Oracles of November

It is officially 11 years in business with you all and what an amazing journey. We have changed through the years, through fine curiosities and to now taxidermy studio. Every step like a time capsule and helped us grow to where we are today, just keep growing! From our ever growing beetle colony, our pet memorials, to traveling to new cities and spaces to teach and spread our knowledge… my heart is grateful for the hard times and the good. Cherishing today as a new years eve and cant wait to see what another 11 year brings us.

We had our first ever tattoo popup with Josh Martin, some new ribbons at World Championships, to our first ever Oddities Flea Market with Ryan Matthew Cohen (younger-Alessandra was bursting at the seams), all the great memories traveling with our awesome team and friends to teach classes, our first big Museum Install with Staab Studios and Linda Hall Library, perfecting some new skills, every dear pet memorial, and all the day to day that I wouldn’t exchnage for anything; Our community, our clients, we love you so much. Want to take this moment to thank every darn single person who has supported us and brought us to where we are today, I am utterly grateful for you. x0, Alessandra

This month we have a few exciting things happening to keep your eyes peeled for: We will be closed for Thanksgiving the 28th-29th but then having our annual Small Business Saturday party with artist Miranda who will be doing sweet little pet portraits and the launch of our Holiday Gift Guide. Then we will be preparing to welcome the talented Gotham Taxidermy to Kansas City!

Aspiring taxidermists! … December Divya Anantharaman (Gotham Taxidermy NYC and author of Stuffed), an award winning licensed professional taxidermist preserving animals for clients ranging from museums, designers, gallerists, and collectors. Her specialties are birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies. Her mission statement is: To spark wonder and curiosity to inspire conservation, which we love to live by! Be sure to read Divya’s class policies before signing up. She also offers class payment plans, so don’t be too intimidated to take on these incredible hands-on classes taught by a master in the field!

Skeleton Class:
Friday, Dec 6th 5 - 8:30pm

Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird skeleton display in a glass dome. Skeletons will be provided, and students will be able to modify, articulate, and position them to their liking, and mount them onto bases, topped with a glass dome. Students will then create a naturalistic or fantasy habitat customized to their bird, and go home with a piece of osteological art that is ready to display. Students will go home with their custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy and preservation!

Chick Taxidermy Class:
Saturday, Dec 7th 9am - 1pm

This class is designed for beginners with an interest in bird taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome! Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, fleshing, degreasing/washing, and skin preparation, and spend time practicing various techniques for grooming feathers. Professionally made forms will help bring the bird to life, with special attention to fitting, hidden stitches, and arranging feather patterns. We will discuss and use various carding techniques and drying set ups tailored to the individual poses of each bird.

SOLD OUT Taxidermy Class:
Sunday, Dec 8th 11am - 5pm

Brought to Central Park by Shakespeare enthusiasts… European Starlings overtook native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, their eye-catching plumage-glossy, spotted, and iridescent, brightens up our city. They are one of few birds that are NOT protected by the MBTA, and can be legally possessed by individuals as long as local laws are followed. These starlings are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy. Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a starling taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and a strengthened love of taxidermy!


Oracles of October

It’s October! And we’ve got so many fun Autumn events coming up! We start October off with a full weekend: Friday the 4th is the last “official” Crossroads First Friday Art-Walk for the year and we’ll be open until 7pm. Then on Saturday the 5th we have Arbor Wild popping-up with their handmade natural incense, runes, and more — get stocked up on all your ritual supplies! And capping out the weekend, Sunday evening the 6th, Moth & Candle will be teaching a class on Candle Superstition and Divination - a perfect weekend to really settle into the October atmosphere!

But that was just the first weekend! The rest of the month has plenty to offer as well… Make sure to sign up for Dani of Weaves, Shoots, and Leaves wreath-making class Art of Weaving Magic Saturday morning on the 19th — learn about her practice of wreath-making as ritual, nature-journal, and art! And are you itching for a good Halloween party like we are…? Saturday the 26th we’re hosting Josh Martin Tattoo in our studio for a First-come First-Served Oracle-themed Flash Tattoo Event! 12pm to 8pm during the Birdies Halloween Block Party… Josh has created an exclusive line of Oracle-themed Flash - get your favorite Oracle icon with a Josh Martin spin! One day only… see you there?

And calling all aspiring taxidermists! … Make sure to sign up for the taxidermy and articulation workkshops in December by Divya Anantharaman (Gotham Taxidermy NYC and author of Stuffed), an award winning licensed professional taxidermist preserving animals for clients ranging from museums, designers, gallerists, and collectors. Her specialties are birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies. Her mission statement is: To spark wonder and curiosity to inspire conservation, which we love to live by!

Be sure to read Divya’s class policies before signing up. She also offers class payment plans, so don’t be too intimidated to take on these incredible hands-on classes taught by a master in the field!

English House Sparrow Class: Friday, Dec 6th 5 - 8:30pm

Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird skeleton display in a glass dome. Skeletons will be provided, and students will be able to modify, articulate, and position them to their liking, and mount them onto bases, topped with a glass dome. Students will then create a naturalistic or fantasy habitat customized to their bird, and go home with a piece of osteological art that is ready to display. Students will go home with their custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy and preservation!

Conjoined Chick Taxidermy Class: Saturday, Dec 7th 9am - 1pm

This class is designed for beginners with an interest in bird taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome! Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, fleshing, degreasing/washing, and skin preparation, and spend time practicing various techniques for grooming feathers. Professionally made forms will help bring the bird to life, with special attention to fitting, hidden stitches, and arranging feather patterns. We will discuss and use various carding techniques and drying set ups tailored to the individual poses of each bird.

European Starling Taxidermy Class: Sunday, Dec 8th 11am - 5pm

Brought to Central Park by Shakespeare enthusiasts… European Starlings overtook native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, their eye-catching plumage-glossy, spotted, and iridescent, brightens up our city. They are one of few birds that are NOT protected by the MBTA, and can be legally possessed by individuals as long as local laws are followed. These starlings are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy. Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a starling taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and a strengthened love of taxidermy!


And while we’re on fun October topics… BATS! This time of year especially we get a lot of people asking for bat taxidermy — which gives us a perfect opportunity to explain why we don’t carry any bat remains anymore! Unfortunately there is no ethical or sustainable way to obtain bats (you can read an explanation in this article and this recent news story.) And as bats are not only adorable mysterious little creatures… they are ESSENTIAL to the ecosystem and face continued threats due to fear, habitat destruction, and poaching. So show your love for bats with art, sculptures, books… and help protect the flying mammals!

Keep checking our NEW ADDITIONS page on the website shop! We’ve all been creating beautiful items in the studio that we will be adding so there is plenty of Oracle magic to be had!

Oracles of September

We have many exciting events and classes these next few months! Starting off this September, we have our Paw Articulation Class and and a Bug Club Beetle Pinning class, not to mention Moth & Candle will be hosting our Fall Equinox weekend celebrations with a custom candle dressings - A great opportunity to pick up a little magic and beauty for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.! Then in October, make sure to sign up for returning teachers, Moth & candle teaching a class on Candle Superstition and Dani of Weaves, Shoots, and Leaves teaching her Art of Weaving Magic.

And then the most exciting, especially to our dear aspiring taxidermists; This December we have Divya Anantharaman (Gotham Taxidermy NYC and author of Stuffed) teaching three different taxidermy and articulation workshops at Oracle! Divya is an award winning licensed professional taxidermist preserving animals for clients ranging from museums, designers, gallerists, and collectors. Her specialties are birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies. Her mission statement is: To spark wonder and curiosity to inspire conservation, which we love to live by!

Make sure to read Divya’s class policies before signing up. She also offers class payment plans, so don’t be too intimidated to take on these incredible hands-on classes taught by a master in the field!

English House Sparrow Class: Friday, Dec 6th 5 - 8:30pm

Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird skeleton display in a glass dome. Skeletons will be provided, and students will be able to modify, articulate, and position them to their liking, and mount them onto bases, topped with a glass dome. Students will then create a naturalistic or fantasy habitat customized to their bird, and go home with a piece of osteological art that is ready to display. Students will go home with their custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy and preservation!

Conjoined Chick Taxidermy Class: Saturday, Dec 7th 9am - 1pm

This class is designed for beginners with an interest in bird taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome! Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, fleshing, degreasing/washing, and skin preparation, and spend time practicing various techniques for grooming feathers. Professionally made forms will help bring the bird to life, with special attention to fitting, hidden stitches, and arranging feather patterns. We will discuss and use various carding techniques and drying set ups tailored to the individual poses of each bird.

European Starling Taxidermy Class: Sunday, Dec 8th 11am - 5pm

Brought to Central Park by Shakespeare enthusiasts… European Starlings overtook native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, their eye-catching plumage-glossy, spotted, and iridescent, brightens up our city. They are one of few birds that are NOT protected by the MBTA, and can be legally possessed by individuals as long as local laws are followed. These starlings are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy. Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a starling taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and a strengthened love of taxidermy!


In the meantime… We’ve restocked our Articulation Kits with Badger and Raccoon paws. You can also get a head start for December classes by reading Divya’s beautiful book, Stuffed Animals. Completely filled with full color stunning photographs of Divya’s work and process. And for a little inspiration… Alessandra’s “Society Finch” artwork of combining taxidermy and skeletal articulation. A delicate work on one of the smallest of creatures… it will keep you mesmerized for hours and you’ll notice different aspects every time you look at it. (Melissa and I are super proud of our crew leader and we will have to tell you more about their trip up to Iowa for the Taxidermy World Championships…)

Don’t forget to check out our NEW ADDITIONS page on the website shop! We’ve all been working hard in the studio so there are plenty of new offerings there:

Our ribbons from World Taxidermy Championships!

Oracles of August


First Friday is on the 2nd this month. Melossa is amongst a small group of artists at The Bauer who will be doing interviews with ZNTL for KC Crossroads. The interviews will be livestreamed via ZNTL Entertainment's Youtube channel starting around 5:15pm on Friday. Tune in and cheer on our Melossa as she talks about her art and her process!

Work in progress view… Melossa hand-cuts each layer to build depth in the background before adding the specimen she has spread.

And now for the FUN stuff in the shop!

So many new ethical acquisition / sustainably-sourced pelts with absolutely gorgeous colorings… As always, we’ve been busy in the studio finishing pieces… from art domes and globes to mounting specimens and making frames, there’s a little bit of something for everyone…

Oracle-made spell vial honoring the essences of nature. House Sparrow’s are associated with connection. In this vial we have built up “Sparrow’s Spell” with a base of Aventurine crystals for emotional healing, Chamomile blossoms for calm, and a pink carnation for gratitude.

For honoring this Summer season and incorporating nature into your rituals… Dani Brown’s “Weaving Magic Through the Year” guides you through the process of creating your own wreath as an evolving nature journal. The Spell Card stationary set lets you make notes and record your practices. The new seasonal Sea Witch Botanicals incense sticks are here! Lammas (one of my personal absolute favorites) has a soft sandalwood and rose scent while Litha is bright and energizing. These are limited and they go FAST!

August also means… THE WORLD TAXIDERMY CHAMPIONSHIPS!!! Alessandra and Melissa will be headed up to Coralville, Iowa August 7th through 12th. (Don’t worry, Kansas City, I’ve got you! I’m hanging back here in the studio so we will have our regular shop hours Wednesday through Sunday 11am to 6pm.) Alessandra has been working on some breathtaking articulations for the competition… so send the good vibes! Stay tuned for photos and news about their trip!

- Laura

Oracles of May

Well there were definitely April showers here in KC… so we’re really looking forward to the May flowers! Lots of beautiful new Oracle-made “paw-quets” and “bone-quets” will definitely be coming very soon…

 
 

This past month really felt like a complete whirlwind! Alessandra took some gorgeous new showstopper pieces with her up to The Oddities Flea Market! Oracle was 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.”) And we’re definitely looking forward to doing more in the future!

New Artist!

We are super excited to bring the work of Lana Crooks into our shop! These “textile specimens” are unique hand-assembled sculptures. Her art is such a lovely blend of science and fantasy that fits right into any cabinet of curiosities, art collection, or special treasure display.

And NOW we are getting ready 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!

There are still spots available in the entomology classes Alessandra and Jess (Atropos Curios) will be teaching that weekend: Friday’s “Lepidoptera: The Mystical Beauty of Moths and Butterflies”, Sunday afternoon’s “Cicada Magic” and Sunday evening’s “The Magic of Spiders!”

Those of you anxiously waiting for us to announce our next classes happening in KC… hang tight… we’ve got some really great ones coming up. So keep your eyes peeled on our email newsletter when it comes out. That’s where you’ll get the inside scoop!

— Laura

Oracles of February

Here we are one month into 2024: February, the month of love and Winter weather. We’re all (somewhat) recovered from the holiday season and the multiple ice/snow storms. We are so happy to be back in the studio working on projects!

Feeling grateful for our community, our friends, our fans, our fellow artists. We made it through the past few years with hard work, quick pivots, true luck… and most of all, with your support! Thank you!

So obviously we’re feeling a little lovey-dovey and we decided to lean into the “month of love” theme. And we mean ALL the love (not just romantic partnerships). It seems like a great opportunity to make sure you let those in your circle know what they mean to you.

And if you’re like us (which given that you’re reading the Oracle blog, there’s a strong chance you are)… then the way to your heart is through science, nature, and magic!

So here are some gift ideas for the curious at heart:

  • Send a bit of fun in the form of a fortune scratch-off card.

  • Set the mood with Smells Like Spells incense. Beauty, intelligence, success, and vivacity.

  • Our bookish friends might enjoy Magic Flowers by Christine Blystone. Part plant folklore and ritual reference, part poetic memoir; Magic Flowers “asks us to dare to love a thousand times — especially when we don’t know if we’ll ever bring some of our deepest desires to fruition.”

  • Why give a regular bunch of flowers when you could honor your love with a beautiful Curioscape art piece by Atropos Curios. Beautiful glasswing butterflies alight upon poppy flowers and lavender over a bed of crystals and a skull cap nestled within a hinged glass curio box.

  • For the loved-one that truly has everything… the heart from the famous two-headed calf!

We’ve been working in the studio creating some fun Valentine-themed gifts. A sweet spin on our signature insect specimen mini-domes make lovely mementos. The Bee Sweet dome has a bee pinned in “mid flight” just above a small rosebud, a moment frozen in time while the Romantic Weevil cheerfully holds up his rosebud.

And because you all loved our Oracle Holiday Ornaments so much… we made Oracle Valentine Sets! Set of three specimen vials each individually labeled with a cute message card. Three styles: friendship, sweetheart, and just-for-fun/suggestive.

Love Oracle? (Awww… we love you too!) Now we can all rep our favorite taxidermy studio everywhere we go! “Science is Magic” illustration of a fox skeleton and dermestid beetles by our very own Melissa Chepren and printed at Oddities Prints in KC. Long-sleeve sweatshirt (with bone motif on the sleeves!) or T-shirt styles available. Warm weather or cold, we’ve got you covered… literally.

- Laura