Many things happen at once. Son has taken a job in NYC. His wife's mother had a major bike accident. They just sold their house and will be off to choose a new one. Mother's Day is nigh.
 |
| Hannah 7 |
Daughter-in-law is wildly busy winding up the house situation, packing, mothering, but off to see her mother on Mother's Day. I thought the children could paint
hamsas scented with lavender and I would quilt them for this other grandmother. I first heard about hamsas on my visit to
The Jewish Museum last week on vacation to see the
Maira Kalman exhibit. The shop was closed but I asked for ideas to send to Nina who is still in hospital. I saw jewelry of hamsa design and I looked up the term on return home. I Googled "Images" of Hamsas and was partial to a
stained glass pattern, but there are so many
others.
 |
| Erika 5 |
I made copies of hamsa patterns for the children to trace or to have a jumping off point for their own designs. I meant to TRACE their hands for signatures and flat forgot, darnit! I had ironed white fabric. Hannah, 7 and Erika, 5 chose different patterns and David, 2 worked on paper with watercolors. They left after supper; and I partially quilted the pieces, including the paper two-sided one of David's, spraying the interiors with lavender. The girls worked with Lumiere's halo and jewel color textile paints, having first placed their white fabric over the outlined designs. One could see through the white fabric. Hannah chose a teal blue batik fabric to back hers, and Erika chose a multi-colored one. I used the two papered watercolors for front and back for David. All scented, are in separate envelopes, ready for a trip to their grandmother Nina (Nana).
 |
| David 2 |
 |
| click to enlarge each |
What splendid gifts. Nana will, doubtless, be thrilled. Wow! You are teaching those grandkids lots more than art--thoughtfulness and kindness among them.
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely lovely thing to do for Beth's mom. No doubt the grands had fun choosing their individual hamsa patterns and then painting them. These products exhibit their distinct personalities and are such treasures for Beth's mom. YOU are a super grandmother to be so sensitive and so creative and so thoughtful. Beautiful - all the way around!
ReplyDeleteI know the other grandmother will love these! Each one is unique and reflects the child who made them so very well. As Trilla and Rosemary said, you are a most thoughtful grandmother to have done this.
ReplyDeleteThe Hamsas patterns were a surprise to me. I also have a silver hand I bought from a silversmith in Egypt. I think it was called 'the Hand of Fatma.' The protective eye isn't on it. Rather it has calligraphy. I love the patterns and colors your grands used. Lucky kids to have you. But I've said that before.
ReplyDeleteGood research on your part, Linda, and a kind heart to put your findings to use with your talented grandchildren. How pretty it all is. You do GOOD work !
ReplyDelete