Witch Crafts: 101 Projects for Creative Pagans [Paperback]

Willow Polson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Thanks for your interest in my book! I designed it to be easy to use, provide fun projects for everyone, include a variety of skill levels and materials, and use craft supplies that aren't too hard to locate. Each chapter features a "Resources" section at the back to make it even easier for you to find the supplies you need to create everything in this book. Feel free to visit my website and let me know what you like (or don't like) about Witch Crafts. Enjoy!

From the Inside Flap

Whether you're a novice crafter into Norse lore or a practicing Pagan in need of personal tips on Celtic leatherwork, this handy, easy-to-use book will charm you and your entire family. The enchanting designs represent authentic Pagan lore and culture, and can be used for both practical and sacred purposes. Learn how to make a variety of unique items to delight all the senses, including:

- Celtic Pentacle Banner

- Carved Lotus Pillar Candle

- Quilted Leather Book of Shadows Cover

- Beaded Egyptian Collar

- Topsy Turvy Goddess Doll

- Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Sign

Almost every project in Witch Crafts can be constructed from readily available materials like wood, clay, wax, glass, and fabric, and there are crafts for all ages and skill levels. You'll also get detailed, step-by-step instructions, complete with tips, techniques, suppliers, and diagrams to help even beginners create elegant products.

The finished works of art make wonderful, personalized holiday gifts -- the book itself is a perfect present for that special person. So put some magic in your life withthis one-of-a-kind guide.

- Illustrations and Photos Throughout -

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Citadel (January 11, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080652247X
• ISBN-13: 978-0806522470
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,999 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Paganism

More About the Author

Willow Polson's major in college was Art, and was on the Education track at SFSU to get a secondary school teaching credential when two things happened: Her dad decided to stop paying for college, and she answered an ad for a full-time graphic artist for EGW Publishing, which produces consumer magazines. The job was interesting enough, but when an assistant editor position opened up, she gave writing samples to one of the editors and was virtually hired on the spot. From there she helped develop new titles, became a department editor, and eventually became managing editor of both a newsletter and related website.

Seeing the writing on the wall about certain properties she was working on, at about this time she started writing books and doing more freelance articles. Fortunately she identified a hole in the new age market you could drive a truck through, and successfully sold five books to Citadel, a Kensington imprint.

Willow's first love, however, was always fantasy novels. When she was five, she received The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe as a Christmas present from grandpa Steve, and received comic books from grandpa Albert. Add to this the fact that her mother produced a monthly magazine out of their home, complete with printing press in the basement, and you can see where her enthusiasm for writing and publishing began.

But something was missing. Non-fiction, while a perfectly valid market, wasn't entirely satisfying to write about. It was at this point that another two things happened: She read Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury, which gave her permission to write about what she loves, and she followed her late father's advice. "The world is your oyster," he used to say, and Willow applies that to everything in her life. She figures there's no reason, with a little determination and skill (and "luck"), that she can't achieve what she sets her mind to.

And that's exactly what she's doing now, and continuing to work towards.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I want more!!!, April 11, 2002

By 

Felix (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Witch Crafts: 101 Projects for Creative Pagans (Paperback)

Very nice selection of crafts in this book. Willow avoids giving us instructions for the same projects that every Witchcraft book already has in them (such as a Yule Log, Brigt's cross, corn dolly, etc), and instead comes up with some very interesting and new ideas.

Some of these projects didn't do much for me - I can't sew very well and have an aversion to working with animal products (such as leather), but just the ideas alone in here are great.

If I had to name a drawback, I'd say I wish there was just MORE in here. There are a few projects that there are only patterns for about half the project presented, it's up to the reader to devise their own pattern for the rest. Which is fine...if you have those sorts of skills. I'd love to see a companion book come out with more patterns along the same vein as what's in this book.

My favorite project is the Greenman Guitar strap - I don't "do" leather, but the pattern is simply beautiful, I'm attemtpting to paint the design on the canvas strap to a carrying bag I made instead. :)

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of things for the crafty witch, February 1, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Witch Crafts: 101 Projects for Creative Pagans (Paperback)

I just LOVE this book. I love all sorts of crafts, and this book is packed full of things I can't wait to make. It is loaded with craft projects from sewing, cross stitch, and quilting to pottery, woodwork, jewerly, and etching glass! There are ideas for sabbat candles, ritual wear, little bags for spell work, and things for your altar (pottery Goddess figures and chalice, incense burners, and altar tiles). The crafts do not require lots of hard to find items either. Further, this book has lots of pictures of the finished products as well (many in color). This is a *must have* for any kitchen witch, or the witch who likes to make her own tools. The only "problem," no knitting or crochet, and I love to play with yarn. However, I give this book my highest endorsment!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something for Everyone!, December 17, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Witch Crafts: 101 Projects for Creative Pagans (Paperback)

Willow has done an amazing job of putting this wonderful book together. Not only are each of the projects written well in simple instructions, but the ideas are so varied and inspiring! My first project was the "Know Thyself" mirror. I'm so proud of it! I'm moving on to the cross stitch Greenman next. The book makes me wish I had a kiln and wheel -- the pottery section is great. Maybe one day...