About Magpie
About Magpie
Magpie grew up on the streets of London, moving in and out of orphanages on a whim. The other children called her "Magpie" due to her penchant for "borrowing" shiny and expensive things, just like the bird. With her sticky fingers and winning smile, Magpie was quite successful living the life of a thief in London; but one day, she flew a little too close to the sun and was caught wearing a noblewoman's jewelry (and not much else). Magpie made a quick escape on a ship; now she earns her money in a (mostly) respectable manner, but perhaps leave your valuables at home when you visit her.
Magpie, where is your hair???
Here in Elizabethan times, we often shave our heads when we're ill. While that's most commonly done for syphilis WHICH I DON'T HAVE, I find that it helps with my chronic illnesses!
Magpie, why do you have all those piercings? Isn't that not historically accurate?
It's thieves' wisdom - MUCH harder to steal my valuables when they're in my nose or ears.
Are you going to steal my stuff??
Just your heart! <3 But if you hand me something shiny I'm going to want to keep it so, you know, you've been warned.
Who is Mr. Bucket?
Gregor Swallows-Bucket is my husband (in truth and in character)! Gregor is the reason I function on a daily basis and the secret to all my success. He's also trained as a music educator, has a full bass-baritone singing voice, and he's an excellent saxophonist and tubist. He makes all my logos and is the reason any of my sound equipment exists and works. He is truly the best guy on any ren faire grounds so I hope you get to meet him!
Who or what are "The Shinies"?
They're my fan group/guild! My dear friend K.M. Hill founded the group for me. Right now The Shinies hang out in a private facebook group but I hope to upgrade to a Patreon by 2026! Shinies are encouraged to have their own flighty character (non-bird members welcome!) and they get insider information and exclusive perks like Mimosas with Magpie on Sunday mornings.
Do you have an album I can listen to?
Not yet!!! It is a work in progress. Follow my socials to get updates!!
How the hell did you get into performing at the ren faire?
I'm not sure how I got here either sometimes! I've been a musician for a long time, a dancer for even longer, and I'm a former music teacher. I've been a ren faire fan since my eighth grade class went to Ohio Ren Fest on a field trip, and in middle and high school I volunteered at a living history park set in the 1880s. I joined the cast of ORF in 2020 and was immediately put to work in multiple performing ensembles. I joined a ren faire band at the end of 2021 to try new things, and now I've gone solo!
What's your favorite instrument to play? What's your favorite instrument in the petting zoo?
I love the viola! It is my main instrument and I don't get to play it enough at renaissance festivals. I also really enjoy playing autoharp and that's my second favorite instrument in the petting zoo after my clown horn.
Where did get your garb?
A lot of different places! I try to purchase as much as I can from on site vendors at events or through thrifting, but some basics are from Amazon. I have a "Dress like Magpie" list on Amazon if you want to check that out- it's on my linktree! Some of my garb comes from Scarlet Darkness - use code MAGPIESWALLOWS for 20% off your order! Here are the pieces I have that I can identify the origins:
Main bodice: Gypsy Spirit - Ohio Renaissance Festival
Velvet bodice: Scarlet Darkness
Black Corset: Heart's Delight Clothiers - NorCal Renaissance Faire
Silk skirts: Amazon or thrifted
Cotton skirts: Unicorn Clothing Company - Ohio Renaissance Festival
Maroon high-low skirt: purchased from my friend Stormy
Shirts: Alter Ego Bazarr - NorCal Renaissance Faire, Scarlet Darkness, or Amazon
Bright blue knee length dress: Scarlet Darkness
Teal Elizabeth Swan dress: Scarlet Darkness
Black ballgown: TheMadeMarion - Etsy
Teal tulle ballgown: Amazon
Boots: Son of Sandlar - Ohio Renaissance Festival
Boot bells: gifted
Hat: The Hat Maker in Pioneer Emporium - Virginia City, NV
Flower Crown: Meg Jaeger, Ohio based artist
Jewelry: almost entirely thrifted or gifted!
Cloak: Gifted by Rose Swan!
Long fingerless gloves: Father, Son, & Friends - Ohio Renaissance Festival
Red kirtle dress: Johnna Brough, Ohio based artist
Want to know about something else? Just ask!
Did someone customize your garb for you?
It was all me, baby! Everything that you see pinned or sewn to a bodice was all Magpie. If a skirt or shirt has trim on it - all Magpie. I also take in or tailor my own garb to make it fit better. My goal is to have every piece of garb Magpie-fied in some way.
After stepping on the ballet stage at the age of 3, Kristin Hill picked up the viola in the fifth grade and hasn't stopped making music since! She grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where she was an active participant in the classical music community, including performing with the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and University of Dayton Orchestra. While pursuing a Bachelor's of Music in Education at Miami University (OH), Kristin served as president of the MU Symphony Orchestra; she also toured the UK with the Miami Choraliers. Kristin taught music in public and private schools across the country for ten years, during which she performed with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra (IN), New Millennium Chamber Orchestra (CA), the Cambrian Symphony (CA), and the Young Professionals' Chorale Collective (OH). While teaching, she also earned an M.A. in Educational Leadership & Administration from Santa Clara University. Kristin has taught students preschool through grade 12 in band, orchestra, choir, steel pan, recorder, ukulele, guitar, handbell choir, Orff xylophone, and more. She has taught private lessons in violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, voice, and guitar.
After many years of attending renaissance faires around the country, Kristin joined the cast of Ohio Ren Fest in the summer of 2020 as Cecily Bucket, leading the Queen's Choice Choir and performing with the Stratford String Quartet. She joined The Sirens in November of 2021 for ORF's Yuletide Village and made her debut as Magpie in April of 2022 at the Ashville Viking Festival. Magpie appeared regularly onstage with The Sirens until their dissolution in early 2025.
When she isn't occupied by faire, substitute teaching, or rehearsals for something, Kristin enjoys reading, yoga, and ballet classes. She has a great passion for karaoke and RuPaul's Drag Race, and a great dislike for all of the pet hair her three cats and one dog leave all over her home. They are, fortunately for them, adorable.