May usually sees handkerchief fairies taking a well earned rest after the flurry of activity during the winter months.

This year however there has been a revival in the fortunes of these rare beautiful fairies.

Still as busy as ever with seasonal sniffles carrying on well into the middle of the month these useful and decorative companions are out and about well beyond the normal time for sightings.

We believe this extended period of activity is the result of the cold and wet weather we have been experiencing lately.

Although these vintage ladies are still on the official endangered list here at the Fairy Sanctuary, their numbers do seem to be on the up.

Trends in upcycling and renewed interest in all things vintage has seen an unprecedented demand from members of the public wanting to re home these delightful old ladies.

With this in mind we have produced a care guide for re homing a handkerchief fairy should you be lucky enough to be adopted by one.

General Appearance

1. White or ivory complexion.
2. Cotton dress hanging in triangular folds  that doubles up as parachute if wings fail.
3. Sometimes has fine crochet detail round hem.
4. Often hand embroidered by a Nana with initials or small flowers in a corner.

Personality Trends

1. Can be stiff and starchy at first.
2. Old fashioned and traditional in views and opinions.
3. Rather reserved not making appearances in public except for emergencies.
4. Quite robust despite delicate appearance.
5. These fairies have a hierarchy and top of the list is the Eucalyptus scented, ” I mean business”  fairy brought in to cure the serious cold.

Care advice

1. Likes to live in drawers with others.
2. Prefers drawers to be lined with pretty paper.
3. Drawn to smell of violets and lavender so provide sachets of these if possible.
4. Also happy in handbags and pockets and may try to migrate up sleeves.

Warnings

1. Often lost and has no re homing instinct.
2. NEVER tie in a knot! This outdated practice was used as a memory aid by forgetful elderly folk. We have had many handkerchief fairies brought in to us with severe stomach cramps following such incidents.
3. Modern light weigh tissue box fairies are smaller and less robust. Handle with care.
4. Can cause havoc in washing machines getting stuck in filters and shedding white tissue paper all over your dark load.

Please remember handkerchief fairies are not just for colds.

Whatever the occasion,  don’t forget to bring out your handkerchief fairy and wave in a patriotic manner at tea parties. This is exactly the kind of event they were designed for and you will soon receive admiring glances and compliments from you friends.