For those who know me, you probably know that I adore textile art! I’ve been sewing, weaving, spinning, and needle felting for a long time. I love textiles so much I nearly lost my mind researching and writing my Master’s thesis on ancient and early Medieval fashion and textile history! And for those who know me really well, it should come as no surprise that I venerate three Goddesses above all others among the Aesir & Vanir: Hela, Freyja, & Frigga. I do have a small Thor statue and a representation of Freyr on my altar, but I don’t deal with them too often apart from giving offerings for good weather for my garden and praying for Thor to fight the sky wyrms (tornadoes) and other storms that may threaten my family and friends (and occasionally me and mine). Not that I have anything against male deities, I just don’t feel drawn to them. When I was stationed in Germany I did feel drawn to Ullr, but he didn’t seem to follow me across the pond to the American South. I don’t blame him – the land that grows cotton and rice isn’t very conducive to snow and skiing.
Recently I saw the cutest little needle felted fairies on Pinterest and had to learn to make them. Of course, I didn’t want to make fairies. I had originally meant to make gnomes, but once I started making the first one it became Frigga. She is now residing on my altar.
Since I’ve been talking to a wide variety of Heathen women for the book I’m writing I’ve heard a lot about Zisa, who is a Goddess I’ve not worked with personally. I was inspired to try to personify her a bit, so here’s my representation of The Red Lady.
That started me on a succession of other rarely mentioned Goddesses: Nerthus, Sif, and Idun. I’ve taken these four to the local metaphysical shop to be sold on consignment (fingers crossed).
In just a couple of weeks we will be celebrating Yule. I will also be celebrating the 18th anniversary of when I was first called by Frau Hela. She was persistent and patient with a young woman who knew nothing of Norse or Germanic mythology and found her terrifying. Once I accepted her she stopped sending me nightmares and we’ve been amiable companions ever since. In honor of Her I decided to make a representation of the Goddess who first called me and started me on the road to being a Heathen, to my particular course of study, and to many, many wonderful people.
I’ve got an order for a Hela and a Freyja for someone I’ll be making this week. I’m happy to make more! So if you want to order one, send me an email at [email protected] ! I did have someone ask for a set for their child, but these are a bit delicate and meant to just be looked at. I wouldn’t feel right making them to be played with, but otherwise I’m happy to help provide images of our Goddesses for Heathens everywhere.
Update 1/10/16: I have continued to make and perfect my Goddess dolls, although I took some time off for Yule. I even made them Yule tree to gather around, along with the other figures on my Yule altar.
Here are a couple more that I’ve done. You can probably see the progression of my work. ‘ve been encouraged by the sale of two of my dolls, Sif and Idun, at the local metaphysical store and the sale of a couple more to a Heathen lady halfway across the country, so I’ve opened an Etsy store so I can sell my dolls, as well as other items I make. If you’re interested, you can see it here or on my Links page.
