At 13, attempting to meet my father’s challenge to make a headdress of better quality than the one I had asked him to buy for me at the Northern California Renaissance Fair, I was introduced to crafting my own work in metals, glass, paper, leather, and book binding. After turning 18 I moved from Palo Alto, to Humboldt County. I studied for 6 years at Humboldt State University with David LaPlantz. My emphasis was Jewelry and Metal-Smiting. I took summer classes at the Mendocino Art Center, focusing on metal arts, becoming proficient in a variety of metal techniques such as casting, raising, chasing, torch enameling, fold-forming, and stone-setting.

Since 1994, I have been working under the name Fantasy Lane Copper Fairies, designing, creating, and finishing copper sculptures. These sculptures serve as whimsical accents to the home or garden. My work tends to revolve around the theme of nature, plants and the spirit of fairies. Many of the fairies I create are designed to teach their owners about the healing, restorative, and medicinal powers of the herbs after which the fairies wings are shaped. Each fairy is sold with a story book describing the fairy lore as well as the plant after which the wing is shaped. Most of the sculptures are designed to hold a small birthday candle which serves as a reminder to make blessings and wishes. When the sculptures are placed between a lit candle and the wall, they produce wonderful shadows, hence the name “Shadow casters.” Many of the fairies and dragonflies have tiny Eucalyptus pod wind chimes hanging from them. The sound is created by shards of obsidian which are strung on beaded lines of filament. The sound is indeed similar to the music of fairy bells carried in the wind.

Art has always been my passion. I feel that the most important lesson we can learn in this lifetime is to follow our passions. If we are doing what we love than we are truly living. My inspiration comes from being in the Redwoods and on the rugged, desolate beaches of Northern California with my horse Gammaray. This time has allowed me a unique opportunity to discover the cycles of plants and their importance in our lives. The plants are our allies. They are able and willing to nourish our bodies and spirits. I find refuge from the stress and over-stimulation of our culture by allowing the wisdom of both plants and animals to guide me.

My intention is that people will allow the light of the Fairies to touch their souls, and in turn share these lessons with their friends, family and children.

Thank you for visiting my site, I look forward to seeing you at the shows!

Sarah Magnuson
Artist/ Fantasy Lane Copper Fairies

1995-2004 Oregon Country Fair, juried show. Veneta, OR

1998-2002 Women’s Herbal Symposium, Barter Fair, Weekend #1, Laytonville, CA

1998-2004 Humboldt Artisan’s Holiday Craft Fair. juried show. Eureka Fairgrounds, Eureka, CA

1999 Live Oak Park Fair, juried show. Berkeley, CA

1999-2003 Whole Earth Festival, juried show. Davis, CA

1999-2003 Goddess Faire, juried show. Occidental, CA

1999-2004 Renaissance Pleasure Faire “The Original Northern California Faire”, juried show. CA

2000-2004 Goddess Solstice Faire, juried show. Sebastopol, CA

2000-2003 Mattel Community Christmas Faire, juried show. Garberville, CA

2000-2002 Renaissance Pleasure Faire (Southern CA), juried show. Devour, CA

2000-2003 Great Dickens Christmas Fair, juried show. Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA

2001-2002 Santa Barbara Renaissance Faire – with the Patterson Family, juried show, Santa Barbara, CA

2001-2002 Valhalla Renaissance Fair, juried show. Lake Tahoe, CA

2001-2004 San Francisco Garden Show, juried show. Cow Palace,
San Francisco, CA

2002-2003 Bumbershoot Music Festival, juried show. Seattle, WA.

2002-2004 Kate Wolf Music Festival, juried show. Laytonville, CA.

2002-2004 Celebration of Crafts Women, juried show. Fort Mason, SF, CA.

2002-2003 San Anselmo Art And Wine Festival, juried show. Marin CA

2002-2004 North West Flower And Garden Show, juried show. Seattle Convention Center, Seattle, WA.

2003-2004 Labor Day Festival, Juried Show.
Mammoth Lakes Art Guild, Mammoth, CA

2003-2004 Reggae On The River, Juried Show.
Redway, CA.