Something Sublime

12 Days of Ornaments

 

wrapping by Melissa David

Get ready for a blizzard of Christmas creativity.  My ornament swapping group, Adorn, has been mailing out wrapped ornaments like mad for our 12 days of Christmas ornaments exchange.  We've been swapping ornaments for several years now and, let me tell you, the artwork is fantastic!  This is my favorite swap of all time.  What's not to love?  Christmas, talented artists, gorgeous handmade ornaments...it's all good.  Our swap is based on the 12 days of Christmas.  Although, the ornaments don't follow any particular theme, we open one a day, beginning on December 1st, which is this Monday.  The true twelve days of Christmas begins the day after Christmas but we open our goodies early to have more time to enjoy them.  I'll be posting all the ornaments and wrappings so, get ready to sit down with a cup of cocoa and a sugar cookie and be inspired!

The View From Here

This is the view from my window for this week.  Wife Whisperer, the mini men and I are giving thanks over the holiday, as we do every year, in beautiful Florida.  We're so blessed to be able to spend time with part of our family and thankful that those who couldn't join us are safe and sound.

 

I'm especially thankful, this past year, for the many opportunities I've had, through teaching and through this blog, to meet so many wonderful people.  The support and encouragement you all have given me is astounding.  It means so much to me.  I can't express it properly except to say...

Thank you!

O Heart

 

"O Heart" by Deryn Mentock

available on Etsy

The rich tones of reds and browns add to the mysterious, earthy look of this lovely, front clasp necklace. It's laden with coral including six coral drop dangles in the necklace and one in the "tassel" focal. Also in the focal are coral and brass prayer beads, smokey quartz, a vintage Jerusalem cross and a resin-filled brass bezel. Beneath the resin lies the image of a lovely woman with the words "O Heart." More faceted, smokey quartz was added to the necklace along with an interesting, vintage coin the clasp hooks into. Many hours were spent wrapping and twisting the numerous dangles, links and jump rings. It's approximately 23 inches long.

 

 

The Jerusalem Cross is also known as the Crusader's Cross.  It was the symbol on the papel banner used during the First Crusade.  The four small crosses symbolize the four gospel's which were spread to the four corners of the earth, beginning in Jerusalem.  The large cross symbolizes Christ.

A Twisted Christmas

 

It's a little weird, it's a little irreverent...it's a twisted Christmas.  My friend Jen Worden likes things a bit off-beat and, believe it or not, so do I.  Jen is hosting a deco swap based on the theme "twisted Christmas".  Do you like the cover artwork for my deco?  This "go man" was made by my guys, in an empty lot, while visiting my parents in Oregon one Christmas.  It doesn't snow much where my parents live but my three guys scraped enough together to make a man.  They were extremely proud of themselves.  Turns out, the lot wasn't quite empty...  An old toilet?  The perfect prop!  The finishing touch?  A newspaper.  Every man reads on the toilet...right?

I used a print of one of my altered cabinet cards for the inside cover.  The background is a texture photo I took of...well, I don't remember what it was but something with peeling paint and rust.

I made painted endpapers, stamped with Penscore, one of my favorite kinds of stamps.  This stamp was made from the bottom of one of my shoes.

 

My little book will pass through the hands of thirteen other artists who will add their own strange art.  We'll see what happens!  By the way, did you know that November 19th was World Toilet Day?  How twisted is that?

Ornaments and Adornments

Something is taking up all my time.  Each day seems to slip away so quickly...gone in a breath.  I finished a special jewelry project recently but, I admit it, I've been totally pre-occupied with Christmas ornament making lately.  I'm in the Christmas Spirit early this year but, with good reason.

Remember my annual 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments swap from last year?  Our group is at it again this year and I've been working feverishly on my ornaments.  Of course, I can't show them to you because that would ruin the surprise for my ornament girls!  Stick with me though because I'll be posting all the wrappings and ornaments from the swap starting Dec. 1st.

 

Somerset Studio Nov/Dec 2008

I love it when the Nov/Dec issues of my favorite magazines begin to appear on the shelves.  Fall, going into the holidays, is the very best part of the year for me.  When I opened this year's holiday issue of Somerset Studio, I was excited to see a collaborative project I had participated in that had been organized by the very talented Susan Tuttle. 

"Faithfulness" by Susan Tuttle

Susan came up with the genius idea of a "Spirit Card" swap.  Susan got a group of artists together and each of us created a small folder to be filled, by the other artists, with inspirational, atc size cards.

my folder

 

My friend Ruth Rae decorated my folder with these beautiful little fabric bits.

Each card was created with a theme word in mind that had been chosen by the originating artist.  My theme words I chose were the fruits of the Spirit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.  Susan's idea was that, when we need a little inspiration, all we have to do is open the folder and thumb through the cards. 

"Spirit" by Deryn Mentock

The fruits of the Spirit are all attributes of the ideal character.  They can't be gained without being Spirit filled.  After a long growing season of rain, wind, storms, and sunny days, the fruit finally ripens and is ready to harvest.  It's the same with us.  Maturity doesn't happen in a day!  But, without the Gardener's tender, loving care, that fruit might wither on the branch.  So, when I open my little folder, I'll be reminded of who I want to be...

  

"Be" by Deryn Mentock

...and of who will care for me along the way.

 

"Love" by Trudy McLauchlan

 

"Joy" by Caren McNee

 

"Peace" by Ruth O'Connor

 

"Patience" by Marilyn Healy

 

"Kindness" by Ruth Rae

 

"Goodness" by Liz Smith

 

"Gentleness" by Christine Shebroe

 

"Self-Control" by Fiona Mortimore

 

 

It's Practically Here...

  ...the season of giving!   You can't stop it.  It's practically here!  Well, heck, it IS here.  My dear mailman (he's a saint!) dropped a box on my porch today, amidst some very excited barking from my little fox terrier.  I opened the box to see this beautiful postcard and a package from Nellie Wortman.  I knew Nellie from my online adventures but we didn't meet for the first time in person until this last summer, when I was teaching in Tempe, Arizona.  Nellie was a student and touched my heart with her personal story of her reliance on Christ during very difficult times.  Nellie is a sweet and generous soul as you will see from what she sent me.

 

Nellie recently left a comment on my blog and, in the process of answering her, I mentioned that I had seen her triptych project published in a past Nov/Dec issue of Somerset Studio and that it was one of my favorite Christmas pieces of all time.  Next thing I know, somehow, she was offering to send me a duplicate and, well, just look at this adorable snowman...  How could I say no to such an offer?

 

It's all heavy beveled glass, soldered edges and curly wires...just the kind of thing that appeals to me.  Of course, I'm going to be sending Nellie a little something in return but, honestly, I was overwhelmed when I saw this piece in person.  It's much bigger than I thought it would be and really, just gorgeous.

The vintage looking images, and the text Nellie chose, convey my feelings for the Christmas holiday just perfectly.  Nellie gave this gift so readily and so generously, truly demonstrating the Spirit of giving.  It will be a treasure in my home for many years to come.  Is it just me or is anyone else excited about the season?  I wonder if the Spirit has struck you yet?

Mary Hetts

 

"Fleur" (sold) project 12

I want to share with you all an encouraging comment, and a "thank you", that  I received from Mary Hettmansperger, here, about my jewelry challenge and the pieces you all have created:

I want to THANK YOU and all your readers for using my book for this challenge!!! AMAZING and beautiful jewelry! I am SO thrilled that you used my book as your guide and Im totally impressed with all your interpretations! Great job to all... and again... Thanks! Mary Hettmansperger

You hear that?  She's totally impressed with all the interpretations.  And so am I!  This challenge has been so much fun!  I'm pretty close to finishing it...I think there are 20 projects and I've finished 12.  So, I'll keep going with it and hope you all join me.  It's not too late to do a project or two.  In the meantime, here are some of the impressive things you all have created during the challenge:

Connie-project 15, wire wrapped hands

 

Connie-project 15, wire wrapped hands

 

Kay Mallery-project 1, spinner necklace

 

Jan Raven-project 3, shelf earrings

 

Mary Newton-project 4, layers necklace

 

Jan Raven-project 2, folded earrings

 

Tami Roth-project 9, dimensional necklace

 

Christine Saqui-project 1, spinner necklace

 

Phillipia-project 1, spinner necklace

 

Molly Alexander-project 4, layers necklace

 

Diane Cook-project 6, mixed metal earrings

 

Melissa Merrill-project 7, woven windows pin

The Ring

Is this not a gorgeous thing?  My good friend Catherine surprised me with this lovely pmc and sterling ring for my birthday.  Catherine is such a talent.  In addition to these stunning fine silver beads she makes for her rings, she also creates whimsical bird house pendants and has recently been making the most incredible filigree hearts from precious metal clay.  I love her work...you will too!  Take a look here.

 

Governing Authorities

 

"Prayers of the Followers"

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.  Romans 13:1-3

Ah...what a good reminder!  Yes, this is a Christiany post...and here's why:  I watched an interesting video today and am convinced of one thing;  our President Elect needs our prayers.  It occurred to me not long ago (not soon enough, really) that I should be praying in this way.  As noted in the video, President of the United States is a big job;  too big for any man.  Our future president, and all our leaders, will be tested which means that we, as Americans, will be tested as well.  Regardless of my thoughts or feelings about the outcome of the election, prayer is my first duty.  In this way, I will honor the Ruler of all Nations.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Tim 2:1-2