Oracles of July

All surfaces in the studio have been taken up lately as we’ve been finishing lots of new Oracle-made items! Frames! Domes! Articulations! Our Nature-scape domed specimen have been really popular and they are getting snatched up almost as soon as they are finished!

Melissa’s scorpions posed on crystals are always so well composed and reveal her love of classic Japanese prints in their arrangement. Alessandra’s been making some absolutely stunning and unique work… the taxidermy and skeletal articulation combination of the Domestic Pigeon. Not only is it fascinating to see the skeleton nestled within its feathery exterior, but this bird still has personality in his pose! A complete blend of science and art.

 
Rattle Snake Skeleton
Rattle Snake Skeleton
 

And of course our in-house made frames highlight some of our favorite specimens. These two moths demonstrate that not all of the stars in the Lepidoptera world are butterflies… The infamous Death’s-Head Hawk Moth is known for its skull-like marking on its body. Hang him as a focal point in a place of honor OR nestle this small frame amongst a collection of art! Every once in a while, one specimen just completely takes our breath away… the Celestial Moon Saturn moth is one of those. The dark wood Oracle-made double-glass frame showcases its full beauty in an elegant and understated way.

 
 

July is a good month to do a midyear check-in reading for yourself. The vibrant colors and bold designs of The Outsider Tarot just really “feel right” for the summer heat with its visual excitement and vibrant irreverent energy. The Numinous Tarot is a joyful non-binary LGBTQ+ designed deck and could be a restorative deck to delve into after Pride. Both decks don’t shy away from color or contemporary imagery!

 
The Outsider Tarot
The Outsider Tarot
IMG_7011.jpg
Numinous Tarot
 

So with that, we wish you all a safe and happy July. From Oracle! If you’re in KC during our shop hours (Wednesday through Sunday 11am to 6pm*) *We will be closed for vacation on July 3rd and 4th. See you again on the 5th!

— Laura

Oracles of April

April and Spring are here already! While the weather (in KC at least) is still up and down from day to day… the sun has been showing itself more often than not. Plants are blooming, animals (and people in cars) are acting wild.

We’ve all been hard at work in the studio getting so much new work ready! Our in-house made double-pane glass frames are back! These go so incredibly fast, so if you’ve been hoping for one you may want to visit us sooner than later. There are also plenty of new freeze-dried taxidermy pieces ready… cute chicks, dapper baby ostriches, a fancy sassy chicken. Ooo annnnnd… did you hear about our giraffe skull?!

April also heralds the official start of the Crossroads First Friday Art Walks! April 5th Melissa and I will be in the shop 11am to 7pm so come in and say hi while you’re out taking in the Arts District!

Meanwhile Alessandra will be heading up to Chicago. She’s taking some showstopper pieces with her up to The Oddities Flea Market! Oracle is so completely honored to be included in this nationally known show curated by Ryan Matthew Cohn (you may have seen him as an expert on The Science Channel’s show “Oddities.”) So if you are in Chicago April 6th and 7th, stop by and say hi! She’s been working on a series of taxidermy/articulation projects… the outer taxidermy only partially surrounds a completed skeletal articulation. They are stunning. But we’re looking for the right phrase to describe this process… Skeledermy? Skeleton Tax? Probably not… we are open to suggestions.

While Alessandra is on the road, the KC Studio will be open our regular hours (Wednesday through Sunday 11am to 6pm). So KC folks, be sure to visit Melissa and I in the shop! We’ve got some fun new projects we’re finishing up while the boss is away…

And just around the corner in May we will be heading to Denver for the Fauna Faire at RitualCravt May 11th, 12-6pm. The line-up is stellar and we are super excited to be joined by Atropos Curios, The Blacksnail Forge, Jane Almirall, Opal & Gold, Sweet Destructor, and Tyler Thrasher! No tickets necessary… just pop on in and see the unique works we’re all bringing!

While in Denver, Jess Ellis (of Atropos Curios) and Alessandra will be teaching three different classes together that weekend:

Friday, May 10th is “Lepidoptera: The Mystical Beauty of Moths and Butterflies” an educational and magical workshop led by these two entomology enthusiasts! You will learn about the ecological, environmental, and spiritual importance of moths and butterflies AND pin your own Sunset Moth in class that you will take home with you.

Sunday, May 12th is “Cicada Magic” a journey to the Underworld through the lens of a beautiful and mysterious invertebrate. In this workshop you will learn about cicada biology, behavior, and mythology while pinning a sustainably sourced cicada specimen of your own!

Sunday evening on May 12th Alessandra and Jess will teach their final class of the weekend, a definite fan favorite… “The Magic of Spiders!” Both of your teachers for this class are not only passionate arachnid enthusiasts, but are also spider caretakers! In this hands-on workshop you’ll learn about spider biology and ecology’s well as their mythology and spiritual symbolism while pinning your own sustainably-sourced Orb Weaver spider specimen.

Happy Spring, friends! May your month be filled with rejuvenating time outdoors and the wonder of the natural world.

— Laura

{ No Public Studio Hours }

Hello friends! We’re on our second week at home and continuing to survive with you all… we wanted to share our stay-at-home offices, as blundered, little, frantic, and (lots o’) hodge-podged as they are! But overall, trying to bring a little solidarity to you. As we struggle to find our rhythm and lets be honest, trying to re-find ourselves, we threw together our online shop (some things we only offer through the brick and mortar) and move our hands-on projects home and online. It has been a drastic change and for sure was a struggle for all of us. But our makeshift lives have been interesting to watch fall together, acting like little sneak peeks into our personalities…

Our dear Quinn had to move homes on top of everything else! So while having so much on her plate, she beautifully pulled together her work space. I see her motif of classic pastel pinks and turquoise, plants, and planets? Quinn’s astrologist is showing! ;) And are those more beautiful #wip bundles on that table? Can’t wait to see!

Laura’s work space looks so cozy… makes we want to come over and sit with a cup of tea! It is funny to see how we all have our little color palettes and personalities in these. Anyone who knows Laura well, this exemplifies her hard work and study. She has been hard at work coming up with some ‘at home - whatch ya go in the pantry’ diy’s and tips - so stay tuned! Excited for what she has in store for us.

Thankfully my art studio is already in my home! I can still continue to work on my custom orders and articulations. But as I always have multiple projects going… this is my make-shift office in my plant/cat room where we have been taking online orders, stock, and do all the fun (not fun) back-of-the-house work. Mine, for sure, is a glimpse into my brain; chaotic mash-up and eccentricity, with little things, trinkets, art work; reminders to stay present and stay positive. *My cats for sure have not been happy about me taking over their space, hah! But they are also good cheerleaders.

Overall, this period has been hard for all of us. Changing our tactic, our ways of life, and immensely missing each other and our little studio (especially working together IN our studio!) But during these hard times we realize what we are grateful for and the ability to be here. We miss you all the most and hopefully you are hanging in there; but remember, these times are not easy. We keep saying things like, this is so surreal or how is this happening… But it’s true, these are difficult and triggering times. If you are having a hard time producing work - it’s ok. If you are having a hard time getting out of bed - it’s ok. If you are struggling - it WILL be ok. Remember your community, reach out, get excited about little things, (ex. baking something new, getting a small studio space set up, working on a diy, trying something new, doing some doodles, keeping a journal, etc.) However lame or small, look at all that you’ve accomplished. Something tiny can build to something big. We pray for everyone who is sick and light candles for everyone to stay healthy and safe. We can do this. You can do this. Can’t wait to see you again soon.

- xo Alessandra

{ Oracle Holiday Guide - Part 1 }

Having a hard time finding the perfect gift? Well you are in luck - check out our suggestions for that special someone in your life.

{ Holiday Gift Guide - For the High Priestess }

Figures of Rituals has a nice range and a little something for everyone; from someone who is just getting started, to the experienced magician. From ritual bundles that we can customize to pocket crystals - there is a lot to choose from! Click here for individual listings! But if you are still struggling to find the right gift - maybe a Witch Club Subscription is the answer - click here for more info.

{ Holiday Gift Guide - For the Geologist }

Know a gem-hound? We have so many varieties of crystals, fossils, minerals, and geodes. I am really in love with our quartz geodes which are $35 for two halves and our pocket crystals. What better way to show you care by giving a hand selected group of crystals in a little velvet bag. Click here for listings!

…Stay tuned for more!

{ Aromatic Resins Workshop }

For Strange Women is setting up in Oracle for yet another amazing workshop!
Dec 8th :: 6 - 8pm

This workshop will be held at Oracle Natural Science (Kansas City, MO) on Saturday December 8th from 6-8 pm. 

In this two-hour session you will be introduced to a variety of aromatic tree resins. Jill will demonstrate several ways to incorporate them into your sensory rituals and personal care, including tinctures, infused water, loose incense methods, smoke enfleurage, and a healing salve that we will make together and everyone will take home. 

Feel free to stay after the session to purchase aromatic resins that will be available at the new FSWxOracle resin bar. Jill will also stay to answer questions.

*There are a limited number of seats available. Cancellations/refunds not available except in the case of inclement weather.