The Winter approaches! -

 Seems that most of the US will be C-C-C-COLD this week, just in time for Yule/Hanukkah/Christmas! 

We personally love this kind of weather, but for most folks who live in more northerly regions that tend to get buried in snow, we send our warmest thoughts in the hopes that they stay healthy, safe, happy and - yes, WARM!

Working on new articles for next year's issue of the magazine. It helps being able to look out my window onto the wintery looking landscape for inspiration. Halloween for most of all never ceases, does it? Although it does take a bit of a back seat during this time of year, it's still the gateway into what we call the Dark Season... a time to sit back a bit, reflect on things, take it easy. A hot cup of cocoa, broth or mulled cider warms the insides and illuminates the imagination. 

Do you have any special things you're doing during this holiday season? Drop us a line and let us know!

 

 

Thankful ...

Our hearts will forever remain thankful for the abundance of life's experiences.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

We were mentioned by The Halloween Collector! -

Popular Youtube star, Laura Lee ("The Halloween Collector") was profiled in our Fall 2022 issue. Her home is astoundingly delightful with Halloween decor and collectibles everywhere!

"The Halloween Collector," Laura Lee - Fall 2022 issue of AUTUMN BRILLIANCE

Laura was part of our feature profiling Halloween collectors' homes (our other profile was the equally-awesome Amy Sharp Schneider). Laura gave us a sweet shout-out, and we were tickled to see it on her Instagram page, which you can see by clicking the link directly below.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkgMUn8ggdw/

Please check out the wonderful things that she presents on A Vintage Halloween, her Youtube channel (link below)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLDjk4izLUCGBNjIsnQX9RA

Back in stock -

 Both our Fall 2021 and Fall 2022 issues are available 

at our Etsy shop

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AutumnBrilliance

- While supplies last -

As the season comes to an end...

 We hope you all had a wonderful Halloween!

Yesterday's winner of our "Guess Who These People Are" in the posted photo from last week is Cassandra DeMarinis. She correctly identified Lucille Ball, Gayle Gordon and Vivian Vance of the 1960's sitcom, "Here's Lucy" show, and will receive a copy of our Fall 2021 and Fall 2022 issues of the magazine.

We had a great response to this contest, and thank you to everyone who participated! Keep watching here, we've got more contests cooked up and you, too, might win something in the weeks to come.

 

And, much as we are sad to do - Halloween decorations will soon be taken down (screams of NOOO!!! across the land) as we anticipate colder weather and the final falling of the autumn leaves with winter's approach. 

That does not mean we need to stop celebrating Halloween! The Christmas season has many ancient traditions of ghost stories, plus who can say no to St. Nicholas's cohort, Krampus?

We so wanted to keep the dark  and spooky vibe of Halloween going through the Christmas holidays that we created a very special edition of AUTUMN BRILLIANCE in 2020. Not only is it full of the fabulous artists you love (including Mandy Palumbo, Nicole Johnson, Audrey Swarz, Susie Krichbaum, Ethan Black, Karen Steinkraus and more!) it also features The Dark Season, an article on many of the more obscure, odd traditions from around the world, and also a history of that most delightful of high-octane holiday drinks, wassail, by John Davis.

You'll also read about the unique Elf School in Iceland, as revealed by Halloween Art & Travel Podcast host, Kristen Stafford, who traveled to this fabled remote country to experience it herself. 

You can still get a FREE digital copy of our special dark holiday magazine, "We Wish You a Scary Xmas" by clicking the link below. 

 

https://online.flipbuilder.com/pour/nwji/mobile/index.html

 

 

Enter to win our contest!

 Greetings, Halloween fanatics!

Here is a chance to win a free copy of both the Fall 2021 and Fall 2022 issues of 

AUTUMN BRILLIANCE. 

Here's what you need to do to win - it's easy:

-  Look at the photo below.

-  If you can name ALL THREE people, send your answer to our email address at

ab_magazine@yahoo.com

The first person to answer correctly wins!

Winner will be announced on Halloween 

(Monday, October 31st 2022) at 11am EST

 

Reminder! -

 More magazines are currently being printed!

Both issues - the Fall 2021 and Fall 2022 magazines -  keep watching here for updates!

Thank you for your continued interest in AUTUMN BRILLIANCE!

A great family photo! -

 

My new family - the wonderful people of Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween.

This shot of all the artists from the September 2022 show was taken mere moments before the show opened to the public. Me and Mark were thrilled to be a part of this show and group of creative all-stars. We're in the middle row, second and third from the far right, looking absolutely ecstatic.

Now to enjoy the rest of the autumn, the beautiful weather, colorful foliage, activities and get-togethers with dear friends, and, of course, Halloween.

Blessed be to all! 

 

Photo by Amy Sharp Schneider

 

SOLD OUT! - more on the way

***MORE MAGAZINES ARE ON THE WAY***

We thank everyone for their interest in the Fall 2021 and Fall 2022 issues - we sold out completely this morning in just over an hour in our Etsy shop. 

I posted the sign below at 8:00am and by just past 9:00am, every issue was gone.

I've fielded quite a few messages about how disappointed people are that they were unable to buy a copy, and I apologize for any inconvenience; I wish I'd had enough to go around. The good news is, we do have plans to print more, so please hang in there for a few weeks while we get that accomplished.

Please keep an eye out here, or on our Facebook page as well as the Etsy shop, for further updates as they happen.

 

Tomorrow! -

 

 (Click on video)

 

Available on October Eve - 

Friday, September 30th, 2022 

 

 

Mark this date on your calendar! -

 

You can order here (by clicking on the link in the column to the left, which takes you to our Etsy shop)

Or stop by our booth at the Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween show on September 24th to get a copy of your own. Many of the artists featured in the pages of our past issues will be present at the show, and would be happy to autograph them for you!

The Legend of Stingy Jack -

  

Did you ever wonder why we carve pumpkins and put candles into them - creating what is known as a "Jack O'Lantern?" 

There is an ancient story behind this which originated in Ireland, and involves a cantankerous old man by the name of Jack who tricked the Devil himself... but, as you can imagine, things did not go perfectly as planned for him.

We present a retelling of this spooky old legend for you in the Fall 2022 issue of AUTUMN BRILLIANCE, available in September. 

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/AutumnBrilliance/

 

Moonlight Artistry -

 We welcome the remarkable Dorann Nelson of Moonlight Artistry!

Dorann's creations incite wonder and true felicity to the viewer. Her hands work magic with materials such as paper clay, rare natural items, shimmery textiles and jewels, among other things. Dorann was recently interviewed by our lovely friend Kristen Stafford, 'The Halloween Art & Travel'  podcast, which you can hear by clicking the link below.

Very pleased to have this wonderful and imaginative Halloween artist in the Fall 2022 issue of AUTUMN BRILLIANCE, which is available in September at our Etsy shop (you can access a direct link to that at the left column here) and also at the Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween show on September 24, 2022 in Marshall, Michigan.

Listen to Dorann's interview and hear all about her work at:

https://halloweenartandtravel.libsyn.com/

Another fabulous featured artist, Scott Stoll! -

 We welcome the very talented sculptor, Scott Stoll of Michigan's STOLLOWEEN!

Scott is featured in our Fall 2022 issue of the magazine. He's well-known for his prodigious armies of papier mache monsters, Jack O'Lanterns, ghouls, goblins and whatnot. He taught classes at his STOLLOWEEN Studio where students themselves dipped hands and fingers into gooey delightful papier mache and fashioned their very own creations. A fixture at the Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween show in Marshall, Michigan, Scott brings hordes of his fun and fanciful sculptures that never fail to wow the attendees. We have been enamoured with his imaginative creations for a long time and are very happy to include him in this issue.

Please come and say hi to Scott at this year's show, on September 24th at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds. And then stop by the AUTUMN BRILLIANCE booth to get your very own copy of the magazine (we're sure that Scott will personally sign it for you!). We'll see you then!

 http://www.bewitchingpeddlersofhalloween.com/

 http://www.stolloween.com/

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/AutumnBrilliance/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our fabulous Cover Artist, Scott Smith!-

We welcome Scott Smith as our Spotlight Artist for the Fall 2022 issue of AUTUMN BRILLIANCE

The sparkling cover of Fall 2022 issue of AUTUMN BRILLIANCE features Scott's whimsical Owl with his glowing lantern. Certainly one of my favorite of his pieces. 

     Nearly 15 years ago, I first saw the art of this incredibly talented man and it changed my life's direction in the best possible way. To say I was transfixed is a serious understatement! I've since followed and admired everything he's created, and am elated to have him in this issue.

      Scott is well-known for his imaginative sculptures of anthropomorphic animals and people, with abundant witches and pumpkins dotting his landscape of creativity.

     Years ago I learned of a Halloween art show he had formed on the west coast, called Halloween & Vine - a clever punny take on the famous Hollywood & Vine streets we're all familiar with.  Then after that, his Ghoultide Gathering (another clever twist of words that I loved) put him firmly on the map in Michigan (both shows of which I hoped to visit but, alas, it was not meant to be). 

     Scott handed over the show a few years back to the equally-marvelous Jennie Hepler-Takens, who renamed it with a most magial moniker: Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween, where you can find Scott's enchanting world of hand-crafted items that bring the serious Halloween art collectors coming in from across the globe.

      Many thanks to Scott for his generosity, kindness and for just being a wonderful and creative human being.  We remain a fan for life!

 You can get a copy of this breathtaking issue in September, available in both digital and print versions at this year's Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween art show in Michigan, and also in our Etsy shop!

 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AutumnBrilliance/

http://www.bewitchingpeddlersofhalloween.com/

Proud to feature! -

 

Next up in our Fall 2022 issue of AUTUMN BRILLIANCE magazine!

Renowned digital artist Cheryl Baker will capture your heart with her wondrous and whimsical paintings.

Prepare to be whisked into a new world of vividly delightful landscapes of magic at its finest. You surely will fall in love with this truly skillful artist's creations. We are so happy to have her here in these pages!

Fall issue available in September, 2022 in our Etsy shop. Stay tuned for more updates!

Dark Fairy tales from Europe -

Honored to present in the Fall 2022 issue of AUTUMN BRILLIANCE -

This brilliant duo from Belgium spin dark European fairy tales with their use of hundred-year old costumes, odd taxidermy and weird, hand-made face masks. If you crave an antidote to the sometimes sugary-sweet images of Halloween, MOTHMEISTER will cleanse your palate.

Look for this fantastic offering in our magazine, available September 2022 in our Etsy shop, in both a digital and print version.

 

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/AutumnBrilliance/

 

Proud to present this issue's Artists! -

 A sneak peek of a few of the many fantastic Artists to be featured in this season's issue of AUTUMN BRILLIANCE. Check back here for updates in the days to come!

Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween! -

 An autumn road trip in 2019 with a group of friends led us to one of the most fabulous art shows we have ever witnessed in person.  We'd heard so much about it over the past several years, and were thrilled to at last see it in all its glory. It was truly the epitome of what magic is supposed to be.... mesmerizing and colorful, like walking into another world where Halloween reigned supreme. So many of our favorite artists - previously known only via magazines and internet - were present, along with their exquisite handcrafted wares. (Which led to the all-consuming question of, how many of these amazing pieces of art can I afford and not go broke, because EVERYTHING was tempting to purchase and add to my collection!). 

Doing AUTUMN BRILLIANCE has been the best job ever - if you can consider it a "job," which I really don't. More like a dream occupation of the best kind! We get  to attend shows like Bewitching Peddlers to meet and present these artists who have captured our hearts and imaginations.

I nearly fell out of my seat when I saw this on the Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween website. I am soo grateful and humbled!

 And I'm not going to lie - a longstanding dream was to be a part of this spectacular show, in any way I could. When I learned of the invite, I was, to put it quite simply, blown away... it genuinely took my breath away. Though this is only the third issue of the magazine (and plans are for it to continue forever), being chosen to present it at Bewitching Peddlers is indeed a dream come true. 

My deepest thanks to the show's creator/curator, Jennie Hepler-Takens (a world-class Halloween artist in her own right! Please check out her fabulous art website, My Dearest Witch at  http://www.mydearestwitch.com/ ) and to all the artists who have been featured in past issues of the magazine as well as all who have cheered us on and encouraged us to keep at it. You make it so worthwhile to reach for the moon and stars!

I'll be traveling up to Michigan again this fall with that same group of close, beloved friends who accompanied me back in 2019 the first time, but this time we'll be set ting up the AUTUMN  BRILLIANCE booth among my artist heroes. And this year, we'll be printing our magazine! That means, both a fine digital and printed issue will be available. I can't begin to express how excited I am about this. Yet another dream come true!

 Autumn can't get here soon enough... 

 

 http://www.bewitchingpeddlersofhalloween.com/

 

Tell us your tales! -

Looking forward to hearing your real-life experiences 

with the paranormal!

If we use your story, we'll send you a free copy of the magazine.

Happy World Goth day, 2022!

 

 "Skelly Ellie" - Halloween, 2019

Be on the lookout! -

It's only 170 days until Halloween!

 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 To all of you hard-working, deeply devoted, eternally patient and fearless mothers of every sort, style, size, sex, shape or species! - you are special and deserve a special day!

 

Photo: MacabWebs Studios  

Beguilling and bewitching!

 

We are half-way to Halloween!

 Spring brings its greenery and renewal but you know we're all looking forward to the golden, burnished, cheerful season to come after the summer's heat ends...

Autumn Brilliance vol. #3 is in the works for fall 2022. Plenty of surprises in store for this issue; so please keep watch here or at our Facebook page as details develop!

Happy Birthday to our Dolly!

 We love you so much! Thank you for everything you do and have done. 

Our Fall 2021 issue of AUTUMN BRILLIANCE features an exclusive interview with Dolly, along with live links to hear one of her very special and beloved songs.

Click the link for your copy:

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/AutumnBrilliance