, An Autumn Chant

"Tonight as the barrier between the two realms grows thin,
Spirits walk amongst us,
once again.
They be family, friends and foes,
Pets and wildlife, fishes and crows.
But be we still mindful of the Wee Folke at play,
Elves, fey, brownies, and sidhe.
Some to trick, some to treat,
Some to purposely misguide our feet.
Stay we on the paths we know
As planting sacred apples we go.
This Feast I shall leave on my doorstep all night.
In my window one candle shall burn bright,
To help my loved ones find their way
As they travel this eve, and this night, until day.
Bless my offering,
both Lady and Lord
Of breads and fruits,
greens and gourd."
- Akasha, Samhain Ritual

Wishing you all a Plentiful October,

Blessed be,

Lori

{ WICKED WOOL }}

2009-09-29T15:54:00.000-04:00

An assortment of
Frighteningly Fun
needle felted Wool creatures...

that will soon be turned into necklaces, pillows and pins!!!

these will be finished and brought to the Ghoultide Gathering show!!

I love working with wool fiber
...it is one of my most favorite textiles
and lucky for me I have my very own Sheep!!

I shear, pick, wash, dry, card and dye the wool myself too...

so there's ALOT of work involved in making these!!

I have more to make, so I'm heading back to my studio...
just thought I'd share these with you all!!

Blessed be, my Friends!

Lori

Common Household Protection Spells ~

2009-09-28T10:43:00.000-04:00

you may think that you're not a 'magickal' person...

quite the contrary...

everyone posesses the power within
to create a safe environment for themselves and family...

let me explain:

simply, every evening, before retiring for the night,
we lock our doors, and secure the windows.

we know that by doing so, our home is safe from intruders ...

BUT

your windows are made of glass,
and can be broken with the slightest energy used.
therefore, are you really safe?

in your mind, you can perform simple,
visual techniques to surround your home with positive energies...

you can lay quietly before falling asleep,
and envision your entire home as surrounded by a pulsating white light...

(almost like the commercial shows in the Brink's home security advertisement!)

by doing this, you are connecting yourself to the Universe,
and opening up powerful energy flows to yourself and your home...
as you visualize the light, say something like:

"my home is surrounded by White Light into which nothing may pass"

say this to yourself, almost like a chant, until you fall asleep, and rest...
knowing that you've done something Magickal!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Salt Spell~

Another simple thing you can do for protection, is to purchase some salt
...the kind you put in your shaker...

but,

you will open up the little spout on the top, and,
walking counter-clockwise around the perimeter of your home,
pour the salt, forming a closed circle completely around your house.

while doing this, say:

"As this salt is sprinkled about,

keep the evil spirits out;

Let no danger enter in

Any opening thus herein.

I now invoke the law of three,

This is my Will, so mote it be.

This is a true spell to keep unwanted interlopers from visiting your home.

and boy, does it ever work!

I do this everytime I leave for a show, or when I'll be away from my family for a short time...

(I've had my hubby tell me that not even the UPS guy visited while I was gone,
and that's amazing in & of itself! LOL!!!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Witch Bottle
is also a great way of adding an extra bit of OOOmph to your casting...

a Witch bottle is an old bottle that is filled with sharp objects, that has been intended and magickally charged for the protection from harm...

I use them frequently in my home, and I also custom make them for my clients.
they can be worn or simply hung about the house...their small size makes them discreet!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

and finally,
here's an Ancient spell that will protect your home from foul weather,
fire and thieves...

"SATOR AMULET"

write the following on a small square piece of paper, and hang it in your home:

SATOR
AREPO
TENET
OPERA
ROTAS

some pretty strong magick there folks!...I guarantee this one!

Hoping your day is filled with White light, Creativity and Prosperity!

Blessed be,

Lori

{ gloriously dreary }

2009-09-25T12:40:00.000-04:00

I favor rainy days...
especially rainy Autumn days.
to me, they epitomize thee perfect day.

whether I'm on the porch swing,
swaying gently to the rythym of my stitching,

or sitting in the comfort of my stitching chair,

with the sound of the old clocks chiming the hours away....

I feel a sense of comfort from the raindrops...

knowing they will provide for our outside friends & fauna~

Our pumpkins love the rain, too...

I find them greeting the cool wetness,
their skins slick and shiny and smooth,

so round and full.

how beautiful their colors pop
against the grayness of the day....

Hoping your day brings you Peace~

Blessed be,

)0( Lori )0(

Stitching, stitching....

2009-09-24T09:16:00.000-04:00

This past week has found me diligently stitching away...

Samplers, ornies, pillows & pockets...

Sewing, stuffing, finishing and treadling.

I can't believe that in one week I'll be heading to Michigan
for the Ghoultide Gathering show...

Oh I hope I can meet the expectations!!!
I'm SO nervous!!!!

This looks exactly like my old Pfaff treadle machine...
I love how it hums when it sews...
oh, no...wait...

That's me!
LOL!

Blessed be Friends~
Lori

Mabon Blessings !!!

2009-09-22T12:59:00.000-04:00

Maybon is the second festival in the season of harvest....

It is celebrated when day and night are of equal length,
before the descent into the darkness of winter, hence the word equinox.

It is a time to reflect on the past season,
a time to recognize that the balance of the year has changed,
... summer is over and the winter is coming.

Mabon represents a time of rest after hard work
and a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of nature,
...a time to look back on what's been achieved and learned
and to plan for the future.

It maybe a ideal time for us to throw out/clear away unwanted things,
& to get ready to hibernate for the winter.

The Goddess now passes from her Mother to Crone phase,
and with this she offers us wisdom,
healing
and a chance to rest and rejuvenate...

Traditions at this time include dressing the altar with corn,
fruit, and autumn flowers and leaves.

Corn dollies are made from the last sheaf of the harvest
and kept in the house to protect the inhabitants
from evil spirits during the long winter months...

You can do the same~by visiting this page:
http://www.teachersfirst.com/summer/cornhusk.htm

Wishing you all a Peaceful & Blessed Mabon, my Friends~
Blessed be!!
Lori

Welcome Autumn ~

2009-09-21T10:55:00.000-04:00

See the leaves around us falling,

dry & wither'd to the ground:
Thus to thoughtless Mortals calling
In a sad and solemn sound.

On the Tree of Life eternal,
Man let all thy hopes be staid:

Which alone for ever vernal,
Bears a leaf that shall not fade

from a sampler by Jane Scott
aged 16yrs. dated 1837

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Beautiful time of year, Autumn is...
a time when the Earth sheds it's green silk clothing
for a shroud of coarse wool.

I revel in it's crackling air
and how the way a crsip Morning makes me feel alive.

I will begin my 'Fall Cleaning"...

I'm not one to "Spring Clean"...no..

I tend to spruce up the house

as the leaves litter the ground around me.

I have rituals to perform...
(yes, even taking out last year's Halloween decorations are rituals, you see...)
everyone has rituals to perform...always.

even the simple daily tasks that we undertake subconciously are rituals.

but also I will ready the stoves and kindling baskets ~
mend the quilts and darn the woolens.

I will cleanse the house again with sage-smoke,

and ask the Universe for
it's positive protection for Health & Prosperity...

I will offer in turn, not only my Thanks,
but leave bowls of clear water on the doorstep
for the little woodland creatures skittling about

readying their very own larder.

I will retire Old Brooms with dignity by Burning them,

thanking them for their
common Industry,

and Magickal work.

I will open all windows and doors and ask that the farmhouse be cleansed by the
Chilly morning air,

and then snugly close them up again at Dusk ~
...before retiring to my favorite Stitching chair next to the woodstove.

I will gather acorns from the mighty Oaks,

...walnuts from our own trees~
I will pick now-dead flower heads from our gardens
and seeds from our dried vegetables and I will store them in glass jars...
not only to provide nourishment for my family in the Spring,
but to symbolize my Harvest of Good Things.

and I will again, and always, prepare a night-time Bath...
hot & steaming and sprinkled with
Cinnamon (for prosperity),
Lavender (for healing),
Salt (for purity),
and Mint (for creative energy)

and I will soak away all of the stress
from this Past Summer that may still be trapped
inside me
...letting it go and sponging up the Positive....

readying myself for a Turn of the Wheel.....

May your Autumn be filled with All Things Goode.

Blessed be, my Friends~
)O(
Lori

....with a wave of my Magick Wand ~

2009-09-18T08:44:00.000-04:00

oh I WISH it were that easy...

yes, I actually do have a Magick wand.

one used for spells and divination.
one I made myself from Ash wood, quartz crystals, feathers and leather...

it is a pretty one!

but alas,

it will not clean the cat-boxes, do the dishes or sort the laundry.
(believe me, I've tried.)

I just have to rely on the fact that if I want something done, I do it myself.
and that is actually a Good Thing, Martha~
one feels a sense of self-accomplishment...
not that outside help from family & friends isn't appreciated,
no...on the contrary...
generosity is golden.

it's just that when I set about doing something
(read: cleaning and decorating this shop, getting ready for tomorrow's show)
and have finally finished, and can breathe a long-winded *sigh* of relief...
that's when I feel most powerful. tired, but powerful nonetheless.

With that said,
I invite you to visit my other blog:

http://www.farmhousenotforgotten.blogspot.com/

to see pictures of this shop
all ready & dressed in it's
Primitive Hallow's Eve
finery.

May your Wand be ever-charged with all things Positive and Creative!!!

Blessed be!

Lori <:-)

TRULY Scary !!!!

2009-09-13T09:36:00.000-04:00

Oh the HORRORS !!!!

this shop is a wreck....
In lieu of getting anything else done,
I will work on this shop until it is finished by golly!

out comes boxes and boxes of halloween decorations...

seasonal goodes

and

fall items.

I will diligently and with delight,
decorate and primp this place ~

until everything is just right for

the first annual
Gathering of Primitive Friends Show

here, at Notforgotten Farm
on
Saturday, September 19th
10:00 ~ 5:00

...just a week away....

then, and only then...
will I relax with my needle and thread
and finish my offerings for the

Ghoultide Gathering Show
Saturday, October 3rd 9:00 ~ 2:00
(see link on sidebar)

(I'm SO Excited!!)

Brightest Blessings be Yours today, my Witchy Friends!!

)Lori(

...at the stroke of Midnight ~

2009-09-12T10:02:00.000-04:00

The witching hour is a time of night,
when supernatural creatures are believed to be particularly active...
making it a prime time of night for witchcraft.

Many people think of midnight specifically as the witching hour,
while others more generally associate it with the dead of night,
the dark hours when few people are awake and about.

The association of darkness and supernatural activity is quite ancient,
although the term “the witching hour” itself only dates back
to around the early 1800s;
...terms like “the witching time of night” were used prior to this period.

Darkness has had mystical associations in many human cultures,
...perhaps because it is difficult to see at night,
causing skewed perceptions of the world.

In the middle of the night, people are also presumably more tired,
and therefore potentially susceptible to events which may feel supernatural.

Traditional witch doctors, shamans, and other supernatural practitioners
have often worked at night...
belying the idea that only dark magic is practiced at night.

Many people historically believed that the witching hour
marked a period of greater activity by witches, demons, ghouls,
and other creatures who are not of this world.

In some regions of the world,
people still try to avoid going out at night during the witching hour...
while people who are interested in supernatural events
may make a deliberate effort to be out and about at midnight or thereabouts.

While belief in the supernatural is generally on the fringes of many modern societies,
even pragmatic people have been known to comment
that the depths of the night do sometimes feel a bit eerie and mysterious,

especially during a new moon...

One certainly need not be superstitious to believe in the witching hour.

The late hours of the night often do seem
to have a different quality than the early evening and the daytime,
perhaps because of the lack of people and the darkness.

The witching hour often reveals lots of creatures you never see during the day,
such as owls, bats, and other nocturnal animals...

this perhaps explains their traditional association with witchcraft in many cultures.

Tonight,

at the stroke of Midnight,

the Artists of

Spooky Time Jingles

will offer up to your bemusement and amusement,
their very best

Hallowe'en Folk Art

come sit a Spell with us by visiting:

www.spookytimejingles.com

Blessed be,
) Lori (

New Offering on Etsy and Ebay...

2009-09-10T11:30:00.001-04:00

"Taking Tea"

8" x 10" laser print on 67lb acid-free cardstock.
(this one is my favorite to date!!)

Blessed be, friends~

Lori

An Early Autumn Walk...

2009-09-08T14:47:00.000-04:00

Ah well, so it's not quite Autumn yet...
it doesn't matter to me that it's only September 8th~

It's Autumn in my Heart year 'round.

Today is quite like a perfect Fall day to me...

cool, rainy, and overcast...
With yellow leaves swirling gently to the damp ground,
& acorns gently falling to the soft woodland floor.

I decided to take a walk in the falling weather to recharge my internal batteries...
there's nothing quite like the scent of the cool, wet earth and leaves to lift my spirits high,
and get my creative juices flowing...

I always come back to the farmhouse feeling energized, yet relaxed and soothed.

I am reveling in the knowing that soon the weather will bring
sweaters, jeans and my beloved boiled-woolen clogs!!

I gathered some twigs, branches and leaves on my walk to decorate my home,
and after having a nice cup of hot apple-cider,
I will smudge the farmhouse with sage ~
psychically cleansing it from top to bottom.

Smudging is the act of burning incense or other herbs,
with White Sage being the most common...
the sage blesses and sanctifies, releasing/dispelling/repelling negativity
and adding protection to the home or environment...

to do this, you will need:
* a smudge-stick, or bundle of dried organic sage
(this can be found in most Natural Foods stores, or on etsy)

*a metal pot (preferably a small cauldron)

*matches or lighter

*large bird feather (preferably one that found you)

begin by lighting the smudge-stick (or, place dried herbs in metal container) and set on fire...
blow a couple of times GENTLY on embers to create a mindful smoke..

wave the smoke with the bird feather, directing it into every corner of your home, starting on the top floor and finishing in the basement/cellar
...making sure to include closets, cupboards and other closed spaces...
(I know this sounds like alot of effort, but it is working Magick, after all!)

While you are doing this, visualize Peace, Prosperity, Health, Happiness coming into your home,

and Negativity, Hurt, Sickness/Illness, etc, leaving your house...

It will get smokey in the house, so you will want to run a fan to help the smoke clear.
DO NOT OPEN WINDOWS YET!
while the smoke clears, sit quietly and thank the house for it's protection from the weather,

for it's warmth from the cold, for it's shelter for your family...

once grounded, you may then open the windows and let in fresh air.

I assure you that you will feel a noticable change in the atmosphere of the home !!!...
you can smudge anytime you like, but I do it every full moon, after overnight guests have left
...oh, and after having family 'discussions' that may have gotten a little loud and heated! LOL!

(hey, I do have a teenage daughter ya know!)

Hoping your days are filled with Magick!!

Blessed be,

~Lori~
)O(

Patiently Waiting....

2009-08-31T17:03:00.001-04:00

Ahhh...there sets my Cauldron...

)~::~(

patiently waiting outside my shop...

waiting for crisp days and downright chilly nights.

perhaps I'll brew up a batch of apple butter?...
no...more like a stew of marigold heads and lamb's ear
to over-dye some of my wool...

or maybe a stew of black walnuts and clove to over-dye my samplers with?

making either one will be a pleasure.
a menial task that I look forward to each year.

MMmmm...
I can smell it wafting on the Autumn breezes already...

the tang of woodsmoke.

Blessed be, Friends

Lori

the Witch of Birch Woods...

2009-08-29T13:36:00.000-04:00

"Our Pleasures are borne but to die,
they are tied to our Hearts but to sever...

and like Stars streaking cross'd a Black'd Skie,

Burn their Brightest when Fading
Forever..."
from a sampler dated 1727

a little Woodland Witch holding a sweet songbird in her hand,

a grove of Birch trees are set against the Night Sky...

...just another art print available in my etsy shop:

www.notforgottenfarm.etsy.com

Many thanks to those who have purchased or commented on my art prints...
there will be MANY more to come!!!

)0(
Brightest Blessings be Yours,

Lori

NEW Halloween Prints

2009-08-24T18:22:00.000-04:00

"SUNFLOWER WITCH"

...just one of three new prints in my Etsy shop ~

each on is 8" x 10"

and ready to frame!!

please visit:

www.notforgottenfarm.etsy.com

to see my other ones!!!

Blessed be
Lori

Silhouettes and Scrying...

2009-08-23T16:45:00.001-04:00

aside from working with needle & thread, one of my favoroite things to make are

SILHOUETTES...

I even love the word...
silhouette...

...it rolls of the tongue like a decadent dessert...

I began snipping paper waaaaayyyy back in my teens..

being from a PA German heritage, my Mom's side of the family was always

ummmm......well, let's just say,

"crafty"

I can remember my Aunt Dorothy
(I called her Ant Dot)

painting in oils, snipping silhouettes,
and (I thought)...
she had thee most wonderfully decorated house in all of CT.

the outside of the house was Federal Blue
(not common then)
...and had a humongous Wisteria vine growing up the back porch,

where, as children, us cousins would sit in it's shade & ponder great things...

All the while, Ant Dot would be in the house,
making us grilled cheese 'samwiches'
or creating some form or an other of a
Masterpiece....

I remember smelling the turpentine and linseed-oil...
holding her nubby,
but still useful paint brushes in my little hand,
and being completely awestruck at her work-in-progress,

which always held place-of-honor on her oak easel in her dining room....
...always wishing I had the patience and talent that bestowed her...

I am fortunate to be able to visit my Ant Dot, when i visit CT...
which is usually every June...

she is now in her late 80's...
her once supple hands can no longer hold a toothbrush,

let alone a paintbrush...
from the crippling arthritis she suffers from...

but, somehow...I have recieved her gift of creativity...

I Thank You, Ant Dot

...for the blessing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

i have just listed a paper mache box on ebay~

(the one you see pictured above...)

the entire time i was snipping away paper, I was thinnking of my beloved aunt...

I hope it pleases you well...

http://shop.ebay.com/notforgottenfarmprimitives

Blessed be, friends...

let your creativity shine on for all to enjoy...

~Lori~

Another little Halloweenie !

2009-08-21T18:27:00.001-04:00

to see just hoooooo is holding this little jack 0' lantern,

please visit my auctions~
http://shop.ebay.com/notforgottenfarmprimitives

Props....

2009-08-18T10:47:00.000-04:00

there's nothing I love more, than hunting for treasures
to use as props for my Halloween decorating!

I found this styrofoam skull at Michaels' for 4.99
and this awesome silver-plated candlabra at an antiques shop for 14.00!!

Both will accompany me on my trip to Michigan in October,
for the Ghoultide Gathering show...

Now I am looking for some really neat little candles to go in it...
I am trying to find those black tapers that have the orange switl going around them..
like candy-canes, you know?

Anyone out there know where I can buy 4 of them??

Blessed be!
Lori

The Witch's Inn...

2009-08-16T18:01:00.000-04:00

Fresh to ebay this evening, especially created for my
Witchy Friends!!!

"The Witch's INN Tavern sign"

painted on an antique breadboard to replicate the olde Tavern signs of long-ago...

please visit:

http://shop.ebay.com/notforgottenfarmprimitives

to see more detailed pictures and description...

Brightest Blessings to you,
Lori

Some Olde Friends...

2009-08-14T11:32:00.001-04:00

Every year, this time of year it seems,
when the Black Walnut trees start to offer their leaves and nuts
back down to Mother Earth,
I get a yearning to start my Autmnal Decorating!

Yes, yes...I know it's August still,

but the thrill I get from unwrapping my favorite and beloved
Witch Dolls...
well, it's pure MAGICK!!

The fine Ladyes above, reside on my Mantle in my Keeping room...

this little girl hangs on by blue cupboard in my b'fast nook...

...and these sweet sisters keep me company in my little den off the kitchen,
where the woodstove is, and where I set & create most of my things...

just thought I'd share some of my Olde Friends with you!!!!

Blessed be, NEW Friends!
~Lori~

Works on Spooky Time Jingles ~

2009-08-13T11:55:00.000-04:00

I've been busy!!!!!

Restful Witch Scherenschnitte

Needlepunched Witch Portrait

for details please visit

www.spookytimejingles.com

New offerings and other musings ~

2009-08-11T12:46:00.000-04:00

.. cross stitched skeleton-key necklace with rosary beads,
pearls, jet beads, glass beads and black crow toggle...

Bottled Witch #1 with feathers and herbs..

Bottled Witch #2 with feathers and herbs

available this evening on my ebay auctions...
http://shop.ebay.com/notforgottenfarmprimitives
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

AND
please remember to stop by
http://www.spookytimejingles.com/

on August 13th to see my new offerings...

I am so humbled to be a member of this website...the creative energy there just HUMS!!!!!

also, go check out the SPJ blog!

http://www.spookytimejingles.blogspot.com/

Blessed be, my Friends~

Lori

2009-08-07T11:17:00.000-04:00

Halloween countdown at FlashBannerNow.com

The Corn Moon ~

2009-08-05T11:47:00.000-04:00

please visit the link below for info on the Corn Moon!!!

Happy Harvest & Blessed be!!!

~Lori~

http://www.llewellyn.com/free/spell.php

I dream in color....

2009-08-04T08:59:00.000-04:00

but my color palette may differ from yours...

my favorites are

dark, moody blacks...
burnt pumpkins...
bone whites...

acid greens...

parchment...

mourning dove greys....

As a child, I would re-arrange my crayola box of 64 colors...
grouped by "Halloween Colors"!!!
(i never really used the pinks and purples, or sky blues and reds)
and I would draw & color all of my creations using my little palette.

I went to a favorite haunt of mine yesterday,
Cottonwood Quilt Shop
located in Charlottesville, VA.

where they offer a huge selection of wonderful cottons, homespuns and linens...

I came home with the ones you see pictured above,
but of course,
last night I was dreaming of the ones I didn't choose...
I think I'll be haunting them again today!

these will be used to finish my needlepunch and sampler Halloween Offerings!!

**Blessed be**
Lori

new sunday offerings ~

2009-08-02T19:31:00.001-04:00

Newly Listed on Ebay:

White Witch Whisk Broom Doll

Tiny Witch's Spells Pocket

please visit:

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/notforgottenfarmprimitives

many thanks, my Friends~

**BLESSED BE**

Lori

Flying High...

2009-08-02T10:19:00.000-04:00

I have an affinity for brooms of all shapes and sizes...
I collect the decrepit, broken and used-to-a-nub castoffs that other people throw away...

To me, a broom symbolizes an object of cleansing, protection and projection...
a well-worn broom shows me that the past owner
used her broom frequently,
that she kep a tidy home and, perhaps, had 'other' uses for it as well
(like chasing children from the kitchen, where by they could be harmed by the cook-fire)

I never leave home without mine!!
I wear a pewter besom on a black cord around my neck....
especially when I'm travelling to shows!!

I have a bumper sticker on my van that reads
'My Other Car is a Broom'
(LOL)

a small collection of early brooms in my keeping room...
the small broom to the far left was a child's broom, and show not only signs of
hours of play, but also has scorched ends!

my besom, which resides in my den...
I use this broom to sweep my farmhouse
(psycichally and physically)
and keep it near our woodstove for the ashes!!

a broom, straw end up, stands vigil against negativity
at the front door of my shop...

Welcome!

The information below,
was found on Wikipedia: ~

Brooms have long been connected with witchcraft,
almost universally portrayed
as medieval-style round brooms and associated with female witches.
Despite the association with women, in 1453,
the first known case of claiming to have flown on a broomstick is recorded,
confessed by the male witch Guillaume Edelin.[2]

Anecdotally,
the broom served another purpose during periods of persecution...
Witches and other magic practitioners would disguise their wands
as broom sticks to avoid suspicion.

Today the broom is included in lists of ritual tools in many books,
where it is often referred to as a besom.

A broom is sometimes laid at the opening of some covens' rossets.
Representing the Element of Air, brooms are utilized in the purification of areas.
They are used to sweep ritual circles clean of negative energy.
The high priestess or high priest walks clockwise,
traces the cast circle and sweeps with the broom a few inches off the ground.

This practice can be used in addition to or in place of incense to purify a ritual space. It is often employed by those allergic to incense, and during rituals practiced in smoke-free areas.
It is also a technique associated with "kitchen witches" who use what's on hand to work spells.

As a tool of purification, decorative brooms are sometimes hung near doors to cleanse those entering a house.

**Blessed be, my Friends**
~Lori~

Lughnasadh ~ August 1st, 2009

2009-08-01T14:02:00.000-04:00

August 1: Lughnasadh,
is the time of the first harvest,
when the plants of spring wither and drop their fruits
or seeds for our use as well as to ensure future crops.

Mystically, so too does the God lose His strength
as the Sun rises farther in the South each day and the nights grow longer.
The Goddess watches in sorrow and joy
as She realizes that the God is dying,
and yet lives on inside Her as Her child.

Lughnasadh,
also known as August Eve, Feast of Bread, Harvest Home
and Lamma, wasn't necessarily observed on this day.
It originally coincided with the first reaping.
As summer passes, Wiccans remember its warmth and bounty in the food we eat.

Every meal is an act of attunement with nature,
and we are reminded that nothing in the universe is constant.

*Herbs*
All grains, Grapes, Heather, Blackberries, Sunflowers

*Incense*
Sandalwood, Rose, Aloes

*Color *
Yellow, Orange, Green, Brown

*Decorations*
Corn Dollies, Any Wheat Weaving Crafts, Shafts of Grain

*Foods*
Breads, Cider, Blackberry Pies and Jellies, Rice, Meadowsweet Tea, Berries

*Special Activities*:
As summer passes, many Pagans celebrate this time to remember
its warmth and bounty in a celebrated feast
shared with family or Coven members.
Save and plant the seeds from the fruits consumed during the feast or ritual.
If they sprout, grow the plant or tree with love
and as a symbol of your connection with the Lord and Lady.
Walk through the fields and orchards or spend time along springs,
creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes
reflecting on the bounty and love of the Lord and Lady.

**Blessed Be!**
~Lori~

Sewing Needfuls and Old Beliefs~

2009-07-30T10:05:00.000-04:00

For years, I've collected sewing needfuls...
pincushions, make-do's, scissors, thimbles,...etc.

I recently received an email from my friends Sherry regarding a pair of
antique Salem Witch souvenir scissors on ebay~
Soooo, without hesitation, i bid.

Needless to say, the scissors were fabulous, and went for over $200.00
~ slightly (ahem) out of my budget.

Sherry was kind enough to search out ebay, as she is known to do, and found a pair of replica
Salem Witch scissors, for just $39.00!
WOOHOO!
I hit that Paypal button lickety-split
and hopefully will have my shiny little scissors
in my needy little hands very soon!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, here are some OLD beliefs pertaining to Witches...
(but we know these are just Folk Tales)
...don't we,... my pretties???

A Witch can also be called a hag or crone, words associated with lone women.
... even though there were male witches,
the word is still most associated with the female sex.

Witches can fly - an explanation for quick movement across impossible distances.
the broomstick is added, as it was a common tool of women.

Old crones or hags, with no male partner, were often accused of being a Witch.

A woman living alone, especially in the woods, was (is) considered a Witch.

Lone women with pets, especially cats, were considered Witches with a familiar.
The pet was considered helpful in casting spells...

Wise women, with knowledge of herbs, were considered Witches,
especially if they brewed their remedies over a caldron.
...these women frequently had knowledge of mandrake, monkshood,
belladonna, and hemlock,
items that could be dangerous in ignorant hands.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, I'm off to weed my garden, then stitch some samplers...
maybe I'll concoct a little 'something' in my kitchen tonight from my fresh herbs....
or stain my samplers with black walnuts...
I will definitely haunt my mailbox until my scissors come!!!!

Wishing you all Peace & Prosperity
*BLESSED BE*
~Lori~

Inspiration ~

2009-07-27T19:44:00.000-04:00

I find inspiration for my Halloween Folk Art
everywhere I look here at the Farm...

spritely faces greet me at every turn,
offering sweet, yet unspoken advice.

...everyday objects somehow take on a magickal persona
of their own in the changing light of the day...

...something's always brewing here...
even the weeds are happy!!

my creative path takes me many places each day~
sometimes it's only as far as my own backyard,
but that alone offers me hidden secrets of this old homeplace's past...

unearthed ball jars hold memories in their green/blue glass
and the woods seem to whisper of bright days to come.

...being surrounded by woods and fields can nurture anyone's artistic abilities,

and having a sense of connection with Mother Earth positively inspires me...
...everyday.

Wishing for you the very same.

*Blessed Be, my Friends*
~Lori~

needle and thread~

2009-07-26T19:57:00.000-04:00

Abigail Price Tombstone pillowe
(C) Lori Brechlin ~ 2009

Witch's Shoe pinkeeper
(C) Lori Brechlin ~ 2009

Both available this evening:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/notforgottenfarmprimitives

Blessed be!
Lori

2009-07-24T15:21:00.000-04:00

Lovely little threads of black,
work your magic from the stack
of linens, cottons, satins too...
to bring my needlework to you~

*Blessed be*

Lori

needlin' around ~

2009-07-23T14:25:00.000-04:00

here's a small sampling of some of the many little needle punch items
I'm working on for my Autumn shows...

these, and many more,
will be made into little spice-filled pillows and pinkeeps,
ornaments and little 'pockets'...

I have to start thinking about how my booth will look at the Ghoultide Gathering show..
I'm aiming for a Victorian/Mourning theme with a whimsical twist
so I'll need to find just the right fabrics for the table covering and then props to display my samplers and such on...

it's always so much fun getting ready for shows...lots of work, but worth it!
I get the chance to meet my customers, fellow artisans and make new friends to boot!

**BLESSED BE**

~Lori~

The Mad Hatter.

2009-07-20T11:41:00.000-04:00

I can hardly wait for the new Alice in Wonderland movie to come out in March!!!

Hannah & I are HUGE fans of both Tim Burton, and Johnny Depp...

Hannah sent me this picture last night,
of her 'hugging' the poster of Johnny as The Mad Hatter...

she's in Disneyworld for 2 weeks~

...she recently saw the new Harry Potter movie in the Imax Theater in Disney!!
...too cool!!

~~~~~~
I'll be working on something a little different for me,
I'm trying my hand at some Halloween Bead Embroidery...
I'll share pictures as soon as I'm happy with my outcome!

in the meantime, I'm working away at new cross stitch dsamplers, needlepunch and scherenschnitte for the upcoming
Ghoultide Gathering show...
I'm SO excited about it and it's coming up quick!!!

Have a frightfully charming day, Friends...
Blessed be!

Lori

Tabitha ~

2009-07-18T12:37:00.000-04:00

Hi Folks~

This is
" TABITHA"

she's made from a 2 different colors of German Mohair,

in purple and burnt orange...
she has antique boot-button eyes, is poly stuffed and is 5x cottor-pin jointed...

she measures approx. 6" tall, not including her beautiful black & cream toile Crone's Cap!

on her hat, I've placed a wonderful vintage brooch, a crescent moon with rhinestones...and around her neck is a loverly little sparkly black boa...

she loves to sit in my little cauldron!

(not included)

such a snazzy dresser, no?

Tabitha will be available for your bidding pleasure on ebay later today ~

email me at thedancingwitch@aol.com
with any questions!

**BLESSED BE**
~Lori~

Exciting News!!!

2009-07-17T20:20:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

I just had to share some wonderful news with all of my fellow
Hallowe'en/Holiday art lovers out there!

If you haven't already been there, please visit:

www.spookytimejingles.com

where, as of August 13th, I'll be a regular contributing artist!!
Woohoo!!!!

I am honored to be among such top-shelf artisans, and I will do my best to bring you
more of my Wicked-good Samplers, Bears, Dolls, Needlepunch, Scherenschnitte...
and all things
Witchy!!!

My sincerest thanks to Dani (www.ambitionsdesign.blogspot.com)

for accepting me into this Fabulous artists website adventure!!

I'm off to stitch up a STORM!!

*BLESSED BE*
~Lori~

pins, and needles, and....BEARS...OH MY!

2009-07-14T10:43:00.000-04:00

piles of colorful mohair and vintage upholstery velvets await their transformation...

scissors ready! needles ready! stuffing....ready!

head all sewn, waiting for it's body and legs...

Finishing up some custom orders for my little bears...

*WOW*
many thanks for all of your orders!!!

I will finish these 6 up, and then I'll be ready to take more orders,

If you'd like to be on the 'waiting' list for adopting (ordering) one of these little bears,

email me at thedancingwitch@aol.com

each little bear is 110.00 + shipping.
I ship worldwide and love to create one-of-a-kind bears for you!

my bears now reside in Japan, Germany, France and Australia!
happy travels little ones!!!
spread your Hallowe'en Sweetness to all!!!

**Blessed be**

~Lori~

Have you seen.....?

2009-07-12T12:10:00.000-04:00

Have you seen...My Etsy Shop?

I'm offering wonderful Witch Ball Reliquaries and Unique Jewelry...

...come have a visit, won't you?

http://www.notforgottenfarm.etsy.com/

I'll be conjuring up more Witchy Delights and Hallowe'en treats to offer you soon!

) 0 (
*BLESSED BE*

Lori

Taking Flight ~

2009-07-09T16:30:00.000-04:00

...an original oil painting by li'l old me...

available on my auction page:

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/notforgottenfarmprimitives

8" x 10" on oval artist canvas

*BLESSED BE*

Lori

tricks and treats~

2009-07-08T12:28:00.000-04:00

While away on vacation,
I've finished up some really neat
little needlepunched things...

I'll be listing them soon on my ebay page,
and will post pictures here for you to see~

I'm off to the po and bank today,
running errands and catching up on orders,
but I'll be posting (hopefully) later this evening!!

*BLESSED BE*

Lori

Ponderings~

2009-07-02T18:25:00.000-04:00

at the moment, I'm in CT ~

in my 'spare' time while here on vacation,

I've been needlepunching and sketching up new designs for little bears, samplers and such.

I'm working on some (i think) awesome finished needlepunched items for the

Ghoultide Gathering show in October ~

(see link on sidebar)

we'll be tking a walk through one of the oldest cemetaries in Guilford (founded in 1649) tomorrow, weather permitting....I hope to do some rubbings of the ancient headstones and take pictures of the beautiful carvings...their designs will be inspiration for more needlework to come...

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!

Blessed be,

~Lori~

Another Little Bear!

2009-06-27T20:55:00.000-04:00

This is Taffy ~

she's available for adoption at:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/notforgottenfarmprimitives

her auction ends on July 5th...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've been playing with my blog again...
(that sounds dirty...LOL)

I've added some beautiful graphics
to the bottom of this blog, so scroll down and see them & their links~

I'll be leaving for CT in the morning...
Here are some things that Hannah & I will be doing while there:

*Visiting the Ocean*
(Hamonnasset State Park in Clinton, Short Beach in Stratford, Shell beach in Guilford...)

*Visiting the ancient graveyards and cemetaries*
(Guilford, Stratford...)

*Shopping*
(for foodstuff that we can't get here in VA...
i.e., Brown Bread in the can, Black Olive Bread,

lots & lots of organic foods)

*Visiting the Magick Mirror*
(a New Age/Wiccan shop in Orange, CT....I want to get some herbs and jewelry)

*Toying with the idea of getting another Tattoo*
(a Star? another Bracelet? shall I design my own?)
Hannah says she wants one too...
... wants a small "Peace" sign on her wrist...

*Put my feet up and relax!*
(yeah....right)

)0(

Hoping your Fourth of July Celebrations are Happy & Safe!
See you again soon,

*BLESSED BE*

Lori

~ Midnight Farm ~

Ending Soon ~

If the shoe fits....

I couldn't wait!!!

He is pleased....

Sewing Studio Pictures ~

Sweet Potato Moon ~

They're HERE!!!

Creative Chaos...

Rare Beauty....

After Hours....

And the Winner is......and more news!!

the Witches Garden Sampler ~

I'll be Returning....

A Giveaway ~

Blessings be Yours ~

I'm BACK!

...getting SWEPT away!!!

pumpkinhead dolls.....

Planning AHEAD

Happy Friday the 13th!!

awwww, look...TWINS!!!!

I'm Dreaming of....

Look Out!

EHAG Emporium sneak-peek !!

in progress....

...by the pricking of my thumbs....

Spooky Little Hallowe'en Quilt ~ finished

408 years....

Hi-ho the Dairy-O, a hookin; we will go...

...Busy Brushes ~

Technicolor Dreams?

Romancing the Stone.....

Two more framed & offered....

More Paintings...

~ Wicked Watercolors ~

Peacock Feather Earrings

A Witch's Garden...

And the WINNER IS.....

~ A Give Away ~

Gardening Witch painting....

In Progress (again) ~

A Quartet of Black Cats...

Hepzebah, the Spring Witch ~

More progress....

In progress ~

Love Your Mother....

Poppets and Dolls ~

Witchy Stitchin'...

Magical Mint ~

...my favorite scissors...

I'm BACK!

Changing the "Look"

Food to Die for:

{ treats for you! }

{...a quintet of ghouls...}

Spooky Time Jingles!!

{ Velvet & Wool }

One More Thing...

{ October }

{ WICKED WOOL }}

Common Household Protection Spells ~

{ gloriously dreary }

Stitching, stitching....

Mabon Blessings !!!

Welcome Autumn ~

....with a wave of my Magick Wand ~

TRULY Scary !!!!

...at the stroke of Midnight ~

New Offering on Etsy and Ebay...

An Early Autumn Walk...

Patiently Waiting....

the Witch of Birch Woods...

*NEW* Halloween Prints

Silhouettes and Scrying...

Another little Halloweenie !

Props....

The Witch's Inn...

Some Olde Friends...

Works on Spooky Time Jingles ~

NEW Halloween Prints