Index
Hannah the Kitchen Witch
A Magical Culinary Companion
Hannah the Kitchen Witch uses her grimoire (recipe book) and wand to help you make the most delicious, love-filled recipes you’ve ever made.
Detail Pics of Our Kitchen Witch
Hannah Found Her Keeper—Now It’s Your Turn.
Every doll begins with a whisper. Some already exist, waiting for the right person. Others haven’t been made yet—because they’re waiting for you.
Whether you’re drawn to what’s already in the shop or want something made just for you, there’s a spirit with your name on it. Let’s find her.
Hannah’s Video
The Backstory
My Nana was getting interested in these You-Do-You Voodoo™ art dolls around the time I made Hannah the Kitchen Witch. Nana would come over to the table and just look or ask me what surprises I had hidden in the doll. Hannah’s details were inspired by Nana’s curiosity. What could I add to this kitchen witch that would delight Nana?
I think it worked, because Nana sure was partial to Hannah.
“Hannah the Kitchen Witch” from Beginning to End
The Beginning and the End
Every doll except for my very first ones have one of these Creation Sheets. They start with a sketch of the art doll’s body. As the journey progresses, I write down the thoughts and feelings that cross through me (but aren’t “mine”) all the way to the finished doll. I hope that these small bits resonate with her future caregiver.
Ever so often though, I feel that a message is for me too. One thing I’ve learned from tarot reading is it is quite common for two people to be in the same space at the same time. It only makes sense that what I’m experiencing, someone else is, too.
Description
The Creation Sheet of the kitchen witch showing the initial sketch and miscellaneous things that came into the artist’s head while building the You-Do-You Voodoo™ art doll. “Eye of the Tiger”, “Best of my Love” and “spooky” are some of the written notes. There’s a line to measure the doll’s head circumference and other things that may or may not (but usually do) mean something to her caregiver.
Rocks = Soup
The mostly red McDermitt sunset brecciated jasper reminds me of a chicken and vegetable soup with tomato broth. The opal and agate inclusions are the seasonings. Mostly salt because soup needs quite a bit of salt. Along those lines, the speculite (aka black hematite) would be the pepper. I may have overdone it with the pepper.
Really though, as much as soup relates to the kitchen witch, these stones have other meanings suitable for Hannah. They’re explained in the Artist’s Statement below.
Description
The art doll on her Creation Sheet in the early stages. Here you see the stones bound to the armature with inset images of jasper and speculite.
Muscle and Skin with a Sassy Pose
Hannah is rather bossy. She likes things her way and isn’t afraid to use her wand to adjust a seasoning or two. At this point, you can see her raised knee and arms that look like they should be doing something. Eventually, Hannah holds a grimoire (or recipe book, depending on who you’re talking to) and a magic wand (or stick to stir the soup).
Description
This image is a glimpse into the creation process, showcasing the intricate layering of her body with a white “muscle” layer of quilt batting followed by a multi-colored “skin” layer of yarn.
My Eyes! My Eyes!
At this stage of Hannah’s build, I decided she should have some eyes. The yellow-headed pins mark the spot.
Eyes are an unusual feature for a You-Do-You Voodoo™ doll. I typically keep their faces clear so their caretaker can project their own ideas onto the doll. I’ve made several art dolls since, and no one else has eyes.
Hannah’s clothes are almost done, but I filled out her skirt and added some jewelry. And then there was the oven mitt and the grimoire with herbal codes and the awesome little wand. And her hair. I almost forgot to mention her awesome hair!
Description
This image foretells Hannah’s eyes.
You see Nana’s kitchen in the background. Chickens on the fridge, dishes drying by the sink.
A Little Magic from Our Kitchen Witch
I didn’t take many pictures after that last one, so I thought I’d share this cute little video of her spreading magic in the kitchen.
AI Art of Our Kitchen Witch, Hannah
AI made a picture of Hannah looking out her window. I’m not really sure what that grouping is out there on the road, but I imagine it to be the rest of her coven.
FAQs About Hannah
What is the significance of a kitchen witch doll?
A kitchen witch doll is believed to bring good luck, protection, and positive energy to the kitchen and household, enhancing culinary skills and promoting domestic harmony.
What is sunset brecciated jasper and why is it included in this kitchen witch?
I chose sunset brecciated jasper for Hannah the kitchen witch because it’s a beautiful and complex stone that embodies the nurturing and protective qualities I wanted to infuse into this piece. Sunset jasper is primarily composed of red jasper, with fascinating inclusions of opal and agate, creating a rich tapestry of energies that align perfectly with Hannah’s role as a guardian of the home.
Red jasper, the primary component, is known as a stone of protection and nurturing. It combines strength with gentleness, much like a loving parent. This resonates deeply with my artistic goal of creating pieces that offer comfort and support while encouraging personal growth. The red jasper in this stone promotes a sense of safety and security, which is essential for a hearth guardian figure.
The opal inclusions add a transformative quality to the piece. Opal is associated with enhancing intuition and fostering a connection with one’s inner self. This aligns beautifully with my artistic mission of exploring the shadow aspects of personality and bringing them into the light. It’s about transformation and embracing change with confidence.
The agate in this stone brings grounding and harmonizing energies. It’s known for promoting inner stability and peace, which are crucial elements in creating a balanced home environment. This ties into my belief in the healing power of art and its ability to bring calm and focus to our lives.
By using sunset brecciated jasper in Hannah’s form, I’m aiming to create a piece that not only guards the hearth but also supports emotional and spiritual well-being. It’s a stone that encourages courage, authenticity, and resilience – all qualities that I believe are important in facing life’s challenges and embracing our whole selves, shadows and all.
Why is specularite a good choice for a kitchen witch?
Specularite, also known as specular hematite or metallic hematite, is a remarkable stone that I chose to incorporate into Hannah’s form for its multifaceted properties. This lustrous mineral is believed to possess a grounding force that fosters focus and maintains a positive outlook, qualities that are essential in the heart of the home.
Specularite is said to stimulate creativity and motivation, aligning perfectly with the nurturing and inspiring role of a kitchen witch. Its magnetic properties are thought to create a protective buffer, offering a sense of security that resonates with Hannah’s purpose as a guardian figure.
Interestingly, specularite is associated with both the root and crown chakras, symbolizing a connection between our most basic needs and our highest aspirations. This duality speaks to the transformative potential of domestic spaces, where everyday tasks can become sacred rituals. The stone is believed to help clear blockages from the root chakra while synchronizing thoughts and dispelling negativity from the crown chakra, promoting a holistic sense of wellbeing.
By incorporating specularite into Hannah’s form, my intention is to imbue her with these qualities of focus, creativity, protection, and holistic wellbeing. As with all my art, the goal is to create a piece that not only pleases the eye but also serves as a conduit for positive energy and personal growth in the home.
Can Hannah the Kitchen Witch improve my cooking?
Yes, some believe that Hannah’s magical influence can improve the taste and quality of your meals, turning everyday cooking into an extraordinary experience filled with love and positive energy.
How can I incorporate Hannah into my kitchen rituals?
You can offer small tokens of appreciation, such as herbs or special recipes, to Hannah in exchange for her blessings and guidance, deepening your connection to her magical influence. And when you sense a wand tapping your shoulder, pay attention: Hannah is giving you advice.
Is Hannah decorative or magical?
While some people view kitchen witch dolls like Hannah as decorative items, others believe in their magical properties and incorporate them into their spiritual practices. Hannah offers a unique blend of charm, protection, and culinary magic, and she is what you give her permission to be.
Artist Statement
Hannah, the kitchen witch, emerges from the intersection of folklore, spirituality, and domestic arts, reflecting my fascination with the kitchen as the heart of the home. This piece celebrates age-old traditions while exploring the shadow aspects of domesticity, blending them with modern materials to create a figure of protection and empowerment.
AI Critique
Hannah the Hearth Guardian
Style and Medium
“Hannah, the Kitchen Witch” is an intricately designed art doll that merges elements of folk art, fiber art, and contemporary craft. The use of varied textures and materials, particularly yarn, lace, and fabric, draws on the rich tradition of textile arts, with a distinctly modern twist. The overall aesthetic is whimsical yet imbued with a certain depth, suggesting both a playful and protective nature, common in the portrayal of “kitchen witches” across various cultures.
Art Specs
Description: “Hannah the Kitchen Witch”, a You-Do-You Voodoo™ art doll, is a historically magical figure that helps you cook up love in your kitchen.
Hannah’s outfit consists of a removable hat, cream-colored corset top, a multi-layered gray skirt with silver and cream, brown boots, black over-the-knee stockings, and a striped pair of boy short panties.
Size: 18 inches tall with hat x 7 inches abreast x 10 inches wide
Materials:
- Sunset brecciated jasper (with inclusions of opal and agate)
- Black hematite (aka specularite)
- A twig
- A tiny book
- beads
- yarn
- glue
- ribbon
- cardboard and aluminum foil (in her hat)