Playlist: Shine Out, Faire Sun!

July 9, 2021.Reading time 1 minute.

We’ve gathered songs about summer fairies, beaches, and warm sunshine. For those who have summer faires to celebrate, this mix is a great soundtrack for your journey to the festival. For those who must wait for their faire’s next season, this list can make your summer picnics and vacay drives a bit, well, sunnier! It’s […]

Meeting Puck: Midsummer’s Magic

June 23, 2021.Reading time 10 minutes.

After a long year of closures and being sheltered in our homes, this summer feels especially celebratory! Though we yet remember the shadows of the losses of the last 16 months, so many of us are finally breathing a little easier, turning our faces toward the sun, and airing out our costumes and garb to […]

A Corset Story

May 19, 2021.Reading time 13 minutes.

Of course, we’ve all seen women walking the lanes at the Renaissance festival in gorgeous court gowns, shimmery fairy costumes, and simpler merchant-class dresses. But perhaps there is no more ubiquitous clothing item at the RenFaire than the corset. Curvy, boned, and in materials from silk to leather, the Victorian corset has become the costume […]

Flower Tales: Renaissance Spring

May 11, 2021.Reading time 19 minutes.

It’s finally May and spring is in full bloom! Renaissance and medieval faires across the country have opened their doors. The light is soft and beautiful. The evenings are deliciously warm. Pour yourself a cocktail and curl up on your patio for a few floral tales of yore, beautifully written by staff writer VC Audley. […]

Eimar Burke: Spirit and Light for Beltane

May 1, 2021.Reading time 3 minutes.

Síocháin, suaimhneas, solas agus grá. Peace, tranquility, light and love. In June of 2020, Eimear Burke was installed as the Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids. In March of 2021, I had the pleasure of speaking with her via Zoom from Kilkenny, IE to Evergreen, TX. Initially, my plan had been […]

TEn THings: Covid Precautions For Faire

April 15, 2021.Reading time 10 minutes.

This time last year, our lives were forever changed. As a vendor, performer and cast member of faire, our shop was closed down, our show schedule was completely cancelled and we, along with everyone else became victim to faires and festivals all over the world closing. Our income and businesses were hit hard, thus we […]

The Revolutionary Roots of Self Care

February 3, 2021.Reading time 8 minutes.

Bubble Baths. Mindfulness and Meditation. Korean Sheet Masks. CBD oils. Red Wine. Yoga. Staycations. Skincare. Gratitude Lists. These are a few of our favorite things! These are also just a few items and practices that are most likely to spring to mind when you hear the phrase “SELF-CARE”. As this is being written, the hashtag […]

Pamela colman smith: the pixie of the tarot

February 3, 2021.Reading time 19 minutes.

Many Renaissance festival goers have sat across a draped table with a reader and listened while this gifted individual shared insights from a tarot deck. Likely, the deck was illustrated by Pamela Colman Smith; her deck is probably the most recognizable of all the tarot. An artist whose style was influenced by the Art Nouveau […]

Beyond Cupid’s Arrow: Women in Archery

February 3, 2021.Reading time 19 minutes.

As I stood on the field of competition at Sherwood Forest Faire in 2016, I grasped my bow with a sweaty palm and shook from the nerves. I had shot a few times in front of an audience previously, but no one was watching me, I faded into the background as there were plenty of […]

Enchanted Desire: Love in Myth and Fairy Tale

February 3, 2021.Reading time 20 minutes.

For those of us who love the world of the Renaissance Festival, the fairy tales of old are a cherished source of wisdom and beauty. We’ve all loved seeing the knights and ladies strolling the lanes of our faires. Read on to discover how romance worked in story, and how it might make its way […]