Winter Solstice

From my studio walls to yours "Happy Winter Solstice". It all begins to turn this Friday whether we notice or not. These short days become longer and the time of darkness changes as well. Below are some of my thoughts on winter ( printed in my catalog; see sidebar) and written several years ago but seem to still fit for me this winter.

This dark winter season holding dreams yet dreamed
Warmed by hopes of the promised gifts of Spring
Planting those beginning seeds in dark moonless evenings
Faith in gifts of ancient souls
Find the chant, no the humming lullaby for the tired heart long traveled,
Ring the bells, turn the prayer wheel. This winter of finding and
Accepting my soul's rhythm has begun.

Transitional Piece

7"x7", embroidery on a loose weaved bleached black cloth...featured in my 11/23 post. I wanted to learn some new stitches so this piece was my first effort in 'couching'. I used two different colors, salmon & black for the circular lines on this round shape. I also used satin stitch and french knots. The metallic is an iron-on foil that I needed to order online. The results of using this foil has been uneven but I think I need to practice to improve results. I feel after finishing, that it has become a transitional piece leading me into creating fragments of garments, such as belts, trims on cloaks. that might represent the clothing of another time.My research of biblical garments has been interesting and creating fragile remnants of cloth(adding beads, embroidery, paint and bleach among other efforts) will hopefully bring a flavor of mystery and beauty of what might have been. It's a rich project for me as it electrifies my imagination in a similar way as my journey I made into the myth and science of travelling among the planets and stars. This is turning into a winter of new skills and open ended ideas of play!!

"Light"

10"x12", black satin, gelatin overprint, gold, silver, navy iridescent metallic threads, gold trim. It began with this very shiny, very black satin cloth from my scrap box. Placing the gelatin over print image of a menorah asked for some brightness. So as I sifted through my threads I found gold, silver and a navy blue iridescent. I used a variety of stitches,,,,a 3 stitch flower or in this case a star, french knots, blanket stitch and satin stitch for the gold candles.I added the gold trim on the bottom as a last touch. I was going to use fringe but it looked rather like an add on or after thought. I liked it so much I put it into a frame and it has an illumination that really marks, for me, the menorah and the Hanukkah holiday. Actually framing this piece began a complete revamping of my framed work in the house. I have spent a good bit of time refreshing my walls with more recent work and it has been a true spirit lifter!

Rain and more rain. I plan my trips out when we have some dry time. It's amazing how much can be done at home...netflix, pay bills online, order items online! Today will be soup and studio work and more rain! Have a great weekend rain or shine!!