The Folklore of Kitchen Witches + A Custom Fiona Witch Giveaway
Last year, artisan The Threaded Crone delighted readers with a handmade witch décor piece for our newsletter giveaway. This year, she’s created something even more special—a custom kitchen witch inspired by Fiona, one of the beloved characters from my Tales of Witchborn series: To Rescue a Witch and To Condemn a Witch. Today, we talk about kitchen witch folklore and the joy of crafting.
With Fiona’s brown hair, amber eyes, and MacLeod tartan sash, this handmade folk-art figure blends storytelling with centuries-old European tradition. Kitchen witches have long been hung in homes to bring good fortune, ward off mishaps, and add a little warmth and personality to the heart of the house.
I spoke with Lauren, the talented maker behind The Threaded Crone, about the inspiration behind the Fiona witch, the history of kitchen witches, and why this charming folk tradition still captures people’s imagination today.
Kitchen Witch Folklore
Last year you created a wonderful witch décor piece for our giveaway. This year you’ve crafted something even more special—a custom Fiona Kitchen Witch inspired by my novel. What was your reaction when you first heard the idea?
Absolutely love custom requests and playing with new fabrics and styles! I may need to add a Scottish clan line to my inventory!
Fiona is a fan favorite character in my Tales of the Witchborn series. How did you translate her personality and story into the design of this handmade witch?
This piece includes Fiona’s brown hair, amber eyes, and MacLeod tartan sash. Definitely the sash was the most challenging/fun to create. I hope I got it right!
Kitchen witches have a long tradition in European folklore. For readers who might be new to them, what is the history behind kitchen witches and what were they believed to do?
The kitchen witch is a traditional folk figure believed to bring good luck and prevent mishaps in the kitchen. Originating in Norway and Germany, the figures were hung in kitchens to ward off bad spirits and ensure meals were prepared without trouble. Many people keep kitchen witches for luck, protection, or warmth in the home.
Your creations always feel like they carry personality. When you make a witch figure, do you imagine the story behind her?
Not all of them, but I do have favorites when I’m making a new batch of ladies. One or two that speak to me. The witch that guards my kitchen is named Sage Kettlewick, and she has even been on a trip to Salem, Massachusetts!
Your work is popular at markets like the Austin Witch Markets. What kinds of reactions do you get from people when they see your witches in person?
Mainly that it’s a very cool tradition that a lot of people haven’t heard of, and I’m very happy to spread this awareness!
If you could design a kitchen witch inspired by any literary character or historical witch, who would it be and what would she look like?
Great question! Jo from Little Women has always been an icon to me. Plus recreating an outfit from that time period would be fun!
Is there anything else you’d like to mention?
If you have any ideas for a custom witch, please feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @the-threaded-crone or email: thethreadedcrone@gmail.com
Many thanks to Lauren with The Threaded Crone for sharing her craft and helping bring a piece of the Witchborn world to life through handmade folk art. It’s always fascinating to see how stories, folklore, and creativity can weave together in unexpected ways.
And the best part? One lucky reader will win this custom Fiona kitchen witch in this month’s giveaway.
How to Enter the Giveaway
👉 To enter, simply sign up for my newsletter at LisaTraugott.com and reply to the March edition with the word “giveaway.”
Whether you’re drawn to folklore, handcrafted artistry, or the magic of storytelling, this charming kitchen witch is sure to bring a little warmth—and perhaps a bit of luck—to its new home.
And if you want to check out my books, they are available on Amazon and I also visit Celtic festivals and markets in Texas.
Copyright (c) Lisa Traugott 2026. All rights reserved.