Spellbinding: Handmade Grottan Pride

Leave it to my love of Jim Henson and my gelfling spirit animal Deet to inspire me creatively once again!

I am so excited to share my newest creation. For a while I have been wanting to have a Grottan Clan Sigil made and after getting more familiar with sculpting these past months I wondered if I could make one myself and if so how would I even pull it off with the design not being a conjoined sigil.

I also knew I wanted to make the center out of an actual black gemstone crystal so it would also be a grounding and protection sigil. I had planned to get something the next time I went to one of our local holistic shops and decided to put the project idea on hold until I made the trip.

Well as the universe would have it.. it brought the stone to me. I received a free gift as a thank you with my 1st Mindful Souls subscription box and it was a round black obsidian on a whimsical knit cord necklace! Seriously, it could not have been more perfect visually and with perfect timing.

I am normally not my biggest fan but actually did a little happy dance when this was fully dry. Not only because it’s what I had hoped for, but because now It will also be a reminder that I challenged myself and a reflection of my gratitude to the universe for giving me that little extra push I needed to create my vision.

See more of my magical creations that incorporate healing crystal gemstones on the Spellbinding page of my portfolio website. Are you a fan of The Dark Crystal as well? Then don’t forget to check out my “I Will Carry On” Deet portrait on the Spitting Image page too!

Stay Spooky & Magical!
LDG Nicole

Artist Shoutout: Troll Hunting the works of Thomas Dambo

Yesterday my husband Frank and I had the day off work and decided to go on a day date adventure. I had heard that the Morton Arboretum was having a troll exhibit featuring 15-30ft trolls designed/created by artist Thomas Dambo. Needless to say, this Jim Henson, Brian Froud fantasy loving geek was in her glory. If it has to do with monsters, goblins, trolls, mermaids, fairies, gnomes, unicorns or anything else mythical from fairytale land…sign me up!

This is how their website describes the exhibit:
Journey through our far-reaching forest to hunt for six colossal trolls crafted from reclaimed wood by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Marvel at these 15- to 30-foot-tall (and one 60-foot long) sculptures that have been created to serve as protectors of our environment. These mysterious creatures—resembling the trolls of European folklore—were first spotted at the Arboretum in the spring of 2018. As sightings increased, an official investigation was launched to learn about these fascinating new residents. The trolls share the Arboretum’s desire to care for trees; however, they seem suspicious of humans. We need you to join the investigation and help trolls and humans come to understand each other. What will you discover when you join the hunt?

Seriously! Sign me up.

Well due to me still trying to heal from my sprained ankle, the heat and sporadic rain (which interesting enough made the whole adventure feel even more authentic) we decided to do the driving route. Doing the drive and park is the way to go even without a sprained ankle. You still have to walk and go find the trolls but you don’t have to walk miles upon miles to get to their general area. Not to mention you don’t get as tired and can really enjoy and take it all in. The arboretum is HUGE (17,00 acres) and the trolls are spread throughout all of it. Driving through the woods was magical in itself and the map they give you is both helpful and fun to follow!

Here are some photos we took during our adventure. Click on any of them to enlarge and read the captions. These wood sculptures are massive but still incredibly detailed! We were blown away by them.

 

Frank checking out Rocky Bardur Troll

Sneaky Socks Alexa trying to capture me!

Sneaky Socks Alexa up close!

Joe The Guardian from a distance (I was unable to climb the hill with my sprained ankle)

Furry Ema was guarded by swarms upon swarms of mosquitoes. So this is the best picture I got while being eaten alive and trying to escape ha ha.

Rocking my Jim Henson shirt and Kermit socks proudly next to Niels Bragger

Frank standing with Niels Bragger

Frank wanted to take a photo inside Little Arturs mouth but just like Furry Ema he was also being guarded by a swarm of mosquitoes.

Such a magical day! I am literally honored we were able to experience these magnificent pieces of art and so thrilled that Morton Arboretum and Thomas Dambo brought this to Illinois for dreamers like us to enjoy!

Stay Spooky!
LDG Nicole

R.I.P. Goblin King

I know I just posted this portrait in tribute to David Bowie’s birthday on Friday, but I feel the need to do it again after the terrible news of his passing (shakes fist at cancer..how dare you take another legend from us). I call this one “It’s Only Forever” because of the movie Labyrinth but I feel it is rather fitting of the way I feel right now about losing such a legend who not only was musically amazing but set the bar for all of us to be ourselves and not care what others think.

As you all know from my Labyrinth obsession that he filled my childhood with imagination and hope when he joined forces with Jim Henson and Brian Froud by transforming into Jareth. That movie was an escape for me as child and to this day is still my all time favorite movie. I often wished he would come take me away even during times of adulthood 🙂

Thank you for bringing music and magic into my life. For reminding me it’s ok to be myself and that I can be a hero… even if it’s just for one day.

All Hail The Goblin King! May you be dancing magic dances forever!

Stay Spooky!
LDG Nicole