✨ From Message to Magic: A Custom Witch Commission Story ✨

 

Every custom piece I create begins the same way—quietly, with a message that always feels a little bit like the start of a story.

This one came in as simple as: 

 

“Would you be interested in making me a witch taxidermy? I keep seeing all these witchy ones on Etsy but would rather put $ into your house than anyone else's.”

 

And honestly… messages like this never stop meaning the world to me. Not just because someone chooses my work—but because they trust me to create something personal, something that will live in their home, something that they dream off. 

For this piece, the theme was clear: witchy. But “witchy” can mean so many things—dark forest energy, cozy cottage magic, potion brewing, moonlit spells…

So I always take time to talk with my client:

Do you picture something more dark or playful? Do you love natural tones or richer, dramatic colors?Should it feel like a storybook… or a curiosity cabinet piece? Which animal should we choose to become the witch?

These little details are where the personality begins.

I usually send quickly a message back and it would look like this example and if I did a similar project before, I will attach reference photos for you to see. 

 

"Hi there ✨

I would absolutely love to create a witch-themed taxidermy piece for you—thank you so much for thinking of me and for trusting me with something so special. That truly means a lot to me 🤍

To make sure I bring your vision to life just the way you imagine it, I’d love to ask you a few questions:

What kind of witch are you thinking of? More dark and creepy? Like this one?

A fantasy- or folklore-inspired character like Baba Yaga in a house with real chicken legs?

Or something cute and whimsical, like from a fairytale?

Do you picture her doing something specific? Flying on a broom, stirring a potion, sitting in a cozy little scene…?

Are there any particular colors, moods, or details you love?

I currently have a few options in stock to work with: mice, a hamster, a squirrel, and even a two-headed duck—so depending on your vision, we can choose the perfect little character for your piece 🖤

And last but not least, it would be helpful to know your budget range so I can design something that fits comfortably within it.

I’m so excited to hear your ideas and start dreaming this piece up with you ✨

Warmly,

Isabell
Fur and Blade Taxidermy NY"

 

The Customer answered back as follow:

 

"Okay, first—please forgive me for absolutely creeping your page last night… but I went down the rabbit hole and wow… you have created so many beautiful pieces I hadn’t even seen before. Your art is truly incredible.

So here’s my dream (and I’m not even joking)—I have wanted a two-headed duckling dressed as a witch for about 20 years now. It’s been living rent-free in my imagination forever.

I’m really drawn to colors like purple, black, and silver, and anything with that witchy vibe—ouija boards, brooms, bats… all of it. The badger reference you sent is SO up my alley, especially with the feathers and those textures. And the Baba Yaga piece? ABSOLUTELY incredible. The details are just mind-blowing.

For budget, I would be around $250.

Honestly… you are making my liiiiiife right now. And I have to say it again—the Baba Yaga is just unreal."

 

Well, this answer made it easy for me and after sending a picture of the two-headed ducklings, it was decided and we could start the commission-work. 


✨ Step 1: The Idea ✨


Every commission starts with a spark. By answering my questions, my customers give me a glimpse into their vision—what they’re drawn to, what story they want it to tell. From their feedback, I begin shaping the idea, letting their imagination and my creativity come together to bring the project to life.

 

✨ Step 2: Building the Character ✨


This is my favorite part—where the piece starts to become something. 

In a witch-themed commission, I begin imagining:

What kind of witch is she?What does she carry?Where does she live? Is she stirring a potion in a tiny pot? Wrapped in vintage lace? Holding a bundle of herbs or a miniature broom?

Every Fur and Blade piece is built like a tiny world—not just an object, but a moment frozen in time.


✨ Step 3: Gathering the Elements ✨

 

I carefully select materials that match the story:

Fabrics for clothing, vintage or new miniature objects and accessories that fit the theme. 

Nothing is rushed here. The right elements have to feel right—like they were always meant to belong together. They will be coming together through online research and orders or by visiting local antique and thrift shops. 

✨ Step 4: Creating the Scene ✨

 

This is where everything comes together.

Slowly, piece by piece, the character is assembled and placed into the setting. I adjust details, step back, refine, and sometimes completely rethink parts until it feels alive.

Because that’s always the goal: Not just to make something beautiful—but something that feels like it has a soul.

I like to share little previews with my clients to keep them informed and involved. 

✨ Step 5: The Reveal ✨

 

Before shipping, I always share photos with my clients. 

This moment is one of my favorites—seeing their reaction, hearing what they notice, what they love.


✨Step 6: Sending it Home ✨

 

Once everything is approved, the piece is carefully packaged and sent off to its new home.

And that’s always a bittersweet moment.

Because while I let it go… I also know it’s about to become part of someone else’s story.

 

✨ Thinking About Your Own Commission? ✨

 

If you’ve ever had an idea in your head—something whimsical, strange, beautiful, or meaningful—I would love to hear it.

Every piece I create is one of a kind, built with care, imagination, and a deep love for storytelling.

And sometimes… it all starts with a simple message like:

“Would you be interested…”