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All Dolled Up: Figments and Figurines
The autumn season is upon us, and many of us observe the shifting light and cooler temperatures by outfitting our homes in the whimsical decor of the season: pumpkins, fairy lights, ghosts and other eerie beasties, and woodland creatures adorn … Continue reading All Dolled Up: Figments and Figurines
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Securing the Crown: Meet Your Festival Hair Braiders
Here in her hairsThe painter plays the spider and hath wovenA golden mesh to entrap the hearts of men,Faster than gnats in cobwebs… William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice” “Hey, can you braid my hair?” When I was in junior … Continue reading Securing the Crown: Meet Your Festival Hair Braiders
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Trinket Trading: Trash or Treasure?
In the 50+ year history of Renaissance festivals, trinket trading is a relatively new phenomenon. As the concept is embraced by new people without an understanding of its origins the practice is at risk; many shows have, with valid reasons, … Continue reading Trinket Trading: Trash or Treasure?
Fond Farewells: TV and Film’s Most Iconic Goodbyes
“Parting is such sweet sorrow”. “So long, Farewell, Auf wiedersehen, Goodbye.” “Hasta la vista, baby”. There are so many ways to say goodbye – here are some of our favorites from film and tv history. I’ll be right here. The … Continue reading Fond Farewells: TV and Film’s Most Iconic Goodbyes
Representation, Resistance, and the Rebirth of Ana Caro
Since childhood, I have been intrigued by Renaissance Faires. Growing up in New Jersey I’d see commercials for the New York Renaissance Faire, ask my parents to take me -but we couldn’t afford it- so they never did. It wasn’t … Continue reading Representation, Resistance, and the Rebirth of Ana Caro
Characters We’ve Loved: Time to Say Goodbye
As summer’s long, sunny days give way to autumnal darkness, we turn our minds to the ending of another year. All Saint’s Day, Samhain, and Dios de los Muertos stand as observances marking the end of harvest, the darkening of … Continue reading Characters We’ve Loved: Time to Say Goodbye
Music for saying “Godspeed. Anon. Goodbye.”
Farewell! God knows when we shall meet again. -William Shakespeare Last month, Grammy/Emmy/Tony winner Sara Bareilles wrapped her national tour for her new album, Good Grief. Sara had begun writing music as a way to process the death of her … Continue reading Music for saying “Godspeed. Anon. Goodbye.”
Practical Magic 2: Magic Lessons We Loved
Though it’s still hot as a cauldron filled with man-vanishing potion here in Florida, I’m committed to the observance of the fall with my annual rituals of witchcraft fun. Disclaimer here: this piece is all about “witchcraft” à la Hocus … Continue reading Practical Magic 2: Magic Lessons We Loved
Hands in Clay: Meet Ceramicist Natalie Pellegrini
Living today feels like swimming in a sea of synthetics. Everything is plastic and feels designed to break or wear away or crumble to bits almost immediately. Truly, it is such. a. massive. bummer. Which is why coming across an … Continue reading Hands in Clay: Meet Ceramicist Natalie Pellegrini
Pop Culture’s Most Iconic Braids
Practical. Beautiful. Tribal. Ornamental. Regal. Ancient. Futuristic. Plain. Fantastical. The braiding of hair has been weaving the strands of functionality, community, and personal expression for literal centuries. They carry deep cultural and historical meaning while also delivering on some of … Continue reading Pop Culture’s Most Iconic Braids
These Boots Were Made for Walking
Last Tuesday I had the kind of experience in a movie theater that makes a person feel we should all be required to stand with our hand over our hearts pledge-of-allegiance style during Nicole Kidman’s iconic AMC pre-show commercial. “We … Continue reading These Boots Were Made for Walking
Woven Across Time: The Cultural Language of Braids
Braids are seen every day. We love the beauty, the practicality, the culture of the braid, but may rarely consider the history of this intricate woven art. Known as ‘suka’ in Swahili, ‘la trenza’ in Spanish, and جديلة in Arabic, … Continue reading Woven Across Time: The Cultural Language of Braids