Throwback 48 years!

Throwback Thursday has me all the way back to 1968...newly married, living in New Jersey and sending this photo to California family to show them my new blond hair and new Old's. Behind me is Route 1 and I'm in the parking lot of our apartment complex...lots of brick. I can't believe the patterned stockings and yes the outfit is a culotte! We moved back to California the following year and if I remember correctly I was sewing and painting in my free time....I'm still painting and sewing 48 + years later!! Have a great July turning into August weekend!

'Center Heart Safety'

7"x7", assorted cloth, satin and cotton, copper leaf, beads, hand and machine stitching, tassels and wire and charm.
I am an amulet maker in training. Triangle shapes are often used and its a first for me. How reassuring to have a tangible object that promises protection. Often hung in doorways or on tree branches or beloved animals or baby cribs...an ancient and current practice. The shape, knots, tassels, beads, metals and assorted objects are part of the amulet makers work table. I'm planning on 4-5 in order to take on the beauty of this ancient form of prayer.

Violet Possiblities

Two selections this time for Roy G Biv Day...seems I like violet but rarely find violet as a strong color in my work...especially fabric pieces. The top piece I posted as a yellow choice but today I'm choosing it as a 'violet' piece. The second choice is a favorite of mine. There really is a burial place referred to as 'Pharaoh's Daughter" and it is still a bit of a mystery as who this really might be...? I created a mosaic on fabric with a mixture of silver leaf. The rather alone plant is a lavender/violet with grey and rust stitched vines. This may be the end of the letters of Roy G Biv day but it will continue with other colors such as white, brown etc. so stay tuned as the search continues. Lots more violet choices at  jennifer
Julie

"Star Relic"

'Star Relic', 51/2"x7", muslin, beads, machine and hand stitching on rusted, painted stamped cloth. This piece completes my exploration and this one especially will be a reminder to return to at a later time as this one is easily connected to 'between stars' list which is FULL of possibilities for me.

Amulets is the series of choice for now. I'm excited about making beauties of power and protection. I have been reading 'Amulets' by Sheila Paine and learning so much. Of course, I'll take this info and mix it with my imagination and take to my work table. I think its going to be a good ride...more three dimensional and perfect for shadow box frames.

I see this blog has lots of visitors but not so many comments? Please feel welcome to comment anytime...I like the back and forth of thoughts, ideas, etc....!

Heaven's Keys

5"x61/2", hand cut stencils, painted cloth, machine stitching, beads...assorted glass and colored beads.

One of my suggested explorations was 'Maps of Heaven' and this little effort is about the keys to heaven as an entrance to maps and such. This is my third piece in exploring and I rather like this one. I enjoyed the mix of colors, and sewing the beads. The top four red ones are strung on thin wire to denote a way to hang this cloth piece but I will frame this in a shadow box frame.  I have a ton of saved keys going all the way back to first cars and houses...I even have a key to my office in San Francisco waaay back. 

Summer is here for sure...cool in the morning and sunny and warm in the afternoon. The prices on motels and such have doubled because it is the 'season'. Restaurants are crowded and the beaches are covered in umbrellas! My son will visit in July...its all good!