Mischievous fairy

par Bill Tiepelman

A Twinkle in Santa’s Eye

Santa’s Twinkling Eye It was a snowy Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus had just slid down his umpteenth chimney of the night. Brushing soot from his suit, he adjusted his belt and took a moment to admire the cozy living room he’d entered. Twinkling lights on the tree cast a warm glow, stockings hung neatly over the fireplace, and the faint aroma of gingerbread filled the air. But something felt… different. Oddly magical. Before he could pinpoint the source of his unease, a shimmering glow caught his attention. Perched atop the armchair, with legs crossed and a mischievous smile, was a fairy like no other. Her sparkling pink dress hugged her figure, and her iridescent wings glimmered in the light of the Christmas tree. A single flower nestled in her golden curls completed the look. She radiated sass, sparkle, and just a touch of trouble. “Well, well, well,” she purred, resting her chin on her hand, “the man of the hour, all dressed up and ready to slay.” Santa froze, his twinkling eyes widening behind his spectacles. “Who are you, and what are you doing here?” he asked, his voice equal parts curious and cautious. The fairy hopped gracefully off the chair, her glittering heels clicking against the wooden floor. “Oh, don’t act so surprised, Saint Nick. I’ve been on your Nice and Naughty list for years. You’ve just never had the pleasure of meeting me in person.” “Is that so?” Santa replied, folding his arms over his jolly belly. “And which list do you belong to?” She laughed, a sound like tinkling bells, and fluttered her wings. “Depends on who’s asking. But judging by the way you’re blushing, I’d say I’m solidly in the middle.” Santa chuckled, his cheeks indeed rosy, though whether it was from the warmth of the fire or her teasing tone, even he wasn’t sure. “Well, Miss Fairy, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got gifts to deliver.” She blocked his path with a playful pout. “Gifts? Is that all you’re about? Come on, Santa, where’s the fun? You’ve been working hard for centuries—don’t you deserve a little mischief now and then?” “Mischief?” Santa asked, raising a bushy eyebrow. “I’ve got all the mischief I can handle up at the North Pole. Ever met a reindeer on a sugar rush? Trust me, you don’t want to.” The fairy tilted her head, clearly unimpressed. “Oh, please. I’ve seen you wink at elves when Mrs. Claus isn’t looking. Don’t act so innocent.” Santa gasped in mock offense. “Wink? I don’t wink!” “Mm-hmm,” she said, crossing her arms and tapping a glittery heel. “And I don’t sprinkle fairy dust. Face it, big guy, you’ve got a twinkle in your eye that could light up the entire North Pole. But don’t worry, I’m not here to judge. I’m here to help.” “Help?” Santa repeated, his curiosity piqued. “What kind of help are we talking about?” The fairy grinned and produced a tiny mistletoe wand from behind her back. “Oh, you’ll see. Let’s just say I specialize in adding a little sparkle to Christmas. Now, sit tight and let me work my magic.” Santa took a cautious step back. “Listen, Miss Fairy, I appreciate the offer, but I really do have work to do—” “Work schmirk,” she interrupted, waving her wand. Suddenly, the room filled with a shower of glittering snowflakes, each one catching the light like a tiny star. Santa’s red suit sparkled, his boots gleamed, and even his hat seemed to puff up with extra fluff. He glanced down at himself, bewildered. “What in the North Pole is going on?” he exclaimed. The fairy clapped her hands with delight. “Now that’s what I call festive! You’re practically glowing, Santa. You’ll thank me later.” Santa shook his head, trying to brush the glitter off his suit, but it clung stubbornly. “You know, Mrs. Claus is going to have questions about this.” “Mrs. Claus?” the fairy said, her wings fluttering as she leaned closer. “She doesn’t have to know. Our little secret.” Santa’s eyes widened. “You’re trouble, you know that?” “And you love it,” she replied with a wink. Despite himself, Santa laughed. “Alright, you win. But only if you promise to keep this between us. I can’t have the elves thinking I’ve gone soft.” The fairy saluted him, her expression mock-serious. “Your secret’s safe with me, Santa. Now go spread that Christmas cheer—and don’t forget to enjoy yourself along the way.” With a final swirl of glitter, she vanished, leaving Santa alone in the glowing room. He shook his head, a bemused smile on his face. “Fairies,” he muttered, adjusting his hat. “They always know how to keep things interesting.” And with that, he climbed back up the chimney, his suit sparkling more than ever, and continued his journey. But every now and then, as he delivered gifts, he’d catch his reflection in a frosted window and chuckle. The fairy had been right—there was a twinkle in his eye. And maybe, just maybe, he liked it that way.     Santa’s Twinkling Eye (A Poem) Santa came down the chimney with flair, Caught off guard by a sparkle in the air. Perched on his shoulder, a fairy so fine, Draped in glitter, wings a-shine. “Well, well,” she said with a sly little grin, “Fancy meeting you here, all covered in sin!” “Sin?” Santa laughed, adjusting his hat, “It’s soot, my dear—don’t tease me like that!” The fairy winked and tossed her hair, “You bring the gifts, I bring the flair. Who knew Saint Nick could look so spry? Careful, big guy, you’re catching my eye!” Santa blushed, his cheeks cherry red, “It’s the cocoa,” he mumbled, “gone to my head.” “Oh please,” she cooed, “I’ve seen you in action, Winking at elves with too much distraction!” “Well, Miss Fairy, you’re bold, I’ll admit, But flirt all you like, I’m too old to commit.” She giggled and perched a bit closer in place, “Just teasing, dear Santa—you’re hard to replace.” The snowflakes twirled as they shared a laugh, With mistletoe hanging from her fairy staff. “Ho ho,” he chuckled, “you’re full of surprise, But flirty fairies could lead to my demise!” She leaned in close, her lips full of cheer, “Merry Christmas, dear Santa, now bring me my beer!”     Image Archive This whimsical and enchanting holiday image, "A Twinkle in Santa’s Eye," is available for prints, downloads, and licensing through our image archive. Bring the festive magic to your own projects, whether it’s for holiday cards, seasonal decor, or creative designs! Click here to explore this image in our archive.

par Bill Tiepelman

Golden Glow of Fairy Lights

Deep in the heart of the Whispering Forest, where the trees hummed melodies older than the stars and the streams giggled at their own jokes, lived a fairy named Marigold. Unlike her peers, who busied themselves with serious fairy duties like flower bloom synchronization or dew droplet alignment, Marigold was a rebel—or, as she liked to call herself, an "enthusiastic freelancer." Marigold's favorite pastime wasn’t dancing on mushrooms or teaching fireflies how to form constellations, but rather playing pranks on unsuspecting wanderers who dared to stray into her magical domain. She once convinced a lost hunter that his boots were carnivorous, leading to a wild chase involving a very confused squirrel and a pair of airborne socks. Another time, she enchanted a bard’s lute to play nothing but the fairy version of elevator music, which, admittedly, wasn’t too far from its usual repertoire. The Rose of Radiance One particularly golden evening, as the sun dipped low and the forest bathed in its amber glow, Marigold was perched on her favorite mossy branch, twirling a radiant rose in her tiny hands. This wasn’t just any rose—it was the Rose of Radiance, a magical artifact that could grant its holder one wish, provided they could make the fairy laugh. The rose was a family heirloom, passed down from her grandmother, who had used it to summon the first-ever magical hammock, still regarded as one of the fairy world's greatest inventions. Marigold sighed. “How boring it is to sit around waiting for mortals to stumble into my forest. I mean, who even gets lost anymore? Everyone has those infernal maps on their glowing rectangles. What’s it called? Goo—Goo-something.” She tapped her tiny chin, trying to recall the name. Just as she was about to enchant a nearby spider into weaving her a hammock of her own, the unmistakable sound of heavy boots crunching through underbrush caught her ear. With a mischievous grin, she adjusted her flower-adorned dress, made sure her wings shimmered in just the right way, and poised herself for what she called “maximum whimsical impact.” The Lost Adventurer A man burst through the foliage, his face a mixture of determination and exhaustion. He was tall, with a scruffy beard and a suit of armor that looked like it had seen one too many dragon burps. In his hand, he carried a sword that shimmered faintly with a dull magical aura, though it was clear it hadn’t been polished in years. His name, as Marigold would later learn, was Sir Roderick the Resolute—but he preferred “Roddy” because he thought it made him sound approachable. “Ah-ha!” Roddy exclaimed, pointing his sword at Marigold. “A fairy! Finally, my quest for the Rose of Radiance ends here. Hand it over, and I shall spare your life.” Marigold burst out laughing, nearly falling off her branch. “Spare my life? Oh, sweet acorns, that’s adorable! Do you know how many humans have tried to ‘spare my life’? You’re the first one I’ve met who said it while wearing mismatched gauntlets.” Roddy looked down at his hands and frowned. “They’re… not mismatched! One’s just slightly older than the other.” “And they’re both from completely different sets,” Marigold pointed out. “Let me guess, you inherited one from your great-grandfather and the other from a bargain bin at Ye Olde Armor Mart?” Roddy’s face turned red. “That’s beside the point! I’ve come for the Rose, and I’ll not leave without it.” “Ah, the Rose of Radiance,” Marigold said, her tone dripping with mock seriousness. “To claim it, you must make me laugh. And I warn you, mortal—I have exceedingly high standards for comedy.” The Contest of Wits Roddy sheathed his sword, rubbed his chin, and began pacing. “Very well, fairy. Prepare yourself for a jest so clever, so refined, that it will leave you rolling on the ground.” He cleared his throat dramatically. “Why don’t skeletons fight each other?” Marigold raised an eyebrow. “Why?” “Because they don’t have the guts!” Silence. A cricket chirped somewhere in the distance, only to be shushed by its companion. “That was your big joke?” Marigold asked, her wings twitching. “I’ve heard better punchlines from frogs trying to croak serenades.” Roddy groaned. “All right, give me another chance. Um, let’s see…” He snapped his fingers. “What do you call a knight who’s afraid to fight?” “What?” “Sir Render!” Marigold blinked. Then she giggled. Then she laughed so hard that the branch she was sitting on shook. “Okay, okay, that was actually funny. Not hilarious, but I’ll give you points for creativity.” “Does that mean I get the Rose?” Roddy asked, his eyes lighting up with hope. Marigold fluttered down from the branch, holding the radiant flower in her tiny hands. “You’ve amused me, Sir Mismatched Gauntlets. The Rose is yours—but only because I’m in a generous mood. Use it wisely, and don’t do anything silly, like wish for infinite bacon or a lifetime supply of socks.” Roddy accepted the Rose with a bow. “Thank you, fairy. I shall use this wish to restore my homeland to its former glory!” “Oh, how noble,” Marigold said, rolling her eyes. “Humans and their noble quests. Well, off you go, then. And if you ever get tired of being resolute, come back—I could use a new partner in crime.” As Roddy disappeared into the forest, Marigold returned to her branch, chuckling to herself. She might have given away the Rose, but she’d gained a story worth telling—and in the end, wasn’t that the real treasure? The Moral of the Story And so, the Whispering Forest remained as enchanting and unpredictable as ever, with Marigold at its heart, ready to enchant, prank, and charm anyone brave—or foolish—enough to enter. The moral of this tale? Never underestimate the power of a good joke—or a mischievous fairy with too much free time.    Bring the Magic Home Transform your space with the enchanting "Golden Glow of Fairy Lights" collection. This whimsical artwork is now available on high-quality products to bring a touch of magic into your everyday life: Tapestries: Add a fairy-tale glow to your walls with this enchanting design. Canvas Prints: Elevate your decor with a timeless, gallery-quality canvas. Fleece Blankets: Cozy up with a soft, coral fleece blanket that captures the magic of the forest. Tote Bags: Carry the charm of the Whispering Forest with you wherever you go. Explore the full collection and bring the enchantment of "Golden Glow of Fairy Lights" to your home today!

par Bill Tiepelman

The Black Cat Fairy of Winter

Deep in the frosty woods, where the snow piles up higher than a bad decision on New Year’s Eve, lived a creature of legend—or perhaps infamy. She wasn’t your average sweet little pixie with flower crowns and doe-eyed innocence. No, this was The Black Cat Fairy of Winter, and she was here to raise hell, sprinkle glitter, and drink spiked eggnog—though not always in that order. The Black Cat Fairy, or "Kat" as she liked to be called, had a reputation. Her wings were as dark and shimmering as a blackout drunk text, and her feline tail swished like she was perpetually annoyed with everyone—because she was. Her wardrobe? A mix of gothic lace, thigh-high stockings, and a corset so tight it looked like it owed her money. But Kat didn't care about modesty. After all, as she liked to say, "If you’ve got it, flaunt it—especially if it makes the elves uncomfortable." A Snowstorm of Trouble One frigid evening, as snowflakes kissed the tops of the evergreens and the wind howled like a hungover banshee, Kat sat perched on a frozen log, sipping from a steaming mug. The mug read, "World’s Sassiest Fae". Inside? A suspiciously potent mixture of hot cocoa, Bailey’s, and something that burned like regret. "Ah, winter," Kat purred, her tail curling lazily behind her. "The time of year when people pretend to like their relatives and cry over failed resolutions." She sighed dramatically and took another sip. Just then, the quiet forest was interrupted by the crunch of boots on snow. A group of travelers had wandered into her domain. Kat perked up, her eyes narrowing with predatory glee. "Well, well, well, if it isn’t my favorite type of idiot—lost hikers." Emerging from the shadows like a cross between a seductive goddess and a walking HR complaint, Kat stepped onto the path, her wings glinting in the moonlight. The travelers froze. One of them—a burly man with a beard that looked like it had been grown out of spite—blinked at her and stammered, "Uh… are you… are you real?" Kat smirked. "As real as your browser history, big guy." The Fae's Mischievous Bargain The group exchanged nervous glances. They had heard stories about the Black Cat Fairy, though most of them involved drunken tavern tales about people who had returned from the forest missing wallets, pants, and sometimes dignity. "We’re just trying to find the main road," one of them piped up, a petite woman clutching a map that looked like it had been printed off the internet in 2003. "Do you… do you know the way?" Kat tapped her chin, pretending to think. "Hmm, I could help… but where’s the fun in that? No, no. Let’s play a little game." The hikers groaned in unison. Games with Kat never ended well. But it was either play along or risk wandering the woods until they became popsicle versions of themselves. "Alright," Kat said, clapping her gloved hands together. "Here’s the deal. If you can answer three riddles, I’ll guide you to the road. If you fail…" She trailed off, her grin widening. "Well, let’s just say you’ll be leaving the forest with fewer socks and more regrets." The Riddle Gauntlet The first riddle was simple enough: "What has a tail, no legs, and loves mischief?" "A cat!" shouted one of the hikers, looking far too proud of himself. Kat raised an eyebrow. "Sure, we’ll go with that. One point to you." The second riddle was trickier: "I’m cold, I’m hard, and I get in your way—what am I?" The hikers debated for a moment before the petite woman shouted, "Ice!" Kat’s tail swished. "Well, aren’t you clever? That’s two for two." But the third riddle? Oh, she wasn’t going to make this one easy. "I’m dark, I’m moody, and I’ll ruin your day if you cross me. What am I?" Silence fell over the group. They whispered amongst themselves, throwing out answers like "a thunderstorm" or "a wolf." Finally, the burly man stepped forward and, with a sheepish grin, said, "Uh… you?" Kat blinked, then burst out laughing—a laugh so loud it startled a squirrel out of a nearby tree. "Damn right, it’s me!" She clapped him on the shoulder, nearly knocking him over. "Congratulations, meatbags. You win." The Road Ahead True to her word—something that didn’t happen often—Kat led the group back to the main road. But not before pilfering the last granola bar from one of their backpacks and giving the petite woman a slap on the rear for good measure. "Remember," Kat called as they trudged away, "next time you’re in my forest, bring wine and snacks. Or don’t come at all." As the hikers disappeared into the distance, Kat leaned against a tree, sipping the last of her now-cold cocoa. "Ah, humans," she muttered. "So predictable. So entertaining." And with that, the Black Cat Fairy of Winter vanished into the night, leaving behind only faint pawprints in the snow and a lingering sense of mischief. Legend has it that she still roams those woods, waiting for the next unlucky soul to cross her path.    Take the Black Cat Fairy Home If the mischievous magic of The Black Cat Fairy of Winter has captured your imagination, you can bring her charm into your life with a variety of unique products. Whether you're looking for stunning decor or a touch of whimsy, we’ve got you covered: Acrylic Prints – Add a sleek and modern touch to your walls with a vibrant, crystal-clear print. Tapestries – Create an enchanting focal point in any room with a soft, high-quality tapestry. Tote Bags – Carry a little fairy magic with you everywhere you go, perfect for shopping or daily use. Canvas Prints – Enjoy this stunning artwork with a classic, gallery-quality finish. 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