RavenCoven's 2nd Anniversary & a Witchling's First Steps
Dearest denizens of the shadows, a chorus of ravens heralds a day of immense joy! RavenCoven, our beloved sanctuary for all things dark and whimsical, is celebrating its second anniversary.
This milestone is a testament to our shared love for the horror, the macabre, the craft, and the magic held within each carefully placed stitch.
Our journey so far has been nothing short of incredible. From the first day, we set out to create a space where like minded crafters could come together, share their art, and inspire each other. We wanted RavenCoven to be more than just a brand. We envisioned a community – a coven – where each member could feel at home.
Today, that dream is a reality, and it’s all thanks to you, our loyal Ravens and supporters. You’ve embraced our vision, supported our work, and helped us grow beyond our wildest dreams. Your passion for our designs fuels our creativity and drives us to strive for excellence.
As we mark the second anniversary of our beloved coven, we also herald the dawn of RavenCoven Version 2.0; older, wiser, and brimming with even more enchantment. I am struggling to articulate my thoughts as gracefully as a novice witch learning to ride a broomstick. As the introspective and easily distracted founder of our beloved coven, I have always found it challenging to open up about myself and keep our social media presence alive.. Nevertheless, with the arrival of this new era (the launch of RavenCoven v2.0), I am committed to stepping out of the shadows and revealing more of my inner world to all of you.
In this special and first blog post of RavenCoven, not only do we celebrate our second anniversary with free patterns and exciting deals, but I also unveil some chapters of my journey, our achievements, and the transformative magic that has defined our coven..
(Your comments and thoughts are like magical spells that reverberate through the vast expanse of the internet. Therefore, please do not forget to leave a comment below after reading it)
3 Free Patterns & 2+2 Deal!
But first of all, as is our tradition, let’s kick things off with some exciting freebies and deals for all the fierce bounty huntresses out there before diving into the rest of the story!
This week, on the occasion of our 2nd anniversary, I am sharing 3 free cross stitch patterns with you, which are among the first ones I made 2 years ago. (They deserve to be loved too). Sally & Jack Stained Glass Cross Stitch Pattern, Eat Pizza Hail Satan Cross Stitch Pattern, Witch’s House Cross Stitch Pattern. These quaint patterns, lingering on the dusty shelves of our coven’s library, eagerly await to be brought back to life by your hands.
And wouldn’t you know it, our ‘Buy 2, Get 2 FREE‘ anniversary spell is back! Cast it with code WITCH2 at RavenCoven.com or ravenstitchcraft.etsy.com until March 15th, 2024. But don’t linger too long, for this magic fades with the passing days.
But wait, there’s more secret to uncover; four scrumptiously fresh designs have just arrived!:
Wood Witch 2
Unveiling Wood Witch 2: A spellbinding pattern crafted exclusively for our 2nd anniversary and the RavenCoven v2.0 celebration. The most beloved pattern of 2023 has evolved into its second version, becoming more intricate and more enchanting, just like our coven. Now including mirrored versions for even better combinations with the first version.,
Puscifer Cat
A tribute to feline familiars and Maynard James Keenan's furry companion, this devilishly charming cat design exudes feline finesse with horns, a spikey tail, and a touch of brimstone. Ideal for those with a wicked sense of style, it lets your inner Lucifer shine through.
Creation of Lilith
Ditch the cutesy patterns and embrace the dark side with our Lilith's creation cross stitch. This isn't your grandma's needlework; it's a bold strike against the ordinary, dripping with female rebellion. Each stitch is a defiant whisper in the night, a call to the wild spirits who crave more than just flowers and fauna. Embrace this masterpiece of dissent.
Unicorn & Lilith:
Craving something beyond the ordinary? This gothic yin-yang style cross stitch celebrates duality within every witch. Stitch a tale of darkness and light, where rebellious spirit meets mystical charm. Perfect for witches, weirdos, and lovers of the unique.
Skeleton Queen Cross Stitch Pattern
Original price was: $ 6.66.$ 3.33Current price is: $ 3.33.
Alright, if everyone has gotten their candies and lit the candles, we can start our story for those who are still with us, the story of RavenCoven…
My journey into the arcane art of cross-stitch began at the hearth of my grandmother, a wise and skilled stitcher who passed down the sacred needle and thread. Coupled with my studies in graphic design, I was uniquely equipped to weave together the old and the new, crafting designs that whispered of ancient secrets and modern mysteries.Two years ago, a desire ignited within me, a longing to share my passion for cross-stitch with those drawn to shadows and the whispers of the unknown. With the echoes of my grandmother’s stitchy spirit guiding me, and with a fierce commitment to dark arts and craft, we embarked on this journey together, building RavenCoven stitch by stitch. Now, let this be a moment to turn back the pages of our collective story…From the very beginning, since I was a young apprentice witchling..
Imagine me as a young girl, eyes wide with wonder as I watched my grandmother’s weathered hands dance across the fabric. The rhythmic friction of the needle and thread passing through the fabric were like a lullaby., each stitch carrying whispers of ancient tales and forgotten magic. Threads weren’t just threads; they were silken spells cast onto linen, a language I longed to understand.
In her cozy apartment filled with the comforting scents of herbs and incense, I discovered my sanctuary. It was here that cross-stitching became my solace from the storms of adolescence. Each counted stitch grounded me, guiding me back to center when the anxieties of youth threatened to overhelm me. I knew, even then, that I wanted to share this simple yet potent magic with others. Perhaps, there were more like me, drawn to the shadows, seeking an outlet to express their unique light.
As time went by, like many of you, I searched for new patterns online rather than sticking to traditional ones.. I found designers on Etsy who resonated with my style and emotions perfectly. As time goes by I noticed their designs had started to feel a bit too familiar, like a favorite song overplayed on repeat.. Additionally, collecting patterns, a habit many of us have, along with the heavy financial burden caused by the struggle to find a job after graduating from college, pushed me to create my own cross-stitch designs, relying on the authority my diploma had given me.
One day, while surfing the dark waters of the internet relentlessly, I stumbled upon a crochet designer”s success story on Etsy. It described the challenges women face in the business world and how a woman turned her creative power into a successful venture. She was publishing free videos explaining how to make their garments with her patterns and the nuances of the art of crochet for those who couldn’t afford to buy what she produced or for those who loved making crochet garments. In this way, she was not only helping beginners and those interested in crochet but also building a strong community around her brand. I believe the secret of her success was this: giving more than taking and reaching out to others with her art.This story deeply moved me and sparked that famous light bulb moment…
Two years ago, with a mix of exhilaration and fear, RavenStitchcraft.etsy.com ‘s gates creaked open on Etsy. My first steps were tentative, fueled by a love of fandom, occult and goth culture. I channeled that energy into converting famous quotes, historical artworks and iconic memes into cross-stitch designs, hoping they’d capture attention and ignite that spark of recognition in your eyes.
It was thrilling to see sales roll in, to receive positive feedback… yet it became clear that this was merely a starting point. I craved a deeper level of artistry, a way to weave my own shadows, my own dark fascinations into each pattern. I dreamed of a space where those with a taste for the macabre could find designs that mirrored their souls. I felt a restlessness, a yearning to pour more of my own witchy soul into my creations. This hunger propelled me forward, leading me to explore the depths of my own imagination and the rich symbolism that speaks to the heart of our shadowy community. While my early designs caught the eyes, they also taught me valuable lessons about quality, creativity, and the importance of uniqueness. Each pattern became a stepping stone, leading me closer to the essence of what RavenCoven would become.
As you may already know, (another topic for another blog post) Etsy's strict rules for newbie shops and their never-ending hunger for fresh listings have me juggling like a skeleton trying to juggling its own skull! Balancing this high-pressure graphic design gig at a top-notch(!) ad agency along with attempts to stay afloat in the chaotic world of Etsy, conjuring up those soulless patterns*, all while desperately trying to salvage what's left of my social life, well, let's just say it's been a curse of pure exhaustion. Somewhere along the way, my once burning passion and love for design got lost in the haze of deadlines and demands. It's like my creative spark took a detour to the Bermuda Triangle!
I found the solution in seeking help from like-minded and more experienced pattern designers, asa well as trying to obtaining commercial use licenses from other visual artists from mainstream websites like artistlicensing.com, like many cross stitch designers on etsy, as well as searching through freelancing websites that offer design services online. After all, being in a coven, a little help never hurt, right?
(*The approach to create as many patterns as quickly possible was a double-edged sword. In my zeal, I overlooked the intricacies of quality control, resulting in patterns that were, frankly, riddled with errors. This was a humbling realization, one that necessitated a return to the drawing board for many of these designs. Some were reworked into pieces I could be proud of, while others, deemed beyond salvation, were respectfully retired. For those who have encountered imperfections in any pattern or have customization requests, know that I remain at your service to make necessary adjustments without any charge, as has always been my commitment.)
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Throughout my journey, I have formed fantastic connections with fellow crafters, designers, and supporters, all fueled by the same creative spark, a marvelous band of misfits and makers! However, as the whispers of our success echoed, some were drawn like moths to the flame.. Unfortunately, not all who entered our designer circle shared RavenCoven’s values. We faced ‘coop designers’ attempting to deceive by passing off purely AI-generated images** or stolen designs from other pixel artists, non-copyrighted images or even from cross stitch designers as their own. Each revelation served as a reminder that even in the creative realm, shadows can linger. Nevertheless, these challenges strengthened our determination. We resolved not to harbor those lacking integrity or respect for artistic expression. RavenCoven underwent a cleansing process, removing tainted designs and cutting ties with those prioritizing profit over genuine artistry. Our coven stands on principles, safeguarding our creativity and honoring the talents of all genuine creators and crafters.
My wrong choice of ‘fellow lurkers’ to work with, and the fact that my first patterns were, alas, a tad behind others in quality (or so the ancient tapestries whisper!), coupled with our loud and sudden arrival within the community – a real broomstick crash landing (and trust me, steering this thing is no easy feat, especially for a novice like me) – seems to have ruffled some feathers in the established community. Suddenly, I found myself marked like a witch in the Salem trials, by some old inquisitor merchants, my shortcomings scrutinized. This experience, though painful, became my greatest teacher. Later on, it dawned on me that I wasn’t alone in this witch hunt. Many other budding and successful designers are riding the same broomstick. Inquisitors, witches, and cross stitch… oh, the drama!
Although I was a clumsy, hasty, naive, and careless witchling at first, I have learned a lot in these past 2 years. And as you know, witches master the arcane arts by experimenting and learning from their mistakes, and they become stronger as they face more challenges. As an adept witch, I acknowledge my past mistakes, oversights, and take full accountability for failing to conduct necessary checks. From this experience, I have cast a protective spell to prevent these errors from haunting us in the future, ensuring that our coven’s value, dedication, and enchantment will continue to grow stronger.
(**While I’m not against the use of ethical trained AI programs as a tool that supports artists and creativity, those who pass off unaltered AI-generated images as their own work even without any enhancement or modification remain detrimental to our community. This could be a topic for another blog. Additionally, addressing the curiosity of many, I use Adobe Photoshop and it’s ethical trained AI tools to create product photos and enhance frame mockups that are Visually harmonious with patterns and better appeal to your eyes… Believe me, that’s not something that can be done in a few minutes just by writing a prompt. Sometimes it takes me almost a whole day to create 5-6 different product photos for a pattern assisted with AI, but I think it’s worth it for the final result and the fun process. Also AI can’t be a replacement for a designer, but when wielded correctly, it can serve as a valuable tool in the designer’s arsenal.. For example, I used Grammarly’s AI-powered grammar checker and writing assistant to write this my very first post. And as you can probably guess, the image below was also created using Adobe Photoshop’s AI features. What a fantastic way to tell stories!)
There were times, trapped in corporate offices with their fluorescent lights and soul-crushing routines, when the simple act of counting stitches kept me sane. My needle was my wand, each ‘X’ a tiny act of rebellion against the conformity that threatened to suffocate my spirit. I dreamt of escape, of a world where creativity could be my true calling.
The summer of 2023 marked a turning point, a metamorphosis guided by the lessons learned and the unwavering support of our coven. With fierce determination, I quitted my stable job as a graphic designer and embraced my role as the sole full-time designer behind every pattern you see here. While my beloved warlock husband expertly guides our business affairs (and masterminds our iconic events like Rotten Egg Hunt and Ghoulish Gourd Gathering !), each pattern bears the imprint of my hand and of my witchy heart.
This decision wasn’t merely a change in occupation; it was a liberation! I could focus entirely on sharing my evolving style and passions with you, our coven. I’ve spent the last year, especially since leaving my soul-sucking office job, immersing myself in pixel art tutorials and graphic design techniques, determined to create patterns that are truly worthy of your talent and time. Yes, there may be fewer releases at times, but each one embodies a piece of my evolution alongside this community. And my promise is this: With every stitch I design, I strive for something better, something more uniquely ‘us’, something that will bring a spark of macabre joy into your lives.
By uniting like-minded crafters, designers, I strive to make this hobby more accessible to everyone by offering designs at affordable prices or even for free. I aim to heal more wounded souls like mine through the enchantment of cross stitch. Creating as many original designs as possible, I seek to rescue us from the monotony of similar cross stitch patterns. Raven Coven v2, born from that dream, has become my sanctuary just as much as yours. It’s a testament to taking a leap of faith, to trusting that our common love of macabre and craft could unite us across the miles.That’s why we’ve celebrated together, laughed together, and lifted each other through giveaways, events, and the simple joy of seeing your creations blossom from our designs. And you know what? The gamble paid off!
And remember, stay tuned, for my husband and I are concocting a truly wicked surprise for Astarte. Imagine Rotten Egg Hunt v2, but with an infusion of devilish delights and surprises that will make your witchy senses tingle! We’re crafting an unparalleled gaming experience you won’t find anywhere else. This time, we’re pushing the boundaries of interactivity and freedom in Rotten Egg Hunt to bring you something truly special. Don’t miss out on this experience and the prizes—keep an eye out!My coven, as we weave our way into the future, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every one of you. Your support, your shared creations, for embracing my growth, and your unwavering belief in the magic of our coven have been the light guiding me through this journey. Seeing your finished works and sharing in your triumphs and challenges has been a source of unending inspiration and your belief in me have made this journey more magical than my young witchling self ever dared to dream.
Through RavenCoven, I’ve found my tribe, kindred spirits who see the beauty in shadows and find power in a well-placed stitch. As we stand at this crossroads, looking back on the path we’ve traversed and ahead to the mysteries yet to unfold, let us raise our needles high, witches and warlocks. Together, we shall stitch the stars, creating constellations that tell of our adventures, our battles, and our unbreakable bonds. Here’s to the magic we’ve conjured and the spells yet to be woven. Cheers to two years, and to the endless nights of stitching, the tales whispered across threads, and the many adventures yet to come!
Let us continue to stitch, share, and build our shadowed sanctuary together!
With boundless gratitude and witchy affection,
Gizem 🖤
11 Comments
Congrats!!!! Thats such an amazing mile stone and I love for your how well it worked out. I’m also looking forward to the rotten egg hunt, I missed the one last year, but I was here for the Halloween one, its so much fun. Thank you so much for your effort!
Congratulations on the milestone. More importantly, props for leaving that soul sucking job to pursue your passion. It takes a major dose of courage to make that leap!
Thank you for sharing your story and for sharing your talent. I learned from my Grandmother as well. Although I don’t have a corporate job, I work in non profit doing great work. My work place is a Nation wide male dominated world. I found myself needing a place of community with like minded people to keep my anxiety down and my sanity high. I found you and this community. I can be myself expressing my fascination for the macabre, dark, and different. I am among others like me. I can only imagine this feeling is like a small portion of what someone feels when they finally have the strength to come out with who they are. I don’t have a designer’s talent- so I am eternally grateful to support others who do. Thank you for being you and sharing your vulnerability as you share your journey.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
I always was a little gothic and I find in your work what I love cross-stitching.
Thank you for your work and designs.
Thank you Gizem, for sharing your journey with us! Your joy of self discovery makes me happy. There are too many people these days that are spreading truly dark energies into the world so it heals my soul to find the good ones like you! Keep learning and growing and loving life!
What an amazing heartfelt message that you have conjured! I have been moved by your message and I wish you only success from this point forward as I LOVE your content and designs. Oh and I do believe that my daughter is your kindred spirit as well. She has always gravitated towards the darker side shall we say and cannot wait for your designs! Keep up the fantastic art and don’t lose faith-you got this!!
Is the grandma picture AI?
Your site has hilarious and just plain awesome patterns and content! I absolutely love the rotten egg and ghoulish gourd missions. They are soo soo fun!! Thanks for all the hard work <3
I love this site, and congratulations on two fantastic years with many many more to come!!
hey Gizem, and fellow Ravens. Congratulations on your success darlings. Isn`t it wonderful here. Thank you all behind the scenes for all of your hard work. Its been a joy to follow the pumpkin hunt and now the rotten egg hunt. must admit I`m stuck already but I`m a very determined little witch so bring it on.
I love your patterns and your spirit! When I told you I was planning on designing my own stuff you didn’t hesitate to help me with advice. You’re so kind which makes me want to support your shop even more. Thanks for being the kind witchy person you are!