My Favorite Sparkling Storybook Fae

To celebrate my fairy daughter's birthday, Fairy Queen Grandriel made a secret story book to keep magical fae memories! My little fairy is now the "Keeper" of two sprites herself and has the mighty job of keeping track of plenty of sparkling fairy dust. I thought this would make a good project idea for a fairy grandmother (as if I don't have any others). So now I will have to make other pages! Oh my!

My old 35mm Nikon finally died. Still I was inspired by a photo taken by my tiny 'coolpix' camera at an 'Art In The Park' event where the grand children were playing on a big rock. Since I have not posted much about the grandchildren for awhile, I guess it's time to enthrall you, as we grandmothers do! 

You can see our Princess Aowyn is quite lost in thought deciding if she is going "here" or "there!"

Happiness found while making a flower from recycled water bottles. Serious business!

Yes, we both got our hands deep into the glitter and glue! Every good fairy simply must find glitter stuck to various bits of skin and clothing the rest of the day don't cha' know.

Multi-talented guitarist husband known as "Ben Sherman Guitar" was playing solo acoustic style in the sunshine. The wee and the tall townsfolk came out to frolic on this beautiful early summer day up on bewitching Emerald Hill! I thought we lived in Lothlorian...Are we in OZ?

Everyone took to relaxing in the shade of the trees, except mommies of the tiny toddlers, who were running, climbing, and playing tag! This was a great family and kid friendly situation, which does not always happen for our gig life. A super opportunity to have the grandchildren join us.

So as soon as "Ben Sherman Guitar' was finished his musical set for the afternoon, his favorite fairy insisted he smell the beautiful plastic flower she made! Isn't that the best kind of fan!

There was a total of four gigs this past weekend! Later Ben and myself were off to a gig with the fabulous classic rock band "Hectic Red,"  and the next day with the Steely Dan Tribute Band "Technicolor Motor Home." (Who by the way, are going to be opening for 'Three Dog Night' on June 29th.) Until then, Grandriel and Grandalf savored the astonishing moments with the most adorable fae in all the land! Soak in the love, play in the glitter of life, and smell the magic flowers!

Credits: Digital artwork by Crystal Visions Art

Jaime Brick's Enchanted Sculpture

We were so excited by these woodland inspired sculptures by Canadian Jaime Brick at Faerie Con that I knew I would have to blog about this imaginative and creative soul! Jaime was kind enough to let me take some photos of his extraordinary artwork. You can certainly tell this man has an understanding of natural beauty mixed with a sense of humor which is apparent in the two distinct styles of his sculpture projects. Check out those silly guys below!

 
Here is a quote from the Information card I picked up at his booth. " Abandoned as an infant, Jamie Brick was taken in and raised by a pack of wild medieval rabbits.  This unusual upbringing reflects in this artist's eyes as he sculpts, stone, wood and mixed media into creatures from a world that lies just left of center."...and...

Long-winded Artist Statement "My work reflects a didactic ascension into a downward spiral, metamorphosing into a translucent solid of good vs evil and my fear of abandonment."
 

In truth as with most art, the artist does not always know what direction the piece will take him on the creative journey, but you can smile in wonder when everything seems to work together perfectly.   

Many of the figures started as life casts, which Jaime has transfigured into very magical beings. How about being the subject of one of Jaime's sculptures yourself? You could be a woodland nymph, as Jaime also does custom commissions in which he can work on a theme along with your budget. He is a member of the International Life Casters association and he promises to provide you with a safe and comfortable experience using the latest materials. It would be so awesome to own one of his unique one of a kind sculptures and be the inspiration. Be sure to click on the individual photos to view the detail of his beautiful figures and sculptures!

 

If you should take on the quest of seeking out Jamie's Canadian studio to view his art or become a wondrous sculpture, your journey will lead you along a narrow winding road weaving through the forest of Draper.  "The forest is a rough magical landscape.  Legend has it that in the middle of the forest is a valley of white skin trees where Faeries still gather in gossamer gowns, their hair wild flower woven.  Great wizards still practice ancient lore.  At the end of the road near the edge of the map lies Bear Bottom Studio.  Here in the forest Jamie lives with his wife Annette in a century old cabin nestled against the Lake of Draper.  He invites you to visit the studio and walk through the lake side gardens or to sit by the lake and breath in the serenity."  

His work can be seen in the Life Casters Museum In Boston as well as other galleries that are listed on the Jaime Brick website. Jaimie's work ha been featured In Faerie Magazine, and Jaime Brick Studios will return to Faerie Con 2011. If you are traveling to Hunt Valley Maryland check his work out in person! You will be enchanted!

The Famous Spoutwood May Day Fairie Festival

This weekend is the 20th Anniversary of The Annual Spoutwood May Day Fairie Festival. Held in Glen Rock Pennsylvania, always on the first weekend of May, rain or shine, this is the longest running fairy festival in the country. What makes this festival the best, is the beautiful outdoor setting filled with magical places that wee sprite love.  Fae folk are nature spirits, and the obvious place to emulate that love for nature, is with a fairy festival in the country. 

Spoutwood Farm is an enchanted friendly place to relax, a wonderful place to enjoy people, the perfect place to feel the music, and most of all... a fun place to play!!! No matter what your age, come be a part of the of the annual celebration of the return of Spring! Enjoy the happy parade of colorful fairies, and creative people that fill the fields and walkways on Spoutwood Farm. 

There are 70 arts and crafts vendors throughout the festival grounds, along with two areas for food and drink. Music fills the air on a variety of stage locations throughout the weekend. Who will you see? What will you see? Who will you be?  

For children, the Spoutwood Fairie Festival is a wonderland at every turn as there is so much to see and do!

Waves of floating bubbles to run through! Run! Fly! Jump! Try to capture one for a fleeting sparkling moment!  This area is always shining with delighted little fairy faces!

A beautiful faerie along the woods creates some magic...

Stroll past a mystical Master Wizard...

Keep your eyes open for the Fairie King and Queen... 

A pony ride would be nice...

or even tickling your toes in a cool running stream!

Playing dress up and using your creative imagination is the best reason to enjoy your day at the fairie festival! 

Posie Fairy...perhaps we should join her for afternoon tea.

Time for some awesome music and tribal beats! There is Albannach performing last year, and wowing the large crowd that always gathers to feel their infectious rhythms! Spoutwood May Day Faire Festival attracts some of the best musical acts! This year the amazing 'Telesma' will be performing on Saturday and Sunday! You can check the Spoutwood website for this years full musical line-up.

The 'Gypsy Nomads' now known as 'Frenchy and The Punk' were up on the hill inspiring some free form faerie dancing in 2010.

Children's music is in a hidden realm made for exploring. A few years ago Ben and I ran into Ellis Woodward performing for the little people! Of course Ben joined Ellis for a few spontaneous tunes!

Lets go get our face painted!

We could get a beautiful hair braid by our friend Ellen. This is the kind lady who created the hairstyle for Painting Queen's wedding day.

Oh now its time for the drum circle! You can freely join in, or just watch what is a favorite activity at Spoutwood!

After all that movement, now it's time to take a moment to relax.

I think we are hungry for some of Jeff's delicious quesadillas and sweet potato fries!

Say hello to the Mossmen!

Let's go for a walk around the grounds! Wow! Something magical is happening! 

Enchantment at every turn!

That is one beautiful lizard!

The Greenman of Spoutwood is always ready to give the call of "Kubiando!"

In 'Nature Place' a group shares their knowledge of reptiles.

Beautiful llamas rest in the mid day sun.

Let's keep trekking up the hill towards Frodo's house.

Ahh there it is with a glittering fairy at the entrance!

Faerie Magazine always brings in the best fantasy artists to their tent. As you can see, the renown artist Charles Vess enjoys a great fairy festival. He will be there again this year giving a talk, along with the fantastic Gary Lippincott.

Candice Night Of 'Blackmore's Night' attended Spoutwood and shared her light with fans.

The 'Tribes of Spoutwood' exist for those who would like to express themselves within a like-minded group and enjoy the celebration of light that Spring and Summer bring to the world.

After indulging in some tasty treats up on Frodo's Hill and wandering through all the craft tents it's time to wind down the hill.

A creator of gorgeous Fairy Wings passes by in the crowd! 

Can't resist another trip through the bubble field!

There goes another wizard! 

I didn't know this guy smiled.

The weather is beautiful, and the air smells so sweet. After a long winters nap, it is good to be in the warm light of Spring with so many friends, loved one's and fae!

We have seen and experienced much today! We will return again to enjoy the sights and sounds of the 'Spoutwood May Day Fairie Festival.' 

Everyone is welcomed in this colorful glen filled with magic. You can play and express your creative self, while enjoying the beauty of other peoples expressions of light, and artful costume.

 The glow of the sun tells us this day is ending.

Let's catch the last sweet rays.

Even the animals try to squeeze in one more moment of fun! 

Heading back to the parking field. We are grateful for this day to celebrate life. Thank you Rob and Lucy Wood for sharing your land and your light with the world. Spoutwood May Day Fairie Festival is one of the highlights of the year for many of our friends and family! 




Credits: All images by Crystal Sherman, Textures - by Shadowhouse Creations,  
Green Frame - by Paula Kesselring, Orange Frame - by Christina Renee