Of Bats and Pumpkins...

This is just a quick entry to show off my two new sets that I have listed to my store, both Autumn-themed.*  As the title of this entry suggests, one highlights bats and the other highlights pumpkins.  And here they are, without further ado!

Filigree Bats

Filigree Bat - Hairstick

Filigree Bats - Earrings

These were inspired by all of the nocturnal-animal programs that I have recently been attending.  (True, those programs highlighted owls--but bats were often discussed as well.  And, why not?  They're wonderful little nocturnal flying mammals.)


The accompanying story:


To some people, bats are both ugly and frightening. To the people living near the Haunted Forest, however, bats are considered welcome guests. 

As one might expect, there are many reasons for this attitude. First, and perhaps reason enough, is that the presence of bats means that pesky biting insects are at a minimum. This is appreciated both by the villagers and their plentiful animals. Secondly, it is said that the presence of plenty of bats is said to be indicative of a plentiful harvest. Therefore, the villagers near the Haunted Forest always look to the sky at the end of summer; there is much celebration when many bats are spotted, sometimes causing spontaneous festivals.

Made using filigree bat charms, this set looks as if it could adorn a villager near the Haunted Forest—a reminder to look into the silent twilight to see if there are any bats.

Pumpkin Carver

Pumpkin Carver - Hairsticks

Pumpkin Carver - Earrings

This set was inspired by the adorable little pumpkin bells that I found while out shopping last week.  I bought two--and that is why there are currently two pairs of these hairsticks available.  (They have one bell each.)  They make me smile, and I'm excited to share.


The accompanying story:


Carving pumpkins has long been a custom in the mid-Autumn chill. In the Landus Fantasticus, this is no different. Indeed, it is there that being called a Pumpkin Artist is high praise. Carving pumpkins is considered a high art-form; in displays of extreme skill, the orange gourds are covered with portraits and pastoral scenes of incredible detail. 

Every year after the harvest, Pumpkin Artists hold country-wide competitions. The winner of the coveted prize, affectionately called the Pumpkin Cup, also becomes the Official Royal Pumpkin Carver—a title that he or she holds until another winner is declared in later years. 

This set is made in the colors of an autumn night—a black sky, the silver moon, the orange leaves and pumpkins. They look as if they could adorn the Official Royal Pumpkin Carver while creating this year’s masterpiece. 


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* I suppose they could also be considered Halloween-themed...  yet, I don't think they necessarily have to be pegged as such.  Bats and pumpkins aren't just around on Halloween, after all.  So, that's why I have decided to call them Autumn-themed instead--to highlight their lasting relevancy.  :)