We are excited to announce the return of the Muggles Market, just in time for Valentine’s Day! This year’s theme is Muggles Market: Love and Plunder, combining our adoration of pirates and love. As usual, you have a wonderful opportunity to get to know our artists, writers, artisans, and entertainment through our Muggles Market Spotlights.
Jess Bush of Athena Rae Design is a new artisan with our Muggles Markets. We asked them a few questions about their life, work, and what treasures they’ll be bringing to Muggles Market: Love and Plunder
Please tell us all about the plunder you’ll be bringing to Muggles Market.
I’m bringing my unique Oyster Shell Art, Resin Trinket Trays (can hold gaming dice, rings, keys, jewelry, catch-all, or just be a really cool statement piece), Fandom inspired drinkware (mugs, cups, water bottles), and coasters. Fandoms currently represented are Harry Potter, Star Wars, Disney, Marvel, DC Comics, Lord of the Rings, Pokemon, Nintendo, and more! I’m always open to adding more items or creating a new custom order.
How did you get started making your glorious plunder?
I’ve always loved crafting. As a mom to four little minions, I made my kids custom items to support their love of all things geek! With their support and encouragement, Athena Rae Design launched in the fall of 2022 with the goal to create handcrafted items that bring joy. I love to create new designs and many of my items are up-cycled to reduce waste.
What’s an item you are bringing that you are really excited about?
This is a hard question, I’m just as excited to share my items as I am to browse and shop at all of the other wonderful vendors and their plunder! If I had to pick one, my sea glass heart ring dishes, these are so fun to make and can be totally altered depending on what people want. I’m planning to have a variety of different colors.
What else would you like everyone to know about your wares?
Everything is customizable. All my items are handcrafted in Charlotte, and I’m happy to work with customers to create unique pieces. Many of my items are eco-friendly, as I try to give items new life in my art.
What’s your favorite love or pirate story and why?
Well my favorite love story is hands down Empire Strikes Back, when Han is about to be frozen in Carbonite and Leia says “I love you” and Han replies “I know”. Many fellow Star Wars fans will know that line wasn’t scripted, which adds to the impact of the story. I was sold on all things Sci-Fi and Fantasy the first time I saw Star Wars in theaters during the 90s re-release.
A close second is The Princess Bride, which has both an epic love story and the Dread Pirate Roberts- Inconceivable!
For books, it’s hard to choose but my current favorite is the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series by Sarah J. Maas.
You can find Athena Rae Design on the interwebs!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Athena-Rae-Design/100085404715246/
Website: https://linktr.ee/athenaraedesign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenaraedesign/
And, of course, you will meet them in person at Muggles Market: Love and Plunder on Sunday February 5, 2023 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM at Queen’s Sports Complex, 2229 Tyvola Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210! It’s always a good time for pirates! So dress in your finest, sea-worthy garb, and come check out these awesome treasures!