Monica Chase February, 2012

It’s time for everyone to sit back in their desk and pretend to pay attention to the annoying and embarrassing grainy public service announcement that the teacher is about to play- but hey it’s better than algebra right?

Ok so it’s not that bad, but we here at Thrifting the Witchy Way take our Spiritual Hygiene very seriously. While we’re out there hunting for those special pieces we need to remember that we can bring home more than just a bargain.

Just by living we imprint ourselves and our spiritual energy on our belongings every day.  This is not a bad thing, and many items you find out there will be filled with some awesome energy from its former owners. These are usually the objects that I’m most drawn to, and if I’m looking at using them for a decoration or a furniture piece for the house I find that it’s nice to live with different flavors of positivity. But if I’m planning on using it for a ritual item, or it has a negative vibe but I find I just have to have it I’ve found a good cleansing before I start to work on it makes a world of difference.

There are a lot of cleansing spells and rituals out there, and a quick google can give you a whole bunch of them to choose from. I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me I’ve found them pretty similar and generally whatever feels right to you will be the most effective. I am really rather minimalist in my workings so my cleansings tend to be pretty utilitarian. I am definitely a function over form girl and while I love the odd pretty thing, generally I want things to do a job as well as look fabulous. Therefore a lot of the things that I would need on hand to do a cleansing are pretty innocuous or dual purpose.

Cleansing smaller items can be done singly or in a batch, it really depends on how many pieces you have and what method you use but I would suggest cleansing larger pieces or ones with large doses of negativity separately. Take a moment to look at what your items are made of. Not all methods work well with different materials. For instance if you’re cleansing something painted then (depending on the type of paint or finish) salt may damage your item. Same goes with smudge smoke and fabric. It is no fun to get your new beauty’s energy all nice and clean only find that it got damaged in the spiritual wash. Once you know what to avoid for your particular items it’s time to rub a dub and scrub that energy clean!

This is my quick go to for items that only need a cursory cleansing. That’s items that either have a really weak energy residue or are not strongly shooting off negativity.

One of the first things I do is set my spiritual boundaries. For me this is a the space that I want to keep separated from the rest of the world for however long it takes me to accomplish my task. Many people and traditions consider this their circle and have a casting ritual that they follow. The following is my method and it works for me but to each their own.

To begin this I start a light meditation. Once I feel comfortable and relaxed I envision a circle surrounding myself and the objects I will be working with. Then I picture the circle turning in to a sphere, kind of like the dome on a space helmet clicking in place (that’s the best way I can describe it). Now I’m in my own little ball of protected space that keep the energies I want in but lets the negativity out. It’s very important I tell myself the properties of my little spiritual ‘hyper shield’ so that it knows what I need it to do. Now that my area is prepped I need to start focusing on myself. I need to ‘feel’ myself in every part of my body, in every cell. I always feel like I’m humming all over during this part.

Next I focus on the items to be cleansed. I don’t tend to be specific about night vs. day so I work with whatever astral being is in the sky at the time that I am doing my cleansing. For descriptive purposes we’ll go with daytime for this. The first step I need to take for this part is to keep a picture of these items in my mind. Sometimes I stare at the items for a while memorizing their shape and coloring, or I’ll pick them up and turn them this way and that taking in all their angles. Now I visualize a waterfall of golden fiery liquid pouring out of the sky and directly onto my head. This liquid pours into me like I’m an empty vessel and I see it filling me up to the top with a golden glow that spreads out to the very tips of my fingers and toes. I fill up on this liquid until I can’t hold anymore then I let it leak out through the center of my chest until I have a good amount of it gathered. Then I mentally ‘flow’ the liquid to the object that I want to cleanse. I pool the golden energy around the item until it is submerged completely. Now to get ‘clean’ the object I start pushing the golden liquid into the item. I push the liquid in until it pushes all the negativity or spiritual residue out and there is nothing left but the golden glow suffusing the item. Then I release the golden energy to go back to its source. I repeat this for as many items as I have with me, constantly refilling myself with the golden liquid as it drains out, creating a circle of energy passing from the sun to me, to the item, and back to the sun.

This is the basic cleansing I do on a regular basis not just for items that I pick up but for myself and my house. Sometimes I substitute the moon’s silver energy for the sun’s golden energy. Sometimes I add special stones that I charged the last cycle of the moon to have on hand, or some toilette water made with cleansing essential oils. Depends on my mood and how much cleansing I think an object needs.

A good rule of thumb for telling if your work has been successful is to put the object in a place that you’ll come upon it while going about your daily business at home at odd moments and after a couple days see how you feel about the item now. Really negative things will feel that way right away, so you’ll be able to work on those again right away. If you can’t wait to work on that project you picked the item up for you can always finish up your project and if it needs another cleansing you can cleanse and charge it again at any time whether you’ve altered it or not.

Alright then – homework is due on Friday, remember to keep your energy nice and clean, and there will be a pop quiz on Wednesday. Class Dismissed!

Tags: crafting

• Crafts

Rayneschild January, 2012

I’ve been interested in all type’s of crafting for quite a while, but what I’ve alway’s found the most enjoyable is anything to do with herbs.  Most people assume making bath salts is simply a matter of using Epsom or Sea salts, herbs, essential oil, and perhaps some color.  Actually the best bath salt recipe is equal amounts of Epsom salts, Sea salt, and Baking Soda.  Use a blender to grind the salts down to a fine consistency like the baking soda.  By using these 3 ingredients you’re actually accomplishing multiple objectives.  First baking soda softens the water, second Epsom Salts in and of themselves contain minerals and have a certain amount of healing properties, and last but not least the sea salt opens your pores allowing whatever benefit the herbs you’ve added to permeate the skin.

Of all the recipes I’ve done, my favorite and one of the simplest, is to add lavender buds into the blender with the salts and grind them into it.  It intensifies the smell incredibly, but even then I’m not above adding a drop or two of lavender essential oil on top of it, and then it’s off the charts!!

Another really easy thing you can do is pick up a clear bottle with a cork stopper, I get mine at thrift stores, it’s rare not to find one.  Make enough salts to completely fill the bottle, then separate it into 2 zip-lock bags, make sure they are definitely zipped!  Prior to closing the bags add a colorant to each, maybe something that matches the bathroom colors, and two nicely corresponding fragrances.  This is where surety of closure is a must, shake the bags really hard, until the color, and oil, is mixed in well.  Grab a funnel, and just like sand art, stack stripes of alternating color.  Get it close enough to the top of the bottle that when you push the cork in firmly, all the stripes are held in place.

I’ve added blanched almonds and oats, that have also been ground in the blender, with a dash of almond scent or even almond extract.  Vanilla extract makes a really nice simple bath as well.  Obviously you can add dried herbs with the essential oils and use a tea-ball, knee-hi stocking, or any other thing that wouls allow the salts out while holding the herb’s in.  I’ve had a good time with this project in the past trying to come up with better and better recipes, although sometimes it seems like a great idea in my mind, but my nose, and anyone else’s in smelling range tells a far different story.  But like any good craft project the failures can sometimes be more fun than the success!!!!

Tags: herbs, oils, salts

• Crafts

Monica Chase January, 2012

There are some wonderful, beautiful, and totally witchtastic ritual tools out there for sale on the internet, aren’t there? And they tend to be a pretty penny too. But part of Witchy Thrifting is getting out there and using your own creativity to make your own witchtastic ritual tools that are unique and filled to the brim with your intent and power.

One of the key things to adding all that personal connection to your projects is YOU. Make sure that when you are sitting down to work on them that you are relaxed, enjoying yourself, and in a good mood. Put on some music, have your tools set out and in reach. Don’t let yourself get stressed out or upset. While you’re creating these pieces make sure to imagine the mod that you’re in seeping into the project every time you touch it. Every touch ‘tunes’ it a little more to you, and your happiness and peace. Keep it in the back of your mind that the end product will have soaked up your essence and the end result will be a part of you.

What I have here is just one idea for how you can make yourself a custom offering bowl for your altar after a hunt down at the thrift store. Take it and run with it or come up with something of your own!

What you will need:

1. A glass bowl the size you want for your altar. I got mine from the thrift store for 58 cents. Make sure it’s clean and dry.

2. Patterned paper that you like and would like to have the bowl look like. I just printed some out which made my paper one sided so I needed 4 pieces, but if your paper is double sided you only need 2.

3. Modge Podge or a decoupage medium (hence forth known as modge podge because I’m kinda lazy like that) of your choice and a brush to go with it.

4. Scissors to cut things!

Now here’s what you do:

Step 1.

Lay your bowl down upside down on your paper over whatever part of your pattern you really like and trace around the rim. Pick up the bowl and cut out the circle. You’ll need 4 of those circles if you’re using one sided paper, 2 if you’re using double sided. Then put the bowl on the paper right side up and trace around the base, then cut out 2 of those circles.

Step 2.

Take your big circles and fold them into quarters like this-

Then cut along the folds to have 4 “pizza slice” shaped pieces (everything makes more sense to me when referenced to food, lol) for each circle.

Step 3.

Here’s where it gets a little different depending on if you’re using one sided or 2 sided. I’ll do 1 sided first.

1 sided-

Now grab your modge podge and brush and paint up the outside base of your dish and take one of your small circles and put it on with the pattern you want to be visible from the inside of the dish facing down and pat it until it’s smooth. Then choose 4 wedges that you like and position them like the 4 points of the compass with the “pointy” ends over your small circle and your wide end over the edge of the glass. Secure them in place by painting modge podge where you want to put them and then pressing them into it until they are flat.

It should look kinda like this-

Then take 4 more wedges and position them to fill in the “blank” spaces until your back  like this-

2 sided-

You’ll take one of your small circles and use your modge podge to paint the bottom of the bowl and press the paper into it with the pattern you want to see from the inside of the bowl down. Now take 4 of your pizza slices and position them around your bowl like the points on a compass, with the pattern you want on the inside of the bowl facing down and the pointy bit on the bottom of the bowl. Paint the area you want them with your modge podge one at a time and then press the pieces down until they are flat. Once your first 4 pieces are in place repeat the process with your other 4 wedges until all the “blank” spaces are filled in. Now skip down to Step 5

Step 4.

Not you have a great looking inside of your bowl, like this-

but the outside is all white.

This is why you needed those 8 other pizza slices.

First you’ll flip your bowl back over and grab 4 more wedges. You’ll begin positioning these around the outside of the bowl just like you did in the last step, but with the pattern facing outward, like this-

Once the first 4 are in place you’ll repeat again filling in the blanks until no white is showing except on the very bottom (for me this made a cool star shape that I proceeded to not get a pic of, lol).

Step 5.

Now it’s time to use that second small circle you cut out. Paint the bottom of the bowl with your modge podge and place the circle with your chosen pattern facing out and pat it down until it is smooth.

Take your scissors and trim the excess off around the rim of the bowl until all the paper is “flush” or smooth to the edge of the rim with none above it.

And now you should have something that looks like this-

Step 6 (optional).

Now I didn’t like the mat finish on the paper, and because the modge podge I got was the glossy kind I just painted the outside all over with it and let it dry shiny.

So now I have this lovely offering bowl for less than $2.00!!

Tags: homemade, offering bowl, tools

• Crafts

Rayneschild December, 2011

With December being a month that contains so many days of celebration it made me think of recipes for some homemade brandies and liqueurs.  I wish I had had this idea long before now as these recipes are required to sit for a time, with the exception of one, however they would still make unique Yule or Christmas gifts, as well as just being a fun project in general.  I came across these recipes in the 2007 LLewelyn’s herbal almanac, so they are from a trusted source, but they should be used in moderation. I’ve tried to include enough variety in hopes of their being something for just about every taste.  I hope you all enjoy these and wish you the most Blessed of holiday seasons!

Aniseed Liqueur:  2 Tbs. crushed aniseed, 2 inches cinnamon stick crushed, 1 crushed nutmeg (optional), 2 Tbs. honey, 7 oz. good quality brandy, 1 cup spring water.

Put all ingredients in a glass jar, seal, and let the contents macerate for six weeks.  Shake the jar at least once a week.  After six weeks filter it through cheesecloth and seal and bottle.  According to this recipe try 1/4 cup at bedtime as an aphrodisiac!

Honeysuckle Liqueur:  According to the recipe I have honeysuckle is said to produce one of the best and unusual floral liqueurs .  Ingredients include:  6 oz. honeysuckle flowers, 8 oz sugar, 1 cup spring water, 1 pint vodka or other spirit of personal choice.

Lightly bruise the honeysuckle flowers and pack into a jar.  Gently warm the vodka or other spirit on very low heat.  Pour the spirit into the honeysuckle jar, seal it and place it in a warm part of the house for 2 months.  Shake the jar a few times each day.  After 2 months, put sugar in the jug, fill it with 8 oz spring water, and dissolve sugar into syrup.  Strain the alcohol while pressing down firmly on the flowers.  Addd the sugar syrup to the alcohol, mix thoroughly, and pour into a decorative bottle, adding fresh honeysuckle flowers if it’s clear.  Seal and label the bottle

Pineapple Malibu:  Juicy pineapple slices in Malibu rum are a treat whether it’s a cold or warm climate.  Gather the following ingredients:  1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup spring water, 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced, ( I would use canned slices in natural juice), 1/2 cup Malibu rum.  Combine sugar and spring water in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Then let it cook without stirring until it becomes a thin, clear syrup.  Pack slices of pineapple into warm, sterilized jars.  Stir Malibu rum into sugar syrup and pour over pineapple slices.  Seal, cool to room temperature then store in the refrigerator.  This recipe makes no mention of allowing this to sit for an elongated period of time.  If your having quite a few guests, I would use large mason jars, rather that individual small ones, unless you like that as a serving or gift giving idea.  At this time of year it’s not hard to find the cases of mason jars in assorted sizes.

Hazelnut liqueur:  Hazelnuts are not only good when eaten or used in cooking, but they are also fabulous in liqueur form.  This can also be used to drizzle over ice-cream or custard puddings.  A drop or two in your morning cup of coffe can add a nice extra “oomph”!.  To make 1 pint of hazelnut liqueur gather, 6 oz. hazelnuts, 1 vanilla bean (1 inch long), 1tsp. allspice, 1 1/2 cups vodka, 1/3 c sugar syrup.  Combine vodka, vanilla bean, and allspice in a jar.  Finely chop the hazelnuts to release the flavor, add them to the jar and cap tightly.  Let the contents age for 2 weeks, shaking the jar once a day.  After the 2 weeks, have a taste to determine if a stronger flavor is desired.  If so, add more hazelnuts to the jar and re-steep for anothe 10 days.  Strain and filter the mixture.  When it is clear, add sugar syrup and stir well.  Pour liqueur into a dark bottle and let it sit for another 3 weeks before serving.

Blueberry cordial:  This can be made with or without alcohol, such as gin or vodka.  If making it non-alcoholic, substitute spring water for the cups of alcohol in the recipe.  This recipe makes about 1 quart of blueberry cordial.  4 cups blueberries, 3 cups vodka or gin, 1 cup spring water, 8 whole cloves, 1/2 tsp coriander seeds, 2 cups sugar

Wash and drain blueberries before crushing them in a bowl or blender.  When done scrape into a clean wide-mouth 2 quart jar.  Pour in the spring water.   If using alcohol pour it in also.  Add cloves and coriander, then stir the jar’s contents.  Cover the jar and let it stand in a cool dark place, shake the jar once a day. The contents will gradually turn a deep bluish-black color.  After 10 days strain through a paper coffee filter into a large jug.  Add sugar to the jug and stir with a long spoon until dissolved.  Pour the cordial into a bottle and seal.  Store the bottle in a cool dark place for 5 weeksbefore using.  Once opened for consumption, store the bottle in the refrigerator.

Vanilla cordial:  This recipe can also be made with or without alcohol.  Make sure the vanilla beans you use for this are fresh, soft and fragrant.  If making this without alcohol use four cups of spring water rather than the vodka.  5 vanilla beans (5or 6 inches long) 4 cups vodka or spring water, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup spring water, 1 vanilla bean left whole and intact.  Cut the vanilla beans into 5 pieces.  Using a sharp knife, split each piece lengthwise.  Insert the split beans into a clean bottle, add the 4 cups of vodka or spring water, seal the bottle and shake it firmly.  Place the bottle in a cool, dark place for three weeks before removing the seal for a sip.  If the taste is to your liking, filter the cordial into a dry, clean bottle and discard the vanilla pieces.  Combine sugar with half a cup of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil for 2 or 3 minutes.  Let the saucepan cool completely before pouring liquid into the bottle containing the vanilla.  Put 1 whole vanilla bean into the bottle.  Seal tightly and shake well.  Allow it to age another 5 weeks before using or diluting.

Tags: drinks, liqueors, liquor

• Crafts

Monica Chase December, 2011

My Dad always told me that life is how you see it. As a witch I know that how I see the world is the most important tool I have to change it.

Focus, will, and intent are the foundations that any spell/ritual/working are built on, but you have to see what you are trying to effect and you have to have the imagination to really see and believe in the change you are trying to bring about. With out the focus to see the world as it is, and the imagination to believe it can be different then we cannot change it. But luckily we’re witches so we have focus and imagination in spades.

So now let’s turn that towards how we look at objects and their potential. I want you to do something that may seem a little weird. I want you to find the ugliest, most detested thing in your house (ex spouses, messy rooms, and naughty pets don’t count, lol). Come on, fess up. We all have that one thing that we have but can’t stand to look at, whether it’s there out of necessity or because we try really hard not to look at it, or think about it, or generally acknowledge that it exists, so it stays right where it is. Well I want you to dig that thing up, and take a good long look at it. Close your eyes and picture the piece in your mind then picture it fading away, just as you would in spell work or a focused meditation.

Now open your eyes again.

I don’t want you to not see it as that horrible dresser hiding in the guest bedroom with the ugly knobs and good gods why did someone paint it that color?

No I want you to look at it as a blank canvas.

See what’s really there. Look at the shape, or function and then start imagining a version of it that you would like. Let your subconscious play around and picture what you could do with different pieces of the object. Would those drawers make great shadow boxes? Could the frame be used for a kids cubby box? Or is the shape great but with some new hardware and maybe paint of decoupage could the whole thing be reborn as a different dresser.

This is where having a Thrifting Journal would really come in handy.

What is a Thrifting Journal you ask? Well a Thrifting Journal is a nifty little tool that helps to keep you organized.

This can be a notebook, a binder, or just about anything you want to use really. You can even decorate it up if you want to. The essential part of it is that you need to be able to write in it. My own journal has taken many forms- from a binder to a notebook to it’s current form, an address book that I found on sale. The most important part is that it is something that will be comfortable for you to use. Because if it isn’t convenient and comfortable I probably ain’t going to use it. I’m a little chaotic that way

I have found three sections to be indispensable to me- a list of shops that I frequent, a list of my current projects, and a list of materials that I have available (I am a sucker for a good list, lol).

The first on the list (there are those lists again) of things that I find helpful in my journal is which shops I enjoy shopping at and what they usually have a good selection of and the general vibe of the establishment. Do they have a lot of this or that? Are most of the pieces positive, negative, or even neutral? Are the staff pleasant, attentive, and professional? Ask yourself these questions about the shops that you frequent as well as any shops you may stop by for the first time. Being on the prowl for a deal doesn’t mean you should have to frequent establishments that stock a lot of negative items or whose staff is offensive or rude. All hunters have their favorite hunting grounds so why shouldn’t you? Also, some shops will have discount days that give you 50% off and so on during certain times of day, or days of the week, or on certain types of stock. These are great things to note down so that you can get things even cheaper. Having this information in one spot can help you find just what you’re looking for and make shopping for projects hassle free and fun.

The next on my list of must have sections for my journal is a list of what projects I am currently working on and what I am getting ready to start. This helps me to budget not only my funds, but my time and available project space. Getting your own special ritual space, or home decked out in proper witchy style shouldn’t be a stressful process. You should be able to take your time and let your creative juices flow allowing you to pour the good feelings and power into your creations. Taking on more than you can comfortably handle is a sure way to end up stressed and not enjoying the creative flow. Keeping a list of what projects you already have on your plate and what is still waiting to be done is a great way to keep things manageable.

The last of the lists that help keep me sane and crafting my heart out is a list of the materials that I have on hand. Every time I see a wonderful new project take form from the interesting things I find on one of my thrifting safari’s I like to be able to know that I can complete it without having to run out for supplies in the middle. Nothing adds stress like starting on a project only to realize that you need more glue sticks after you already half glued it (I have found that things most things need way more hot glue than I ever thought they would there fore I have formed a hypothesis that hot glue does, in fact, hold parts of the universe together). Or that I’m out of the ribbon that I  had seen in my head for the trim or the paint tube for the embellishments is almost empty. Our local craft stores are more than used to seeing me wander down their aisles with crazy eyes and bits of paper stuck in my hair and it’s never pretty.

Mainly though, just remember that this is your journal. Include anything that you’ll think is useful to you. I would highly suggest including drawings or descriptions of project ideas, color schemes, or anything that you feel you’ll want to use later. This is your place to keep track of how you’re projects are going and what you want your space to look and feel like. Your Thrifting Journal can be your best friend and handiest tool.

Tags: journal

• Crafts

Mina December, 2011

Making a Yule Log

It is Christmas in the mansion,
Yule-log fires and silken frocks;
It is Christmas in the cottage,
Mothers filling little socks.
—Anonymous

The ritual of Yule originated In ancient Scandinavia as a celebration to welcome the return of the sun, the change in season and to honor the death, growth, and fertility aspects of nature. Beginning on the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year, and lasting for 12 days, this was a time for feasting, dancing and merriment as well as time with family and friends. All hunting and fishing ceased for the 12 day duration in an effort to let nature rest as the sun was revived.

One very important symbol used in this ritual was the Yule log. It is said that fathers and sons would venture into the woodlands and return with the largest logs they could find, either made of Oak ( in honor of Thor) or Ash (The wood of Yggdrasil) and set them on fire with great ceremony. Once ablaze, festivites were in full order.

Though our modern times have changed in both custom and neccesity, we can still join in the sacred beauty of the Yule log. You can burn your log in a fireplace or outdoor pit, or place candles on your log and burn the candles. Your Yule log can also be used as a decoration or you can give it as a gift. Your options are endless. Yule logs are easy to make and can include the entire family. Remember, this project is unique to you and your family. What I am going to list is only suggestion. Have fun!

You will need:

ñ  A log – This can be an actual log, preferably with a fairly flat side or several pieces of wood bundled together with wire, string or raffia

ñ  Greenery and decorations – Go into your yard and gather pine needles, holly, cedar, berries, anything that says Yuletide for you; or visit a craft store for silk greenery and foliage. What you choose to use is entirly up to you

ñ  Ribbon in preferred colors

ñ  Candles are optional – Choose as many as you wish or none at all. I like candles on mine as I do a “symbolic” burning of the yule log each day during the 12 days and in addition choose colors depending on the energy flow I wish to create. Here are some suggestions -

ñ  red -  life force

green – the earth, natural forces

silver – the goddess

gold – the god

white – peace

yellow – the sun

ñ  Small amount of flour

Lay out your log. If you are going to use candles and you wish to drill holes into your log, do so now. I prefer to use small flat candle holders. Tie a few pieces of string or raffia around your log, even if you only used one log rather than the bundle. Take your greenery and other decorations and blend them in, using the raffia or string to hold them in place. When complete, use ribbon to cover any visible string or raffia and create a lovely bow. Add candles if desired and dust with flour to achieve the look of snow.

May your Yuletide be merry and bright.

Tags: yule log

• Articles , Crafts

Monica Chase November, 2011

Hello all and welcome to Thrifting the Witchy Way!

(take a good look at this picture, it will be important later- there may be a quiz)

This is my first article here on Pagan Pages so be gentle.  So let’s just dive right in.

First let’s tackle the big one- why thrift?

The economy these days sucks BIG TIME.

So how is the money savvy witch or witch enthusiast (you know who you are and we love you!) going to spread the brimstone and cobwebs?

Get thrifty, that’s how.

Witchy style thrifting is so much more than just saving money, or having some creative fun. It’s taking something that is discarded or undervalued and transforming it into something sacred. It’s taking the mundane and making it magical and personal. Being a Witchy thrifter let’s you channel the divine into projects that will become so much more than the sum of their parts.

We all own a sense of responsibility to Mother Earth (or Gaea, or whatever name you have for her). Everything that we as humans make or use comes in some way from her. It is either dug from her soil, cut while it is growing from her, or taken from her seas or sky. No human made product is, in reality, a product of only ourselves. All of our creations are a product of her substance and our imagination. As we all know there is only so much of this that our Mother is going to be able to stand before too much damage is done. By finding these items and re-using them I am, in a very small way, taking something out of the create and discard cycle that our society has perpetuated for itself. And I am honoring Mother Earth by not allowing the things we have taken from her to be discarded as worthless. Instead I am retransforming them into something sacred.

It brings me joy to hunt through the shop in search of that piece that will spark my interest and get my creative juices flowing. It brings me joy to take those pieces home and in some way transform them. Walking through a store and seeing pieces of other peoples’ lives displayed trips my curiosity. It makes me wonder about them and what drew them to the objects in the first place. Why did someone own a green leather jewelry case and what did they keep in it?  Why would someone have 15 different cat mugs? What color wall would match fuchsia shelves? You can develop a very interesting view of humanity by looking at what they thought was too precious to throw away. Because that is in essence what you find in thrift shops and yard sales. The things that people couldn’t stand to see thrown away but can no longer keep themselves. Sometimes they are things a relative has left them after passing, some times they are things that they need to get rid of to make room for new things to love, but no matter why they are giving these things up at some point someone cared enough about them to have kept them in their home and did not want to see them completely discarded. Which means when I go to pick them up and take them home I am taking on a bit of a trust, to take these things that someone cared about and make them into something that my family will make part of our home, and someday when we are done with them they will return to the thrift store for someone else to find and make part of their home.

From thrift stores, to yard sales, to dollar stores it’s a jungle out there full of ripe deals just waiting to come along and be plucked. Ritual tools, to witchy garb, to decor- there are so many ways you can use items you find at ridiculously low prices and then make them jujutastic. Not only will you get completely unique works of art, but they will be so much more powerful because you put your time and willpower into them. When you think about how much it costs to get some designer or retail witchiness from a store or shop compared to how little you’ll spend on making your cool new spellerific swag it makes it that much sweeter.

There are so many ways to save some money while still grooving to your own unique witchy beat. With some imagination, and a few accessories, you can be the most styling witch in your neighborhood.

Which brings us back to that picture up above (I told you it would be important later). Would you believe me if I told you that that lovely little altar originally looked like this-

That horrible little refugee from a computer desk was on its way out to my parent’s garbage when I snagged it. All it took to transform it was some paint and a few hours of my time.

So let’s refresh- in a couple hours that turned into this-

(behind the velvet cloth are shelves for book or supply storage and, sometimes, a cat)

I used a couple of cans of black matte spray paint and metallic craft paint mixed with acrylics with a spray polyurethane coat over it all. I also did the back board in chalkboard paint so that I can put whatever messages I feel I need and just wipe them away when the spirit moves me.

But as cool as that transformation there is something even better about this set up.

Let me give you a closer look.

(please ignore the hideous carpeting- we try to)

Now go ahead and guess how much this altar set cost. Go ahead. I bet you’ll be surprised. The set contains two hand painted candle holders, a hand painted wand, a cut glass goblet, a metal offering dish as well as a glass one on a stand, and a flat glass scrying disk all on a velvet cloth.

This altar set, including the altar itself, cost me around $25.00.

That’s right 25 smackers for the entire set up. And I get the great bonus of having all my tools personally charged and dedicated.

The wand is actually a wooden serving fork that I picked up at the dollar store along with the goblet which even has a multi pointed star on it. Everything else was found at thrift stores and then modified or just repurposed and dedicated. Even the velvet altar cloth was made from a thrifted velvet skirt that I picked up on sale for $3.00.

Since this is my first column, and my Daddy always taught me to leave them wanting more, I’m going to leave you to mull over all the ways that you can let your creativity run rampant through your own space. I’ll be back to show you show you all the tips and tricks to get you Thrifting the Witchy Way!

Tags: altar

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Monica Chase October, 2011

Welcome to the Samnhain edition of Thrifting the Witchy Way!

The fabulous Jenn ( round of applause for the hard working staff here- they deserve it and more!) has promised me that the pictures from our last installment should be up this time around so please take a look at that so that you don’t think I’ve been doing imaginary projects!

So for my first Samhain (or for those of you out there who go a bit more secular- Halloween) edition of Thrifting the Witchy Way I thought I would keep it light and bring you one of my favorite crafts –Miniature Witchy Brooms!

Now this project is a ton of fun for witchlets of all ages (This time of year certainly makes me feel like a kid again!) and is absolutely fantastic for hostess gifts, party favors, kids craft time, or just to decorate your own witchy pad!

So here’s what you will need:
A. Wooden dowels (1/4inch thick, about 12 inches long- you can get them in a package at your craft store)
B. 3yrds of ribbon (This is where your hunters eyes at the thrift store can score you large bags of ribbon for a couple dollars, or keeping a keen eye on the sales at craft stores like Micheals or JoAnn’s can get you some awesome deals on designer ribbon)
C.  A package of pre-dried corn husks (I use the ones that you get from the grocery store for making tamales usually about a dollar for a large bag)
D. A bowl of water  large enough to soak the corn husks in ( I sometimes also soak the husks in a nice tea blend or, especially if I am having an attack of autumn, I throw a couple of packets of apple cider mix in so that the husks soak up the scent and get a subtle aroma)
E.  A drying rack (I use a cookie sheet with paper towels on it)
F. Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Now here’s how you do it:
Step 1:

Soak the corn husks in the bowl of water until they are soft and pliable.
Step 2:

Take one of the corn husks and tear it into thin strips (you will need 2 husks per broom, more if you want it really full)

Step 3:

Start wrapping the corn husks around one of the dowels with the thin end lined up to the end of the dowel, leaving the wide end laying along the length of the dowel.

Step 4:

Using one of the thin strips of husk; tie the strip around the thin ends about 1/4 of an inch from the end of the dowel.

Step 5:

Push the dowel down until about another 1/4 inch is showing below the husks.

Step 6:

Now begin to fold the husks down over the tie, until the other end of the dowel is now clear of husk and the end that you just pulled down in Step 5 is now hidden in the husks. This is a good time to tear the husks so that they seem fuller and more broom like.

Step 7:

You’ll use your other thin strip and you will tie the strip around the husks about 1/2-1 inch below where they meet the dowel. This will really make it look like a broom.

Step 8:

Let them dry. I suggest over night, sometimes longer if you have a particularly thick set of husks.

Step 9:

Usually, as soon as they are dry, use a hot glue gun to glue the upper (folded over) part of the broom to the dowel ensuring that it won’t move around.

Step 10:

Decorate! I use ribbon to wrap around the dowel and the “broom tie” so that mine end up looking like this:

This one I used 2 different colors on (orange and purple) in the Halloween spirit. Or they can look like this:

This one I used a patterned ribbon on and it looks a bit more country witchy.
If I’m going to use this as a gift or a decoration I also like to add a little folded envelope(you can find a great tutorial on the one I use here) and stuff the little pockets with protective symbols or small stones, or anything that sets my purpose. I then punch holes in the top and string a ribbon through it and hang them from the brooms.
These can be just simple decorations, or you can charge them with intent and hang them as charms, or you can even use them as home made altar besoms for those of us who have limited ritual space. Also herbs or potpourri can be put into the envelope or can be hung from inside the “bristles”.

Painting or drawing on the bristles is also a great way to customize them.

It’s one of those multi-purpose crafts that I, and my pocket book, love!

And keep your crystal balls tuned in for our next installment of Thrifting the Witchy way as I’ll show you one way to make your very own Thrifting Journal for all those prowls through the thrift shops.

So see you next time- same witchy time, same witchy channel!

Tags: besom, handmade, how to

• Articles , Crafts

Rayneschild October, 2011

One of the things that seems to go hand in hand with our spirituality is the presence of various types of Wiccan or pagan calendars, along with an astounding abundance of books, almanacs, multiple tarot card decks, you get the picture.  There have been so many times that I have just fallen in love with the artwork for a particular month in a calendar, or received a deck of tarot cards as a gift which while beautiful, just didn’t “vibe” with me.

The bottom line is over the years we come in contact with some really outstanding pagan themed artwork from a multitude of sources.  Since there are just so many spaces for framed art from a calendar, or one of those “Leanin’ Tree” (I love those) cards that we got for some occassion, or whatever, it got me to thinking about other ways to display what can be literally an endless supply of art pieces that speak to us, or about us, in so many ways.  After some serious delving into the gray matter it occured to me, why not use these items for Decoupage. I had’nt thought about that since arts and crafts class in elementary school, but I always loved doing it.  So now that I was a Witch on a mission it was off to the craft store.  I was amazed to find not just how easy it actually is, but that they sell all sizes and shapes of super heavy cardboard boxes that you can first paint with acrylics in whatever way you like, then add the items you wish to decoupage.  In order to do this you’ll need to buy a product called Mod Podge, which is a waterbase combination sealer, glue, and matte finish.  The easiest way for me to apply it was by using a sponge brush.  I was really looking forward to getting the stuff home and seeing how it went.  I was blown away at the simplicity and uniqueness of the finished product, which just hours before had been a plain octagon shaped craft box.

Then I started thinking about all the plain old wooden funiture that most of us either already have laying around, or can be found at yard sales and thrift stores for next to nothing.  What about making a super personal altar?  Pretty much the skies the limit.  I have done boxes in which to keep my herbs, covered an old wooden cabinet with a sponge faux finish and tarot cards, and have even made a totally non-wiccan victorian themed box for a family member.

The Mod podge itself is an adequate sealer for most applications, unless the possibilty of getting wet exists.  Since it’s water based you need to use some type of varnish if you’re uncertain.  In addition to using calendar prints and such, I have printed out images found online and then taken them to a copy store and had the image enlarged.  In addition to furniture, etc. you can actually do whole walls.  For example collect fairies, mushrooms, a frog or two, a smiley face moon and you can create a wall for a childs room that will really stimulate their imaginations!  Black and white illustrations in almanacs can be done with colored pencils or whatever works for you and then used, or doing all black and white can be awesome also.

All in all this is a very cool project.  It’s inexpensive, creative, challenges the mind, and it’s something you can do with or for your kids.  Just one warning, you’ll never look at the antique wooden funiture at Aunt Martha’s house in quite the same way again!!  Happy crafting and a Blessed Samhain to you all!

Tags: calender

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Rayneschild September, 2011

I love herbs, as most witches do.  They give so much and ask so little, and under the right circumstances, can these bad boys pack a wallop!  In this type of venue our readers can be beginners, or seasoned veterans so it’s a challenge to write something that will hopefully have something for everyone.

There are different methods of working with herbs, but before you begin trying different uses I cannot emphasize safety enough!  If you don’t already have one, invest in a good herbal reference book.  There are 2 by Scott Cunningham, Magical

Methods of working with Herbs

Infusion: An infusion, or potion is basically soaking herbs in hot water to be drunk, put into a bath, wiped on surfaces, sprinkled around, and applied to the body.  If you have an old coffee maker that you won’t be making coffee in, the paper filter does a great job of straining the herbs, and heats the water quickly.

* For every one cup of water, use one teaspoon of herb.

*  Cover the infusion so no steam evaporates and let it stand about 10 minutes

NOTE: Be absolutely certain that any herbs used in this manner are safe!!!

Bath: Bathing in herbs is a simple way to utilize their power.  Either use a cheesecloth sachet, (half to one cup of herb) or a strained infusion to put into the bath.

Ointment:  An ointment is made by using lard or vegetable shortening, which smells way better than lard.  I have experimented and used coconut oil, it is solid contrary to the name, and have used vaseline.  Wander the cosmetic aisles and I’m sure the possibilities are endless.  Apply the ointment to the body, usually to the pulse points.

Sachet:  Also known as charm bags, mojo bags, or gris-gris bags.  You can either carry them personally or place them in a particular location.  You can use either a small pouch or bag and add the appropriate herb, or mixture of herbs, or you can simply lay the herbs in the center of a piece of cloth, or handkerchief and tie it closed.  Usually a tablespoon of herbs is sufficient

This brings us to herbal incense which is burned on a charcoal block.  Just as the coffemaker is a tool of convenience, if you grind a lot of herbs, a coffee grinder works well.  I recently received a helpful tip from my niece however, if you’ll be using it alot make sure to get one with multiple speeds, the simple on/off variety can’t take the strain.

The simplest way to use herb power is to light a candle of your choice and sprinkle  the herbs around the base.

Be brave, use blends that appeal to you, see what kind of wild herbs you have in your area, be certain they’re safe then add them.  If you’re lucky enough to live where you can get lily of the valley flowers and mint mix it with coconut oil and you’ll have a skin cream that blows the high dollar brands out of the water!!!

Tags: bath, herbs, ointments, sachet, tinctures

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