Autumn Equinox 2015

The need to pause, reflect and give thanks has always been important to me. Taking time each quarter of the year for ritual or ceremony has been a major part of my life for many years. Time seems to whirl by and  my mind chatter often repeats not enough not enough you need to .........  and the list is endless not only from my own life but what the over culture seems to add we must do. 

I have always been an observer of nature and love to watch the wheel of the year turn and see the changes each season brings. They follow unseen  signals and signs and provide such different beauty with each season.  

I find it not only comforting to pause and celebrate at  the beginning of each season but also take the time to plan,give thanks and bring all of my scattered parts back together to move forward. What needs mending, what need renewal, what needs putting away.

 I have been given the opportunity to share my Autumn Equinox Ceremony with you  at The Crystal Voyage in Tacoma WA. If you happen to be in the area the details are below

Autumn Equinox Celebration & Ceremony 2015

 At Crystal Voyage

  Thursday September 24^th, 2015          6 to 8pm

 It’s time to clean out, clear away and give thanks for your summer’s bountiful harvest. As well it is time to bring you back in to balance as the days and nights exchange places and prepare for the going with as we enter the colorful time of autumn.

Peg and Gwen Gyldenege invite you to join us this delightful journey of self exploration and celebration o  one of the four seasons.  For the past 37 years they have been learning, communicating and creating a bridge of spiritual guidance with members of the third kingdom this includes, Faeries or Sylphs, Undines, Salamanders, & the Gnomes, Elves and Dragons on the land they call the Misty Valley. The time has come to share these ceremonies with the world and bring together those who share the dream of making our part of the world a better place.

Join us for an Autumn Equinox Ceremony with the Fae, nature spirits and devas and other entities from the third kingdom.  We will begin with a guided Meditation and end our evening with an earth weaving.

 Please bring the following items

1.       Bring a small vial of earth from your favorite place for our earth weaving

1 oz is great.  A small container with a lid ( such as a pill bottle or small jar) will be just right as You will be taking home your portion of mixed and blessed earth

2.      An item to give away from your own 2015’s summer’s harvest.

What did you set your intentions on this summer? Was it your garden, or creating art or collecting seashells? This is a small gesture to show gratitude and share your creation with someone else and must be a tangible item

3.      Your favorite rock or crystal to reenergize on our Autumn Equinox Altar

We will have autumn equinox altar will be set up with a space for your own items to help assist and absorb the energies at this special quarter of the year

4.      Bring a sheet of paper listing 3 things you are grateful for from this summer season.

We will be sharing these to help build and strengthen our energies with the help of our third kingdom co-creators. 

Cost is $30.00 per person

Inviting the Fae into your life and Home

 As you may or may not know I am a natural clairvoyant, healer and shaman. I have been studying and working in the  metaphysical world for over 35 years. I recently opened my practice to the public and combined with my art work as well as many other faceted of my life have stepped out into the world to  spend the years I have remaining making the world a little better than I found it. I have a private online Faerie group where we explore and share encounters and ideas as well as celebrate in ceremony the four seasons and equinox ans solstice points of each calendar year.

 Here is a question I received recently,

I may have asked this before but are faeries really afraid of iron?? I'm making a inside faery garden and the room I may have to keep it in has iron things in it! Stuff of my husband's like weights and things so I can't get rid of it lol 😑

The question has been raised several times about the Fae and iron. In my experience there are no issues. Think about it for a moment iron is an element of the earth and the gnomes and elves who work with metals, stones and minerals encounter it and create with it.

 According to many old Faeires tales faeries stayed away from iron as it was toxic to them. Some of this knowledge or information started during the Iron Age as the earth was rapidly changing in ways we hunted and built things. Much of nature was destroyed and cleared out to make way for “progress”. The small tribes of people who relied on stone and wood to hunt and protect them were suddenly wiped out as the tools were no match for the new metals. There became a great fear of iron as it ended life quickly and suddenly.

 Faeries are in partnership with nature and green and growing things and have watched many many places wiped out and modernized or simply destroyed for greed or human foolishness.

 The Fae went into seclusion and left their legacy mostly to stories and tales shred around the fire late at night. But some people began to take notice and see how all is connected and our natural world   needs us to actively protect and admire as well as been a part of it.  The shifts in energy and recent ( and I mean in the last 40 years) have brought about a coming together of humans and the Fae working together in a partnership to balance out this world..

 So to answer your question your husband’s weight lifting equipment will not prevent your connection or honoring place for the Faeries. Your intent and desired to connect and be a part of the Faerie connection is the most important part of your setting up a Faerie Altar.

 And like many of us certain things are not healthy for us and cause allergic reactions. You may encounter some Fae who feel that way about iron. But they know and understand such matters and will stay away from them. Think of it as if you were allergic to eating apples but you loved seeing orchards of apple trees. You could still go and admire smell and enjoy the orchard but you knew not to eat the apple.

 Stop worrying about rules and am I doing this the right way. Open your heart and mind and simply believe in the Fae and the doorways will open. Give thanks for the tiny miracles we are shown each and every day , sunrise a child’s laughter, flowers in bloom, dandelion seed heads… and clean up trash, respect Mother Earth as bit by bit you make the world a better place

. Peg 2015

Peg's #The HundredDayProject

  Some of you may have noticed my plethora  of pencil drawings in the past few months. This has been a very delightful blooming for me as well as a great exercise in letting go and moving forward instead of dithering in that lost place of perfection and the shame of not good enough. I began this project with a cataclysmic upheaval in our home and 6 months so far of indoor camping. But that my dears is another story.




In the beginning I started this late in the evening as a way to bring order and calmness to my mind and let my creative urges out each day. I must create or complete things daily or I find myself  in a jumble and cranky. Not the way I like to be in the world. I have so many ideas and thoughts that bang about in my cranium begging for release and they will not let me be until I at least begin to bring them from my daydreams into life in what ever form they happen to take. I am sure many of you can relate. I set up rules in the beginning to do a Faerie tale related pencil sketch not a finished piece but a jumping off point for later creations. and I gave myself 30 minutes. No dilly dallying about not over working and NO CHICKENING OUT! what I drew is what goes out to be posted on Instagram.

An old dear friend who I haven't seen in many years popped up on Facebook not long ago and we have been reconnecting. She is one of those wonderful &  rare people you have in your life that it seems no time has passed since you last connected. She inquired about the drawings and here is my answer to her which prompted this post



 I happened upon the 100 day project idea in April. I always loved drawing. Been seeing Faeries since I can remember and started sketching them. Took oil painting and water color classes love them enter a few shows and got totally squashed. Didn't understand it doesn't matter if one or two judged don't accept your work. 
In despair and shame I Put things away for me but taught my kids and others the joy of creating art.

 I moved into many other kinds of art and kept buying paper and pencils stashing them away and they giving them to different artists struggling with how to expressing their own voice. Took a metal smithing class on using colored pencils on copper and felt like I came home. 

The 100 day project was to commit to doing art everyday for 100 days then post it on Instagram using the hashtags #TheHUNDREDDAYPROJECT my title #30minutefaerietalesketches. and my instagram name #wildhairqueen     
So I started, I do one each night before going to bed I have filled 5 notebooks so far and learned so much about pencils and my self. You can see all of them on Instagram and follow me as wildhairqueen. Ps call me anything you like

Unexpected lessons

A little  Mother’s Day tribute to unexpected lessons in mothering.

I don’t like mother’s day my life was not hallmark approved no matter how hard I tried to make it so.

So at a young age I picked myself up learned a trade and left to discover the world. It has been quite a ride and along my way I have encountered some wonderful women who taught me many many things.

 I awoke this morning with three who are embedded deeply in my heart and gave me unconditional friendship and encouragement as well as laughing till you wet your pants fun. I met them all because of art .We connected in painting classes and became an odd foursome with super powers meeting each Tuesday for about 10 years

 They were all in their 70’s and I in my late 30’s. 

Alice began her artful pursuits a 60 after her husband’s death including learning to drive, becoming a metalsmith and lapidary as well as creating from ground zero 200 porcelain dolls in every conceivable form.

Tony not only raised her own 5 kids but fostered many others while creating thousands of miniature figurines to sell each week at the local swap meet so she could continue to help neighbor kids in need.

Ruthie was such a gentle soul with a wicked sense of humor. She held a full time job for 40 years and quietly helped bolster everyone around her encouraging helping and loving unconditionally everyone she encountered. All of these women were pioneers and took on tasked “women weren’t welcome”.

One played poker in downtown Seattle card rooms and made enough money each week to feed her family during the great depression. One helped dear Japanese secret friends during World War 2 and traveled to Puyallup internment camps to bring much needed unavailable supplies that could be smuggled thru the fence.

 They were adventures and willing to go on Peg adventures when I was possessed by one of my “Wild hairs”. We once drove to Canada on a day trip to check out a bead store & handmade paper store. Left early morning car supplied with thermoses of hot coffee and fresh muffins spending the next 10 hours having fascinating  conversations and learning about the amazing lives of these 3 women. As well a flash and dash of artful shopping.

 They became family and patrons of my art. They pitched in to help me buy a kiln which was entirely out of my budget at the time. One even gave me her enameling kiln when she was preparing to pass on. We learned to fuse glass, create with seed beads, and create in precious metals, watercolor, torch enamel and more. They encouraged me on days I could not get past my lack of self worth. Then cheered me on gave advice in ways that helped me grow, they laughed about sex and how important is it to be yourself at all costs.

 I mourned each of their deaths and yet knew they are always in my heart and part of my soul. But today I thank them for added the mothering I so needed as well as the lovely glow of friendship and love of creative work between friends.

December's Full Moon & a Fragrant Recipe

I always like to experience something new on the Full moon each month and as this is the final moon for the year 2014 and winter is soon upon us bringing different changes and challeneges to our daily life I thought I would offer up this excellent scentful recipe.

 According to my research there were 4 or 5 (depending on the source info on the net )Thieves who decided they would help themselves to other peoples belongings at the height of the "plague" This group of essential oils was mixed then diluted in  a base oil for them to apply to their bodies and it prevented them from catching the big bad plague germs.

 There was also an added bonus to this mixture it smells divine. I found the recipe at Mountain Rose"s blog. In case you are not aware they have a amazing collection of herbs,spices essential oils and more in a wonderful online store and you can purchase the EO's to create your own 4 Thieves oil blend to help clean , heal and brighten up your home.

 This is directly from their blog and here is the store address
https://www.mountainroseherbs.com

• 40 drops organic Clove Bud essential oil
• 35 drops organic Lemon essential oil
• 20 drops organic Cinnamon Bark essential oil
• 15 drops organic Eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops organic Rosemary essential oil

Mix all essential oils together in a dark glass bottle.

Applications

This essential oil blend is very strong and must be diluted!  The essential oil content should only account for 1 to 2% of the total formula. This means that up to 6-12 drops of essential oil can be added per 1 oz of carrier oil or other menstruum.  For more information about diluting essential oils, please refer to our Dilutions & Conversions Guide

There are many ways that you can use the blend, here are some of the most common applications:

– To sanitize and purify the air in your home or workplace, place 2-3 drops of the essential oil blend in a diffuser, nebulizer, or in a pot of simmering water on the stove.  Diffuse for approximately 20-30 minutes.  This is especially beneficial if someone in your home or workplace is sick.

– Make an antibacterial all-purpose spray for cleaning and disinfecting your home or workplace.  This is perfect for office spaces and shared areas! Fill a spray bottle with water and add the essential oil blend at a 1-2 % dilution rate.  Spray on counter tops, desks, and on other surfaces.  Make sure to shake before using as the oil and water will naturally separate.

– Use a 1-2% dilution rate of the essential oil blend in a base of water or alcohol, and spray onto insect bites, poison oak, and poison ivy rashes to help reduce inflammation, itching, and irritation.

– Mix the essential oil blend at a 1-2% dilution rate with organic Jojoba or Olive oil.  Use as a massage oil for sore muscles, the lower back, neck, and feet.  It can also be dabbed on skin throughout the day for general cold and flu prevention and immune support.

– When congested, mix a 1-2% dilution rate of the essential oil blend with organic Jojoba or Olive oil, and rub under the nose or on the chest. Or, place 1-2 drops in a bowl of hot, steaming water and inhale the vapors under a towel to relieve congestion.

You can also make your own thieves hand soap or an infused vinegar! 

Happy Full Moon

Peg

Working with Pendulums

 Using your own Magical tools are important they need not be expensive or trendy, but they must make your heart and soul feel as a unit working toward your goal.

Being and feeling comfortable with your self is the most important and the fact that this is your time to interact with the Universe, God, Goddess, Great Spirit whoever you are in tune with. Your open heart and willingness to do the spiritual work at hand is all that is required. All the rest is window dressing. My rituals are meant to bring you closer to your guides, teachers and faerie beings in order to help you move along your path experiencing, living and enjoying this life you have right here right now. The Fae have brought me great joy and connection to Mother Earth and my ability to do my work  with helping, healing ,blessing, passing on messages and more to my fellow travelers.

I have spent countless hours reading hundreds of books, in class, in ritual, in practice, with many different spiritual practices and dogmas. I am writing a series of blogs in how to work with some simple tools to help guide you in making decisions.

 .  

A basic pendulum is defined as 

:  a body suspended from a fixed point so as to swing freely to and fro under the action of gravity and commonly used to regulate movements (as of clockwork)

This was one of my first, cherry word from pruning.eye screw and twine. I carried in my pocket and asked many many questions in learning what,where,how and why I liked it as a tool and what were the best ways to use it on a daily basis. Somethings I learned the hard way and in the process learned to try myself.

•  Made a simple chart with Yes written on one side and No on the other.
•  Hold the pendulum in your dominant hand between your thumb and first finger while resting your elbow on the table to remain steady.
•  Hold it over yes and ask show me your signal for Yes.
•  Make note is it going in a circle or is it moving back and forth or side to side? 
•  Then move over to the other side and ask the same of No.
• Practice is very important and do it as often as possible.
•  Pendulums are meant for questions asked with a yes or no answer. SIMPLE questions.
•  This is not a computer  and the answers you get  are based on the factors in place at moment and time of your inquiry.
•  Free will plays into long term questions and answers will vary according the all factors.
•  Practice is your friend and  the more comfortable you are the better.
•  Here are a couple of exercises to increase your skill make a more complex chart

Sometimes I get an answer I don't want so my rule is ask the same question 3 times.

 In this chart I added 2 extra sections

 Not Now means back off you are getting a head of your self and  so try asking again in a day or two 

 Hell No means ABORT Find a new way  but do not attempt to force your way into or through this. 

 This one I have pushed the envelope one too many times and ended up having to do more clean up than  had I simply listened to this advice.

 Being human means many of you will test this to the limit and I will add..... keep a roll of paper towels, moist wipes,aspirin and garbage bags in your car. you can thank me later.

When you bring in your daily mail turn the envelopes over before looking and use your pendulum to practice for accuracy. Is this a request for money?

Is this good news? Is this dumb junk?

Does this have a coupon for free Pizza?

 in pencil note your answer then see what your accuracy rate was.

 If you have know food allergies hold your pendulum over the allergy food and 

see what reaction you get?

 Is it yes or no or do you get entirely new formation shape?

 Try it  on products you use in your home. Most of all make it fun and enjoyable. I have owned several different pendulums in my life and they each produce different signals for Yes and No, I learned always to test then out when I use them especially when I haven't used it in a while. I have even had some that would not move for anything in my hands but did the huchi kuchi dance for someone else..

 Let me know how you are doing and send me photos of your pendulum 

 Cheers Peg

Faerie Pendulum adventures

As Autumn moves into winter I was reminded in my morning meditations of ways to physically see energy lines and changes in our little neck of the woods. The Fae use  doorways between the worlds. From our own homes and gardens as well as in our local parks, parking lots, bus stops and more. 

One way to see energy changes is by using a pendulum.  You can create a pendulum from anything. 

Here is one I created from pruning in my yard. 

Create a pendulum and hold it in your dominate hand. To begin rest your elbow on the table and ask it to show you the movement for Yes Make a note. Ask it to show you the movement for No. Make a note. 

To check for different energy signals around your home. Get centered and walk to different areas. Stand quietly and hold your pendulum out and see if it hangs limply, or moves. If you get movement note what kind. Circle, back and forth, wild gyrations???

Then try it out side. See how things vary and how does your body respond as well. Do you feel cold, hot, buzzy  or get a feeling in the pit of your stomach. If you feel wary or unsafe. Move on now. 

Let's take a week and observe and feel. Use a small notebook to track your progress. Then let's post and see how everyone is doing. and if you discovered the different energy places around you. Think of it as dowsing for water as they did in the old days.

 My readings were off the charts at this place, wild gyrations simple lazy circles and dead stop no movement. The dead stop made me feel not safe in the pit of my stomach and I quickly moved on, at another of these spots I did not listen and fell flat on my fanny a few steps away. Alright I growled I get it not the place for me.

 Some places wereeven soothing and I spent a wee bit of time soaking up the peacefulness. A couple made me giggle??

 Tell me about your experiences

May Poles and Celebrations

Celebrating May Day with the Fae

The dancing of the May Pole is a very very old pagan tradition and a way to celebrate Beltane. It is the celebration of the  fertility  and growth of this season, the lush greenery of the beginnings of gardens and growth as week as our days getting longer and our nights shorter. 

The May Pole dance was a way of bringing together new relationships and weaving wishes and hopes for the summer and beyond. 

The  chosen trees were honored and  the  tree spirit or Dryad was celebrated as a honored guest. 

Hawthorn trees play a magical role in May Day.  They are know as the heart tree.

They were traditionally protected as they were guardians to the doors of faerie kingdom. Their flowers and leaves were and still are used for healing and flavoring food and drink. 

Folks made wishes and tied ribbons on the branches to ensure their success in the summer season.  It is considered lucky to wear a small branch part pinned to your clothing on May Day. You must ask for a branch or collect it from a windfall as the Hawthorn tree is protected by the faerie folk and do not like those who are disrespectful. 

Spirals are also very important on May Day and marketing faerie wishes while walking or dancing in a spiral is a powerful and fun way to celebrate this magical time of year. Use to to bring new love or strengthen  and freshen the love you all ready have in your life. Nothing brings more inner peace and happiness than being grateful and joyful of all you are and the blessings  that fill your life.

So cut a dozen ribbons and make a wish for each 3 for your self,3 for the world, 3 for your family ( your blood or your chosen ) and 3 for the faeries.  Take your ribbons outside and tie them to the trees of your choice and dance or walk in a spiral as your make your wish and give thanks. 

A spiral show start in the middle and expand out just as your wish is expanding out into the world.. As you reach the end stamp your feet or clap and finish with Blessed Be!

 To celebrate  create small fresh flower crowns for your hair. Simple flowers and leaves woven together  in a circle are great. I have used old wire shaped in a circlet to fit my head and the woven and looped daisy mums from the grocery store and added leaves from my garden. Be creative. Or simply tuck a flower behind your ear. 

For your maypole  invite a few friends  or family over (even numbers please.)  make wishes and weave and dance the ribbons around  in a over under pattern tying off with another ribbon when you have reached the end.. I always like leaving tails to flutter in the wind. I leave my maypole up till June to remind me of my hopes and reams and blessings of this time of year.

I also add tiny bells to the ribbon tails at the top of the maypole to call to the faeries as they love the sound of tiny jingle bells

To create your own May Pole

Dowl rod 3/4" diameter  26" length

10 ribbons 3/4" nylon chiffon 2xlength of May pole

 Cut an even number for weaving 

I choose to cut 10

May pole basic assembly 

I am making a small MayPole for the Fae. I used a 3/4" diameter wooden dowel rod cut to 26" in length

3/4" nylock nut for the top of the pole to finish and hold the ribbons in place. 

I used 10  3/8" nylon chiffon ribbon. I choose rainbow or Chakra colors. You need an even number of ribbons. I cut them 2 times the length of the pole. Tied a knot at about 3/4 of the length this gives you a tassel for the top of the pole. 

Taper the dowel with a file or whittle a bit off with a sharp knife so  the nylock nut slides on easily. Feed the knot and tassel end of the ribbon thru the nut, then arrange the 10 ribbons evenly around the dowel before tightening down. 

3x2 Redoux

Hello Friends

I had the extreme pleasure and terror of creating a piece for the 3x2 project. It  is a collaboration of  metalsmiths and a glass bead artists to create a piece inspired by each others work.

 It is called 3x2 as each team creates 3 pieces of the same design. It began in November of last year when we all were paired up by names drawn out of a hat.

 I have had the delightful pleasure of working with the talented glass artist Leslie Goldstein from Olympia.

 These pieces will be on display for a very short time at Facere In Downtown Seattle. Our piece is the last piece on the bottom right.

   April 16- Opening and lecture at Facere -  4pm, and the Reception from 5-6:30PM   

   May 10  - The Show will be packed and mailed to England.

         - Fisherton Mill - Salisbury, England 

        Then on to

 Contemporary Craft Museum, Portland, Oregon  

Cheers Peg

Getting ready for FaerieConWest

Onward and forward. I have been working on many different projects getting ready for my visit to FaerieConWest Feb 21 thru 23,2014. If you are in Seattle Stop by for a time you will never forget. The conference is being held at the SEA/TAC DoubleTree Inn. And look for me in my Peg's  Wild Hair Studio Booth Check out the Gemstone FAerie wands!!!

 As you may or may not know I and a shaman and have been working in spiritual or "whoo-whoo" arenas for 37 years, I have been blessed with many wonderful teachers and learned so many things that help me do the  work this life has for me. I an a healer,teacher,artist and guide for those who have passed over as well as for those who are working out their own life's stories and mysteries.
 One area of which i have been abundantly been blessed in is seining and communicating with the Fae. It has taken me a long time to understand that not every could see what I see. That the world is filled with magic of the most simple everyday delights that we simply take for granted.
I met my husband when in a class of metaphysical nature and together we created a sanctuary and place of healing and ceremony. We have held,attended and led many many ceremonies and rituals, celebrating our journey in life,death and more.  This place I call Misty Valley  is home for many of the Fae and I have be blessed with the pleasure of not only seeing them but channeling their wisdom and knowledge.

For many years I keep this hidden and tried to ignore it and you can see how well that has worked. So in my own wisdom I have decided to embrace it fully and just enjoy the ride. Following my own muses and presenting it to the world. I have created some( if I do say so myself) delightful items that you use to play with the faeries.
 Here is  the description of

Faerie Dust


It started with 99 roses from the Misty Valley.. Each rose was Crystallized and blessed by Gwen and I beginning last summer. The roses were dried and packed away waiting. Other ingredients were stock piled as the faeries whispered in my ear along with the message of patience.

The best things take time to create. No hurry, no worry, all will come together at the right moment.

Created as an offering to gift back to the Fae, redolent with the fragrances of sun, rain and cozy snow mornings memories, It is created from all the joy and laughter, tears and healing all packed into a year.

At last the fairies returned to inform me the time was NOW!! The timing was just right.  Everything was gathered and ready to mix and blend.

It starts with 99 roses.
Each ingredient hand gathered, blessed with laughter, carefully preserved while waiting to be assembled.

Hand blended ready to sprinkle where faeries gather or offered in a small dish on your faerie altar.

This blend is my way of saying Thank you for making me aware of the magic of life of everyday.

For noticing tiny miracles** as this is the life work of the Fae kingdom a new blossom, bird song, a wee giggle, cloud pictures and more. For all these are the all gifts...special reminders from the faeries.

Live and enjoy the little moments now. Celebrate the child waiting to just play inside your heart.

Each Faerie Dust bottle contains all natural ingredients ,sparkling bits and  4 tiny gemstones.
Turquoise+++ for the direction of east and the element of air.
Smoky Quartz ++++for the direction of south and the element of fire
Red coral ++++for the direction of west and the element of water
Peridot++++ for the direction of north and the element of earth.

 Like all of us the fae love to be acknowledged and appreciate little gifts or offerings.
Getting a glimpse of the faerie kingdom is indeed a blessing and when you take the time each day  to stop and be in the present moment,

The Fae  will help open your eyes to the tiny miracles of everyday life.

As you experience this magical wonder you can use your Faerie Dust to thank them.

Enjoy and look for more Faerie Stories, blessings and meditations

On my blog…. wildhairstudio.blogspot.com

Peg Gyldenege 2014

New Moon #2 January 2014 FINSHED

Wrapping up the "Little Altars Project"
 New Moons signify a new beginning, time to start new projects, move forward like the seedling and bulbs stirring in our gardens. Unseen energy starting mother natures clock of gestation. A period of time in the dark growing and changing before emerging into the world to blossom and grow.

 I find it very fitting to have the pleasure of this second new moon to begin new projects after seeing many little Altars last Sunday at Lynn Vernon's welcoming home. Thank you so much Lynn

 We gathered those who were able, for a day of sharing, making art and sharing stories of the journey of the last year. A wonderful buffet of tasty tidbits greeted us with every accouterments coffee or tea has to offer. We started right away playing with acrylic paint and gelli plates creating sheet after sheet of glorious color on paper to be creative with another day.
 Lunch was then served white bean chicken chili with all the fixings. I got another wild hair and baked ginger cream fortune cookies. Ever try shoving tiny rolled up parchment paper in gooey cookie dough!?!?!?! and every one got  to chose four to  see what the next 30 days have to offer. That was great fun.

Then Drum roll please we spend time checking out each completed Little Altar Project

It was so fun to see the assembled Altars and admire the work in detail. Photos are a fun way to share but they do not capture all the tiny details that each artist created each month.
 Kimberly's pieces had such delicate wire work and vibrant color in her fused glass. The wire work could have been woven by spiders.
Nancy's delicate color choices and gentle nuances were breathtaking in person.
 Lynn Vernon's challenge for her self was working in unknown materials and her mastery of metal smithing was sublime.
 Cyn's creation of gnome homes was a spectacular year's journey into a village I would like to move into. Each tiny detail precise and playful at the same time
.Lou brought her always whimsical felt creations to a new place. She designs wonderful handbags and it was such a pleasure to see what direction she who take each Full Moon
 Marilynn who also works in fabric as well as created the most delightful glass beads brought a joyful piece each and every month. they all feel and express the celebration of life and joy in pure and glorious color.  Beth  joined in the fun with her delightful collage skills and combined color,found objects and words in an inspiring way to each artist.
Gwen brought us a new dimension of drawn art, wee creatures that want to jump off the altar spaces and play. I wanted them all.
  Kathy's work brought with them the winds of travel and the exotic delights of cultures from around the world. She set her sights high and created the most amazing things each month, the detail was incredible as I  finally got to see some of them in person last week.
 Lynn Hranac's work was delightful in many different mediums and included her collections from beach glass to zen-tangles rounding out with bead embroidery and felting.

 This was a challenging year for many of us and I heard over and over  how delightful it was to know a small package was coming in the mail. Something to look forward to each and every month. I have to say that is one of the reasons I started this project I love to open my mail box and find little treasures an unexpected card, postcards, a message from a friend...thinking of you.
So  now we are at the end and all of us own a Little Altars box to  display. Remember when life makes you weary go there and feel the fun and imagination from 10 women who created their hearts out for each other in 2013
 Blessings of Art

 Peg