Lenka's Way of LaceQuintet of Old Wise Trees from Stratton Lace Makers in the United Kingdom
Posted on October 14, 2024
October 14, 2024
It’s always a special day when an Old Wise Tree photo reaches my email inbox. When five of them come together, it’s a celebration! I love to see interpretation of the pattern and never fail to be impressed with lacemakers’ imagination, creativity and skills.
Recent arrival of an Old Wise Tree quintet from Stratton Lace Makers in Dorset, UK, couldn’t have come at better time. Summer in Vancouver, Canada, was ending, and because it was short and mild, I did not feel quite ready for change of seasons. The collection of the Old Wise Trees from Dorset reminded me that trees are beautiful in every season, from spring to winter, as they follow the wisdom of Nature’s cycle without resistance. That was exactly what I needed to realize in order to welcome autumnal equinox with poise and embrace the upcoming fall.
Besides communicating a positive massage trough their art, the Stratton lace makers fulfilled another goal of the Old Wise Tree project: working as a group they contributed to keeping lacemaking alive in communities. As a self-taught lacemaker I experienced limits of learning the craft in isolation, and therefore, throughout my lacemaking career, I initiated many projects for groups. I watched with great satisfaction how well lacemakers learned together, how they encouraged and helped each other, overcame obstacles and shared success. I believe that this bond is inherent to textile crafts, and lacemaking wouldn’t have grown as fast and lasted as long without it. By carrying on the fine craft tradition, together we belong to the same time-honoured family tree. The first Old Wise Trees were created with my pupils in the New School of Lace classes, and when the Old Wise Tree moved online, I hoped that more lace groups will find it.
Gillian Membury, who organized the Old Wise Tree project for Stratton Lace Makers, wrote:
“It was a fun project to complete as a group as we watched each tree grow and develop. We all agreed that the most difficult part was getting the roots to lie in a tidy way!”
I agree – the roots are the biggest challenge! And it is because the way how the roots are made in the Old Wise Tree is an antithesis to bobbin lace.
Lacemakers love patterns. We are all attracted to geometrical grids of dots and complex system of twists and crosses. We love our very orderly bobbins which keep our threads tidy. Within the structure, no matter how complicated, we can lead multitude of threads to successful completion of an intricate pattern. But when it comes to loose threads, we seem to get lost. That’s exactly where lies the test of the Old Wise Tree: the root work takes us to uncharted territory. We have to step out of the lacemaker’s mind, let go of an idea of a perfect order and work with unbound threads. At first, it is uncomfortable, confusing, even bewildering, but as soon as we give up control the roots start to flow and find their place. The finished tree brings a big relief and a sense of accomplishment, earned through the difficult underground journey.
And then, when we return to our beloved bobbin lace we enjoy our perfect patterns and charming sound of clicking bobbins more than ever before.
When I designed the Old Wise Tree, of course I did not mean to torment myself, let alone other gentle people. I just thought that the contrast between orderliness of the crown and disorder of the roots is interesting and that side-by-side comparison draws attention to the intricate bobbin lace weave. Many non-lacemakers find the Old Wise Tree intriguing, and want to know more about the technique. And for the lacemakers, the pattern opens door to experimenting and trying something different. The challenge is such that only the strongest individuals succeed!
Please allow me to introduce five of them – Stratton Lace Makers- from Dorset in the United Kingdom :
Gillian’s Old Wise Tree reminds of early spring, with fresh and soft green crown growing from branches that look as if covered with morning frost. Contrasting colours of threads in variety of materials add a lot of interest to the crown and accentuate the branches and imaginatively braided trunk. The strong tree is supported by equally strong roots which indicate future vigorous growth. Well made and very unique Old Wise Tree!
Anthea’s choice of colours evoke dream-like atmosphere of late spring-early summer season. Interestingly, a variety of effects in this work was achieved with just one size of thread (Finca Cotton #40). The threads in mixed colours flow from vast and delicate root system up through the trunk and branches, blending to achieve watercolour-like softness and movement. In juxtaposition, two strong colours that boldly define the crown remind of a palette knife painting technique, a perfect choice for portraying robust and vigorous foliage. In Anthea’s work the soft and subtle merges with strong and powerful, and it is evident that lace art can express both aspects of nature equally well.
As a prime example of the design challenge that I explained above, Linda’s Old Wise Tree aptly illustrates the pattern dilemma. Her flawlessly executed bobbin lace Torchon ground in the crown stands out against free, organic body of the tree. Linda emphasized the ground with added footside as if to point out the pattern’s connection to traditional doilies. The concentric line clearly separates lace part from freely formed branches, trunk and roots. As the threads leave the pattern to bundle and braid, their texture and subtle colouring becomes more prominent until it takes on almost organic feel of a tree bark. Linda’s artistic approach to the tree foundation is open and relaxed and the roots are unapologetically wild – bundled, knotted, gnarled – and free. A truly unique Old Wise Tree!
It was Judith’s Old Wise Tree with its cheerful tall crown that reminded me about the autumnal beauty. Threads in lively greens with brown accents create a fun pattern in the crown and add depth to braided branches and trunk. Pearl Cotton in bright orange fills the crown with gorgeous display of carotenoids and the tree seems to be dancing with joy in its new dress. Interplay of colours between the leaves, branches, trunk and deep roots calls to mind the way that real trees move water through their entire system and distribute nutrients for healthy growth. And by the way, just as a byproduct, supply oxygen for all aerobic creatures on this planet… Trees are simply amazing!
And Judith’s Old Wise Tree is a tribute to their beauty, vivacity and generosity.
Anette’s Old Wise Tree looks like a majestic oak at the beginning of winter. Its strong and sturdy wide-spread crown is supported by muscular brunches growing from a well built trunk. Underground root system shows the same robustness and resolve to grow to its fullest potential. Anette’s choice of threads greatly contributes to a successful portrait of this handsome tree. Linen, metallics and polyester mix delivers lovely tones and shading with subtle sheen. It was probably not easy to work with such variety of materials simultaneously, but it produced very good effect in Torchon ground and excellent volume in the rest of the tree, especially in the trunk. Dark pearls randomly distributed throughout the crown added a sparkle that contributes to a royal look of this Old Wise Tree.
What a wonderful journey through seasons! Thank you, Stratton Lace Makers, for sharing your original lace creations. Your quintet of Old Wise Trees makes a truly special addition to the Old Wise Tree Online Gallery!
I invite everybody to visit the Gallery to view the new works together with others, thirty seven Old Wise Trees in total. If you perused the online gallery before, this time please remember to pay close attention not just to the beautiful tree crowns, but also to the amazing roots!
With thanks,
Lenka
The Free Old Wise Tree Pattern and Tutorial was published on this website on January 16th, 2021.
As of October Oct 1st, 2024
- the page has been viewed 14,406 times
- 2904 visitors downloaded the pricking
- 37 artworks from 8 countries have been submitted to be exhibited in the Old Wise Tree Gallery
Together we are slowly growing an Old Wise Grove. Big thanks and a round of applause to all participating lacemakers!
Are there more lace trees growing in the world?
Please consider reaching out by sending a photo of your tree with following information to this email address:
Your Name + City / Country + Materials used + Pricking size (if different than the original 100%)
+ Optional: Notes (any specific information you would like to add)
**************************************************************************
Disclaimer: By submitting the photo/s and requested information you agree that your work will be displayed in the Old Wise Tree Gallery hosted on this website.
**************************************************************************
Summer Solstice 2024
Posted on June 21, 2024
June 21, 2024
Summer Solstice yesterday and full moon tonight – what an alignment of energies!
After the spring creative surge, summer will rely on feminine strength to nurture all living things, raise the young, bear the fruits, collect the harvest… and complete visionary projects. As every year, Mother Nature and all her daughters will fulfill these enormous tasks with love and kindness.
In times of information overload it’s easy to overlook or even forget life basics. In the same way it is almost impossible to focus on fine detail of delicate handmade lace in the midst of deluge of AI generated images. But it really is just a matter of perception.
May the summer season bring clarity and vivacity to sustain the balance, and divine inspiration to find the way.
Happy lacemaking to all!
Lenka
PS: The photo above is from Summer Solstice celebrations in my first studio in Vancouver, Canada, in June 2004. It features wearable lace made with gold plated copper and semiprecious stones. The world has changed a lot in last twenty years, but the possibility for love – and creative lace – remains the same.
Time to Grow
Posted on April 22, 2024
April 22, 2024
Spring is a wonderful season. Watching the nature waking up and making the most amazing shapes and colours seemingly out of nothing is the best inspiration for creative souls.
It never fails to fill me with awe and and urge to participate.
For many years now, my first spring project is the seedling, the simplest pattern that I ever designed. And I just can’t seem to grow out of it 🙂
I love leaf tallies in bobbin lace, and I love to make them in wire. The seedling is therefore an ideal pattern because it has nothing else than two leaves. The cotyledons are completed with the seed they originate from, and together they symbolize the new beginning, new life, new energy.
The seeds I like to use for the seedling are rudraksha seeds from India. Their name means “Tears of Shiva” and are considered to be auspicious and valuable as an instrument for inner transformation. The rudraksha seeds have been used for millennia as prayer beads. I found them in the Little India district in Vancouver where I used to browse and admire the traditional Indian arts and crafts. I always liked the shape and feel of the rudraksha seeds, even before I learned about their ancient history. They just looked like true seeds, and being round and wearable made them the best choice for the seedling pendant.
As I keep learning a little bit more about Indian spiritual traditions, I find it very interesting that in continuity of the ancient wisdom, a movement to Save Soil originated in India and is spreading around the world. It connects all aspects of environmental stewardship back to the health of the soil, and therefore has a potential to spearhead a real change. Because seedlings of any kind can germinate only in good soil.
Every year when the spring comes I make the seedling pendants. I like to wear them, too. More like a lucky charm than jewellery, especially when working in the garden, because in that field I am a complete amateur and need a lot of help from Mother Nature (the pendants are pretty hardy and can withstand a lot of wear and tear). Other seedlings get dispersed to family and friends with green thumbs, and sometimes strangers too, with an occasional overstock being donated to a local garden club’s annual plant sale/fundraiser.
To spread the seeds even further, the Seedling Pattern and Tutorial became available as part of Basic Series of my patterns for wire lace. Not that I expect there are many more lacemakers crazy about seedlings, but this simple design is truly good for practicing those leaf tallies!
Spring is in full swing, and if you feel like growing some plants, or lacemaking skills, give the Seedling a try!
Happy lacemaking to you all 🙂
Old Wise Trees in the United States of America
Posted on April 18, 2024
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 nature of lacemaking craft in America.
One of the trees is not just old, it is ancient. It was made it in 2008, which means that the pattern must have come from my old Silver Pin Studio website. I remember offering a free pattern there with very basic instructions, leaving it up to lacemakers to figure out a lot of steps on their own. It was quite common in those times. Lacemaking was young and rather rare craft in North America. Lacemakers who were few and spread all over the vast continent had to be resourceful and self-sufficient. When I eventually met some of them I found them to be keen, dedicated and fun to work with. They were open to learning any technique, from traditional to modern, in any material, from fine threads to wire. Without ingrained traditional styles, it was possible to explore and expand handmade lace together toward new horizons.
With the same enthusiasm, the American lacemakers embraced internet and started to share resources online. Interestingly, some lacemakers, especially in California, were employed in computer industry and were quite proud about the connection between binary code in software and bobbin lace. Looking back, I don’t think any of us imagined how much and how fast will internet help with preserving the fine craft of lace by making the sources readily accessible for many lacemakers around the world.
And I did not know then that Old Wise Tree project will one day have its own online gallery!
That ancient wise tree I am talking about was made by Lorraine Weiss of Albany, New York. And it is very well done.
In pristine white thread standing out against deep blue background, the tree looks immaculate. White was the colour of choice for most handmade laces throughout the history. As the colour symbolizes innocence and purity, it was considered auspicious for celebrating special occasions in women’s life. The delicate white lace was cherished and treasured as part of cultural and familial heritage.
Lorraine made the Old Wise Tree for her niece, whose Bat Mitzvah torah portion was on the Tree of Life. And it fulfilled the purpose beautifully – the tree stands tall and strong, its widely spread roots foretelling long, fruitful life. With precise torchon ground of the crown and neatness of braided branches and trunk the tree looks composed and serene. Blues in the background add not only visual, but also spiritual depth to the whole picture, elevating this Old Wise Tree to a very special family heirloom. Wonderful work, Lorraine!
The Old Wise Tree from Juli Maret of St. Louis, Missouri, is equally beautiful yet totally different.
Juli’s choice of cotton thread in six contrasting colours works really well. Unexpected vivid reds give the tree intensity, character and unapologetic originality. They infuse the crown with joie de vivre, and continue to flow through the branches, trunk and roots like blood running in the veins of this flourishing tree. The tightly braided branches and trunk look so realistic, one almost forgets that they are made from soft fibres. Only the gnarly trunk and roots communicate the wisdom collected through many seasons, and readiness to face more with strength and passion.
Expressive background hand painted in acrylics on canvas greatly contributes to the picture’s originality. While it suggests all earthly elements needed for the physical growth, it allows the tree to live in its own space, exalted and jubilant.
Great interpretation of the Old Wise Tree theme. Congratulation, Juli!
Looking at these trees, and all other in the Old Wise Tree Gallery, I am overwhelmed by a humble joy from realization that a very simple pattern from my lace workshop has inspired so much creativity and beauty. I feel like being in nature and observing living trees where I often wonder if trees know how magnificent they are. They never respond, they just are. And I always tell them: “Yes, you are very beautiful and I am happy to share the life on Earth with you!”
Old Wise Tree Gallery is always open and welcomes all visitors!
The Free Old Wise Tree Pattern and Tutorial was published on this website on January 16th, 2021.
With thirty two trees from eight countries submitted to the online exhibition, together we are slowly growing an Old Wise Grove. Big thanks and a round of applause to all participating lacemakers!
Are there more lace trees growing in the world?
Please consider reaching out by sending a photo of your tree with following information to this email address:
Your Name + City / Country + Materials used + Pricking size (if different than the original 100%)
+ Optional: Notes (any specific information you would like to add)
**************************************************************************
Disclaimer: By submitting the photo/s and requested information you agree that your work will be displayed in the Old Wise Tree Gallery hosted on this website.
**************************************************************************
Happy lacemaking,
Lenka
Remembering Barbara Jean Jones and the lace|heart|art challenges
Posted on April 8, 2024
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 friend, Barbara Jean Jones, whose memory the lace|heart|art challenge was dedicated to.
The following years brought another kind of challenge, rather devastating to small artisanal workshops. While the New School of Lace was closed, the lace|heart|art competition was put on hold. Unfortunatelly, it was not possible to reopen the school and resume all related projects.
Yet the lace|heart|art challenge still lives on this website. The free patterns and working instructions are still available and are frequently downloaded by many visitors. That makes us think that the heart patterns are still doing their magic, inspiring lacemakers to explore colours in handmade bobbin lace. With instructions offered in fibre as well as wire medium, lacemakers are encouraged to explore both materials. Making the heart in traditional threads and then in wire provides a wonderful comparison between the two mediums. I often recommend it as a self-study project to lacemakers who are asking questions about wire lacework.
Barbara first learned lacemaking with fibre, like most of my students, and she enjoyed working on patterns of torchon, bucks point and tape lace. And then she really wanted to learn how to work with wire. Because she loved colours, she was attracted by brilliant hues of coloured copper and also by potential of embellishing wire lace with crystal beads.
Barb’s slender hands had a delicate lacemaker’s touch, and she found working with wire difficult at the beginning. With her characteristic enthusiasm and perseverance, she practiced new tensioning techniques on a simple heart pattern until she succeeded. Handmade bobbin lace in wire proved to be a perfect match for young lacemaker’s imagination and creativity, and she enjoyed the fine craft as long as she could.
Today would be Barb’s thirty seventh birthday. She remains in our hearts, and her positive attitude lives on as an inspiration for us to face life challenges with acceptance, equanimity and love.
Let’s keep the lace|heart|art alive for present and future!
Free Patterns :
1st lace|heart|art challenge 2018 – free pattern and working instructions
2nd lace|heart|art challenge 2019 – free pattern and working instructions
3rd lace|heart|art challenge 2020 – free pattern and working instructions
Online Exhibitions :
1st lace|heart|art online exhibition
Old Wise Tree in France
Posted on March 20, 2024
March 18, 2024
When an Old Wise Tree reached my mailbox a couple weeks ago, it brightened up the gloominess of the winters’ last days. This time of a year we often wonder if the light and colours will ever return. It is the art that saves the day and raises our spirits. And in my case, the lace art works like a magic. The recent photo of the Old Wise Tree reminded me to have a fresh look at the trees around me and enjoy the intricate lacework of their branches before it disappears under new foliage. And think about the roots, hardened by cold and wet weather, getting ready to deliver all materials and supplies for the tree’s brand new attire.
The photo of the Old Wise Tree came all the way from France, a country with long lacemaking tradition. French lace reached the highest peaks of artistic expression as well as technical excellence, and gave the world most exquisite lace artifacts. Lacemaking is still alive in France and its high standard of craftsmanship is meticulously maintained. I thought that the basic torchon pattern of the Old Wise Tree would hardly appeal to accomplished lacemakers, and therefore an entry from France has come as a surprise.
Created by Véronique Regien, who describes herself as a beginner, the tree is well made and has quite an artistic flair. Threads in five [?] shades of brown, from light to dark, create a random, lively pattern in the torchon ground. The colours blend well in the branches and trunk, and in braids achieve an interesting bark-like surface. Strong and dynamic roots give a good base to the spacious crown. Adding extra support stitches to secure the branches the same way as roots was a great idea. It established a visual connection between the tree’s upper and lower parts and helped to create a well balanced, harmonious picture. Overall, this Old Wise Tree looks attractive, vigorous and… young! A rather surprising outcome and a wonderfull addition to the Old Wise Tree Gallery.
Congratulations, Véronique, well done! Thank you for sharing your lace artwork with us.
The Free Old Wise Tree Pattern and Tutorial was published on this website on January 16th, 2021.
As of today, on March 18th, 2024
- the page has been viewed 12,216 times
- 2,508 visitors downloaded the pricking
With thirty trees from seven countries submitted to the online exhibition, together we are slowly growing an Old Wise Grove. Big thanks and a round of applause to all participating lacemakers!
Are there more lace trees growing in the world?
Please consider reaching out by sending a photo of your tree with following information to this email address:
Your Name + City / Country + Materials used + Pricking size (if different than the original 100%)
+ Optional: Notes (any specific information you would like to add)
**************************************************************************
Disclaimer: By submitting the photo/s and requested information you agree that your work will be displayed in the Old Wise Tree Gallery hosted on this website.
**************************************************************************
Happy lacemaking and old wise tree growing,
Lenka
Year of the Wood Dragon
Posted on February 10, 2024
February 10, 2024
Living and working in a truly multicultural place (Metro Vancouver, Canada) we are lucky to learn and experience traditions that people from all around the world brought with them to their adoptive country. Chinese New Year celebration is one such example, a joyous and vibrant tradition that survived millennia of turbulent evolution. Based on a lunisolar calendar, a complex system combining earthly and universal events, the ancient Chinese visionaries attributed certain qualities to each year and predicted their influence on people at many levels, from spiritual to material.
Yesterday’s New Moon ushered in the Year of the Wood Dragon.
* The Dragon is a majestic creature in Chinese folklore, symbolizing bravery, creativity and innovation. Dragon people (those who were born in a Year of Dragon) are charismatic, ambitious, adventurous and fearless. They have confidence and independence, and are not afraid to pursue their dreams.
Therefore, the Year of the Dragon in 2024 is expected to be a time of visionary leaders and problem solvers. It is also predicted to be a great year to start new projects and explore new opportunities.
In the Year of the Wood Dragon 2024, the fixed element of the Dragon is Earth, which represents stability, honesty and loyalty. The variable element is Yang Wood, which represents growth, vision and flexibility.
The rare combination of the dragon’s power and the wood’s creativity brings a potential to pursue one’s dreams, express ideas and expand horizons. It is also a year to be generous, compassionate and inspired.*
What more can we wish for?
I like the sky roaming dragons so much that I even made one in lace. Envisioned as a wild wearable piece, it took a life of its own and eventually found a place in my friends’ eclectic art collection. After they had it properly mounted by a master framer, I was really surprised how the Dragon came alive in the custom setting. And pleased to know that it did not fly too far away from me!
Thank you, Lulu and BP, I remain grateful for your patronage 🙂
I look forward to a full year of creative energy and can’t wait to see what the Wood Dragon brings to the world, and to art of lace in particular!
*Source: https://www.thechinesezodiac.org/year-of-the-dragon/
Winter Solstice 2023
Posted on December 21, 2023
Dec 21, 2023
Long winter nights are conducive to retrospection, and this year I have a lot to reflect upon. In recent months I moved my lace studio to a smaller space, and in the process of downsizing I went through all things accumulated over the last thirty years. Shelves and drawers and boxes full of sketches, drawings, prickings, samples, notes… and so many wonderful memories!
A photo of a small sculpture called “Skating Free” propelled me back in time, to the end of the previous century (and millennium). It was such exciting time! Borders and boundaries fell, and many people in Europe experienced freedom for the first time in their lives. The historical change released huge amount of positive energy, and people were eager to share it. As internet made connections easier and communication faster, it seemed that the western world became one big creative lab.
In the lace world, after the centuries of closely guarded secrets amid fierce competition and trade wars, lacemakers who started to freely share their knowledge realized how much we all have in common – our passion for the craft, appreciation of its history, our enthusiasm to learn and to preserve the traditions for future generations. Inspiring each other we envisioned a brilliant future that our fine craft could play in modern textile arts. This spirit of unity sustained many international lace events which were attended by lacemakers from all over the world. The unique opening created space for new ideas, and lacemaking with wire was one of them. Not everybody was enthusiastic about it, and some traditionalist were strictly against such sacrilege, but the number of interested adventurous lacemakers was enough to allow the young seedling to take root and grow.
“Skating Free” was one of the small works I designed to explore wire lace possibilities. And also to revel in the freedom and natural beauty of my new country, Canada. I created several figure skaters, each with a different dress, all of them with long free-flowing hair. As the women/fairies skated away, one of them found home in the lace collection of Lia Baumeister-Jonker, a Dutch lacemaker, designer, researcher and educator extraordinaire. I met with Lia at various events and I admired her work, her teaching style and her outstanding accomplishments in the lace field. Lia’s support has meant a lot for me and encouraged me to continue with wire lacework.
Looking back, I think that “Skating Free” truly represents the spirit of one era, perhaps short-lived, but important for the modern lace art. It showed the potential of fine lacemaking techniques which can and will meet the needs of artisans and artists in the future.
Watching the world getting faster, and its evolution cycles shorter, the next impetus to live, love and create freely might not be that far away…
Cheers to the Solstice and happy creating to everyone!
Old Wise Trees in Australia and Germany
Posted on December 2, 2023
December 2, 2023
It’s always exciting when a new Old Wise Tree reaches my email inbox, and this month it was not one but four beautiful lace creations! They were perfectly timed, arriving in November, when the real trees in Vancouver present a spectacular display of colours before revealing delicate lacework of their bare branches.
The new lace trees added even more beauty to the season.
Christie Wareham-Norfolk from Tasmania, Australia, made her Old Wise Tree in wire. With gauge 32 copper in three shades, she achieved a subtle colouring and depth in the Torchon ground. Tightly braided branches and trunk render perfect contrast to the airy crown and intricate roots. Set against the dark variegated background Christie’s Old Wise Tree looks light, ethereal. It seems to be rising up, towards the celestial realm, carrying a message about earthly beauty.
In a well chosen custom frame this work stands out as a unique lace art.
Congratulations, Christie, and thank you for sharing your Old Wise Tree!
***
Three following Old Wise Trees are completely different: strong, uninhibited and brimming with life.
These Old Wise Trees have grown in Germany, a land of enchanted forests which used to be populated by nature spirits – elves, goblins, nymphs – and perhaps still are, and Erika Quinque knows something about it. She is the author of a very original triptych of bold, vivid and mysterious trees.
Erika substituted the recommended thread with a thicker material – Garn von Woll Butt, Diana, size 10. Selection of colours produced striking effects. The shades and values’ dynamic interaction resulted in very interesting patterns, different in each crown. Upon observing the threads in geometrical Torchon ground one realizes how close can bobbin lace be to a woven fabric. In the tree centres the colours seem to change, and show more contrast between light and dark. The sheer volume of the material produces mighty branches, trunks and vigorous root balls that are able to stand firm and hold the ground. Adding to the spontaneity of the works is the openness of hand-painted backgrounds. Erika mentioned that she did not have any previous experience with watercolour painting, and just tried to give her trees original back drop. It worked very well for each tree, and the triptych overall. What an attestation to fearless creativity and animate spirits of the trees!
Well done, Erika! Thank you for contributing your set of Old Wise Trees to the Gallery.
It gives me a great pleasure to witness creativity of contemporary lacemakers. In the past, the craft was often confined to traditional patterns which were repeated with limited variations. I always believed that handmade bobbin lace is exceptionally well suited for creative expression, and this simple pattern is a proof beyond doubt. Every lacemaker interpreted the theme in a unique way, and created a very original lace picture.
And they all look amazing side by side in the Old Wise Tree Gallery!
Free Old Wise Tree Pattern and Tutorial was published on this website on January 16th, 2021.
As of November 30, 2023
- the page has been viewed 11041 times
- 2148 visitors downloaded the pricking
- 29 artworks from 6 countries on 3 continents have been submitted to the Old Wise Tree Gallery
A big THANK YOU to all participating lacemakers!
All lacemakers who create their original Old Wise Trees based on the free pattern are welcome to submit their lace art to the Old Wise Tree GALLERY!
Please consider reaching out by sending a photo of your tree with following information to following email:
Your Name + City / Country + Materials used + Pricking size (if different than the original 100%)
+ Optional: Notes (any specific information you would like to add)
**************************************************************************
Disclaimer: By submitting the photo/s and requested information you agree that your work will be displayed in the Old Wise Tree Gallery hosted on this website.
**************************************************************************
Happy lacemaking and old wise tree growing,
Lenka
Wire Lace Supplies and Patterns : Christmas Sale 2023
Posted on November 23, 2023
My online shop is currently hosted on Etsy : Wire Lace Supplies
