North Woods Warpaint Post

Today, my heart is a little heavier. I've been trying to gather my thoughts since yesterday after hearing the news.

We lost a man who wasn't my family by blood, but he was family in every way that mattered. David Lorton was like a grandfather to me—a stubborn, hilarious, lovable dirty old man who always knew how to make me laugh, even when I didn't want to.

I'll miss the stories, the teasing, the sarcasm, and the way he could light up a room just by being himself. The world feels a little quieter without him in it.

Thank you for looking out for me, loving me like a granddaughter and reminding me not to take life too seriously. I hope you're at peace now, raising a little hell and making everyone laugh.

I'll miss you more than words can say. Rest easy, old man. You were deeply loved and will never be forgotten. ❤️

This past weekend at the Lincoln Renaissance Festival was one for the books! ⚔️🔥

The heat was relentless, but that didn't stop all of you fierce Vikings from embracing your inner warriors. Every shieldmaiden, berserker, and Norse adventurer who sat in my chair wore their warpaint with pride—and you all looked absolutely fierce!

There were so many laughs, amazing conversations, and unforgettable transformations. Thank you to everyone who trusted North Woods Warpaint Post to help bring your Viking spirit to life.

To everyone who braved the sun, drank all the water, and still marched around looking battle-ready... you're tougher than the heat. Until the next adventure, may your axes stay sharp, your mead stay cold, and your stories be legendary! Skål! 🍻⚔️🛡️

⚔️ Hear ye, hear ye! ⚔️

This Saturday & Sunday, stop by and let Shieldmaiden Austin-Marie transform your beautiful face into something your ancestors would either be incredibly proud of... or slightly concerned about. 😆

Whether you're ready to unleash your inner shieldmaiden, fearsome berserker, wandering Viking, or just want to look intimidating while waiting in line for a turkey leg, I've got you covered with Viking Warpaint!

Warning: Side effects may include:

🛡️ An uncontrollable urge to yell "SKÅL!"
⚔️ Feeling 27% braver.
🍺 Suddenly wanting to raid the mead tent.
🐉 Believing squirrels are tiny dragons.

Come find North Woods Warpaint Post in the Witches Glen this Saturday & Sunday at the Lincoln Renaissance Festival! Bring your friends, your family, and your best battle face. Let's make you look ready to sail to Valhalla... or at least ready for some amazing photos.

Skål! 🍻

Hobbits and Elves; An Immersive Fantasy Retreat felt like stepping straight into another world… if that world included glitter, pointy ears, goats judging your life choices, and at least one dwarf trying to survive the heat in full armor. 😂✨

I had so much fun doing goddess, elven, warrior makeup, and of course the glitter!! But seriously, getting to help bring a little magic to such an incredible day and seeing everyone fully embrace the fantasy, creativity, and silliness made my heart so happy.

A huge thank you to Jim and Jessica Kettler for creating such a beautiful, welcoming, and downright magical place at Windy Goat Acres. You can truly feel the love and passion they’ve poured into it. Also, I’m convinced the animals are secretly running the kingdom and Jim and Jess are just their trusted advisors. 🐐👑

Thank you to everyone who came out, dressed up, laughed, adventured, and made memories with us. My soul is full, my makeup kit is covered in glitter, and I may never emotionally recover from how amazing yesterday was. 🌿⚔️🧝‍♀️ Until next year!!

Please keep an eye out for this bag!!! 🙏 💗

Know before you go! FAQs/info!

Attached is a map so you know where to go when you arrive! There will be helpers to direct you, also.

+Overnighters can come set up and get settled at 10am. Do not walk the event grounds until you check in at opening gate at 11am.
+Campers may drive into camping area to unload, but take your car to parking area and come back to set up. This prevents congestion.
+VIP attendees need a VIP bracelet (you will receive at the gate)
+ There is no ATM on site, and the closest ATM is in Toledo (about 6miles away)
+BRING CASH! Just in case vendors happen do not have electronic methods for payment or happen to have bad reception, cash will always be accepted.
+ The weather looks like it will be very nice temps, but there is a cooling area if you become overheated. (There is also a lot of shady areas!)
+You are in a rural setting with farm animals. There will be a few bugs around, but you can bring bug spray.
+Themed garb is recommended but not required!
+There will be food for purchase on site!
+Please respect animals and property
+Please be aware of others when smoking. There are a lot of wide open spaces for you to smoke, away from others that may be affected.
+Kids under 10 are free (gen admission)

✨ Calling all Hobbits, Elves, and curious creatures! ✨

Ready to leave the Shire and step into a magical world here in Chelsea, Iowa this weekend!!

North Woods Warpaint Post is happy to announce that Shieldmaiden Austin-Marie will be bringing her elven makeup skills to the Hobbits and Elves; An Immersive Fantasy Retreat —you know, because even elves need to look fabulous while whispering to trees and dodging orcs!

And guess what? Our enchanting friend from Pink Witch Fortunes -Tarot by Crystal will be there too, reading fortunes, palms, and runes to reveal your destiny. 🔮🖐️✨

Come find us both! Get your face painted so beautifully, even Gandalf will stop and say, "You shall not pass... without a compliment!" Then let the Pink Witch possibly give you an insite into your future, read your palm or tell some bad dad jokes.

⚔️ Great Northern Viking Festival was an absolute raid-ing success! ⚔️

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by North Woods Warpaint Post to get their Viking warpaint this weekend! From fierce warriors to shieldmaidens ready for battle, you all brought the Viking spirit to life.

I painted so many faces, I'm pretty sure I earned honorary Viking status... or at least a sore paintbrush arm! 😂

Seeing everyone walk away ready to conquer villages (or maybe just the festival grounds) made my day. Thank you for your support, your smiles, and for trusting me to add a little extra warrior energy to your Viking experience.

Drop your photos in the comments—I’d love to see all the battle-ready looks out in the wild!

Skål! 🍻⚔️🎨