Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Michelle Alvarado
Hi Karla Michelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I was young, I’ve always dreamed of having my own little shop. I grew up watching shows where women had the most charming stores, and I just knew that was what I wanted to do. Whether it was “Bell, Book, and Candle” or “Abigail’s Flower Shop,” all these shows and movies inspired me more and more to create something of my own. As a Pagan Witch, I knew my shop had to reflect who I am, but I wasn’t sure exactly what it would be. I wanted to incorporate my love for witchcraft and honor the gods, but I struggled to figure out how.
Then, in 2018, while stationed at Yokota AB, I had a small altar dedicated to Persephone on my desk. It was a modest little space with an arrangement I made, a leaf I found on the ground, a rose, and a beautiful mug with bats on it. This setup, however, made my commander uncomfortable. Though she never confronted me directly, she made comments to my peers and coworkers that deeply saddened me. At one point, she even asked two of my subordinates if they thought I sacrificed animals. Situations like this weren’t entirely new to me, but hearing it from a commander was different. In the military, your commander is supposed to be someone who supports you, someone you trust. Their authority often demands a sense of loyalty, and when you’re in the military, courage, truth, and loyalty mean everything.
Her comments stuck with me, lingering in my mind for months. What could I do? I could file an EO complaint, but that wasn’t my style. I’ve never been one to complain or focus on life’s unfairness. Instead, I began to think about creating altars that were deeply meaningful to the person but looked ordinary to anyone else. This way, what happened to me wouldn’t happen to someone else. And that’s how my shop, originally called Wiccanology, was born.
As my path evolved and my love for theology grew, I wanted a name that felt more inclusive. I posted a challenge on Instagram with a giveaway, and one of my followers came up with the name “Spellbound Arrangements.” That’s when my shop truly came to life. I began creating arrangements that honored the gods and the witch within each of us. Since these are offerings and altar tools, I made a vow to never use fake flowers in my work, a promise I still keep today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been easy. While my shop has flourished and I’m incredibly grateful for the natural flow of inspiration for my arrangements, finding time has been the biggest challenge. I’ve been serving in the military for 16 years as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, and since 2018, I’ve been stationed at Yokota AB, Malmstrom AB, and Randolph AFB. I’ve also deployed four times—twice to the Middle East, once to New Zealand, and once to South America.
With every move, I’ve had to relocate my shop, essentially starting from scratch each time. I’ve packed up my store four times, including placing everything in storage during one of my deployments. It’s tough to find the motivation to begin all over again each time. Creating a new space that feels right for creativity has proven to be far more challenging than I initially thought.
Right now, I’ve just finished setting up my shop in our new home after arriving at this duty station in June. It feels like I’ve barely had time to settle in, and I’m already facing the possibility of another move. If I make rank in March, I’ll become a mandatory mover, meaning I’ll have to pack up my entire home and start all over again in less than a year. It’s a daunting thought, especially after putting so much effort into creating a space that feels right. This military life certainly isn’t for the faint of heart—it requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong mindset to keep moving forward, both personally and professionally.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in crafting enchanted altar tools and custom floral art that bring a touch of magic into any space. My creations are inspired by the natural world, spiritual connections, and the mystical energy that surrounds us. Each piece, whether it’s one of my signature crescent moons or an intricately designed tray, weaves together elements of Pagan symbolism, moon magic, and witchy aesthetics. I use real dried flowers, crystals, and other natural elements to craft items that embody both beauty and intention.
Whether someone is looking to enhance their sacred space or simply add a touch of dark, magical decor to their life, my pieces are designed to reflect a deep connection to both the earth and spirit. Every detail is infused with purpose, and I approach each creation with care and respect. I never rush through my work or create when my mind is not at peace. This attention to detail, along with my commitment to using only high-quality materials, sets my work apart.
Every 2-3 years, I personally fly to Japan to carefully select all of the flowers I use in my creations. All of my flowers are sourced from Japan because they are some of the finest in the world. Japanese florals are renowned for their exceptional quality, beauty, and longevity, which is why I trust them to bring my vision to life. The care and precision that go into growing and harvesting these flowers ensure that each piece reflects the best of nature and craftsmanship.
In addition to the premium florals, I also hand-select every crystal used in my work, sourcing them from reliable suppliers and well-known miners. Some of my pieces even feature specialty hand-cut crystals created exclusively for Spellbound Arrangements, adding an extra layer of intention and uniqueness.
With such carefully curated materials, my arrangements range from $60 to $150, depending on the selection of florals, jewels, and crystals chosen to complement the design. Each creation is designed to reflect a deep connection to both the earth and spirit.
And most importantly, I take pride in my understanding of different faiths, which allows me to create meaningful pieces for anyone, regardless of their beliefs or whom they wish to honor. As an eclectic Pagan, I truly honor and respect all deities, and that respect flows into every design. Each collection I create speaks to my soul, and I’m incredibly proud of how far my journey has taken me. I’m excited for what’s next and can’t wait to unveil my upcoming line of magical creations.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I absolutely love collaborating with other artists. Anyone interested can simply reach out to me via direct message on Instagram, and we can explore the possibilities. It’s really all about timing, though. As I’ve mentioned before, my life isn’t entirely my own—it belongs to the military. As long as the person understands this and is flexible with their request, I’m always excited to work together and create something special.
Pricing:
- Ranging from $60 – $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spelboundarangements.etsy.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/spellboundarrangements
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6PbsuVvDBYSykKIa7SBh8A
Image Credits
KATE SPITZ
