a work in progress

This is what it looks like when the mobiles are hanging around my house, before heading over to EureKan Art Gallery. They really do look a lot better in the gallery where they hang freely and you can see the twirling movement of the birds and the sparkle of the beads or crystals. Head over to 150 N. Main Street in Eureka Springs, Arkansas to experience the meditative beauty of these peace cranes. The mobiles range in price from $24. to $168. depending on the papers and beads or crystals and the number and size of the birds. Presented to the bride and groom on the occasion of their marriage, origami cranes are a traditional wedding blessing, with each crane symbolizing 100 years of lasting togetherness. Origami cranes have brought hope for centuries. It is believed that folding one thousand cranes brings the fulfillment of one’s wish. To learn more about the tradition of folding cranes and to read the story of a young girl whose brilliant heart made origami cranes a symbol of the wish for world peace, please visit sadako.org .

Here a couple of the newest origami mobiles I have made. I wish I had photographed the one with 24 tiny birds and Swarovski crystals and I may see if I can get down to the gallery to get a picture of that one. I loved the way the crystals sparkled and the birds twirled. These two mobiles are different from most I make in that the branches are hung vertically, but with twisting branches like this, a vertical mobile is the way to go because the spiraling movement is incredible to watch. These origami mobiles, along with many others I’ve made, are available at EurekanArt Gallery in Eureka Springs.

Update on the leg/foot thing- after a really bad day Tuesday, this week has really seen a lot of improvement. I’m still icing it and elevating it throughout the day, but I am now able to spend longer times with it down and to walk without the crutches. The walking cast has helped a lot and I have a really cool walking stick with a handle that looks like a bird.

The Etsy Destash Bash continues and I have added some more supplies to my Etsy shop for all you crafty people.

I’m back! Since stepping in a hole and wrecking my ankle, I have been confined to odd positions and unable to paint or do much of anything where my leg hangs down. I took it pretty well at first, but I must confess that after the worst of the pain subsided, I began to feel restless and to worry about all the things which I have had to let go. Like scanning in this press clipping, which appeared in the paper the day after my ankle incident. I was pleased to find this in a local newspaper after having written and submitted my first press release on my own behalf. Unfortunately, resizing it pixelated the image horribly, but you can see a good image of this painting here.

I still cannot stand up to paint, but it was great to find that EurekanArt Gallery needed some more of my origami mobiles and that I could fold cranes while lying down with my leg elevated. The mobiles turned out beautifully and it felt great to do something after being struck down with this ankle problem.  I made the most wonderful origami mobile ever! It has 24 tiny birds and 29 amazing crystals. I enjoyed an hour or so just watching the birds spin and the crystals sparkle. It was like a beautiful piece of music or a ballet and I felt completely rested and rejuvenated by it. I am grateful that I can make beautiful things which inspire people to slow down and take notice of their breath.

I have a lot of catch up work to do and I’m really itching to get back in the studio and paint, but this is just about my limit for today, so I’m off now to see my new best friend-the ice pack!

I have been making more origami earrings for EurekanArt Gallery. I fold fans and cranes. This photo shows several steps along the way. The cranes are weighted with a little Swarovski crystal. The papers are coated with a thick glossy finish to protect them from dust and moisture. It makes them super pretty, too. Today, I’ll make display cards and take them to the gallery.