The Year of Old Wise Trees

December 30, 2024 I am pleased to conclude the 2024 blog with a post about a new addition to the Old Wise Tree Gallery – a picture that  is especially well suited for marking a transition from the old to new year. Hilary Kent from Haslemere in the UK shared a photograph of her Old Wise Tree creation: Four trees framed together in one…

First days of winter…

December 25, 2024 I like to observe nature’s cycles and notice how creative ideas change with seasons. On the recent winter solstice I experienced something very unusual – no creative ideas at all! Instead of bright sparks I felt great heaviness and darkness, as in the depth of the soil laden with moisture and burden of life. I imagined Erda, the Earth Goddess being…

Serendipitous Wire Test

November 19, 2024 I like to say that wire lace is forever. It is true, because wire is much stronger than threads and deteriorates slowly. But when some of my metal lace creation changed colour over time I realized that longevity of wire coating might be uncertain. Craft copper wire is coated with a layer of material that protects the raw metal and gives…

Wire Lace Supplies Restocked

October 28, 2024 After a short wait, the wire lace kits are back.  I am happy that I was able to restock them just in time for a busy crafting season.  Since the supply chain disruption it has been more difficult to bring all parts for the kits together. Notions that used to be a haberdashery staple now disappear without warning, and those still…

Old Wise Trees in the United States of America

April 18, 2024 Yes, the Old Wise Trees grow in the United States of America as well!I always thought so, even heard about them occasionally, and wondered whether they will ever allow to be seen. Finally it happened. Two trees arrived within the same week as a delightful proof. They are beautiful, each in its own distinctive way, and they aptly represent the eclectic…

Remembering Barbara Jean Jones and the lace|heart|art challenges

April 8th was a special date in the New School of Lace. On this day, for three consecutive years of 2018, 2019 and 2020, we celebrated an opening of the lace|heart|art, International Online Exhibition of Handmade Bobbin Lace in Colour . We took delight in sharing beautiful lace creations from all around the world with online audience. Each heart reminded us of our dear…