January 2010 FAE Art Challenge

The Fantasy Artists of Etsy have begun monthly art challenges, thanks to the brilliance of Carapace. This year each challenge revolves around the name of each month's full Moon. The names date back to the Native Americans, who gave names to the Moons to keep track of seasons. According to the Farmer's Almanac, "Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, the name for January's full Moon. Sometimes it was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule."

I drew an ACEO for the occasion, using this adorable Wolf Stretch stock photo by kittystock as a reference. And you know me, I couldn't resist adding wings to him. The rest of the images are the other amazing creations by fellow members. Scroll below for links to each Etsy listing.

Star Stretch magnet by aquariann
Wolf Hunter necklace by AthenasArmoury
Mother Moon at Dawn necklace by ErtheFae
Snow White Wolves Dance by Carapace
Talisman of Minas Ithil pendant by mermaidencreations
Crocheted Wolf Ears by merigreenleaf

Through Glittering Trees FAE Exhibition

My winter fairy is featured amongst a myriad of sparkling and enchanting handmade items in the Fantasy Artists of Etsy team's current exhibition, Through Glittering Trees.

The cold embraced her, wrapping its glittering fingers around her pale skin. The forest around her, coated with ice and crystal, was bleak and beautiful. She rested her hand against a tree, pausing to breathe. Crisp air filled her lungs, making her suddenly aware of how alive she was, how alive the world was, even under its frozen exterior.

Etsy Buy Handmade FAEetsy

FAE Solstice Swap

Craftster.org bit me with its swapping bug back in 2005. Although I had delirious fun crafting and acquiring several amazing handmade items, after a disappearing partner or two and life making its random demands, the virus eventually lay dormant. It wasn't until the marvelous Carapace suggested a holiday swap between the chatty FAE of the Fantasy Artists of Etsy street team monthly thread that the fever flared up again!

I was given MissGnomer to shower with fairy goodness! After reading her favorite colors, I gathered up several products featuring every drawing I'd ever done in pink or purple. I also dusted off my knitting needles and made her a hip belt and cell phone cozy. Then I sent the package fluttering to Florida and flew off to Arizona. When I got back from gallivanting around in the desert, the most splendid treasures from the sea were waiting to welcome me home.

I have been dazzled by quite a few items dreamed to life by Julie of Mermaiden Creations. Her eclectica of unusual jewelry, bewitching hats and whimsical wonders is captivating. I was practically turning cartwheels when I realized she was my secret crafter. Although, to be fair, I would have twisted and twirled for any of the participating FAE swappers - they're all so fairy talented! I am delighted to be a part of the FAE team and know such amazing souls. I hope they're all able to participate in another swap next solstice.

My photos don't nearly give Julie's glorious works of gleaming glass and solder justice. The pendant looks so pretty hanging from the ribbon she enclosed, I'm torn whether to add it to a chain to wear or just leave as is and make all the other ornaments dangling around my room jealous. And the shell jewelry holder is genius! I feel like an underwater princess every time I drop a pair of earrings onto it. Thank you so very much, darling!