For those of you haven't subscribed to the AZ_Magick Yahoo group, or for those of you that do already but have missed any of the emails or postings, a new group has recently formed called New Moon Creations. The invitation we received sounded enticing, so in the interest of the possibility of discovering a hidden gem, we gathered ourselves and some friends up and drove on over to the Denny's restaurant in Tempe, where New Moon Creations meets each month.
Of course in true Pagan time fashion, we arrived late, but not so late as to miss out on the beautiful crafts that were being created there right before our eyes. We came in hopes of finding a new gem for the community, and what we found was an entire mines worth of diamonds. So, if you haven't been to one of their meetings yet, read on, because you are in for a real treat.
Each month the group works collectively on a different crafting project. It is quite apparent right from the start that this group is one of the better organized groups, with well defined projects and a list of materials of which to bring with you to the meeting being communicated well in advance, so you know exactly what you will be doing and what it will take to accomplish the group goal before you even step one foot in the door. This kind of organization is hard to come by these days, but New Moon Creations organizers, Ocean and Drakos, seem to pull it off without a hitch.
During the evening on which we were able to attend, the November meeting, the crafting project was Yule Decorations and ornaments for the upcoming Sabbat. Because we arrived late we didn't participate, so instead, we took the opportunity to visit with members of the group and snap a few pictures. There were many in attendance that evening, youth and adults alike, with many familiar faces, and a surprisingly large amount of new faces. We made our rounds, asking questions about their projects and striking up conversation, and in true Pagan community fashion we were greeted warmly by each, which felt very welcoming and should put newcomers at ease.
It is always amazing to see such beautiful craftwork. The table tops were covered with craft working materials - glass bulbs, various wreaths and colorful adornments, surrounding us in flurries of color with gold and silver hues. Everywhere you looked, hands were busily working away at individual masterpieces, and the air was buzzing with friendly chatter. The scene was amazingly picturesque, if only we had a professional grade camera so as to give the pictures the justice the scene deserves.
First impressions are always the most important, and we certainly weren't disappointed. Our brief visit to the meeting left us with a desire to go back again for the December meeting for more, so plans have been made to go back and participate in making December's project, a Yule Log. The group was so warm and inviting that we will be taking our oldest daughter with us, as we are certain she will have a great time as well.
All in all, this is a very low key yet welcoming group that anyone with a bit of a craft bug should enjoy immensely. If you haven't gone yet, please try to take some time and make the trip, we're sure you will be very pleased with what you find - we certainly were!
To visit the AZ_Magick Yahoo group for more information about upcoming New Moon Creations meetings and craft projects, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AZ_Magick/.
To see the schedule of dates for when New Moon Creations meet or for a map to the Denny's location in Tempe, visit our New Moon Creations event listing on our Calendar of Events.
