Saturday, November 7, 2009

Michele Ward / Signs

Just press on Michele's logo to the right if you want to find out about this...
Signs...they are everywhere in my work from Nana (my mom's mother).
She ingrained in me a "CAN DO" constitution. Taught me the value of learning new ways and the wondrous mystery in experimentation. We had many giggles over trials in doing things our way at times, such delight she passed on to her grandchild.
Her signs are everywhere, her gifts passed down... she taught me how to knit, crochet, embroider, braid rugs, sew, darn and repair.
She taught me how to mend ANYTHING, picking up threads and fabric to mimic and match...a hole, a snag, a rip or ravel...just give it to me, i CAN DO!
Nana created the most outstanding braided rugs, filling living rooms. Cutting wool strips, filling them with cord, braided, and sewn into lush carpeting fit for a king, delighting anyone's eyes and senses!

This isn't in MY journal, put glued into Miz Katie's journal (our collaborative affair) in wanting to share my very soul of my Nana who put the gleam into life for me, carrying on in my art forever!Press on pictures to enlarge:


Leading to collaged purses..... Front Back of purse


She sometimes whispers and giggles in my ear, while sewing something. Has opened a door, whooshed in and whooshed out. She leaves her signs, i leave my signs...hopefully to the pleasantries and delight for everyone!!!
I love you my NANA. xo




15 comments:

  1. Wanda - thank you for being the first to jump in on this crusade with your full enthusiasm and full heart. LOVE hearing how you feel connected to your Nana, especially when creating. I can tell you are very tuned into the signs she leaves, and the reminders you have of her all around you and as you work with your hands to make beautiful things. *Can-do* is a gift all its own! Bravo!!

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  2. OMGosh!!! I was so hoping that was the journal I sent you, and it is!! YAY!! I love these pages, Wanda. LOVE!! Can't wait to see it in person.

    Your Nana story reminded me of something. I need to email you again soon. Got a couple stories to tell you. :) You'll like it.

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  3. ps: i have your journal on my art table right now. i pulled it out of a box this morning, and i kept it in sight so i'll remember to work on this week. today, probably.

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  4. Wanda, this is a touching post, and so pretty. Thank you for your story.

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  5. Thanks for sharing your story - loved reading it!

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  6. how are you this grand, rainy morning, my dear? i do have some boot stomping stories for you..but it may be a few days before i sit down and write. hospital bills are starting to roll in, and i've got to put my focus elsewhere. sigh. don't let me forget, tho!!

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  7. Wanda,
    Compliments on the thing-a-ma-jigs on the side of your blog. Good for you!

    Compliments, compliments on the great words about Nana and mom, we were so lucky weren't we.

    And I would add those compliments to you, as you encourage me constantly to keep moving forward, keep making room for new ideas and new beginnings, encouraging me that I can do also! What a great big sister you are!

    I am and have been truly blessed.

    Your sis,

    Carolyn

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  8. i so love reading about your Nana... i so love how it brings my own stories fresh to the surface... they are never far away and i never have to go very far to find them... i could spill on and on about my gramma...

    and how much i love that you are involved in something collaborative with a creative friend...

    love love love this post...

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  9. Wonderful how you learnt these things from your grandmother. The purse is very beautiful

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  10. What a great story. All my grandies were gone by the time I was 9 (I have older parents) and think it is so nice that you feel your Nana with you in your crafting life.

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  11. Beautiful signs for you! I never thought of *signs* this way. I like this.

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  12. Wanda - that is a really lovely story you've shared. I often think about my Mum and I know she's with me, although I did choose to share my Raven this time!!

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  13. wonderful tribute and purse you made. nana certainly had an influence on you.

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  14. Loved reading your post about your nana - such a lovely tribute! xo

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  15. Want a tender story about your nana and a lovely project. ~xoxo

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