Unseelie Gathering – August 2026
The story of the Gathering
Hosted by the fabulous Northern Frights the Unseelie Gathering is a once a year coming together for those who love all things fae, demonic, witchy and dark.
From fabulous crafts and adornments to music and burlesque, if you are of a mind and over 18 it is a fabulous day.
The following is a recounting of events by Gudbrand, house Skald of Arrochar Crafts…
The day was fair and my patrons, The Head Pyromancer and The Mist-Weaver, made good their progress on the journey to the city of Paisley, where the Unseelie Gathering was to be held on the 1st day of August in 2026.
Many were the stalls of vendors, selling all manner of fantastical wares in every size and hue.
And many were the entertainments provided by the organisers of the event to keep the paying revellers amused, too risqué to be recounted here.
The day was themed with attendees aligning themselves with houses of fae, fire or the undead – much roleplaying and extravagant costumery was in evidence.
Let us explore further, together…
The Arrochar Crafts Stall
The Gathering was a new event for the Head Pyromancer and Mist-Weaver at an unfamiliar venue and so they arrived with time in hand, as is expected at such events.
Despite a timely arrival, the hall in which the event was hosted was humming and buzzing with the sounds of activity as other vendors from across the lands pitched stalls to sell their goods.
All told the setting up of our stall took over an hour with much attention to detail being observed (as I shall recount shortly)
The Pyrography Corner
As a major theme of the fair was that of horror, much care was taken in the selection of pyrographic delights to be displayed for the visitors to the fair.
The Head Pyromancer chose ghoulish green lighting to illuminate Baron Samedi and his undead cohort.
The newly completed rogue, Vane was also selected, for his appeal to the attending fantasy lovers and he sat alongside some very familiar faces and some well-loved creature portraits.
The wall of Fantasy Ink
Away from the dark horror of The Head Pyromancer’s pyrography, The Mist-Weaver created a tranquil, relaxing haven of fantasy-related artwork.
Showcasing her popular forest fairy ink-wash & stamp work as well as newer more freeform pieces, it was fitting that one of her favourite, new pieces ‘The Alchemist’s Specimen’ sold to one of the Fae aligned attendees.
A Patch of Practical Items
There are certain items that my patrons only take to fairs and gatherings – items of a tactile nature, needing to be held to be appreciated.
Amongst these items are the candle holders made by The Head Pyromacer from wood reclaimed locally. For a long time he has been indulging in his habit of setting fire to things in order to fashion candle holders from garden logs.
For this gathering The Mist-Weaver had prepared complementary candles, a perfect fit for the candle holders mentioned, before. They were decorated with themes and motifs appropriate to the subject of the fair: skulls and ravens and all manner of Gothic designs.
Some Much Needed Calm
We all need help to calm ourselves in an ever-quickening world and the popular Calmwood Pendants and Pocket hugs (stones and keyrings) provide just such help. Crafted from reclaimed holly, lilac or oak, smoothed and polished until as like silk in the hand, these are subtle, adult fidgets in necklace or handheld forms.
I have witnessed with my own eyes the soothing effect created by holding and stroking one of these magical pebbles. Each calming stone is very personal and as such customers are actively encouraged to find their own through touch.
Bijouterie for All Pockets
Both the Head Pyromancer and the Mist-Weaver create jewellery and boxes, each bringing their own design aesthetic and skills to bear.
The Head Pyromancer works with wood and resin to create earrings and pendants resembling sea glass fused with timber, whilst The Mist-Weaver creates chainmaille pieces with delicate links and fantasy charms.
The Mist-Weaver paints fantasy artwork onto small boxes while the Head Pyromancer burns designs or adds skulls to his.
New friends ... Trolls can paint too
My patrons always use the time just after setting out their stall to mingle with the other vendors and to explore the fabulous work on offer, it is the ideal time for me to observe their interactions.
First impressions form an important part of any tale and so it was with Trolls can paint too – my patrons were greeted by a tall man with a very small mallet, dressed after the fashion of Indiana Jones – an impression to be sure!
Setting aside sartorial critique, the fabulous original artwork on display was in the fantasy genre and packed with a unique personality that set it aside from the mundane and the boring.
New friends ... Silhouette Artwork
Laura and Joss from Silhouette Artwork were the next couple with whom my patrons found common ground. Joss is very chatty, while Laura is more reserved
Laura is a very talented artist who creates silhouettes, scrolls and tarot decks and has also recently written and released her own book ‘Daughter of the Orchid’. The artwork on display was, to my eye, uniquely Japanese in its inspiration
New friends ... Pendragon Armoury & Jewellers
Next to catch the eye was the scale mail work of the very talented Pendragon Armoury & Jewellers.
The shimmer, movement and gentle noise of these exceptionally crafted pieces of wearable art was something unique within the traders at the gathering.
New Friends ... Neil McGregor Art.
The Head Pyromancer found a kindred spirit in the very talented Neil from Neil McGregor Art.
Neil is a traditional and digital artist who specialises in dark horror imagery – very much the wheelhouse of the pyromantic one.
The pieces that particulary affected my patron were those depicting dungeon denizens hiding in the shadows of a dark background – superbly menacing and expertly rendered
New friends ... Fairy Chickens
The mischievous pair at Fairy Chickens, proved to be entertaining company for my patrons for the duration of the fair.
As well being possessed of a fine sense of humour, they are self-proclaimed “purveyors of fine fairy doors and other fancy goods”. The Mist-Weaver particularly loved their fabulous diaramas.
Freinds remet ... Illusionary Constructs
Part of the joy of fairs is seeing a known face. Such was the case with Adam Howie of Illusionary Constructs, who the Mist-Weaver had encountered at a previous convention.
Adam produces digital art of an exceptional standard and unique style. At the previously mentioned convention, The Mist-Weaver had watched as Adam was creating art on his tablet device, carefully expanding and reducing areas of the screen as he meticulously drew and added details.