It's SALE time!

I am currently promoting my autumn sale in the run up to Christmas.  I am due to relocate my studio space soon and much as I'd like to take some of the artwork and originals with me, I'm downsizing.  I will have quite a few of my original acrylic/collage paintings up for sale...some of which are quite large.  Most of the art will be listed in my Etsy shop, some of which I will feature here on my blog.  All the boxes, prints, cards etc are also in the 50% offer throughout Oct/Nov or until I sell out, so check out my direct shop link here.
   All you need is the Etsy coupon code SPIRALMOON50, which you enter when purchasing any item in my shop here.
www.etsy.com/shop/spiralmoonfantasy

Keep your eyes peeled for new listings over the next couple of weeks.

The Spell Of The Sirens

FaerieKat

http://www.etsy.com/listing/47600311/wire-crochet-necklace-sparkling-strands?ref=tre-558771403-9

Although Sirens are often associated with mermaids and undines, the myth finds it's origins in ancient Greece. There, Sirens were depicted as island dwelling bird maidens that used their enchanting songs to lure unsuspecting sailors to their deaths. As time passed Sirens transformed into beautiful enchantresses. They developed fins and tails and merged with the mermaid myth that we know and love today.

SusanSchroderArts

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73220193/marina-closeout-on-8x10-prints-free?ref=tre-558721893-12

In the Greek saga The Odyssey, Odysseus, taking the advice of a witch, urged his men to plug their ears with beeswax before venturing into the dangerous waters ruled by Poseidon.  Odysseus himself wished to hear the beautiful Siren's song and ordered his men bind him to the mast so he could not be drawn in by their enchantment. It worked.  However, when Odysseus heard their voices he was seduced and driven temporally mad. While he strained at his bindings, the Sirens swam around the boat.  Unaffected, his men were able to guide the ship to safety.  In the end they survived the ordeal that had claimed so many sailors before them.  

Rainwaterstudios

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79311140/aine-lady-of-the-lake-sliced-agate-black?ref=tre-558721893-9

The Etsy Fae Team has taken inspiration from the myth of the Sirens and created the new exhibition Siren Song. As part of the collaboration they share their inspirations and imagination, displaying art, craft and gift ware from their own shops.

All links for their work can be found on the exhibition page here.  You can also find links for the pictures I have featured in my blog.

http://faeteam.com/exhibition.html

Please feel free to comment on this post or follow the blog.  You can also find me on Twitter and Facebook.

Imbolg - The promise of things to come

I can't reach this time of year without seeing it as a transitional period, of new beginnings with a deep sense of anticipation (more so than new year).  The first signs of spring are now evident, though we have not quite crossed the threshold of the season, the shy but robust heads of the bulb flowers are peeping through a still, frozen ground ... and finally the days are getting longer too...
It's a happy time of year when the promise of something special laces the air like a delicate fragrance.
New life in its infancy. 
So we can start afresh...with new ideas, eagerness and the promise of romance.
A not so romantic element of this time of year is the spring clean. This is not only in the home but in our lives too, preparing for things to come. We have to make space in our heads for the new and the abundance that the coming year will bring.
This  has always been a part of tradition and it is interwoven into the Sabbat of the season, Imbolg.  In the northern hemisphere, Imbolg is celebrated around the 1st/2nd of February and although it is not quite spring, it marks the end of winter in the Celtic calender.  It's a time when the feminine is honoured as the maiden of spring emerges from the old crone of winter and the cycle of life begins again.
Imbolg is also about inspiration and the Goddess Brigid who represents fire encourages that spark of life that's needed for creativity such as poetry.  It's a great time to settle old scores and tie up loose ends before the onset of spring as fire purifies and prepares for the new.  Brigids meaning and origin does vary slightly however, believed to be connected to St. Brigit of Ireland representing fertility, labour and healing but she is clearly a womans inspiration and a symbol of the divine feminine.

As it is the time of year for inspiration and for all things female I have selected some pieces of work from various Etsy shops that encompass this - delicate romantic hues and empowering art.  Please browse my selection and remember that if you like my blog please feel free to follow, comment or visit these wonderful shops :)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63553510/brigid-celtic-goddess-of-inspiration-5x7

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66229915/sacred-feminine-essential-oil-perfume

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53398466/brigid-candle

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45668999/power-of-the-feminine-shaman-necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64134124/all-altered-art-pendants-famous

December Picks with a local flavour

I wanted to feature a few of my favourite finds that had a local flavour to start the December blog off.  Many of these are sourced from the midlands UK, particularly Nottingham.
They are not all strictly Fantasy based but I have picked them for their enchanting qualities, stunning colour or for their suitability as Gifts.
In this international world of consumerism it's important to fly the flag for Britain once in a while.  We have  many exceptional artists, designer makers in this country and sometimes it's easy to get lost amongst so many great artisans and websites worldwide.

Earthangelarts

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51669447/mystical-white-hare-art-print?ref=em

AnnaCliftonJewellery

          http://www.etsy.com/listing/51191032/crystal-set-mendhi-pendant-style-2

EloiseRenouf

       http://www.etsy.com/listing/62562717/texture-leaf-stems-dark-limited-edition

Cathward

                                http://www.etsy.com/listing/47961910/hare-print-7-x-5-inch

AlixH2010

             http://www.etsy.com/listing/59800932/labradorite-silver-and-crystal-necklace

Katebroughton

                    http://www.etsy.com/listing/62388082/six-birds-of-christmas-card-set

Missbelluk

               http://www.etsy.com/listing/60014279/baggy-knitted-hat-by-missbell-in-grey-uk

Magicflyingboot    

http://www.etsy.com/listing/6659556/folded-paper-dragon-10x7-print-in-white

DayzeeLove

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49095878/green-and-purple-skeleton-leaf-glass

Hope you liked my selection showcasing some local talent - be sure to keep an eye out for more inspiration over the next few weeks :)

The Christmas sale and whats to come

We are now well into the pre Christmas sale period and I'm doing my bit with a handful of special offers.  Its Black Friday- Cyber Monday weekend at Etsy where most shops will be offering reduced items or free shipping in some cases.  Its worth taking a look as everything is either handmade or vintage so you won't find any of these gift ideas in the shops...and you can stay in where it's cosy and warm.
It's been snowing here so it's perfect window shopping time and hopefully finding a few bargains time too.

For the Etsy sale in my shop and to get 15% off everything until late Monday use coupon code spiraletsy15

After my sale I will be showcasing some of my favourite finds in both shop sites and to get you into the Christmas mood, some of my favourite fragrances, recipes and anything else that catches my eye.

Oh keep your eyes peeled for more offers in the run up to Christmas - and I will be doing a fair on the 11th of December in Allestree Derby for any of you who are local.  Its for World Cancer Research and Father Christmas will be paying a visit too.  Take a look at my facebook page for more details.