Masks are an evocative part of any costume and their history is a fascinating one. Last year in Oregon, we were delighted to discover one of the finest mask makers we’d ever come across, the artisan Monica Roxburgh. Her masks are of true fantasy, beautifully hand crafted, comfortable to wear and stunning to see. Monica manages to combine the ancient traditions with modern techniques, resulting in gorgeous pieces of artwork that one can wear and treasure! The designs are spectacular, imaginative, iridescent and totally original. No wonder Monica is commissioned to make masks throughout all aspects of the arts including film, theatre and television. She also creates the best horns out there, they are so much fun to wear and perfect for those who maybe don’t wish to cover their face but just alter their look a little! Monica’s web site is called www.goblinart.com where she goes into some more detail as to how she makes her magical masks and her inspiration to do so.

(photos here) I have always had a fondness for acorns, ever since I was young and would use their enchanting little cups for my fairy teas and I’m sure I’m not alone in this! Acorns feel lovely to hold in your hand and seem to be so magical, the way that tiny seed inside its shell, can grow into a magnificent oak tree that could easily outlive us. Some autumns there are more nuts on the ground than others depending on the previous year’s weather and watching the squirrels collecting them to bury for later in the winter is an amusing sight. They get so busy digging little holes, popping in the acorn and then patting it down placing leaves on the top – they’re planting new trees if they forget some of their hiding places. The deer also love acorns but while they’re still growing on the trees, and stretch their necks as high as possible in their efforts to munch on them. We sometimes have a beautiful Jay, who flies into our garden especially to visit the young oak trees and take his share of the acorn harvest. I too like to consume acorns… but in a powder form mixed with chicory, figs, wheat and malted barley as a coffee substitute – so yay for the haycorns as dear Piglet calls them!

Magical Blessings, Be

“When the oak is felled the forest echoes with its fall, but a hundred acorns are sown silently by an unnoticed breeze.” – Thomas Carlyle