Hugs and Happy New Year!

Sunday, December 30, 2007


Nice to be back after a couple of days. Thought I would give you a big hug!

Time seems to be flying by. Not much time to sew or blog. I know it is like that for most people during the holidays - so much to do and a time to spend special moments with loved ones. Today was my 12th wedding anniversary. I know, most people my age have been married for centuries :-) well, not centuries, but at least decades. I was not so fortunate as to find my special guy the first time around (although at the time, I thought I had). I was young and immature. But, 12 years ago, I did marry the man of my dreams. We celebrated today just being together doing simple things and it was truly lovely.

I did jump into a new endeavor while my DH was on his computer this evening. I dug out my Beryl Taylor book, Mixed Media Explorations. It is a great book, wonderful resource; I highly recommend it. I took a short class with Beryl at the Houston International Quilt Show in November; just enough to really entice me! I was fortunate enough to see, up close and personal, some of her amazing pieces as she showed us some of her techniques. So, tonight I began making paper fabric. Beryl uses paper fabric often as the background for many of her projects. It is basically a collage of paper over muslin, laid down with diluted PVA glue and then sponge painted here and there. Here is a picture of my first efforts. They are not dry yet, so the colors may change somewhat, but it is a lot of fun to watch it all come together. You can use this paper fabric for just about anything - journal covers, wall hangings, etc. Beryl shows you how she adds wonderful layers of color, texture, fibers, paper and embellishments to create amazing pieces. She usually makes small pieces of interest that she keeps in her studio for inspiration. These small pieces are later attached to larger pieces as her creative process continues to guide her. I am just at the beginning of getting my creative juices flowing again. I don't know about you, but if I have not been creative in a while, it takes me a bit of time to get those vibes humming again.

I also got a fabulous tip from a dear online friend in New Zealand, Judith. Check out this site by Christopher Nejman and the video clips there. This textile artist has some great tips and techniques on machine felting, free motion embroidery and embellishing. I will definitely being trying some of these techniques soon! Thanks Judith!

As I mentioned a few days ago, when I was younger (and even now, when I slow down and take the time), I hear God whispering as the wind in the branches of the trees and it such a calming sound, a sacred sound, so mystical and soothing. Our pastor had the same memory of listening to the wind in the tree tops and brought the advent season to life to us through the medium of trees. I just love trees; their leaves of different shapes and colors, the texture and colors of the bark on their trunks, the little buds that come out in spring, the way the branches sprawl out and reach toward the sun. God began our story, the human story, with trees; the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil and if you look in Revelation 22, it talks of the beautiful Tree of life in heaven which straddles the crystal clear Water-of-Life River. The leaves of the Tree are for healing the nations. Isn't that a beautiful picture? What a wonderful day it will be when everyone, from all nations, can sit in the shade of that tree, listening to the soothing sounds of that river; together - at peace. As we quickly come to the beginning of a new year, I hope you all enjoy a very safe, joyful and blessed new year's celebration! May the peace of Christ be with you.

1 comments:

Judith said...

Hugs right back to you Jules. I just succumbed and bought C Nejman's book from amazon and also signed up for one of Sue Bleiwiss (Spelling??) classes on joggles. It starts on 22nd Jan. Naughty girl that I am.
I love your sharing on what trees mean to you. I too love trees and especially their leaves. Have been collecting leaf stamps and always get leaves to dry in the autumn. An other of my favourite things are acorn and I love to collect them whenever I find them. We have an oak tree in the garden but I read recently that they have to be 50 to produce acorns. As it is only 10 or years old I am not going to see them in my lifetime.
Hugs
Judith

 
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