Astral Boutique's blog

Celtic Babes

Sometimes I still can't believe that Sandy from Enid and Edgar Vintage and Kirsten from Arabesque Aromas really moved to my town. Pinch me, I'm dreaming!

The three of us, hanging out at Kirsten's booth at the Grass Valley Celtic festival

Kirsten making wishes in the wishing box

It's amazing how quickly Kirsten and Sandy fit into our foothills community. In my personal experience as a transplant, rural folks can sometimes be hesitant to open their arms to new arrivals, but when you really and truly belong somewhere, magic happens. These ladies have so much in common with all of my friends, it didn't take any pushing at all to get them to click together. History, costumes, alchemy, paganism, humor, music, natural healing, and good food- these things are the glue of my community. I wasn't surprised at all when I heard that Kirsten and Bluebird had made a pie together the other day. 

Me and Bluebird

Kirsten, with Sandy and the kids

I can't say it enough- Kirsten and Sandy, welcome home! We're so glad you're here.

 

Surrealism And Its Effects- Hanging With Larkin

Last month, me and the Sugatroll got to hang with the real and actual Larkin of Larkin and Larkin! We went to see the Cindy Sherman exhibit at the SFMOMA... we ate burritos... we made Silly. 

Larkin is a REAL MERMAID! No, really. 

My fatal character flaw, shared by Larkin: refusing to take museums seriously. Photos "arted up" by Larkin:

 

Tourist shot in front of the Bay Bridge!

Thanks to the red-haired-non-stranger from Rhode Island for one of the most fun days I've ever had. Come back soon, y'hear?

By the way, Larkin is crafting up all kinds of great new stuff in her Etsy shop for Fall... your eyes will be happy when you take a peek here. 

 

Flaming Hag Folkwear Giveaway!

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know that some of my very favorite jewelry pieces in the world were designed by Nicole at Flaming Hag Folkwear. Well, I have fantastic news- she is doing a Giveaway over on her blog. Head over there to enter.... and good luck! 

Covet... covet.... covet...

 

Bluebell And Bonnet

A care package, with a real, hand-written letter, tons of nummies (I ate all the vegan chocolate mounds, raw coconut candy, and vegan granola before I took this photo!)? Who could be sending me such a sweet thing but the red-haired piskie from the Pacific Northwest, miss Mindy Sue B. at Bluebell and Bonnet!

Yes, that's a CD of her music, which rocks my little socks off... and that's her very own homemade tea, the Wuthering Heights blend:

...which is available in her shop. Check out her description:

I wanted to create a herbal blend that is the perfect companion to late nights spent reading dusty hard cover books into the wee hours (while a storm rages outside, rattling the window panes, of course).

This is an entirely organic floral/herbal blend (no caffeine) with soothing chamomile flowers, milky oat pods and red & pink rose petals as it's base. The gentle herbal addition of peppermint, catnip and vervain add earthiness to this blend which is finished with just a touch of lavender.

I am totally in love with it- it has extra magic in every leaf and petal, I think!  

There is no feeling like being on the receiving end of an awesome care package... thank you so much, Mindy!

Larkin and Larkin

Larkin over at Larkin and Larkin is a real mind-blower. Her designs get more amazing every time I peek into her Etsy shop:

Larkin lives in Providence, Rhode Island, where she sources 90% (!) of her materials from local, family owned and operated businesses. She is a champion of the underdog and an all round fascinating human being.... but you could probably guess that from her work. 

She comes up with dozens of new designs every week, so it pays to follow her on Facebook or check in on her shop on a regular basis. 

Long live the true spirit of Etsy- sisters doing it for themselves! 

Mabon Moon

In honor of the full moon, and tomorrow's Venus transit, I want to share some images and music from one of my favorite creatrixes in the Etsy community- the amazing Kimberly Pierson at Mabon Moon Vintage and Gypsyja.  

Kimberly lives in Emigrant, Montana (that scenery!), and she is an artist, musician, and purveyor of fine vintage goods. She is a force to be reckoned with! 

I love how all of her Etsy photos are like little poems unto themselves....

Kimberly is not just abundantly talented in the visual arts, she is a musician as well. You can listen to the ethereal, haunting piano-based tunes of Gypsyja here... and she has a brand new collaborative project, Isslene and Leo, which can he heard here. Check out this surreal, beautiful video for "Transit of Venus":



May Art reign supreme.... 

Shine On, Moon Child

My friend Toni at Moonchild Vintage is always up to something good. Let's revel in the unparalleled beauty of her Etsy photography:

This lady lives on The Next Level. 

Check out this beautiful video for her song "Invocation of my Demon Sister":

This entrancing track is from her album, The Diary of Ic Explura, Part Two- Daughter of the Flood...

...which you can listen to in its entirety here. 

Toni also recently started a new blog, On Bread And Buttermilk Girls Confess The Zodiac, where she shares pages from her art diary:

I love the people in the world whose creativity makes you want to create. That's what it's all about right? Huge love to Toni.

I Heart Etsy- Abigail at Gray Day Studio!

Abigail at Gray Day Studio on Etsy was gifted this shirt from my shop by a friend- it's so cute on her!

Abigail's shop launched two months ago, and she has such a neat selection of photography and handmade items. Here are some of my favorites:

You can visit Gray Day Studio here. (-:

Majikal Dreamer

This is one of the most amazing photos that I've seen lately!

This Majik Traveler's Coat is a handmade work-in-progress by Dawn from Majik Horse. That's the amazing Dawn herself, and one of her beloved equine friends. You can see more preview photos on her Facebook Fan Page here.

Dreamy!

Mademoiselle Mermaid

I love when an Etsian that I admire buys something from me! Enter the gorgeous and talented Renae, proprietress of Mademoiselle Mermaid, who bought this red dress and is rocking it beautifully here:

Renae crafts up a cornucopia of colorful wearables in her shop, like these cuties:

And my personal most coveted item:

Yes that is a GOLD TURBAN. (who wants to buy me a present?)

You can peek Renae's shop here!