Hello, lovely readers! I’m T. Ross, and I have a magical world that I can’t wait to share with you. If you’ve ever been enchanted by the world of fairies, mermaids, and mythical creatures, then you’ll feel right at home with me. I’ve always been fascinated by the ethereal and the otherworldly, and Lunar Nova Artistry is where I bring that fascination to life.
You might also know me as Queen Titania—yes, the Queen of the Fairies! I perform at a couple of small Renaissance fairs in California with my guild, the Guild of the Faerie Ring. But there’s so much more to my journey. with all that I make and all that I do, I’ve woven a little bit of magic into everything. Come along with me, and let me tell you about the world I create, the art I make, and the fantastical adventures that inspire it all.
My Magical Roots: From Carson City, to Reno, and one day Belize
I grew up in Carson City, Nevada, nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, with chickens in the backyard and wild deer at the kitchen window. The beauty of the mountains, the vast open skies, and the wildness of nature have always filled my heart with wonder. I was an avid reader as a child, drawn in by stories and fables, and with the loss of a parent at a young age, they became my escape and my comfort from the harsh realities. Once, as a little girl, I vividly remember having a moment where I sat my self down and reasoned between why fairies were better than angels (no offense to the feathered winged beings) and decidedly began collecting and consuming all things fairy. I spent my childhood surrounded by high desert, dreaming of what it would be like to live in an enchanted forest, full of magic and mystery. Movies like FairyTale: A True Story, ferngully, the Little Mermaid, and Peter Pan fueled my love of the flying and swimming mythical creatures, while the art of Amy Brown and Brian Froud gave vivid diversity to the realms of the Fae.
As a teen and young adult, I delved deeper into the worlds of theater, Live Action Role Play, and witchcraft, embracing a tradition and making friends who would create magic with me for years to come. Fairies, mythical monsters, and the veil between the natural world and spiritual one, took on much deeper and meaningful glamours that inspire the mystical designs of my art. During a time where I was managing a local metaphysical store, I learned about the powers and beauty that divination, crystals, and herbs contained; discovering a love of certain materials that find their way into my work often.
Currently, I live in Reno, Nevada, working as an art instructor for a local Paint & Sip Business, where I have fun leading classes of people in exploring paint and creativity. When I’m not at work, I’m at home with my wonderful partner, playing video games or cooking up tasty treats with them. It’s a cozy home where creativity flows, and I’m constantly inspired by the natural world around me. However, my dreams extend beyond the mountains and deserts of Nevada. One of my long-term goals is to move to Sarteneja, Belize, a small quiet coastal village, and start a family there. I dream of my future there, surrounded by the turquoise waters, lush jungles, and all the abundant & curious creatures there. it seems like the perfect place to live out a life full of magic, love, and adventure.
But until then, I’m here, creating and performing, fully immersed in the world of art and fantasy.
Copper-Plated Jewelry: A Touch of Nature’s Magic
Within recent years, one of the things I’ve become passionate about is making copper electro-plated jewelry. By using real leaves and other organic items, it’s like capturing a moment in nature and turning it into something you wear in honor of. There is no shortage of unique beauty in the natural world, so I learned to highlight that beauty and preserve it in a way that would last forever.
I taught myself the craft over the course of one summer as the basis for a gift for a friend. With a very specific idea in mind, a search through the internet yielded no results close to the vision I had, so seeking to purchase became researching to make, and thus began my copper plating journey. Through trial and error, I honed the process and with hard work and dedication, my efforts resulted in a stunning copper plated Oak Leaf Chain, presented to a fellow member of the Guild of the Faerie Ring. Using the process of copper electroplating, I coated real leaves in copper, allowing the intricate details of the leaf to shine through, creating a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry befitting a dear friend. Once that specific project was finished, I decided to continue the journey of creating copper electro-plated jewelry from stunning specimens of nature. my goal now is to create jewelry that feels like a piece of the natural world you can adorn yourself with, full of the magic, wonder, and whimsy it holds.
Currently, I craft my creations at a local maker’s space, called The Reno Generator. It’s a non-profit that maintains all the equipment and space an artist could ever need, and I found myself a little corner to make my magic in. I’ve met so many other wonderful artists and find inspiration and community amongst them at this center for art in reno. I hope to move my set up down with me to Belize to continue creating, but am making the most of what I have for now.
Stepping into the Role of Queen Titania
When I’m not busy being a jewelry artist, I get to express my artist heart another way that I absolutely adore, playing Queen Titania, the queen of the faeries. I perform with my guild, the Guild of the Faerie Ring, and we appear as performers at Valhalla and Folsom Renaissance fairs in California, working together to create a whimsical atmosphere full of music, theater, and immersive engagement with fairgoers. I get to step into the shoes (or wings, to be more precise) of the regal and enchanting Queen Titania and It’s such a thrill to embody a fantasy creature that has always fascinated me. As the Queen of the Faeries, I get to bring that magic to life. My performance as Queen Titania is not just about playing a role; it’s about sharing the magic and wonder that I feel inside. The guild and I invite visitors into a world of The Fae, inspired by Shakespear’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” a world where anything feels possible and the line between fantasy and reality is delightfully blurred.
One of the most magical parts of my performance is the giant fairy wings I wear and created. These wings are a masterpiece of mine that relied heavily on my wire-wrapping skills to prefect the shapes I envisioned. Creating wings is another small passion I might entertain to retail some day, but for now I create wings for myself, and these are a dream made real by my own two hands. They’re delicate, shimmering, and absolutely mesmerizing. When I’m wearing them, I feel like I’m truly living inside a fairy tale, and I love bringing that experience to others. Whether I’m fluttering around the fair, interacting with visitors, or simply standing in a magical glade, my wings help transform me into the ethereal & magical fairy that I’ve always dreamed of being. I get to enjoy the company of my dearest friends while creating magic and being the Fairy Queen of the Faire, a true life goal achieved.
In the future, our guild hopes to expand its appearances and character repertoire to fantasy balls and other festivals, including October 2025, The Wyld Hunt Fae Ball in San Francisco.
The Magic of Mermaiding in Lake Tahoe
Now, let’s talk about mermaids—because, yes, I’m a mermaid, too! A certified one, in fact, having received my Pacific Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Mermaid I certification during the California Mermaid Convention in 2025. When summer rolls around, you’ll find me swimming in Lake Tahoe, donning one of my beautiful FinFolk mermaid tails. It’s not just about the act of swimming (though it is a great workout); it’s about the magic of embodying a mythical creature and exploring a world unseen beneath the surface. Mermaiding, as it is called by those who engage in the activity, is a form of self-expression, and there’s something incredibly freeing about slipping into the role of a mermaid. It’s a way for me to connect with the water, the earth, my body, and the world of fantasy all at once.
I grew up at Lake Tahoe as a child, spending summers on it’s warm sandy beaches beneath tall Ponderosa Pines. Lake Tahoe, with its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views, was the perfect setting for my young mermaid adventures, influenced by the release of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” As an adult, finding the world of Mermaiding and a community of fellow Mers, has been a realization of those child-hood play pretend days. I’ve made lifelong friends around the activity, and made incredible memories at events like the convention or as a children’s performer. When I’m in the water, I love gliding through the waves, my tail trailing behind me. I feel fast and powerful, like I’m part of the aquatic world. The whole experience is utterly peaceful, and it’s one of the ways I find connection with my body and stay grounded while still seeking the magic and wonder in everyday life.
There’s something so special and freeing about the water. It’s fluid, ever-changing, and mysterious—and I find that it mirrors a lot of the themes in my work. As a Cancer sign, water and the moon hold a deep connection to my soul and my creative process. I hope to take my mermaid dreams with me to Belize and provide a retreat for fellow mermaids to come and explore the crystal clear waters and fascinating creatures of the Caribbean Sea.
Creativity flows through it all
As much as I love creating jewelry, my artistic endeavors don’t stop there. I’m also a painter, makeup artist, photographer, and magical practitioner, constantly exploring new ways to express my love for the fantastical. My make-up skills have created monsters and mythical creatures, as well as beauty and mesmerizing cosmetic looks. My paintings are of fantastical landscapes, and expressions of nature. My photos have captured the naturally divine and made my friends feel beautiful. My magic flows through everything I do each day, bringing intent and manifestation to my dreams.
I’ve always had more ease with the creative aspect of things, and find I thrive when allowed to explore and experience without question. I love being handed a vision and bringing it to life beyond expectations. My best work resides in the tiny shimmering details, noticeable to those who look closely, willing to peer past the veil. I hope to make Lunar Nova Artistry a place to showcase all my creative talents, and share more about how I see the magical world we live in with you.
Looking Toward the Future: New Adventures and Art
As I continue on my artistic journey, I’m constantly inspired by the magical world around me. There are endless possibilities for where my art can go, and I can’t wait to explore new avenues and new adventures. My dream of moving to Belize may still be on the horizon, but in the meantime, I’ll keep creating, performing, and living in a world where magic is very real.
If you ever find yourself deeply invested in the wonder of play and make-believe, or you happen to come across one of my copper leaf creations, know that you’re experiencing a little bit of the magic that I hope to bring to the world. Whether through my performances as Queen Titania, my jewelry, or my mermaiding adventures, I’m dedicated to creating art that invites others into a world of enchantment and wonder.
Thank you for letting me share my story with you. I hope you’ll continue to follow along as I dream, create, and explore the many magical realms that fill my heart. ✨
