Avebury and the Barn Owl Organic Handkerchief

The Avebury stones are awe inspiring but almost in an understated way that makes them feel almost natural and plausible whilst maintaining their mystery and magic. Part of the appeal to me is that it there are so integrated into the village. You can really connect yourself with them and their surroundings which is hard to do with Stonehenge for example. The scale of them is really incredibly powerful and their proximity to the other incredible ancient sites, Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow means you can truly immerse yourself in this otherworldly, timeless landscape.

One of the best things about winter in the countryside is occasionally glimpsing the ghostly apparition of a barn owl in flight, paired with their screeching cry through the cold darkness. We might think of wise old owls but in other countries they are persecuted and thought of as devils, demons and symbols of death. In Celtic mythology they were known as the Corpse Bird or Night Hag. They are unfortunately seen less and less due to the use of pesticides in our farming systems and the destruction of their habitats. Luckily farmers have stopped nailing them to barn doors to ward off evil and bad weather.

The border for my Winter Solstice designs features Holly and Ivy. Both are important and sacred plants for this time of year. At the Winter Solstice, the Holly King loses his fight with the Oak King and the days will begin to get longer. Holly planted on boundaries or near to your home will prick evil spirits and prevent them from entering. Ivy represents life and re-birth as it often lives on after its host plant has died. The magical properties of ivy include protection, loyalty, fidelity, binding and cooperation. So it's a wonderful plant to have in the house as part of your family celebrations. I have also included some of the phases of the moon.

Each order is wrapped in acid free, unbleached tissue paper and includes a hand written thank you note. I am happy to address this to recipients of gifts at no extra cost. Just let me know in the notes when you place your order.

This handkerchief is sewn by me in Wales. The image is printed in the UK onto an untreated cotton fabric certified as 100% organic. The approximate size for each handkerchief is 320 mm x 320 mm.