Sunday in the Blue Ridge: Brooms, Fairy Stones & New Beginnings 💜✨

This weekend felt like a deep breath ✨

First, I want to say thank you to everyone who welcomed one of my brooms into their home during this latest offering! Every time a broom finds its keeper, I'm reminded that something made with my own two hands will become part of someone else's story 💫 That never stops feeling special!

Over the next few days, I'll be carefully wrapping and packing each broom before sending them off to their new homes. There's always a little bittersweet feeling when they leave the broom room, but it's a good kind of bittersweet 🧹💜

After all the excitement, Michael and I spent the weekend doing something a little different: relaxing!

We tackled some yard work, enjoyed the beautiful weather, and made a trip to Fairy Stone State Park, one of Virginia's hidden treasures.

And yes...I found fairy stones!!! ✨

For those who aren't familiar with them, fairy stones are naturally formed crystal crosses, most commonly found in certain areas of Virginia. Local folklore says they were created from the tears of fairies who wept when they heard of Christ's crucifixion. Their tears hardened into stone and formed tiny crosses that could be found by lucky wanderers

Another legend says the stones are gifts from the fae themselves—small tokens of protection, luck, and safe travels left for those who take the time to wander the woods and pay attention

Whatever story you choose to believe, there is something magical about finding one resting among tree roots and fallen leaves

I brought several little pieces home with me, and I think some of them may find their way into future broom packages as small gifts from the mountains 💫

The trip wasn't just successful because of the fairy stones, either

I also came home with a couple of absolutely wonderful broom handles that seemed determined to follow me back down the trail!! As any broom maker knows, sometimes the best handles are found when you're not looking for them

And then, this evening, I tried something completely new

I made my very first corn husk doll

I've admired them for years as part of Appalachian and folk-art traditions, but had never made one myself. After a little experimenting, a little dye, and a little patience, a tiny dark-clad witch emerged from the pile of husks

I have a feeling she won't be the last

In fact, I suspect there may be more corn husk witches gathering in the broom room before long 🌙🧙‍♀️

For now, I'm heading into the week feeling grateful…for the support of this wonderful community, for mountain adventures, for new ideas, and for the simple joy of making things with my hands 💫

Thank you for being here and for following along on this strange and wonderful journey!

Until next time,

🖤 Brooke