Airen Hall
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withoutaladder.bsky.social
Airen Hall
@withoutaladder.bsky.social
Writer. Illustrator. Wild Feminist. Book lover. 1 wife, 3 kids, 3 cats. (She/her)

http://withoutaladder.com/portfolio/
http://instagram.com/withoutaladder/
It was another fantastic #FolktaleWeek. I really loved participating this year and I'm so glad I made the time to do it.
#FolktaleWeek2025
November 24, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Final day of #FolktaleWeek2025: DAWN. I was happy to see this prompt because I had already been thinking of doing a piece with the Roman goddess Aurora and her winged chariot. Synchronicity!
#folktaleweek #mythology
November 23, 2025 at 1:39 PM
And here's a close-up on the Cailleach herself.
November 22, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Can't believe we're already on Day 6 of #FolktaleWeek2025: STORM. I did a depiction of the Cailleach, or Storm Hag. She is a figure from Gaelic/Celtic mythology.
#folktaleweek
November 22, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Close-up!
November 21, 2025 at 10:40 PM
#FolktaleWeek2025, Day 5: Charm!

I chose to depict the Norse legend of Andvari, a dwarf who lived under a waterfall and had a magic ring called Andvaranaut. The ring is the charm, and you can see it better in the close-up below. 😊 #folktaleweek #Norsemythology
November 21, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Day 4 of #FolktaleWeek2025: BOOK. I do a lot of bookshelves to sell at markets of various sizes and kinds. I have done a couple other "witch's bookshelf" pieces, but I made this one specifically for #folktaleweek. Yay books!
November 20, 2025 at 10:33 PM
#FolktaleWeek2025, Day 3. The prompt is Rain. I went with a depiction of the peperuna, a Slavic rain dance ritual (so fascinating to learn about!) I'm not sure the full effect of the piece comes through in a picture online. It is probably my favorite of my seven #folktaleweek pieces this year.
November 19, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Day 2 of #FolktaleWeek2025!

The prompt today is ECHO. I chose to do a version of the fairytale "Diamonds and Toads" that I am calling "Serpents & Snakes." The gift one sister gets is echoed by the curse on the other sister.

#folktaleweek #folktaleweekecho #cutpapercollage
November 18, 2025 at 2:45 PM
And here's a couple close-ups!
November 17, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Hooray, it's #FolktaleWeek2025! My favorite art prompt event of the year.

The prompt today is NIGHT. I chose the story of the Lady & the Lantern, an old ghost story with several versions.

I painted, cut, and collaged an assortment of papers for this piece.

#folktaleweek #folktaleweeknight
November 17, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Heading into a busy holiday market season with five markets coming up. If you're in the DMV, hope to see you at one of them!
November 9, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Here are some tiny paper plants I was working with this week. #paperart
October 11, 2025 at 12:34 PM
In DC? Stop by the Van Ness Main Street pop-up market today! I'll be here until 3.
September 13, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Happy #kidlitartpostcard for September! I create collaged illustrations using paper I paint and cut by hand. Looking for representation and interested in PBs and covers.

www.withoutaladder.com
September 4, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Ugh, I've been so awful at posting anything lately. It's been a weird summer and a tough year. But here's a tree I'm working on today....all those tiny leaves are very soothing for me. And, yes, I cut them all out by hand. 😄
August 4, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Have a tree.
July 29, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Happy Mother's Day!
May 11, 2025 at 2:20 PM
qrp with starry art
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May 9, 2025 at 12:19 PM
It might be rainy this morning, but there's tons of amazing local artists and makers over at the @peoplesbooktakoma.com Spring Market! I'm here until 3 - come check it out!
May 4, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Today has been pretty miserable for an assortment of reasons. BUT. I did finish a couple of new little pieces for my weekend markets, including this little tea one I think turned out pretty cute.
May 2, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Happy #KidLitArtPostcard! I create illustrations by collaging paper I paint and cut by hand. Seeking representation and interested in covers and PBs.

www.withoutaladder.com
May 1, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Happy #KidLitArtPostcard! I create illustrations using papers I paint, hand cut, and collage. I am looking for representation. See more at www.withoutaladder.com!
April 3, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Happy Spring Equinox! This is a piece I made earlier this year, anticipating the coming of spring.
March 20, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Feels like a good day to share this piece from couple years ago.

Silence, Constancy, Transformation
March 18, 2025 at 3:21 PM