Ossified Fairy Wings

Woodland specimens

As recorded earlier in this blog, a little-known fact has recently come to light, supported by the evidence documented on these pages: Fairies regularly shed their wings just as snakes shed their skins. It is theorized, though not proven, that this occurs during change of seasons from winter to spring. Once shed, the wings ossify and crystallize. See the prime specimen below.

Hanging wings: front

Hanging wings: back

The final photo below shows the wings held in a hand to give a sense of scale. If you're curious about how this was done and would like formulas and how-to information see Crystallization.

A wing in the hand is worth two fairies in the bush.

The Wing Shop

Introducing Wings, a little out-of-the-way shop where those in the know go to purchase a new set of wings. This little card combines collage, stitching, and a bit of cunning folding. See if you can figure out how it was done. I may do another version soon with instructions.

The front door (front of the card)

Back door, tradesman's entrance. Note a careless delivery person has left a feather by the gate.

The open shop from above

Shop display windows (click to enlarge)

Window close-up

Window close-up

Aerial view

How to Photograph a Fairy

Lichen fairy

The series of images displayed here represent the first successful attempt to photograph fairies since the 1917 photos of the Cottingley fairies, taken by two young cousins in the English countryside. After intensive investigation, the Cottingley photos were pronounced genuine at the time by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and representatives from the Eastman Kodak Company. However, the young girls who took the photos, Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright, later admitted that all but one were fraudulent. Until their deaths they argued over which of them had taken the one genuine photo.

Running fairy

The technique shared here is based on extensive field research leading to a key finding (and it is one that puts the Cottingley cousins' claim to that one genuine photo in doubt): the only way to trap a fairy's image is to photograph its shadow.

Fairy alighting on flower tips (movement has slightly blurred the image)

All photos shown here are absolutely genuine and have not been Photoshopped or retouched in any way. Click on any image to see an enlarged version and inspect the photo more closely. To attempt to duplicate the method used, you will need shards of cardboard, a camera, and a fairly secluded location with lush foliage and a fair amount of flowers. You will also need a considerable amount of patience.

Fiddling with the pistil of a flower (harvesting?)

Second fairy involved in the harvesting operation

The method:

• Just before dawn or sunset, when the light will be at a near-horizontal slant, set rectangles of cardboard upright around and among the plants at various locations. Trial and error over time will lead to identification of the best potential spots.

• Aim your camera at one of the cardboard rectangles and establish focus by focusing on the shadows of plants and flowers cast on the cardboard. Wait patiently for shadow images of the fairies to flit into view.

• Prepare to snap a photo at the slightest movement. 

Preening fairy. I am almost certain this fairy was aware of my presence and what I was doing.

Preening fairy once again, seemingly almost posing. I believe this is a younger fairy.

Never attempt to focus a camera directly on a fairy. Cameras, particularly digital cameras, may be irreversibly damaged if you attempt to do so. At the very least, as I've learned to my regret, you will contaminate the atmosphere, creating an area known as a "spoiled fairy spot." In such an event it is highly unlikely any sprites will return to your garden—ever.

Dancing fairy—acting a little looney

Male fairy doing something to some weeds

An unusual sight: two mail fairies playing

As I continue experiments with this technique, I would be most interested in hearing reports of others' experiences attempting to duplicate the method outlined here. Again, patience is an absolute must and success may not take place for months or even years. However, one could spend time in worse ways than lying in wait for fairies.

Sleeping Stones

Decades ago I researched herbal lore to create a series of magic charms. The formulas were based on the wisdom and writings of Pliny, Shakespeare, Ibn Al Awam, Indian sages, ancient Saxons, war-weary crusaders, and countless wise and wonderful old women from Tuscany, Sicily, Greece, and far-flung corners of the globe.

I have combined that herbal lore with my fondness for stones to create these sleeping stones, stuffed with cotton batting and an herbal formula for "general magic and seeing fairies." The stones are made from recycled sweaters, T-shirts and fabric scraps. Keep a stuffed stone by your pillow, give it a squeeze as you go to sleep to release the herbal fragrance, and drift away. Make some stones of your own.

The Secret Herbal Formula for General Magic and Seeing Fairies:

Thyme: The scent gives us strength, courage, bravery. In medieval times it was believed that the herb enables you to see fairies and nymphs that live in fields and meadows. Prevents bad dreams. Brings happiness and well being. Refreshes a tired person.

Rosemary: Brings good luck, prevents witchcraft. An herb of Mercury. Leaves placed under the pillow prevent nightmares. Quickens the mind and prevents forgetfulness. In Hamlet, Ophelia to Laertes, Act IV, Scene V: "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance. Pray love, remember."

Found Fairy Gardens

For those without a plot of land to call their own, try a pocket garden to lure sprites to your urban apartment. This project started when I found a piece of mossy redwood bark in the middle of my path during a walk in the rain.

Three tiny gardens.

Pebbles and a small stone create a fairy circle on a bed of moss.

This garden was created using a little recycled plastic box.  This is the atrium fairy garden.

Close the box and you have a fairy terrarium.

The redwood bark fairy garden.

Situated in an old Altoid tin, decoupaged with Chinese good luck paper.

Closed, it's the secret Chinese fairy garden.

A garden for seashore fairies.

Stalk of exotic grass with blow-away seeds
that may or may not be fairies in disguise.

Close-up of fairies. One breath and they're gone.
Can you spot the two fairies in
the redwood garden above?

Another fairy close-up. These ones look a little evil.

Evidence of Fairies

Fairy Daytime Frock

Magnolia Ball Gown

Fairy Party Dress

Fairy Play Romper

Fairy Sun Dress

Fairy Tea Dress

These may look familiar to some of you. They were previously posted in my Etsy shop, which is now closed since I have decided to return to my noncommercial roots. The frocks above were hand-fashioned from flower petals, with a heavy reliance on daffodils.