For those of you who are new to the group, you'll find that my personal emphasis is on the group and what we can do for one another. With so many Faires going corporate, we have to hang together, or we will all hand alone.

Traditionally, the Ren Faire has been the last refuge of the artist and craftsman who wishes to work on their own terms. We have to be aware of the pitfalls of involvement in corporate Faires, but we all have to eat as well. It's a delicate balance, and the more we know about any given venue, the more chance we have to help dictate what is made available to the public.

I hope that what we do here will allow more of the traditional craftsman's goods to reach the average person. Let them see that the garbage being shipped in from overseas is cheaper becase it is just that- cheap.

For the new folk, please help us by posting pictures. Whether they are of your displays, or just some merchandise you want to show off, it's always heartening to see what others are doing.

Yours in Garb,

Lady Gale Carlisle

Hail and Well Met!

I am Lady Carlisle, of Castle Carlisle. I vend at Faires in the Northeast, doing textile work (Wall Art; see Stonehenge), Feather creations, and whatever else takes my fancy. Much of my time is spent designing and making custom garb for Rennies who don't want to look like everyone else! Check out my website at www.castlecarlisle.com for a lot more pics, and more complete descriptions of my work.

I've been a Rennie for about 23 years, but didn't begin vending until three years ago. I hope to see some of you at the Silver Kingdom Ren Faire in Charlton MA the first two weekends of June, and the Southern CT Renaissance Faire the first three weekends in July. Castle Carlisle will be at both of the above, and some of my work will also be available at the New York and CT Renaissance Faires through Ruth's Royal Rags and Bags. Of course, you can order through my website as well.

This year I'm adding a few new types of pieces to my repetiore, but until I get them up on my webiste, I'm not talking about them. Suffice it to say, I'm branching out again this year as I did last year with the Cloak Chains, Featherwork, and fans.

I am also an ordained Heathen Minister. I'm scheduled to do my first Renaissance Wedding in September. I'm looking forward to using a ceremony I put together; it is supposed to be published in Amy Long's next book of Ceremonies.

Anyone who wants yo contact me can do so through Renspace or my website.

Merry Meet, and Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again!

Lady Gale Carlisle