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 picture as a beautiful illustration of the passage of time. Each tree, woven in multicoloured threads to a visually dramatic effect, is a unique artwork – original, bold and expressive. Daring choice of colours lends a distinctive character to individual trees. From subtle white and ecru threads, through soft greens, earthy yellows and browns, to flaming reds, the gradation of colours achieves a striking effect. All together, the trees create a harmonious whole. With their crowns overlapping and roots connecting, they seem to be morphing one to another in a natural progression of time. 

It pleases me greatly to see a well made polychromatic lace. Looking at the craft evolution I think that the most important contribution of the modern era is the use of colours. With a few regional exemptions (e.g. in Russia, Slovakia, Spain, South America,.. ) hand made lace was traditionally made in white, ecru or black, and previous generations of lacemakers and lace designers achieved an ultimate mastery of expression in those sole colours. From the height of their accomplishments the handmade lace production began to decline as the industrial revolution conquered Europe. Ensuing two terrible world wars could had seen the fine lace craft completely eliminated, but it was not to be. Lace was reborn in the hearts and hands of artists who envisioned a bright, colourful future for the craft, as a part of the new textile art movement. They succeeded, and it is an honour and joy to continue on the path to expand the creative horizons of handmade lace. Current generation of lacemakers has such wonderful choice of materials in myriad of colours, from linen, cotton and silk to manmade fibres, and – yes – even wires. All we have to do is use them!

Thank you, Hilary, for sharing your unique lace creation. Seeing your work, and all other Old Wise Trees in the exclusive online gallery, gives me confidence that the wisdom of old trees and and old lace is not lost to those who seek and create…

Cheers to an imaginative, inspired and colourful new year!

Lenka

The Free Old Wise Tree Pattern and Tutorial was published on this website on January 16th, 2021.

As of Dec 30th, 2024, the Old Wise Tree Pattern and Tutorial page has been viewed 14,857 times
3137 visitors downloaded the pricking
41 artworks from 8 countries have been submitted to the Old Wise Tree Gallery

Everybody is welcome to use the free Old Wise Tree pattern and create an original interpretation of the theme!

If you do, please consider sharing your creation with the world – send a photo of your tree with following information to this email address:  old.wise.tree@lenkas.com

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!