Faerie Queen in Spring )O(

Early spring blossoms

Merry meet all,

Snow coats the streets and sidewalks, determined to resist spring. The Pagan Association of Nova Scotia is hosting a Beltane Ball in May. I bought a ticket and I was completely inspired to work on my costume. I want to be a Faerie Queen! 

Although the event is in May, I”m busy preparing for it now. Faerie Queens are busy. I’m seized with inspiration. I pored over pinterest fae photos to get inspiration, including the faerie art by Brian Froud.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a beautiful purple/ pink faerie dress. I examined the dress more closely and I noticed it’s in need of repair. The elastic in the casing in the sleeves was expired. I whipped out my sewing tools and patiently seam ripped the sleeves. I decided that clear elastic was too frail, even for a Faerie Queen. The sleeves are fixed. I want to add longer lower sleeves to the dress and make a shoulder ruffle. The faerie dress is fragile. The sleeve ruffle might stabilize the fabric. I lightly touched up the edges of the sleeves and bodice using clear nail polish to prevent fraying. I sewed  beautiful lavender colored embroidered flowers to the front of the faerie dress. That made the dress look even more beautiful. I want to sew a zigzag stitch to the dress hem. I sewed a shimmery trim to the dress hem. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also made a lovely hobo bag. I didn’t want to carry around a backpack all night, especially since I may be wearing faerie wings. I sewed myself a lovely magical hobo bag. I just love it. The faerie dress and the slip need more mending. 

I sewed a short overskirt to the faerie skirt and trimmed the overskirt with ribbon. The overskirt isn’t visible with the faerie dress, but I am sure if I dance or something, it will be visible then. The deep purple overskirt sprinkles faerie glitter everywhere. 

I am so proud of my faerie leaf mask. It turned out better than I expected. I don’t have the skills to work with leather (yet), so I used the cardboard from a cereal box. I painted the mask green using three coats and let the paint dry between coats. I used a scissors and an exacto knife to cut it out. I found a pattern and etched in the fine arched lines of the mask. I cut out the eyes. I used a hole punch on the far sides of the mask to be able to secure ribbon when I want to wear it. I plan to add moss, leaves (lots!), and feathers. I’ve decided to use artificial oak and maple leaves and glue them on with a hot glue gun. I promise to add photos when I am done. I also have to get my mitts on a pair of faerie ears. I found my faerie wand and wings. The fae gifted me a twig and I want to add it to the crown. I can’t wait till I get to Michaels arts and crafts. I glued green felt oak leaves, artificial leaves and flowers to the mask. I love how it looks. I have to make the large green felt oak leaf more stable and created a green butterfly from clay. I adhered a clay loop to the butterfly so I could hang it from a chain. The butterfly had to be secured with hot glue. I secured two long green velvet ribbons to the mask. I glued two green felt maple leaves to the back of the mask. I want the front and the back of the mask to look great. I repainted the back of the mask. I touched up the black paint on the mask with gold acrylic paint.  I painted a clear sealant to the mask. That makes it permanent and it also added a nice shine to the mask. The mask looks even more amazing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The corset – I seam ripped the fasteners on the corset. I’m installing eyelets to use as fasteners. Yup this sure is turning out to be a faerie queen costume. Today I installed the eyelets and laced up the bodice. I love how it’s all coming together. 

 I want to add herbs, gemstone chips and a tiny scroll to a small vial with a cork top, and coat green and purple candle wax on the cork, then insert a jump ring to attach to a chain, add another jump ring at the bottom of the vial, then add another fairyish charm such as a butterfly/ fairy feather or a gemstone. One vial is a gift for my friend and the second one will be for me. 

Today I attempted to sew the crinoline sleeve to the dress.  I could not sew the long sleeves to the shorter sleeves because both sleeves needed an elastic casing. I will use a safety pin to adhere the lower sleeves to the upper sleeves. The lower sleeves are beautiful. I did finally finish mending the slip, sewed in the zigzag stitch at the hem of the faerie dress, and sewed the shoulder ruffles but I still have to sew them onto the sleeves. I may have to sew by hand because my sewing machine does not like crinoline. I glued a few flowers to the dress. The faerie dress was a lot of work to repair, but I learned a lot in the process, so that made it worth it.

My crown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I bought these beautiful butterfly clips which I will adhere to the dress. I have the faerie wand, mask, ears, wings and gown. The last detail I have to work out is a crown. I have a few options: the gold Arwen crown, a circlet, the circlet that came with the wings. I’ll figure it out. I have a few options for how to style my hair and makeup. I still have lots of time. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to coat the frayed parts of the faerie dress with clear nail polish. The fabric is fragile and tends to fray, so that should take care of it. I glued the fairy wings back onto the poor fairy. She can now fly and flit over tops of flowers or sip honey nectar tea. I touched up the faerie house a little bit. I painted a white crown of thorns with a spellbinding mixture of brown, green and gold. I love how it turned out. It looks regal, and earthy. The gold enhances the earthy brown color nicely. 

I sewed a second corset today. The corset is black with embroidered butterflies. I had to sew the black mesh fabric to natural black cotton because I didn’t want the interfacing to show. I sewed the lining separately then sewed them together. I had to make a slight adjustment to the corset size. Once I figured out how much extra fabric I needed, I stitched that to the corset. I have to install the eyelets. Then it will be complete. It looks great with the faerie dress and skirt! I used a pdf underbust corset pattern from Etsy. 

 

 

 

 

 

I finally installed the eyelets into the corset. The corset is complete. It was a lot of work to do that, but well worth it. I love how it looks now. Sweet and edgy. I set up my work area at the table, and hammered the grommets into the fabric. I hammered on a cloth covered board. I could see the indents from the hammering. I am happy the corset is done now. I chose deep blue velvet ribbon for lacing the corset. The corset looks beautiful. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made a jar of faerie dust for a friend and I’m soon making one for another friend. I bought miniature bottles with chains from Michaels. I love that store! I ground chamomile, calendula, elderflower, lavender and rose petals to a fine powder then added the ground herbs to the jar. I sealed the jar with beeswax. It really looks like faerie dust. Well, it is!

 

 

This faerie queen will celebrate Beltane in style with my beautiful Beltane gown. Till then,,…

 

Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(

 

 

 

 

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Early spring starts

Merry meet all,

I look out the window and see an overcast grey sky, with snow mounds piled up at the curbs and on sidewalks. It’s mid-March right now. We still have a way to go. I got an early start on my spring herbal seedlings. I did not anticipate that I would have so much success starting my herbs from seeds. 

I am fortunate that I own a grow light. Grow lights help immensely when you want to grow herbs, flowers or vegetables from seed or transplants. The only thing I need is patience. I know it’s hard to be patient and I obsessively check the pots to see if anything is growing, especially in the second pot. I don’t see anything growing in the pots. I have a few tiny seedlings, but I have to wait till they grow their true leaves before I know what they are. I used two methods to grow seeds: I sprinkled seeds directly into the pots and I sprinkled seeds onto a damp paper towel which I stored in two large ziploc bags. I filled a third pot with soil and Gaia Green fertilizer, mixed it into the soil. I opened up the paper towel gently and to my wonder, a  lot of tiny seedlings were ready to be moved into a pot. I used a magnifying glass and tweezers to gently free them from the paper towel and place into the pots. One must be very gentle when doing this. It does require a careful hand. I covered them with light soil and misted water onto the soil. Now they are under the grow light. I must have patience. 

This week, I participated in three wonderful spring seed growing workshops with the Herbal Academy. They are offering a gardening mini course. I already have tons of experience with gardening, but I want to take the course anyway. I am always open to learning something new. I also completed my Botany and Wildcrafting course. I still have lifetime access to the course. Growing herbs from seed under my grow light always excites me. 

I bought this white crepe cotton fabric printed with tiny blue flowers. I want to use it to make a chemise. I also bought lovely black fabric like tulle with blue butterflies. I want to use that fabric to make a corset. I have a pdf pattern for it. I bought a ticket for the upcoming Beltane Ball in May. I am already planning the costume for that. I’m using what I already have – a purple faerie outfit. Well when it’s cold outside and you’re bored… I want to make some slight changes to the costume. I also have a pdf pattern for a medieval gown. I just had an idea – the corset pattern will match with the medieval gown. Oh my brain just never rests when it comes to thinking up new ideas. 

I’m an extremely creative person. I always find a way to entertain myself during the winter season. My cat’s gazing out the window. She is wishing she could chase the crows perched on the tree outside. The crows are not concerned about her. 

Spring blessings

Spiderwitch

 

 

 

 

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My article is LIVE on Paranormal Daily News! Haunted McNabs Island )O(

 

Merry meet all,

Today’s post tells the story of the haunted McNabs Island. So grab a coffee and get settled for a spooky read. 

Haunted McNabs Island

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McNabs Island, located in the Canadian harbour of Halifax, Nova Scotia, is rife with ghost stories, legends of hidden treasure and hanged men. Settle in for a ghost story that will give you chills. The island boasts” “three abandoned military forts, a cholera quarantine in an old potters field, ruins of old family homes… a family burial plot, a former soda pop factory that ran bootleg booze during prohibition, a shipwreck cove, a beach where English redcoats hung navy deserters during the Napoleonic Wars, a forgotten lighthouse, a former Edwardian fairground, and the remnants of a cultivated Victorian botanical garden.” (Atlas Obscura)

​McNabs Island is believed to be haunted. People have reported hearing strange sounds and someone found a hole with five marker stones near Finlay. The nearby Oak Island is famous for possessing buried treasure, and only the truly foolish would risk life and limb to find it.

The Maugher Beach Lighthouse was built in 1941 near the Sherbrooke Tower site. “The other island lighthouse, McNabs Island Rear Range Lighthouse built in 1903, was replaced by skeleton towers in 1979. The waters surrounding the island became the graveyard for many ships. In 1797, HMS Tribune struck Thrumcap Shoal and sank off Herring Cove with the loss of 228 lives. Over the centuries, numerous ships were scuttled around the island. Wrecks in Ives and Wreck coves are still visible.” (Messy Nessy Chic)

PDN Newsletter

Before European colonization, the local Mi’qmaq people used the island to hunt and fish. In 1794, Colonel Edward Cornwallis resided there and began a long-term military presence that would last for two hundred years. Settlers on the island found life challenging. They grew their own food or had to go to the mainland for provisions. There was no electricity except by battery and no nearby stores or services.

The European settlers brought illness with them. In 1746, France sent a fleet of 3,000 men under the command of Doc D’Anville to ally with the M’iqmaq against the British. Typhus broke out on the ship, killing 1200 men at sea. The Frenchmen were never quarantined. They set up camp and suffered through the typhus illness. The last of the fleet were left to die unburied on the rocky coastline. More settlers came from Europe, bringing infectious diseases such as typhus or smallpox with them, which infected the M’iqmaq.

In 1866, a cholera outbreak spread throughout the island. An English steamship, the SS England, was ordered to lay anchor off the island because the ship’s crew and passengers were infected with cholera. Eight hundred infected people lived on the island in tents, and food was sent to them from the mainland. The crew and the passengers were forced to remain there until the disease had run its course. There is a sad energy where the unfortunate victims of the cholera outbreak are buried, and people report a sense of being watched. (Uncomfortably Dark)

Dr. John Slayter reported that the illness was fast and brutal. The strong would survive, and the weak would perish. Two hundred people were buried in two mass graves on the island. The bodies buried at Little Thrum Cere washed out to sea, but the bodies buried at Hugonin Point remain.

McNabs Island shipwrecks and hapless victims

Shipwrecks also surround McNabs Island. Halifax Harbour is often overcast, foggy and dark. Treacherous shoals and thick fog have caused many maritime disasters. Wreck Cove is believed to have the highest number of shipwrecks in Nova Scotia. The loss of HMS Tribune in 1797 claimed two hundred lives. The ship is now in pieces, with “rusted fittings, skeletal hulls and exposed timbers”, eerie remnants of the ship’s history. People believe that the ghosts of sailors still haunt the area, doomed never to find peace. (Ghostwatch)

Peter McNab settled on the island on December 25, 1782 and his descendants lived on the island until 1935. According to Uncomfortably Dark, Peter McNab was alive and well when the gallows were still present on the island. The sound of the clanging chains that supported the dead bodies of the hapless victims of the gallows often kept him awake at night. The sound annoyed him so badly that he gathered his best mates, and they tore down the corpses and gallows with their bare hands.

McNabs Island played an important role in the defense of Halifax from the 1800s to the Cold War of the 1950s. The first fortification was Sherbrooke Tower, a Martello tower constructed in the early 1800s which was later converted to a lighthouse where Abraham Gesner tested his kerosene invention in 1851. In the 1860s, the British built Fort Ives, followed by Fort McNab in the 1880s, and Hugonin Battery in 1899. The Canadian military built Strawberry Battery, which is not accessible to visitors, during the Second World War.

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NS-08551_-_Maugher_Beach_Lighthouse_(50079026768).j

McNab’s Island was significant in terms of its strategic location of the defence of Halifax. During the Napoleonic wars and other wars, the island was garrisoned, ready to guard the harbour. The military presence waned after the Second World War, but the relics of gun emplacements, pillboxes and underground stores remain, bestowing an eerie atmosphere to the island.

Peter McNab’s headless ghost

Peter McNab was a man with a good business sense, but bad luck followed him. He bought an aged fairground with hopes of restoring it and earning a fortune. He hoped to attract attendees, but was unsuccessful. He revived the old merry-go-round and added other games, but it still failed. He erected a soda factory in a barn next to his old house, and in 1908, he brewed flavorful beverages in ceramic bottles. He offered bottles to visitors of the fairgrounds, and threw parties at his dance hall. Perhaps the lack of enthusiasm for his fair waned, because he stopped in 1915. In 1919, the bottle storage cottage burned to the ground, thereby ending his ill-fated fairground and soda pop business. Hundreds of glass and ceramic bottles were lost to the flames as the building burned. Bootleggers used the old place to operate a moonshine still during the prohibition in the 1920s. Avid bottle collectors still search for vintage bottles. In Halifax, my mother found a few blue glass bottles when she was digging in her garden. She cleaned them up and has kept them to this day. (Uncomfortably Dark)

It’s believed that Peter McNab’s headless ghost still haunts the island searching for something. His old soda bottles? One more spectral ride on a merry-go-round? Only time will tell. McNab’s old family home and graveyard are the focal points for these enduring ghost stories.

mcnabs island
Fort McNabs https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NS-08551_-_Maugher_Beach_Lighthouse_(50079026768).jpg

More spooky phenomena have been reported on McNabs Island, including apparitions and unexplained sounds. There were accounts of a ghostly horse and carriage rattling down the old paths, and sightings of an unknown man who has never been identified. It’s hard to identify a man when he’s dead. Dead men tell no tales.

McNabs Island books

​If you are curious to learn more about McNabs Island, then the following booksmay satisfy your curiosity, such as Bluenose Ghosts written by the celebrated folklore author Helen Creighton, or Steve Vernon’s Haunted Harbours: Ghost Stories from Old Nova Scotia. Both books are sure to give you chills. You will read with the light left on all night! Bruce Scott’s book, The Last Farm on McNabs Island, is a portrait of the island’s spooky history, with anecdotes, photographs and maps. Thomas Raddall’s book Hangman’s Beach portrays the history of McNabs Island.

Here is a short quote from the book Hangman’s Beach: “The other Frenchmen tell me it is hell turned inside out – a torture of cold instead of heat. An eternity of short days and long black nights, with snow to the hips, and an air cold enough to freeze a brass monkey’s double-shot. Why France ever owned or fought for this country I shall never know. It is not for Frenchmen, this, unless one could arrive in April and depart by November. For the rest of the year the Devil can have it – he’s an Englishman, of course.”

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Today, the island remains mostly uninhabited, unless you include the dead. The Friends of McNabs Island is a volunteer, nonprofit, registered charity based in Halifax, Nova Scotia and established in 1990, dedicated to preserving McNabs Island. The island is protected as parkland, preserving its natural beauty and eerie history, promoted as a nature park and outdoor classroom. They host various events on the island, nature tours and a beach clean-up, which I once participated in. The society publishes brochures, guidebooks, posters and newsletters. They host events such as a Fall Foliage Tour, a Heritage Tour, Nature Tour, an Adventure Tour, and a Coastal Shoreline Tour. You can find their website at: https://mcnabsisland.ca/activities for more information.

Be brave, respect the island and respect the dead. There is more to McNabs Island than meets the eye.

Links to the books mentioned above

REFERENCES

REFERENCES

McNabs Island in Halifax
This Canadian island is a veritable garden of decay with countless abandoned structures dotting the landscape.
SlBH 1 Paranormal Daily News

 

Tales of a vanished island community – Saltscapes Magazine
Book review: Exploring the lives of the people who lived on a now uninhabited Halifax Harbour island
Paranormal Daily News

 

Haunted Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
The Ghosts of McNab’s IslandWelcome back to another weird Wednesday! I’m enjoying researching haunted locations across the world and have some really great stories, legends, and lore on the docket for our time together. As it turns out, there are many spooky stories that originate in my little province of Nova Scotia, so I will be intertwining my local legends throughout my posts. Today’s Haunted Location brings us to McNab’s Island in the mouth of the Halifax Harbour. As a teenager, I worked su
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The Fascinating Abandoned Island You’ve Never Heard of
On a recent trip to Nova Scotia, Canada to investigate the cemetery where many of the victims of the Titanic were buried, a chance conversation in a bar in Halifax, brought up a fascinating island lying abandoned just in the harbour, called McNabs Island. I was told that this island was home to the
mcnabs island 12 Paranormal Daily News

 

Halifax’s McNabs Island surprises visitors with its beauty, history and stories
If the ghosts on McNabs island could talk theyd tell tales of Hangmans Beach where criminals were left to rot in gibbets. Theyd talk about dying of cholera and lyin…

 

McNabs Island – Ghostwatch
McNabs Island, situated at the mouth of Halifax Harbour, is a place where the natural beauty of Nova Scotia is inextricably intertwined with layers of
ghostwatch.com
Blessings, Spiderwitch

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How to start Herb seeds

Early spring blossoms

Merry meet all,

Hello my darklings! I can’t wait for spring. Spring is around the corner. I’m dreaming up what I want to grow this summer. The spring equinox occurs next month, around the 20th or the 21st. The long, dark days of winter will surrender to the fierce fresh energy of spring. The winds blow harder, but that is what ushers in the change of the seasons. Bring it on. 

Now would be a good time to start your seeds. I suspect my herb seeds are getting old. I want to get herb transplants from a garden center. I don’t have the room to install a grow light. I think it’s more expensive to buy herb transplants, but the people who sell you the herb transplants have done the hard work for you of starting herbs from seeds. I sprinkled in some herb seeds in a pot, but they did not grow. That’s how I know my seeds are old. I may just put all the seeds into a seed bomb and toss it out into the compost. Then buy fresh seeds or grab herb transplants. 

If you are eager to grow herbs from seeds, now is a good time to start. There are a few ways you can start herbs from seed. A good way to test the vitality of seeds is to spread seeds onto a damp paper towel, put the damp paper towel into a labeled ziplock  bag and set it somewhere warm. Wait a few weeks and make sure the paper towel doesn’t dry out. Or just put the seeds in a pot under a grow light and wait. Either way, a few seeds should sprout. They are the strongest seeds. You can be confident they will grow into a healthy herb. That is what you want. Save the strong seedlings and snip out the weak ones. 

Keep your seedlings in full sun at a south facing window or under a grow light. Make sure the soil is moist, not sopping wet. Plants like moist soil. Do not let the soil get that fungus or powdery mildew. Take care of them. This is the most important phase for the seedlings. They have to grow strong and healthy. Keep an eye on them. 

When they have grown to at least five to six inches, and have leafed out, you could transplant them into bigger pots. However, be careful because most plants do not like their roots to be disturbed. If you do transplant, be very gentle. If you want to give them an extra boost of magical energy, you could hang a clear quartz or moss agate crystal above the plants, or put the crystals into the soil. Be sure not to crowd the plant or hurt the roots. Keep the crystal a few inches from the plants. 

If you wish to fertilize your herb seedlings, do research first on when and how much. Do not add too much fertilizer when they are in their early phases of growing. If you boil eggs, save the water you use to boil the eggs in and add that to your plants. Fill a jug with water. Wait until the full moon phase and leave the jug where it can absorb the full moon energy. Next morning, add that to your plants. Leave the jug in the sun to grab some magical solar energy. Save your rain water. Leave a clear quartz crystal in the jug. Just make sure you do not lose the crystal! 

Here is another magical boost for your plants tip! Stand next to your beautiful magical herb plant pots. Hold your hands around the pot/s, soften your gaze and concentrate. Send them positive energy and welcome the seedlings to your plant family. Breath on them – our breath is sacred! Imagine a white shower of your magical energy is radiating to the plants from your hands to the plants. Yes, the plants do sense this. They will grow better! 

Before you know it, spring will arrive and you will be transplanting them outdoors! Be sure all chances of frost are passed first. 

I want to grow herbs on my boyfriend’s deck. He doesn’t mind. The plants do get sun, but I plan to grow herbs that would grow in shade. I want to grow chamomile in my mother’s garden. Her garden is a full sun garden. I want to grow herbs in pots, but the pots can’t take up all the room on the deck. The herbs I want to grow in pots on the deck are: apple mint, (love it), basil, purple basil, sage (maybe clary sage!), chives, parsley and nasturtiums. I want to grow the following herbs to attract bees to my flowers and herbs for pollination: lavender, lemon balm, Johnny-jump-ups, pansies and calendula. Those flowers and herbs are sure to attract bees and other eager little pollinators. I may add gemstones such as clear quartz and moss agate, maybe a fairy statue or other knick-knacks. I cannot wait! 

I hope that this post inspires you to start your herb seedlings! The next turn in the Wheel of the Year is Ostara! I am as excited as you for spring to return. Blessings

 

Spiderwitch

 

 

 

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The Mourning Tide Update

Merry meet all,

I am so thrilled that Twisted Dreams Press is publishing my novel, The Mourning Tide, in October. October is already my most fave magical month of the year and now I have one more reason to love that magical month of death made beautiful.

I came up with the idea for the novel via a flash of inspiration years ago. I’m so happy it’s being published now. I could not get an agent for the book, but it is still being published and I am over the moon happy. Twisted Dreams Press is an indie publisher. 

Everyone loves a good ghost story. My novel The Mourning Tide rejects all tropes and exhausted expectations and old ideas of ghost stories. Yes ok the idea of a woman all alone in a haunted house has probably been done before. In my story, Rosemary Bell has to heal her own broken, grieving heart while dodging danger and a creepy house that disturbs and unsettles the reader. I created a ghost trapped in his own cursed darkness, and may enslave a hapless soul or two into the ghost’s seaweed mired darkness for eternity. That and a town that tries its very best to reject a dark, cursed secret they will do anything to keep hidden. They ostracize anyone steers from their oppresive sense of normal. That outcast happens to be Rosemary. It’s Jonathan Fraser, the ghost who motivates Rosemary to save him and heal her own heart. 

Haunted Woods in the bog – Pleasant Bay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The small town of Windswept Bay, (town name changed for the story), is a character of the story on its own. The icy ocean waves, creaking trees, haunted woods and the endless misty fog may give an unwary reader the chills. I love my story and I hope new readers will love it too. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The story is based on an actual historical event that happened decades ago yet has left a lasting impact on the residents of the town of Pleasant Bay. Two campers forgot to put out their campfire. Since Pleasant Bay has a milion trees and it was hot summer, the fire spread like crazy. A young woman did drown in her efforts to escape the fire. I researched that in the Nova Scotia Public Archives. Pleasant Bay is the town I used for the story. It’s stunningly beautiful there. My grandfather was born there, Alfred Timmons, and the two room schoolhouse that my mother attended when she was young is still there. The village has never changed, it’s as if time stands still. There is a Buddhist colony there, but I love the wild, untamed beauty of the cliffs, trees and the restless ocean. It’s paradise for sure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope to visit Pleasant Bay soon, maybe in late spring. That will really help me perhaps get inspired to write a new horror story. I haven’t been there in years and I do look forward to visiting there again. Pleasant Bay is 450 kilometres from Halifax. But the long drive is sure worth it. Moose, eagles, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, bears, rabbits, and pheasants roam there freely. The nature and wildlife are sure to capture your imagination. I very much look forward to editing my novel with the team at Twisted Dreams Press! I can’t wait to hold the author copy in my hands. It’s been ten years in the creation of this story. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just wish my grandparents were still alive to see the book and hold it in their hands. Maybe they are watching over me and are proud of me. I certainly hope so. I’m dedicating the book to them. The photos that you see in this post were taken in Pleasant Bay. For me, the most worrisome part of visiting there is not the blind spots on the winding road through the mountains, being swept out to sea, being attacked by a bear or eaten alive by mosquitoes- it’s the moose. They are very imposing and huge and smelly and just … huge… especially the bull moose, who climb over a guardrail as if it is not even there, roam the woods and roads at night and could kill you if they wanted to. 

Blessed Be, Spiderwitch

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Herbs of Imbolc

Merry meet all,

Imbolc is upon us! We can all take heart that the first of the three spring Sabbats has arrived. Today’s post is all about herbs of Imbolc. Imbolc is the midpoint between winter and spring. Imbolc honors the spring Goddess Brigid. Herbs can be celebrated during this season, especially herbs that correspond to purity, fertility and the transition from winter to spring. 

“In between the middle of the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox lies the Celtic festival of Imbolc. Dating back to pre-Christian times, Imbolc celebrations revolved around the Goddess Brigid. Ancient Celtic mythology explains that she was born with a flame in her head and immediately drank the milk of a mystical cow upon birth, which is where her common symbols of a flame and dairy originated from. She also represents fertility, and many women would travel to her sacred wells (the most popular one in Kildare, Ireland) to drink their water in hopes of conceiving shortly after. During Imbolc celebrations, those celebrating would light bonfires and make dairy-rich meals in honor of Brigid. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, Imbolc coincides with Saint Brigid’s feast day. Historians have shown that when Christianity was spreading throughout Ireland, the church was having a difficult time convincing pagans to let go of their gods and goddesses. Thus, Brigid was “reborn” into Saint Brigid, and her representations (i.e., fertility, the flame, and dairy farmers) were kept the same.”  Credit given to https://www.herbstalk.org/blog/imbolc-traditions-rituals-and-herbs-for-the-pagan-holiday

Chamomile, lavender, rosemary, milk thistle, bay laurel and white heather are good choices. Let’s take a closer look at how they can be used and what they represent.

“Imbolc Herbs

1. Rosemary
Rosemary is a classic herb for purification and protection, making it perfect for Imbolc. As we move away from the cold, dark months of winter, rosemary can help cleanse your space and prepare it for the lighter days ahead.

Uses:

  • Burn rosemary as incense to cleanse your home or altar.
  • Add it to a ritual bath to purify your energy.
  • Place sprigs of rosemary around candles on your altar to invoke clarity and focus.

2. Lavender
Known for its calming and uplifting properties, lavender is an ideal herb for Imbolc rituals that center on healing and renewal. It helps open your heart and mind to new beginnings.

Uses:

  • Use lavender in sachets or charm bags for peace and relaxation.
  • Add dried lavender to your ritual fire or candle magick.
  • Brew lavender tea during your Imbolc feast to encourage tranquility and connection.

3. Chamomile
Chamomile embodies the sun’s gentle energy, making it a wonderful herb to symbolize the returning light of spring. It’s also known for luck and prosperity.

Uses:

  • Sprinkle chamomile petals on your altar as an offering to Brigid.
  • Use it in spells for abundance and success in the coming season.
  • Create a chamomile infusion to wash your ritual tools or cleanse your altar.

4. Angelica
Angelica is a powerful herb associated with protection, healing, and blessings. Its vibrant energy aligns perfectly with Imbolc’s themes of renewal and hope.

Uses:

  • Use angelica root in protective talismans or charm bags.
  • Scatter angelica around your home for blessings.
  • Add it to an anointing oil for Imbolc rituals.

5. Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are a versatile herb tied to wisdom, manifestation, and purification. They can help you set powerful intentions for the year ahead.

Uses:

  • Write your wishes for the year on bay leaves and burn them in your ritual fire.
  • Add bay leaves to a simmer pot for cleansing your home.
  • Place them under your pillow to inspire prophetic dreams during Imbolc.

6. White Heather
White heather represents new beginnings and protection, aligning beautifully with Imbolc’s energy of transformation.

Uses:

  • Use white heather in altar arrangements or wreaths.
  • Incorporate it into spells for hope and new opportunities.
  • Add dried heather to herbal incense blends for Imbolc rituals.

7. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is connected to healing and renewal, aligning with Brigid’s nurturing energy. Its connection to milk also ties it symbolically to Imbolc, which celebrates the lactation of ewes.

Uses:

  • Add milk thistle to offerings for Brigid.
  • Use it in rituals for physical and emotional healing.
  • Include it in a tea or tincture to nurture your body and spirit.

How to Incorporate Herbs into Your Imbolc Celebrations

1. Create an Imbolc Simmer Pot: Combine herbs like rosemary, chamomile, and bay leaves with cinnamon sticks and orange peels. Simmer them on your stove to fill your home with cleansing and uplifting energy.

2. Herbal Sachets: Fill small bags with dried herbs like lavender, rosemary, and chamomile. Carry them for protection, peace, or renewal throughout the season.

3. Herbal Offerings: Place dried herbs on your altar or around Brigid’s effigy to honor her and invoke her blessings.

4. Herbal Candles: Roll candles in herbal blends before lighting them for your rituals.

Imbolc is a time to reconnect with the cycles of nature and prepare for the growth and abundance of spring. By working with these magical herbs, you can enhance your rituals and deepen your connection to this sacred sabbat. Blessed Imbolc and bright blessings! “

Credit to https://www.moonfallmetaphysical.com/s/stories/imbolc-herbs?srsltid=AfmBOoqzfwE0vQxPfK7eE1t-A3yK4u1g97bLTOzZYsHL2-6OOoNcj4tc

 

Ginger root is suitable for Imbolc. Imbolc is a fire festival and ginger is a fiery root. I want to include a few crystals that correspond to Imbolc as well. Blue lace agate, clear quartz crystal, selenite, snowflake obsidian, rose quartz, lepidolite, carnelian and amethyst would be perfect on your altar. This could be a good time to refresh and declutter your altar (I know I need to). Use the above herbs and gemstones for an extra magical boost to your magick! Be sure to include a Brigid’s cross. 

Happy Imbolc!

Blessings, Spiderwitch 

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Creative in Crime

Merry meet all,

I know it seems the world has gone crazy right now. I just try my best to focus on the positive, or, should I say – paws-itive? Yes, I am referring to my adorable cat with a unrivaled penchant for mischief. She is so cute. She fills me with love. That is something that the world needs way more of right now, peace and love. It is out there. 

Today’s post will be on a very different topic than my other previous posts. Make yourself a coffee and keep reading! 

I changed my mind about writing the Ed gein book. I am at the very least postponing it. Instead, I’m focusing on other projects. I need to know there is a big advantage for me to go to all that trouble, in other words, I want to know for sure I would make enough profit to have justified going to all that work. I have to finish editing Born of Venom, continue with my herbalism studies, perhaps write another horror novel. When I am more established as a writer, then I will consider writing the Gein book. But for now. I am focusing on other projects. 

I enjoy writing nonfiction. It is in many ways much easier than writing fiction. Believe me, it’s true. Or at least, that is true for me. Bring the nightmares on! 

In other news, I am waiting for the renaissance sewing pattern to arrive via owl mail. I have a pattern, but it is the wrong size. I can’t wait to start sewing! I have the fabric for the peasant blouse and skirt, new cream-colored and brown bias tape, interfacing, ribbons for the bodice, lining material for the vest, threads and all my sewing tools. All I need is the pattern. I also want to get d-rings instead of setting in the eyelets the traditional way. I prefer using the d-rings because they are much easier. I have all that lace. I am sure I can make the outfit look beautiful. I can’t wait to sew it! I also want to wear the vest and the blouse with other outfits. I plan to sew the overskirt and add the lace to the whole overskirt. That will look amazing!

My first pattern I made from the Renaissance pattern

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found a bodice that I sewed from the original sewing pattern. It is worn out and old. I will toss it soon. It’s shown me how much I have improved in my sewing since sewing that bodice. I may or may not add boning to the bodice. I really could do without it. The bodices that I checked online at Holyclothing do not have boning. I want to feel comfortable in it, not gasping for air. Lol. The boning does give the bodice a shape and a structure. I will know how it wil go later. 

Sewing carefuly and slowly, and paying attention to all the details pays off, resulting in a beautiful garment. I also feel the same way about writing and revising. With hard work and attention, everything falls into place. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch

 

 

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Sewing Patterns Mayhem )O(

Merry meet all,

Imbolc is almost here! I have had a huge creativity streak lately. I usually feel exceptionally creative when Imbolc rolls around. Imbolc is the first of the three spring Sabbats. I am very relieved. That brings us all closer to spring, for those who live in the Northern hemipshere. 

I sewed myself a blue skirt the other day. The project took two days to complete. The challenge was sewing the yoke to the skirt.

 

My new homemade blue skirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a new sewing project in mind. I bought a few meters of beige cotton knit fabric that I originally intended to use for the nightgown. It was too heavy for a nightgown. I still have the fabric. Then inspiration struck! I now intend to sew myself a Renaissance outfit. I have a sewing pattern for it, but the pattern is not in the right size. I’m ordering the pattern in the right size. Once I have the pattern, then I can sew the garment. The pattern is shown in the photo below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I decided against sewing a dress from the beige knit fabric. They require such precision and a million fittings. A peasant blouse is so easy to sew. For once, I think I will choose sewing something easy instead of complex. 

The garment will consist of a beige cotton knit peasant blouse and a skirt, a bodice and an overskirt. I have a long brown cotton skirt that I made from the original pattern. That would look good with the pattern. I already have fabric and brown thread for the bodice. I found the brown velveteen fabric in my fabric stash. I bought a meter of brown cotton for the lining and I found interfacing in my stash. I just need several d-rings ( my skills at inserting eyelets leaves much to be desired). I want to add the peplum to the bodice as well as embroidered trim. I bought plenty of brown ribbon to lace up the bodice. I am glad that this project is not costing me a lot of money. I already own most of the supplies I need. I do have to buy dark blue bias tape for the bodice. I love Fabricville, but I love the trims and ribbons on Etsy. I noticed that in the largest photo on the front of the sewing pattern shows the model wearing a bias tape that is a darker color, so I want to do the same. The dark blue color brings out the pink color of the bodice. The variety and quality is much better on Etsy. 

I bought a few meters of beautiful cream white organdy lace on Etsy. I have yet to decide how I will use it with the blouse and skirt. I am sure I can figure it out. I do believe that the outit will look amazing! I’m relieved that I thought of ways to use up the fabric that just sat in my stash. I have so much beige fabric that I could sew the overskirt and skirt from the same fabric. Or I could make the overskirt brown too. It could go either way. I’m happy to get the pattern in my size because figuring out how to grade the original pattern would have been such a headache. I am not that skilled! The pattern was hard to find in the sizes I wanted. I may sew the lace to the overskirt and to the sleeve hems! That would look romantic and a great way to use up the lace. 

The lace organdy fabric

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beige and browns are earthy colors. I have all of the remaining winter and spring to work on it. Maybe I will try learning a new skill such as machine embroidery! I have to practice before I would consider doing machine embroidery on the brown velvet. Sewing a trim to fabric is easier. That would look great though. Winter is a season to turn inward and be reflective and spring is the wild, untamed transition of new life and birth. I still see earthy browns and beiges as pertaining to spring. The mud is softer and tiny buds emerge from the soil. I ordered a nice brown embroidered trim from Etsy. I can’t wait for it to arrive. 

I sewed a mock up of the bodice pattern. I am glad I did as I could determine how much fabric I really needed to make the bodice. The brown velveteen fabric is lovely. I cut out the material last night very carefully. Now sewing the bodice will be much easier. I sewed the overskirt too. I wore the long brown skirt, the overskirt and the beige peasant blouse to the Imbolc Ritual. I had no time to sew the bodice. But now I have lots of time.

I was fortunate to have lots of elastic for the sewing project. I made an elastic casing at the neckline, sleeves and the bodice hem. I sewed an elastic casing for the overskirt. I chose it that way because the ribbon was lost in the casing. I find elastic easier to work with. The fabric for the overskirt was very slippery. I sewed in a zigzag stitch for the hem of the overskirt. I also changed the length of the hem for the brown skirt. I still tripped in it. I felt so feminine when I wore it and I recieved lots of compliments. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sewing the bodice was more work than I anticipated. I am glad I made the mockup. I knew how much material to add to the pattern. I cut out the brown bodice fabric, first checking that I was cutting on the grain. The outer material of the bodice is brown velveteen. The lining is a brown broadcloth cotton. I set them aside. When I was ready to work on it, I moved on to the next step – adding the interfacing. That was a royal headache. I even cut out a second front bodice section. I had trouble deciding if I wanted the main bodice section to have the dart sewn in, or if I would add that to the extra material in the bodice. I decided to go with sewing the darts in the main bodice front section. The interfacing was a royal headache. Once I had the right sections interfaced – and that was a headache in itself, I set it all aside again. When I was again ready to sew again, I pulled it out. I set up my sewing machine  and all my tools. I had to stitch carefully. I did not want to mess up the bodice. It is harder to correct when working with velveteen. I stitched the front and back corset sections together. I trimmed the interfacing to help conceal it. I sewed the lining to the bodice. I sewed it all carefully and slowly. I feel I have more control over it all that way. 

Sewing the bias tape to conceal the raw edges was also a headache. The bias tape wanted to roll out. I also had to seam rip the bias tape and bodice fabric to reduce the bulk. It looked better when that was done. I snipped all the stray threads. There were many times during the course of sewing the bodice that I wanted to scream from the hilltops. I matched the seams of the front center bodice sections together. The front center sections of the bodice met evenly once the bulky seams were trimmed. I am very handy with a seam ripper. Then the next step that I dreaded was installing the grommets. That almost gave me a stomach ache. Okay I had originally purchased d rings to use for the lacing, but I decided to master a new skill and try my hand at setting in the grommets. I had survived interfacing, sewing the bodice sections together, and endured sewing on the bias tape – I could survive this. 

I bought black grommets in a little kit. I practiced hammering in the grommets on spare fabric. When I was confident I could do it on the bodice, I gathered an awl, a screwdriver, a seam ripper, scissors and the kit. I marked where I wanted the grommets to be set in. This is why it is good to not skip the step of adding the interfacing. The fabric is strengthened by the interfacing. It also means it is harder to poke an awl through the fabric. I poked twice with the awl, then the screwdriver to enlarge the hole I created. I twisted the screwdriver in the hole a few times. I used a seam ripper to help tear the hole a little larger – but not too much. I want the grommets to crimp or ‘eat’ the fabric, but not make too big of a hole. Then I set in the larger grommet piece. I had to set ten pieces in. Okay once the grommet piece was snug in the hole- pushed in from the right side of the fabric, then I set the other piece from the wrong side. I pushed them together (not hard), to make them meet. I set the fabric down on the cutting board, face down and I positioned the tiny hammer tool on the grommet, and hammered the grommet into the fabric. I was amazed that I did it right. I did it right nine more times. I also had to make sure the grommets were truly across from each other on the bodice sections. I hammered in the grommets so hard that the impressions of the grommets are left in the wood. The grommets stuck to the wood. I tugged firmly and gently and they released from the wood. The grommets were done right. I wanted to add a lovely brown and gold trim to the bodice. I pinned the trim onto the bodice and sewed slowly and carefully. I used that for the casing for the boning. I set in the grommets where the boning was supposed to go. I am not changing that. It is fine. It was so much work. It was all so much work. 

The reason why I have written so much here about the colors and textures of the fabric is because there are no guarantees at first when sewing. I want the fabrics, colors and textures to harmonize, synergize. It all has to blend and look great, not just hand sewn. I want it all to look store bought. That is how the pattern should look in the end. That means it depends on me to do my very best sewing. There is no room for error. The result is something I can be proud of. So I like to work out the details as I am sewing or before I even start sewing. I put a lot of thought into my sewing projects. Okay, okay, I am obsessive with my sewing projects. I have no idea what comes over me. I should get just as obsessive about my other creative projects, but that’s just me. Imagine what I could accomplish! ha ha. Perhaps I can wear the brown corset with my new blue skirt! 

In other news, I have renewed the contract with Baynam Books Press for The Cult of the Spider People. The edits are done and now I look forward to seeing the new version! The editor/ publisher Crystal Baynam is changing the front cover of my book. The Bone Chillers #1 will be removed. Ah well. The new version is much better edited. 

I ordered a sample of an aesthetic scrapbook sample in the mail. It is not what I thought. The blue book is so tiny. The stickers look great. I will use it in my brown hand bound poetry journal. 

I look foward to receiving the sewing pattern in the mail. Once I do, I shall post all about it here and I will post more about Imbolc too! Let me know more about your own creative endeavours in the comments! I look forward to it.

The Grand Reveal

Blessings, Spiderwitch

 

 

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A Victorian Nightgown

Merry meet all,

Today I want to share with you how I sewed a Victorian nightgown. 

I bought a pdf pattern from Stella Pattern on Etsy. I usually use a regular tissue pattern, but this time I bought a pdf pattern. I knew I could never get the pattern I wanted from McCalls or Vogue patterns, certainly not a Victorian nightgown pattern. I downloaded the files and read them carefully. I wish the seller told me how much fabric I required for the pattern. That would have been helpful. Here is the link for the pattern I bought on Etsy – 

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1831703923/victorian-nightgown-sewing-pattern?ref=yr_purchases

The construction of the Victorian nightgown had some unforeseen challenges.  I bought 4.5 meters of yellow eyelet cotton, 100% cotton, on sale. 

I downloaded a pattern size, which turned out to be the wrong size. I used size 14, when I should have used a 16 or 18. Our bodies change as we age. I needed to make adjustments to the pattern. The pattern consisted of two long front and back pieces, the neckline facing, sleeves and sleeve flounce and hem flounce. I cut out the pattern at the library and that was not a good thing. It was not till I did a fitting that I realized the body of the nightgown would be too tight on me. Okay I altered the armholes after checking that out in a vogue sewing book. I cut into the armhole seam, basted the sleeve in and then basted the sleeve in twice, and then decided how much more I needed to cut into the armholes. I did not trim the seam, but I did cut into the seam and clipped the seam to make the armhole have more room to fit my arm. That would make the whole nightgown more roomy and comfortable for me, which a nightgown should be. I may need to alter the neckline facing. 

I cut out the flounce for the sleeves twice. The second time I cut out the sleeve flounce correctly. The pattern says to cut out on a fold. I am so happy that I cut it out again -which is why it is a good idea to always have more fabric. It is easier to make something larger, rather than smaller. The sleeve flounce needs to have that fullness. 

So once that was done, and I was happy with how the nightgown felt on me, I permanently set in the sleeves. When you are constructing the nightgown or any other sewing project, that is the best time to make the alterations. Not when you are done sewing, because you are not truly done. I got distracted when I cut out the front and back pattern pieces, and ended up having to sew the front piece center section together, which was supposed to open on a fold. Oops! I made a very slim seam allowance and with the arms not fitting earlier, I was glad I did. That meant more room for me. 

The fabric is very delicate. I stitched slowly and carefully. I know sewing machines can sew fast, but I chose sewing carefully. The end result is the nightgown looks great. 

I decided that the best way for me to know the front from the back was the slim seam allowance in the center front pattern piece. The back center section has a slightly wider seam allowance. 

I sewed the neckline facing, and I set in the sleeves and I sewed the flounce. The flounce intimidated me. I had to figure out how to sew the two big sections together. There was a front and a back, but by the time I figured out how to sew the front and back together, and stay stitch and hem the flounce,  I could no longer figure out back from front. I pinned the flounce right sides together. I stitched the flounce to the nightgown hem and pressed it. I clipped the seam allowance, pressed the seam allowance and checked the flounce and the hem. There were two spots where the fabric was caught in the flounce or a hole in the seam, but I quickly fixed those issues. 

The eyelet cotton was very easy to work with. I stitched a zigzag stitch into the center back seam allowances and the arm and arm flounce pieces. The eyelet cotton  material is very light and delicate. I did not want it to fray or unravel. I did my best to whip stitch the seam allowance for the arms. The zig zag stitch was a huge challenge, because the seam allowances are narrow and the fabric is fragile, but I managed. I snipped the stray threads.

Next, I want to line the nightgown. I have to mimic the nightgown pattern, but I will manage. I always wash the fabric first to eliminate the formaldehyde preservatives the stores use on the fabric to extend the fabric shelf life in the store. I will then cut out the pattern, except I am not making another flounce, neckline stitch or sleeves. I just don’t want the nightgown to be so see through. 

I bought white thread to correspond with the white lining material, which I also bought on sale at Fabricville. The eyelet cotton was 66.67% off, so instead of paying $90 for the fabric (unreal!), I paid $40. That and the threads and the lining material, this took 3 days to sew and cost me $50! It is sewn correctly and neatly and will always just fit me. The zig zag stitch ensures it won’t unravel or fray too much. I set in the sleeves three times before I was happy with the fit. 

I washed and dried the fabric. They put formaldehyde in the fabric to give it a longer shelf life in the fabric store. Now I just have to make sure the fabric is on the grain and start cutting! 

Once I am done sewing the lining together, I have to sew it to the nightgown. The pattern is always sewn right sides together. I have two meters of fabric, so the lining will be easy to do. I just have to keep in mind the alteration I did to the nightgown and do that to the lining or just add an extra inch to the whole pattern. I am sure it will be lovely. 

Today I tried – tried being the key word there, to make a lining. I seam ripped the neckline facing. I sewed the neckline again and this time I did it correctly. The nightgown is now done. I will check tomorrow for any small touch ups that need to be done, but it is complete and correct. I think the victorian nightgown looks great. It fits true to me. It is just beautiful.  

Does this inspire you to sew your own nightgown? I hope so.

Blessings, Spiderwitch )O(

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My Monograph Project

Merry meet all,

I recently completed my Advanced Monograh Project. I’m so happy it’s done. It was a lot of work. Today’s post will focus on how I compiled all the monograohs into one document. 

First off, I had to write the mongraphs. I did research various books about the herbs. It was fascinating. I researched the modern day herbal books and the more classical books. I put each monograph into its own document and then something happened. I became inspired! I wanted to compose a book of my monographs and borrow the artsy style of the Herbal Academy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That changed everything. For the front cover, I found an older print of dandelions and scanned it in color, then I printed it out and mounted it on a piece of parchment paper. It looked beautiful! I added the words Monograph Project to the page and played around with the fonts. I included the page about identifying the shapes of leaves and flowers to the book, my list of local native plants I identified on the nature trail, a table of contents and a small introduction. 

I added an old in color monograph print of the herb to each monograph. I used Helvetica font for the title for each monograph. Getting Microsoft word to do what I wanted it to do was much easier said than done. The fonts, the font size and the spacing did not have any interest in doing what I wanted it to do. The headings were a whole other monster. When I was finished writing each monograph, I compiled it all into one big document. 

I decided on making the headings such as taste and energetics, uses, safety and dosage into a larger font than the text about the herbs. The monographs were written in 11 size font. I decided that would be too hard for my eyes. I changed the font to size 12 for all the text. Okay I changed the fonts to size 12 about twenty times. I printed the document out in black and white, then I proofread the entire collection. 

I found herbal clip art and printed them out in color, thyme, dandelions and rose leaf clip art. I glued them to the pages of the monographs when it was printed out in color. I even learned how to adjust the size of the clip art and insert it into the footer. I changed my mind several times of where to place the page numbers. I ensured the headings, the spacing for the headings and that the headings were all consistent, the pagination was consistent, and the sizes of the font were all consistent. Again, easier said than done, but I managed. Then once the proofreading was finished, I finally printed the document in color. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The result? It was amazing. I am so happy with it. I bound the book at Staples. The pdf is stored on my desktop and the monographs are all stored in the Advanced Monograph folder if I ever feel like adding more information to the individual monographs.  

I learned a lot from completing the project that I thought I could never finish. I did and I feel so good about it. My new project is sewing myself a nightgown. It has its challenges. 

The next turn in the Wheel of the Year is Imbolc! Finally! Imbolc is the first Sabbat and heralds the arrival of an early spring. I love Imbolc. I shall post more about it as we get closer to Imbolc. 

Blessings, Spiderwitch

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