Our Story
CosmicCollabCo is Woman, Queer, & Neurodivergent Owned. We are a collaboration of Artists with deep roots in the 1960s Creative Counter Culture and Renaissance Faires of California. Our goal is to empower people to feel beautiful in their own skin by offering a selection of distinct, handmade goods and a safe and welcoming atmosphere in our online community.
When I first attended the Northern California Renaissance Faire in 2012, I never imagined that the community of people I found there would inspire me to create Cosmic Collab Co. While working in entertainment at the Faire, I met Heidi B, the owner of Pale Moon Enterprises, a jewelry and accessory shop which has appeared at many Renaissance Faires & festivals across the nation.
In 2014, I began working in her booth and became aware that Pale Moon was owned by Heidi as a collaborative effort between several long-time Faire artists. Heidi’s booth is more than a shop that sells handmade artisanally crafted wares, it is an iconic community representing the longevity of the California Renaissance Faires. A place where anyone is accepted and everyone works together to empower each other. Heidi curates a product list that highlights unique jewelry and accessories created by people who are themselves wonderful and unique. As my friendship with Heidi grew, so did my involvement in Pale Moon. I became interested in making crafts and jewelry, not just selling them, and began designing my own jewelry pieces, collaborating with Heidi as a booth manager and creator. With the support of our community we thrived and were content, neither of us were prepared for what lay ahead.
2020 was a year of great change and difficulty for so many of us. When the world began to shut down in the wake of the global pandemic, the annual festivals that Heidi and I counted on were cancelled. Without in-person events, Pale Moon no longer had a physical space from which to sell, so we were forced to move our presence online. Our Faire community and online following expanded across the continent through our Pale Moon Fan Club on Facebook which we had established several years previously. As we all reached some of our lowest points, it was the community of people with a shared love for the creative arts and the collaborators of Pale Moon that kept us going. The future remained uncertain, but to our great surprise our community began to grow!
Cosmic Collab Co was born from our desire to increase the accessibility of both the handmade creations of the Pale Moon booth and the community that has grown around it. We understand that being able to visit a physical space to shop is a privilege and that many people are now choosing to shop exclusively online. Creators are also finding it increasingly difficult to find a public platform that is a safe and equitable space from which they can sell their wares.
It is my hope that the wonderful Art, Crafts and Creative People I have come to love, will have the same positive impact on your life that they have had on mine.
ChristiAna Hideko
Founder of Cosmic Collab Co
Manager of Pale Moon Enterprises
2021
Made by these hands
Heidi Barthelemy
Has been involved with the Pale Moon Booth since 1981, taking full ownership in 1996. Dedicated to supporting fine craftsmanship made by Christopher Miller & Gino Schiavone at the various California Faires, she began collaborating with color and design, bringing vibrance to the creations of these talented artists of similar aesthetic. She is the customer service and order fulfillment human. Thanks to the cooperation and varied skills of each artist, we bring you into our world of creations.
ChristiAna Hideko
Is a textile artist and general fix it person; she dabbles in a little bit of it all. As Heidi’s right-hand since 2014, she’s helped both at in-person shows and online. She’s always coming up with new ways to make art accessible. She strives to create physical representations of feelings with her artwork. As a new mom, she loves to show her son her creations and include him in her making process.
Melissa Erskine
Was peripherally involved at the booth when she came and worked at Northern Faire in 2000. Since then, she has assisted in administration for several Patterson Faires and continues to make beaded bracelets from her life in Minnesota. Many of our lovely beaded bracelets are made through a collaboration between Heidi and her niece, Melissa. Heidi has time to string and Melissa has skill to crochet. It’s a wonderful way for them to connect, producing delightful combinations.
Raquel Lopez
Designer - Artist - Creator
Raised in the lush environment of the Renaissance Faire, Raquel was inspired by many talented Artisans. She has a rich history of Costume, Set Creations and far Beyond including over 40 Years of Grateful Collaboration and CoCreations. Most recently, a full line of Faux Fur Neck/Head Wear and an stunning array of Empowerment Apparel, Embelished Bras and Hip Wraps…
And So Much More.
Each item comes with a Blessing ✨♥️✨
https://venusinvelvet.company.site
Christopher Miller
Began molding squirrels and other small animals out of clay, at the age of 3. By 1973 he was carving ivory into moons and stars. Today he uses bone, horn, and corian for his designs. He is truly a maker, the amount of products this one man makes is almost immeasurable. All of Christopher's designs are unique and original. From jewelry to cast mirrors, Chris really does it all.
Sioux Ashe
Has always loved the play between color and light. The world has offered us a Rainbow of colors to play with and she lets that inspire her beading. After decades of making jewelry, first as a Silversmith and now this current phase, she still loves the creative process. Making unique jewelry, just for you, is her medication.
Janet and Jay O’Rourke
Have been collaborating for over 45 years. Whimsical fairies, Flower Birds, Mythical Mermaids, and other fanciful imagery, drawn in elaborate patterns and textures is the hallmark of Janet and Jay O’Rourke Designs. Janet and Jay’s artwork is the essence of Victorian revival, mixed with modern themes and styles. Janet's pencils, paint brushes and carving tools are her magic wands. Jay's lathe and carving tools are his magic. Together they create unique, one of a kind work.
www.fragmentsoffairytales.com
Marni Zimlin
Is a creative adventurer and activist. She grew up in Florida and left to explore the world. After a few years of traveling the Ren Fest circuit around the states she paused at the California Renaissance Faires and worked with Heidi B. There, She was able to turn her love of minerals into creating beautiful color palettes that people could wear as necklaces. She now travels with her family in their skoolie “Earl Grey”. Her art is and has always been inspired by her love of found objects; rusty metal, old light bulbs, rocks, wood, moss, shells, old things… in nature she see art, beauty and giving new purpose to what others may see as junk.
Gino Schiavone
Began etching Tarot in 1978. He was inspired by a dream of himself wearing a fool pendant. His products are ever expanding, ranging from etched jewelry to fine metal and stones. Together, Gino and Judith are an Amazing team, creating wondrous magical totems and beautiful creations; makers of magic since 1975.
Judith Schiavone
Has been an artist since childhood. She began designing Goddess talismans for Gino to etch in 1983. Her unique vision for embellishments has added to the magic of Gino’s work. Whether it’s beadwork or inspiration, Judith’s artistic contributions are unparalleled.
Sue Vaughn-Thompson
Has been a jeweler for 35 years and an artist for a lifetime. Creating beautiful durable designs with quality materials. She is inspired by ancient symbolism, sacred geometry, and nature. When she isn't working on art you can most likely find her in the garden.