In the previous three years, April 8th was a special day for lace, colours and love.

In 2017, we shared Story of Barb’s Heart and invited lacemakers around the world to take part in the first lace|heart|art challenge. We offered one simple heart pattern and asked lacemakers of all ages to choose fibre or wire medium, or both, snd fill the heart pattern with colours and love.

The response was amazing, and lace hearts that arrived from many countries exceeded our expectations. They were truly original, colourful, and beautiful. On April 8th, 2018, the 1st lace|heart|art online exhibition in bobbin lace in colour was launched to celebrate Barb’s birthday and to share the creativity inspired by her love for bobbin lace, colours and nature. The 2nd and 3rd lace|heart|art challenge and online exhibition followed in 2019 and 2020 and showcased wonderful variety of hearts of increasing artistic and technical quality. Every heart conveyed joy and love, so reminiscent of Barb’s spirit, and delivered it in a precious and delicate way that only handmade lace is able to accomplish.

If it was not for the COVID-19 pandemic that interrupted all plans, we would be launching the 4th lace|heart|art online exhibition today. Unfortunately, it was not possible to organize the event in these precarious times. But despite the chaos, unpredictability, loss and sadness, I feel that we still have a lot of reasons to celebrate Barb’s 34th birthday. Just because her smile, her eyes, her heart, her love for lace and her joie de vivre is impossible to forget…

Today I viewed all there lace|heart|art online exhibitions, and the lace art filled my heart with delight and solace. I invite you to do the same, and find cheerfulness and inspiration in the wonderful lace art that connects us heart to heart.

Inspired? Download the free patterns and make your own lace|heart|art!

And if you need some tools or materials for your new project, please support the lace|heart|art sponsors. They would appreciate your business now more than ever.

Happy ❤️ lacemaking!