STERLING — On a recent walk around Coggshall Park in Fitchburg with her daughter and grandson, Chrissy Brady did more than just soak up forest breathing. She gathered pieces of wood she will use to create witches’ brooms.
“Sticks and stones don’t break my bones, they are a witch’s best friend! Lol. Time to make some brooms!” she quipped on social media.
The Sterling resident enjoys crafting otherworldly items inspired by mysticism and nature, including jewelry, journals, photo collages, dream catchers, essential oil blends called blessing oils, herbal blends, candles, gypsy skirt curtains, witch brooms and much more through her Facebook business The Goddess is Alive (https://bit.ly/3SAeMxd).
“Being creative brings joy to me. It’s very relaxing and rewarding when you see the finished product,” Brady shared. “I do a lot of custom work as well. Something just pops up in my head and I have to create it. I just go with the creative flow.”
Most recently she has worked on creating several Books of Shadows, which handmade and decorated with vintage jewelry and other trinkets. Several of her books are on display and available for purchase at Taproot Treasures in Worcester, which Brady said is “a must see and visit” shop.
“You will always be welcomed with happy vibes and be sure to go home with a treasure or two or three. It’s a happy place to be.”
Brady grew up in Westborough and graduated from high school there. The energetic mother of three and grandmother of two has lived in town for several years, and you may recognize her from Appletown Market on Main Street, where she works full-time.
“I have been a part of the community for almost six years now and love it here,” she said of her hometown.
Other hobbies include tarot card reading, belly dancing, Zumba, and hula hooping, which she’s done with kids in town at the annual summer concert series. Brady is also one of the original Sand Witches of New England who perform the German Wolfshager Hexenbrut dance. The Broom Flying Witches of New England dance troop, one of the group’s chapters, has performed at King Richard’s Faire the last two years, and they do several events during their busy season — Halloween — including the spooky walks in Sterling and Clinton in 2022.
Brady said she is drawn to nature, a huge inspiration for her creativity and artistic endeavors.
“I love being in nature,” she said. “Walks in the woods, sitting on the beach. I like to incorporate nature’s beauty into my creations as well.”
One of her future goals is to open a metaphysical studio where she can showcase all of her creations and talents and “offer classes for people to make their own creation, offer movement classes, a mix of dance, belly dancing and stretching, but mostly to offer an environment in which people feel comfortable, relaxed and leave feeling inspired.”
