A virtual rakhi to my brothers

While researching ideas for posts about this month's NaBloPoMo theme, ties, I came across an article on National Geographic's Intelligent Traveler blog about an age-old custom in India that has changed with modern times. The custom is part of a Festival called Raksha Bandhan, or Bond of Protection, and it recognizes the bond between brother and sister. The sister ties a special thread, a rakhi, around her brother's wrist to show her love and affection. In turn, the brother gives her a small gift of cash and promises to protect and take care of her.


Traditional rakhis at a market in New Delhi.

According to the article, as with many holidays and customs, in modern times it has become very commercialized,. Still, I think it's a lovely sentiment. By the way, I ran into my brother today at a bookstore. We sat and chatted for awhile, about nothing in particular. It was nice.

You can read the entire article here.

Sharon

The ties that bind

I have decided to participate in NaBloPoMo this month and attempt 
to blog every day. Why? I don't know. I'm a masochist, I guess.
The theme for the month of February is "ties."




Stay with me. They'll get more interesting, I promise.

Sharon

Bee Love, Bluebird & Hearts and a Cupid Valentine

I have put some new items up for sale in my Etsy store, including three Valentine card designs:


Mini side fold card in vellum envelope


Bluebird & Hearts - inside message: You make my heart sing



  Inside message: You stole my heart

There are some non-Valentine items as well:

Vintage paper key tags - packet of 6



Paint Chip prints - click images to view larger (recommended)

Stop by and pick up a Valentine card or gift of artwork for your sweetheart.

Sharon

Peg Fetter's steel and gold jewelry

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with St. Louis-based jewelry designer Peg Fetter:


Dish ring


Snap ring


Toggle bracelet

  
Street Cleaner ring


Wrap rings

I love the juxtaposition between steel and gold, industrial and refined in these pieces. You can purchase her work here.

Sharon

Bleeding for the art of paper

Anyone who works in a paper studio, especially paper studios involved with bookbinding, will tell you it can be a dangerous business. Awls, punches, drills, Exacto knives, utility knives, stack cutters, needles...injuries waiting to happen. But in exchange for the privilege and joy of being an artist in the studio...totally worth it.



I've been making this Map Album by hand for several years without incident. But on this day, I got careless. I was snipping the ends off a vintage brad with some utility snips and...



Oh well.

Here were the results:


France, Spain, Italy, NYC, Washington State, Caribbean

These Map Albums will be available at the soon-to-open Paper and More, 3802 S Lindbergh Blvd, Saint Louis, MO (314) 729-0220.

Sharon