This is a handcrafted linocut print inspired by an Old English fairytale called Mossy Coat charmingly retold by Angela Carter in her book Old Wives’ Fairytale Book. When a poor young girl comes of age in a society where women are denied autonomy and treated like property, her shrewd mother sews her a coat of wild mosses which the daughter then uses to disguise herself. She finds work in the shadows of a castle kitchen where she is demeaningly named “Mossy Coat”, while at the same time quietly and secretly wielding the magic and power of the coat to determine her own destiny.

I love how this folktale weaves together plants and power, bringing the protective, nurturing qualities of this vibrant green moss to front and center. Moss itself shares many characteristics of the two heroines in this folktale. Though diminutive, overlooked and seemingly insignificant to the larger whole, moss serves the ecosystem in many vital ways. Moss mirrors those whose labor goes unseen, a poignant symbol of quiet extraordinary resilience, and a gentle reminder that even the most unassuming life forms possess a quiet strength and intrinsic value. Mossy Coat is ultimately a story about using creativity and ingenuity to work within the limitations of one’s circumstances, and how an elder woman and a tiny, seemingly insignificant plant like moss, can ultimately in the end, play the most valuable roles.

. . .May we always be in search of our mossy coats or already twirling in them, dusting them off, redesigning them. . . .

This handcrafted print includes the following details: Mossy Coat herself, along with three scenes from the fairytale inbedded in her mossy coat including: the mother weaving the coat of moss, her backbreaking work as a scullery maid, finding a person who loves and values her true worth. The coat of moss includes: haircut moss, tamarisk moss, glittering wood moss, liver moss, silky fork let moss, shaggy moss, sphagnum moss, broom moss, lanky moss, golden thread moss, and swan’s neck moss.

This handcrafted print includes the following details: Mossy Coat herself, along with three scenes from the fairytale inbedded in her mossy coat including: the mother weaving the coat of moss, her backbreaking work as a scullery maid, finding a person who loves and values her true worth. The coat of moss includes: haircut moss, tamarisk moss, glittering wood moss, liver moss, silky fork let moss, shaggy moss, sphagnum moss, broom moss, lanky moss, golden thread moss, and swan’s neck moss.

SIZE:

Paper size 12” x 16”

Print size 10” x 14”

MATERIALS: It is printed with Caligo Safewash (non-toxic) Relief Ink on Strathmore Paper, a 100% cotton fiber, acid-free, lightweight archival printmaking paper. Strathmore Paper Mills is local to Massachusetts. Learn more about the ink and paper types used here.

COLOR: It is printed with a hand-mixed gradient of different shades of green, for this reason please expect slight variations. Photographs have been carefully taken to show the color as closely matched as possible to the actual color.

GIFT IDEAS: This would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift, or a gift for someone who is stepping into her power. It may also be a great gift for someone who does not draw attention to themselves but who is quietly making a valuable difference in the world, and generally anyone who appreciates wildlife, folklore and all things made by hand.

PERSONALIZATION & GIFTING: If you are gifting this to someone, feel free to include a brief message. This will be handwritten on a one-page description of this folktale and included with the print. Gifted prints are handwrapped in Kraft Paper (decorated with white feathers).

ECO-PACKAGING: This print will be carefully rolled in Kraft paper, packed in a recycled clear bag and shipped in a recycled cylindrical tube. Learn more about this shop’s sustainable packaging choices.

Free Shipping within the USA. Ships out within 1-3 business days.

Flat rate international shipping for $35.00

Questions? Please feel free to email diemdangers@gmail.com or contact me here. you will get a response within 24 hours.

Please note* the copyright of this work is retained by the artist.