Whiting Mills: Winsted’s wickedly delicious destination

WINSTED — Deb Lill recalled the time she had to shoot seven witches.

Shoot, as in photograph, and witches, as in models posing for the cover of the hardcover book, “The Witches, Salem 1692,” by author Stacy Schiff. 

And while that haunting image did not end up on the cover, one of her intricately detailed map illustrations was featured inside. So what happened to all the 17th-century garb and props used for the shoot? They come in handy for Lill’s photo booth business — particularly around this time of year, when customers turn to her to give them a witchy, sassy, Steampunk or Victorian vibe.

Lill is one of a number of artists and craftspeople at Whiting Mills in Winsted who revel in the spirit of the season. The converted 19th-century hoisery factory is home to an enchanting assortment of gourd carvers and candle makers. Intuitive readers and creators of whimsical craft creatures. Purveyors of herbal remedies, botanical spirit wands, lotions and potions. Collectors of the unusual, such as Victorian taxidermied frogs and a replica human femur bone. Not to mention an eclectic assemblage of skulls, ravens, swords and skeleton keys, “living” photos, Victorian fashion and jewelry and photography with a cool, modern vibe.

All of which makes the shops and studios at Whiting Mills a wickedly delightful fall destination. The names alone of some of the businesses conjure the imagination: Walk in the Woods, Lill Curio Shop & Vintage Photography Studio, Raven’s Edge, CottageWicks Candle Studio and Black Sheep Farm.

Healing and Halloween

Over a refreshing cup of holy basil tea in Suite 310 at Whiting Mills, Rosemari Roast, a holistic wellness practitioner, recently reflected on her business and its surge in popularity, particularly around this time of year. 

“I practice herbalism and energy healing and I use art journaling as another trick in my medicine bag,” said Roast, who had just concluded a private consulting session before this interview. She also offers herbal workshops and formal studies in herbalism, Reiki training, meditation, lectures, weed walks, intuitive readings and spiritual counseling. 

The fall and winter seasons, the herbalist observed, are defined by shadow and darkness. “And for others, the shadow is all about exploring your own personal shadows in the greater world.”

Holistic remedies are at the root of Roast’s practice. One section of her spacious studio/shop is devoted to her extensive herbal apothecary. 

“This is the time when people start to gear up for what lies ahead: the cold and flu season,” said Roast. 

And an increasing number of people come to her seeking holistic ways to keep illness at bay, a change from the longstanding “resistance” to natural healing. 

“Now there are people who are interested and want to know more. We have a gathering here on the fourth Friday of every month called Tea and Healing for Women.”

The combined season of All Hallow’s Eve/All Saints’ Day/Day of the Dead/All Souls’ Day and the Celtic Samhain, or Gaelic festival marking the end of harvest season, creates a dark atmosphere that brings out a combination of curiosity seekers, Halloween revelers, wicca observers, or those looking to honor loved ones who have passed, noted Roast, who was born on Halloween.  

“For many it is a time to honor ancestors.”

Going bump in the night

For those who prefer their autumn with a side of whimsy, Black Sheep Farm is worth seeking out. Located on the fourth floor of Whiting Mills, this family-run farm operates a craft shop using items from nature and up-cycling materials. Owner/craft artist Kerri Donahue’s creativity is evident throughout the store. Fence posts are transformed into wooden bats in flight, intricately detailed ornaments featuring skeletons and witches invite closer examination.

 Not to be missed is the Ashton Drake bride doll, which was given a bewitching, head-to-toe makeover. Donahue painted every inch of the once prim and proper bride almost entirely black, its bouquet of flowers replaced by a small gourd, its lace parasol replaced by a broomstick, its flowing gown mottled in shades of gray to black. The resulting piece is at once shocking and beautiful.

“I’m all about repurposing,” said Donahue, who noted, “This is my favorite season. I like creepy, but I’m not about scary creepy.” 

Nearby, shelves are lined with a variety of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted creatures wearing outfits made from found materials. Their heads, she explained, are made of natural clay or polymer clay, and even their sturdy bases have a new life thanks to her husband, Ray, who creates them from wood from the family farm. Some have pumpkin heads. Others are dressed up animal figures. All have unique personalities. “I talk to them sometimes,” chuckled Donahue. 

Donahue credits the popularity of Halloween and allure of things that go bump in the night to childhood memories. “It’s tapping into old phobias and fears and all the different paths your mind takes you down.”

Charming and alluring

There is a bright side to the season  of shadow and darkness, and Jessica Rosario, owner of CottageWicks Candle Studio, has just the remedy. In addition to her organic skin care line, called CottageWitch, the former graphic designer specializes in organic scented soy candles that are hand-poured in vintage-style apothecary jars and tins, providing soothing candlelight to help scare away the seasonal blues. 

“Candles and aroma are very magical,” said Rosario, who designs her own product labels.

The artist’s creativity fills the bewitching shop. One table features her popular “Beetlejuice” candle collection in 2-ounce silver tins, with offbeat names such as Recently Deceased (named after the film’s famous “Handbook for the Recently Deceased,” a copy of which rests nearby). 

“It smells like dirt,” but in a good way, she said, describing the candle’s haunting scent as a combination of “turned-over dirt, faded flowers and frankincense.” 

Other candles carry such names as Haunted Hayride, All Hallow’s Eve, Poison Apple, Witches Brew and Book of Shadows. For the faint of heart, there are also some traditional scents to be found, like, simply, pumpkin. 

Upcoming events at Whiting Mills: Third Sunday Open Studios every month, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Holiday Open Studios Dec. 1 and 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to www.whitingmills.com.