Skull Fetishes and more!

Howdy folks!

Well, it's been all go here at Catbird Craft this weekend, fur has been a-flying and feathers a-ruffling. The bird has finished four skulls (one fox, three birds) and they are looking mighty fine too!

Great Spotted Woodpecker Skull

This is what a fetish is (in this sense of the meaning) for those who would like to know:

Fetishes are considered sacred ceremonial objects. Every animal, bird, or plant, has traits and teachings that we can learn from. To call upon the spirit of a particular animal or bird, maybe so that it might help teach, heal, or protect us, a corresponding fetish can be used. Some fetishes are carved from wood or stone, whilst others are made from feathers, bones and skulls. Shamans believe that these objects are doorways of communication with the spirit world, within which the essence of the animal or bird still resides, and as such they are always treated with great care and respect. 

 Red Fox Skull

The cat has just finished some mini heart paintings too, just in time for Valentine's Day!

 

 One for the purists, and one for the romantics!

You can find all these and more at either our website www.catbirdcraft.co.uk or our etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/catbirdcraft

Belle and Claude have been keeping well out of the way while all this activity has been going on, but I have been providing sustenance to the weary workers, they are both now sleeping as I type this up. It's nice to have the room to myself again for a little while, I can enjoy my cigar in peace!

Well, that's all for now folks,

My regards to you all,

Frank

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Adopt a Toad

Howdy Folks,

Toads

It's time for me to introduce the toads... They aren't like other toads, and they certainly aren't suitable for licking. Believe me, I've tried - they hold no hallucinogenic qualities whatsoever, (even if they look like they should.) They make great garden ornaments, or door stoppers, maybe even a paperweight. If you would like to offer one of our toads a home, then you will find them in the Catbird Craft shop, HERE.

Gilbert

  Gilbert Toad was found trapped in a watering can somewhere in East Sussex. He was merely hours away from death and was very lucky to survive his ordeal. He has now been fully rehabilitated and is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. He's particularly fond of Fuschia bushes but a garden and/or pond isn't essential to his well-being.

 Ophelia

Ophelia toad was brought to us by a member of the public after she was found wedged in a drain. Her broken leg has now healed and she's ready to be rehomed. Clara is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A garden and/or pond isn't essential to Ophelia's's well-being.

Bartholomew

Bartholomew Toad was found in an under-road 'toad tunnel', seemingly to afraid to leave. As he was at serious risk of starvation he was brought to us for rehabilitating. His therapy has been successful and he is now suitable for rehoming to a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential for Bartholomew's well-being.

Roger

Roger was discovered trying to join Paul McCartney's frog chorus. After he was discovered to be a toad, and most definitely not a frog, he was brought to us for rehoming. Roger is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential.

Pauline

Pauline toad was found confused and disorientated in a swimming pool after mistaking it for a large pond. Her de-chlorination and rehabilitation has been successful and Pauline is now ready to be rehomed. She is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential.

Petunia

Petunia toad was a witch's familar in the 13th century. Until her arrival with us she'd been an exhibit in a witch craft museum. As a result Petunia is a shy toad but she is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential.

Elvis

Elvis toad was brought to us by health and safety officers after he was discovered working in a fish and chip shop in south London. He has now taken full retirement and is ready to be rehomed. Elvis is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential.

That's all for now folks,

Frank

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Sabbat card #1 - Samhain

Howdy Folks,

   Frank here, again. My little lie down has been interrupted by this exciting news. Catbird Craft have delivered yet another greetings card. Like London buses - you wait for one and three come along at once.

    When the range is complete there will be eight cards in all, each celebrating one of the pagan sabbat days. The first card out of the blocks is Samhain, (literally translated as 'summer's end'). Traditionally speaking, by this point in the year all the harvest had to be gathered in as come November the wintry faeries would blight any remaining fruits. Animals would either be brought indoors for the winter or slaughtered, and wood supplies gathered for continued warmth throughout the season to come.  The Celts considered the year to be divided into two halves - the light and the dark. And as it is believed that from the darkness of winter comes the growth of summer, Samhain is often considered to be the beginning of the pagan year. From this festival came what we more commonly know today as Halloween.

  This particular card is inspired by not only by the European Celtic tradition, but also the Mexican Day of the Dead festival.

Some of details on the card include:

The bonfire represents the autumnal 'bone fires' of yesteryear when the bones of slaughtered animals were burnt.

The apple to signify the gathering of the harvest.

The Flor de Muerto ("Flower of the Dead") are thought to attract souls of the dead to the offerings left on the decorated graves and alters. These flowers are often Mexican marigolds, as the bright and lively colours are believed to represent the sun's rays upon those in the world of the dead. The text 'Hay mas tiempo que vida' translates as 'There is more time than life'.

This card will be available in the Catbird Craft shop when it opens. More info about that to follow.

I need a brandy now.

My regards to you all,

Frank 
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