Darkmoon Faire: Handcrafted Magic and Celtic Elegance
A Booth That Feels Like a Story
Walking through the McMinnville Scottish Festival, the skirl of bagpipes and laughter fills the air, but something about the Darkmoon Faire booth draws you closer. Glinting handcrafted jewelry and crystal suncatchers sparkle in the morning light. Nearby, beautifully hand bound books rest invitingly, their covers stitched and embossed by hand. Every piece looks as though it belongs in a Celtic legend or a fantasy novel come to life.
There’s an undeniable sense of intention here. As Betty Walberg puts it, “We don’t make or sell anything that I wouldn’t buy personally myself.”
And that authenticity is what makes Darkmoon Faire unforgettable.
The Artists Behind the Magic: Betty and Gary
For nearly two decades, Betty and her husband, Gary Hankle, have been the creative force behind Darkmoon Faire. What began as a shared hobby, fueled by Gary’s skill as a rockhound, stonecutter, and wire-wrap artist, and Betty’s drive to “make all kinds of different things,” has become a full-time creative journey.
Since 2018, Betty has devoted herself entirely to the craft. Together, they’ve built a name recognized across conventions and festivals, from horror events and masquerade balls to fine arts fairs and Celtic gatherings. “It’s a lot of fun to see everybody, meet everybody, and have people appreciate our work,” Betty says. “We love when people come back and ask, ‘What’s new?’”
A Craft Evolved from Passion
Hand made journal sold by Darkmoon Faire.
Like many great artisan stories, Darkmoon Faire started humbly. The couple began vending simply to “buy more materials and make more things.” But over time, their work found an audience of kindred spirits, people who connected not only with the beauty of their creations but also with the heart behind them.
Gary’s intricate wire-wrapped pendants, especially the dragons, ravens, and skull motifs, have become hallmarks of their style. Each one is designed, patterned, and wrapped by hand, showcasing a level of skill that borders on sculptural art. Betty complements that precision with pieces that radiate personality: delicate sun catchers and wearable art that blend gothic elegance with Celtic folklore.
What You’ll Find at the McMinnville Scottish Festival Booth
Elaboratly decorated gobblets wth skelletons, knights, and other mythical createures.
At McMinnville, the Darkmoon Faire booth balanced rustic charm with fantasy flair. Alongside their signature wire-wrapped jewelry, they displayed ornate horns and tiaras — pieces that seemed plucked from a royal court of myth. The addition of hand-sewn books drew in new admirers: beautifully crafted volumes perfect for sketches, spells, or stories waiting to be written.
The setup reflected a deep understanding of their audience. For this Scottish-themed event, Betty leaned into her Celtic silver collection and designs inspired by ancient artistry — a nod to heritage and fantasy alike. “We tailor our inventory to the event as much as we can,” she explained. “When we do Scandinavian or Celtic festivals, some of our lighter, more traditional pieces come out.”
The result? A booth that felt perfectly at home among tartans, music, and history, yet still distinctly Darkmoon Faire.
The Artistry of Wire Wrapping and Handcrafting
Gary’s wire wrapping remains one of the most remarkable features of their collection. Each dragon or raven skull pendant is a one-of-a-kind creation, the kind of piece that makes people stop mid-stride. His designs merge the precision of lapidary work with a flair for fantasy storytelling. “He designs all the patterns,” Betty says proudly. “His wire wrapping work is some of the most unique stuff that we have.”
These intricate works are complemented by Betty’s own touch, hand-sewn bindings, jewelry with mythic themes, and decor that glows with personality. Together, they create a booth that feels alive with variety yet united by vision.
Adapting to Every Festival
One of Darkmoon Faire’s secrets to longevity is adaptability. “We do all kinds of different events,” Betty says. “From horror conventions to fine arts shows, to masquerade balls to Comic-Cons, all over the Pacific Northwest.” Each event brings a new opportunity to showcase their range and connect with new communities.
They shift their palette to fit the vibe — spooky and dark for Halloween shows, shimmering and folkloric for Celtic gatherings. Yet no matter the theme, every booth feels unmistakably theirs. That consistency of spirit — warm, imaginative, and proudly handmade — is what keeps fans coming back year after year.
Why Their Work Resonates
A combination necklace and earrings featuring metal leaves and jewels.
Perhaps it’s the craftsmanship. Perhaps it’s the warmth of the artists themselves. Or maybe it’s that indescribable spark, the sense that every item holds a story, and that buying it connects you to something timeless.
As Gary likes to say, the booth is “a window into Betty’s soul.” From fossilized shark teeth and meteorites to elegant silverwork, everything on display feels personal. These aren’t just souvenirs; they’re pieces of a creative life built on passion, patience, and love for the fantastical.
Visit Darkmoon Faire at Upcoming Events
Whether you discovered them at McMinnville or are meeting them for the first time, one thing’s certain: Darkmoon Faire’s next appearance will be just as magical.
See where they’re headed next and explore their creations online:
Visit Darkmoon Faire’s Upcoming Events »
Each stop offers something new: new designs, new stories, and new kindred spirits to meet.
