Tucked into the forest, off of the Alberni highway, just past the giant inflatable bong, and before Cameron Lake, lies the most authentic witchy herb and gift shoppe I have ever had the pleasure of exploring.
Approaching the Witch’s Cottage, the sign at the front of the property is a hint towards a passion of Sheena's, the Owner, Witch, and Artist. The repurposed headboard to use as a welcoming sign is just one of the many ways Sheena has brought new life to old, previously unwanted items.
Sheena herself was very welcoming, and her outgoing personality immediately put all of my newbie blogger nerves at ease. It was so much fun talking to another neuro-divergent person about witchcraft, nature, and art. Sheena excitedly told me about all the items she has crafted, and showed me around the property, pointing out the items she has repurposed, such as the blue canoe that has a new life as a planter in the garden.
Sheena describes her personal style as goth, nature, and grandma, an aesthetic that is evident in her stylish witchy wardrobe, as well as her shop, which consists of two separate, cozy, vintage inspired buildings.
The building I entered first was full of large jars filled to the brim with herbs and dried flowers that were cultivated from the property. On a vintage cabinet next to the jars are ceramic bowls, bells, and just about every vessel needed for an altar. If you need candles for your altar, she has you covered. This is exactly the kind of thing that a witch wants to see when they are looking for an occult/witch type shop.
One of my favourite products that Sheena has to offer are the Spell Kits, specific to the purpose of the spell, they have everything you need to make your own magic. Incredibly helpful for the busy witch, or newcomers to the craft. These kits are put together with a high level of attention and care, she even painted the watercolour designs on the labels with plants that are directly linked to the spirit of the spell, as well as writing the Ogham alphabet symbols for the trees that are related to the spells. Ogham is an ancient Irish tree alphabet often used in paganism and witchcraft.
The second part of her shop is the charming camper that has been painted in a lovely purple, with a mossy green door and steps. It has been renovated to be in keeping with Sheena’s cottage vision, complete with lace curtains, and decorated with vintage dressers and cabinets.
Upon walking in, my jaw immediately hit the floor. Sheena has so many wonderful products available, the majority of which she made herself. I was delightfully overwhelmed by the amount of beautiful things to look at, and impressed that she had created most of it with her own hands, all while fighting the extreme fatigue caused by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). By the way, Sheena is also a mother of three, with two of her children under 6 years of age. How she finds the time and energy to not only make a magical world for her children, but also bring the magic to the community, is beyond me.
Motherhood has also been a great inspiration for Sheena, as she creates products that she knows not only her children would love, but she would’ve loved to have as well when she was young. I could see a sparkle in her eyes as she showed off her aromatherapy bunny rabbits, beautifully embroidered with wild berry and flower designs. She also showed me the adorable spirit dolls and flower spirits she crafted, each with their own personality and theme.
I was also delighted to see the amount of bones she has available. I mean, in the shop. The bones have been ethically sourced on her property, and elsewhere on the island, left by nature to be appreciated by those that can see the beauty in death. Sheena turns the bones into elegant pieces of jewelry and works of art for your home decor needs.
Sheena shared with me her ultimate dream for The Witch’s Cottage, to have a full size cottage complete with a sitting area for visitors, where they can enjoy a cup of tea and some inspirational baked goods. She wants to create a warm, welcoming space for the community to gather, and I think that is exactly what our island needs. While we wait for that incredible dream to become reality, you can visit The Witch’s Cottage for your altar supplies and gifts for your favourite witches.
The Witch’s Cottage is open 3 days a week, Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, from 11am-6pm at 1240 Winning Way, Qualicum Beach.
It will be closing it's doors for the season at the end of November, so make sure to get all your Yule present shopping done before then!
The Witch’s Cottage will also be hosting a special family-friendly Spooky Walk on the property to celebrate Samhain on October 28th from 11am - 8:30pm and October 29th from 4pm - 8:30pm. Bring your little ones for some Samhain fun and shopping!
Be sure to follow Sheena on Social Media for updates on the shop and any future events!
Forestspiritcreations.com
https://www.facebook.com/ForestSpiritCreations
https://www.instagram.com/forestspiritcreations/
