Happy New Years

Dear Oracle Family,
 
Happy New Year! Thank you for celebrating last year with us and to bigger and better things in 2025. It may be scary and uncertain but with the support of our community - we can do this together. 

We have a few fun workshops in February and prepping for some Valentine cheer - so keep your eyes peeled for some exciting date night ideas and gifts. We are also prepping to hear to San Diego for the first time! Mark your calendars, for the Oddities Flea Market, March 29th & 30th.

Although, our hearts go out to our dear friends and everyone in LA right now - wishing for the fire to end soon and looking into ways to support from afar

xo, Oracle

Leaving Message from Laura:

Oracle has been a place where my genuine love of learning and sharing random nature-and-science facts was not only part of the job, but I was also in constant conversation with others who also shared that same love of nature and learning! I have made so many friends and shared so many beautiful memories with you all! The 2024 Holiday Party and Pop-up in December marked my official first time back to Oracle as a visiting artist... and I could not have asked for a more perfect or lovely way to mark that particular Solstice and turning to this next chapter. The Solstice candles I dressed that weekend were truly packed with so much love, gratitude, hope and wishes for health for all of us this year.

October 2024 marked the anniversary of my 5th year as part of Oracle Natural Science's studio and shop team. Now I must leave that role and focus on my health and recovery. As far as my own studio, Moth & Candle, I have been working on adjusting my candle-making process and developing a slightly new approach that doesn't harm my health. So batches are smaller and availability is more limited for the time-being. But of course Oracle will get priority and you'll see me back for events in the future! 

Thank you, Oracle community! You became a part of my heart and I carry you with me in this next chapter. Although there are guaranteed to be more challenges ahead, healing and growth are rarely comfortable or easy... I AM curious to see what's next!

xoxo, Laura Pensar
mothandcandle.com

Oracle Holiday Party!

:: A little behind the Artists you’ll find at this years Holiday Party! ::

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Wildcraft Co. is a herbal soap and skincare company that seeks to remind humans they are part of nature and that herbs are here to teach us. Run by creative director, mystic and herbalist Quinn Kavanaugh, Wildcraft is also a container for Radical Self-Care experiences and Esoteric studies. Each product contains high quality plant-based oils that are celebrated for their skin loving benefits. Every preparation is infused with beneficial herbs and therapeutic grade essential oils to help nurture your skin, hair and spirit.

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Momoko Usami received a BFA and MFA from Kyoto City University of Art in Kyoto, Japan. After she completed two years as a resident artist at Lillstreet Art Center in 2009/2010, she built her personal studio in rural Missouri near Kansas City where she teaches small art classes for the community. Momoko draws inspiration from many things, including Japanese painting from the Edo period, dreams, and daily encounters on the street. Her unique, playful and often interactive ceramic works have been shown in the United States, Canada, and Japan.

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Josh Cotter, an author/cartoonist for 25 years, lives north of KC. His books range from tightly rendered cautionary comics to experimental psychological comics to informative sociopolitical comics. He’ll have his most recent books, ‘Goat and Sheep by the Well’, ’Thee Infinite ©’, ’nod away' and the second edition of his book about adult autism, ‘Driven by Lemons’, along with stickers, pins and original art.’

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Fighting fast fashion with raw artistry, Whiskey & Bone wields an edge of rebellion that sets them apart in the industry. Whiskey & Bone’s collection are a form of self-expression, reflected in their natural beauty and rugged charm. Each piece is handcrafted in-studio with premium raw materials and a killer soundtrack. Look out for chunky turquoise and pearl necklaces along with some statement pieces using polychrome Jasper!

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Linnea is a local non-binary artist in KC. They make silly comics, illustrations, and zines. They also love to hike, try new foods, and hang out with their pets.

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Josh Martin is a multi-disciplinary artist working in Tattooing, Ceramics and Painting.  He playfully speaks on personal experiences of small town midwestern internalized guilt and Americana through his use of color, materials and subjects.  Josh will have an assortment of ceramics, prints and paintings available for the holiday sale.   

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Swain Scales at The Blacksnail Forge makes functional high carbon steel knives and ceremonial blades, as well as ritual tools,  decor, and other odds & ends in his blacksmith shop in Warrensburg, Missouri. Swain’s unique creations often draw inspiration from traditional blade profiles, reimagined in a modern design. Swain is passionate about repurposing locally sourced and reclaimed materials to breathe new life into discarded items and lessen the environmental impact of his craft. The majority of his materials are sourced or milled locally by himself. In his “spare time” he and his family enjoy owning and working on their no till, food forest, market polyculture garden. 

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Opal & Gold, are bringing one of a kind engravings, both jewelry and framed art. And other gemstone jewelry in affordable price ranges - Their shop is one of my favorites here at KC and can’t wait to have them again in the studio!

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Sweet Destructor is Evie Englezos, eternal energy which is currently taking the form of a mortal human. Inside their work are meditations, reflections and spells to do with our moment on earth and this natural world, the beauty of mystical thinking, death, and humankind's desire to cheat it, past and future histories, ancient and recent mythologies, science and fiction and fantasy, the joy of creation and the necessity of destruction. You know, the regular stuff. Evie is bringing along a selection of ceramics in their signature style, some sample pieces from a fun new line, discounted seconds, and a couple blankets from their recent collaboration with West Elm.

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Driven by a constant quest to learn more about their craft, Bryan and Andrea have mastered many metalsmithing techniques and have designed a broad range of products and spaces.  The husband-and-wife team met at college, where they studied metalsmithing and design together. This is also where they began to combine their ideas about design, materials, inspiration, and the direction of their art and lives. After designing numerous products and displays for other companies, they formed a company of their own: Amuck LLC. They make jewelry with a vision and art full of heart!

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Dani Hurst Brown of Weaves Shoots and Leaves is an Earth-worker, Nature Alchemist, and a life-long Animist. Dani draws inspiration for her art and weavings from the land and its myriad inhabitants, as well as from life’s ever-spinning wheel of seasons and cycles. Find a varying sizes of wild-foraged wreaths ready to be adorned—as well as copies of “Wreathing Magic Through the Year,” her zine about seasonal wreathing and how to begin and maintain your own practice. Dani has also been maintaining - “Odyssey of the Oracle”

—a large-scale seasonal wreathing project Weaves, Shoots, & Leaves, has beem tending to at Oracle Natural Science—since its inception in Spring 2022. She will be working on updating it for the Winter Solstice on Saturday during the party/sale, and will be available to discuss and answer questions as time allows.

Makes sure to swing by and see us Dec 21st & 22nd! Take a walk through the alleyways, support the arts, get some last minute treats, get some delicious food and coffee in our amazing neighborhood we call home - KC Crossroads! <3

December Holiday Guide

Our annual holiday guide is a collection of our favorite items curated to our special Oracle’s, the different sections and members making up Oracle’s-core essence! - Shop by section or shop the whole guide! Every item is something extra special for the shop this year, so you can’t go wrong getting that perfect gift this Holiday Season! Thank you for the extra support by shopping at your favorite small business this season and a big Solstice & Happy Holidays <3

Oracles of November

It is officially 11 years in business with you all and what an amazing journey. We have changed through the years, through fine curiosities and to now taxidermy studio. Every step like a time capsule and helped us grow to where we are today, just keep growing! From our ever growing beetle colony, our pet memorials, to traveling to new cities and spaces to teach and spread our knowledge… my heart is grateful for the hard times and the good. Cherishing today as a new years eve and cant wait to see what another 11 year brings us.

We had our first ever tattoo popup with Josh Martin, some new ribbons at World Championships, to our first ever Oddities Flea Market with Ryan Matthew Cohen (younger-Alessandra was bursting at the seams), all the great memories traveling with our awesome team and friends to teach classes, our first big Museum Install with Staab Studios and Linda Hall Library, perfecting some new skills, every dear pet memorial, and all the day to day that I wouldn’t exchnage for anything; Our community, our clients, we love you so much. Want to take this moment to thank every darn single person who has supported us and brought us to where we are today, I am utterly grateful for you. x0, Alessandra

This month we have a few exciting things happening to keep your eyes peeled for: We will be closed for Thanksgiving the 28th-29th but then having our annual Small Business Saturday party with artist Miranda who will be doing sweet little pet portraits and the launch of our Holiday Gift Guide. Then we will be preparing to welcome the talented Gotham Taxidermy to Kansas City!

Aspiring taxidermists! … December Divya Anantharaman (Gotham Taxidermy NYC and author of Stuffed), an award winning licensed professional taxidermist preserving animals for clients ranging from museums, designers, gallerists, and collectors. Her specialties are birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies. Her mission statement is: To spark wonder and curiosity to inspire conservation, which we love to live by! Be sure to read Divya’s class policies before signing up. She also offers class payment plans, so don’t be too intimidated to take on these incredible hands-on classes taught by a master in the field!

Skeleton Class:
Friday, Dec 6th 5 - 8:30pm

Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird skeleton display in a glass dome. Skeletons will be provided, and students will be able to modify, articulate, and position them to their liking, and mount them onto bases, topped with a glass dome. Students will then create a naturalistic or fantasy habitat customized to their bird, and go home with a piece of osteological art that is ready to display. Students will go home with their custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy and preservation!

Chick Taxidermy Class:
Saturday, Dec 7th 9am - 1pm

This class is designed for beginners with an interest in bird taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome! Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, fleshing, degreasing/washing, and skin preparation, and spend time practicing various techniques for grooming feathers. Professionally made forms will help bring the bird to life, with special attention to fitting, hidden stitches, and arranging feather patterns. We will discuss and use various carding techniques and drying set ups tailored to the individual poses of each bird.

SOLD OUT Taxidermy Class:
Sunday, Dec 8th 11am - 5pm

Brought to Central Park by Shakespeare enthusiasts… European Starlings overtook native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, their eye-catching plumage-glossy, spotted, and iridescent, brightens up our city. They are one of few birds that are NOT protected by the MBTA, and can be legally possessed by individuals as long as local laws are followed. These starlings are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy. Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a starling taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and a strengthened love of taxidermy!

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Oracles of October

It’s October! And we’ve got so many fun Autumn events coming up! We start October off with a full weekend: Friday the 4th is the last “official” Crossroads First Friday Art-Walk for the year and we’ll be open until 7pm. Then on Saturday the 5th we have Arbor Wild popping-up with their handmade natural incense, runes, and more — get stocked up on all your ritual supplies! And capping out the weekend, Sunday evening the 6th, Moth & Candle will be teaching a class on Candle Superstition and Divination - a perfect weekend to really settle into the October atmosphere!

But that was just the first weekend! The rest of the month has plenty to offer as well… Make sure to sign up for Dani of Weaves, Shoots, and Leaves wreath-making class Art of Weaving Magic Saturday morning on the 19th — learn about her practice of wreath-making as ritual, nature-journal, and art! And are you itching for a good Halloween party like we are…? Saturday the 26th we’re hosting Josh Martin Tattoo in our studio for a First-come First-Served Oracle-themed Flash Tattoo Event! 12pm to 8pm during the Birdies Halloween Block Party… Josh has created an exclusive line of Oracle-themed Flash - get your favorite Oracle icon with a Josh Martin spin! One day only… see you there?

And calling all aspiring taxidermists! … Make sure to sign up for the taxidermy and articulation workkshops in December by Divya Anantharaman (Gotham Taxidermy NYC and author of Stuffed), an award winning licensed professional taxidermist preserving animals for clients ranging from museums, designers, gallerists, and collectors. Her specialties are birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies. Her mission statement is: To spark wonder and curiosity to inspire conservation, which we love to live by!

Be sure to read Divya’s class policies before signing up. She also offers class payment plans, so don’t be too intimidated to take on these incredible hands-on classes taught by a master in the field!

English House Sparrow Class: Friday, Dec 6th 5 - 8:30pm

Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird skeleton display in a glass dome. Skeletons will be provided, and students will be able to modify, articulate, and position them to their liking, and mount them onto bases, topped with a glass dome. Students will then create a naturalistic or fantasy habitat customized to their bird, and go home with a piece of osteological art that is ready to display. Students will go home with their custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy and preservation!

Conjoined Chick Taxidermy Class: Saturday, Dec 7th 9am - 1pm

This class is designed for beginners with an interest in bird taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome! Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, fleshing, degreasing/washing, and skin preparation, and spend time practicing various techniques for grooming feathers. Professionally made forms will help bring the bird to life, with special attention to fitting, hidden stitches, and arranging feather patterns. We will discuss and use various carding techniques and drying set ups tailored to the individual poses of each bird.

European Starling Taxidermy Class: Sunday, Dec 8th 11am - 5pm

Brought to Central Park by Shakespeare enthusiasts… European Starlings overtook native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, their eye-catching plumage-glossy, spotted, and iridescent, brightens up our city. They are one of few birds that are NOT protected by the MBTA, and can be legally possessed by individuals as long as local laws are followed. These starlings are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy. Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a starling taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and a strengthened love of taxidermy!

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And while we’re on fun October topics… BATS! This time of year especially we get a lot of people asking for bat taxidermy — which gives us a perfect opportunity to explain why we don’t carry any bat remains anymore! Unfortunately there is no ethical or sustainable way to obtain bats (you can read an explanation in this article and this recent news story.) And as bats are not only adorable mysterious little creatures… they are ESSENTIAL to the ecosystem and face continued threats due to fear, habitat destruction, and poaching. So show your love for bats with art, sculptures, books… and help protect the flying mammals!

Bat Wooden Ornaments

$22.00

The Magic of Bats Zine

$12.00

Keep checking our NEW ADDITIONS page on the website shop! We’ve all been creating beautiful items in the studio that we will be adding so there is plenty of Oracle magic to be had!

Snake - Metal Sculpture by Gary Staab

$260.00

sold out

Beetle Dome - Shield "Skull" Bug

$25.00

Oracles of September

We have many exciting events and classes these next few months! Starting off this September, we have our Paw Articulation Class and and a Bug Club Beetle Pinning class, not to mention Moth & Candle will be hosting our Fall Equinox weekend celebrations with a custom candle dressings - A great opportunity to pick up a little magic and beauty for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.! Then in October, make sure to sign up for returning teachers, Moth & candle teaching a class on Candle Superstition and Dani of Weaves, Shoots, and Leaves teaching her Art of Weaving Magic.

And then the most exciting, especially to our dear aspiring taxidermists; This December we have Divya Anantharaman (Gotham Taxidermy NYC and author of Stuffed) teaching three different taxidermy and articulation workshops at Oracle! Divya is an award winning licensed professional taxidermist preserving animals for clients ranging from museums, designers, gallerists, and collectors. Her specialties are birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies. Her mission statement is: To spark wonder and curiosity to inspire conservation, which we love to live by!

Make sure to read Divya’s class policies before signing up. She also offers class payment plans, so don’t be too intimidated to take on these incredible hands-on classes taught by a master in the field!

English House Sparrow Class: Friday, Dec 6th 5 - 8:30pm

Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird skeleton display in a glass dome. Skeletons will be provided, and students will be able to modify, articulate, and position them to their liking, and mount them onto bases, topped with a glass dome. Students will then create a naturalistic or fantasy habitat customized to their bird, and go home with a piece of osteological art that is ready to display. Students will go home with their custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy and preservation!

Conjoined Chick Taxidermy Class: Saturday, Dec 7th 9am - 1pm

This class is designed for beginners with an interest in bird taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome! Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, fleshing, degreasing/washing, and skin preparation, and spend time practicing various techniques for grooming feathers. Professionally made forms will help bring the bird to life, with special attention to fitting, hidden stitches, and arranging feather patterns. We will discuss and use various carding techniques and drying set ups tailored to the individual poses of each bird.

European Starling Taxidermy Class: Sunday, Dec 8th 11am - 5pm

Brought to Central Park by Shakespeare enthusiasts… European Starlings overtook native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, their eye-catching plumage-glossy, spotted, and iridescent, brightens up our city. They are one of few birds that are NOT protected by the MBTA, and can be legally possessed by individuals as long as local laws are followed. These starlings are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy. Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a starling taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and a strengthened love of taxidermy!

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In the meantime… We’ve restocked our Articulation Kits with Badger and Raccoon paws. You can also get a head start for December classes by reading Divya’s beautiful book, Stuffed Animals. Completely filled with full color stunning photographs of Divya’s work and process. And for a little inspiration… Alessandra’s “Society Finch” artwork of combining taxidermy and skeletal articulation. A delicate work on one of the smallest of creatures… it will keep you mesmerized for hours and you’ll notice different aspects every time you look at it. (Melissa and I are super proud of our crew leader and we will have to tell you more about their trip up to Iowa for the Taxidermy World Championships…)

Bone Articulation Kit

from $38.00

sold out

Stuffed Animals by Diva Anantharaman Book

$26.95

Society Finch Skeleton-Taxidermy

$695.00

Don’t forget to check out our NEW ADDITIONS page on the website shop! We’ve all been working hard in the studio so there are plenty of new offerings there:

Muskrat Skeleton

$485.00

Our ribbons from World Taxidermy Championships!