LIFE MAKES SENSE WHEN...

"Life makes sense when we are centered in our hearts and embrace our unique journey"

I have a problem in finding balance. If I could learn to be more centered, and work out from there, maybe that would come. I was thinking that blogs seem to be a bit of rambling, and I'm pretty good at that. As I have been working with this blog it is so easy to get off onto different paths. I have a rambling spirit and love to search and learn. My problem comes when I have to document where I have been and how I got there. I need to focus.
     As I was searching online, I found a skill I would like to develop, called marbling. I found that the Turkish do some superior marbling called ebru. I went on YouTube and discovered some astounding videos of  masters of ebru.  I have done a bit of marbling in the past, in school and on my own. I also have a book I picked up along the way.  A few years ago Brad (my husband) and I did a little marbling on paper with spray paint, but it did not stick to the paper well enough. 
       As I learned this time, you have to treat the paper or cloth you want to marble on with a solution of alum and water. Then after you treat the cloth with the alum mixture you have to use it within 24 hours or the alum starts to eat away at the cloth. But when you put it on paper it does not have to be used right away.  I also learned how you get the paint or ink to do what it does when you put it on the surface of the water. For some mediums of paint you need to add some ox gall. It has something to do with the surface tension. Also you have to add something to the water to thicken it.       Some of the different things you can thicken it with are starch, carrageenan or methocel. It gives a surface for the ink or paint to float on. 
    Some of the other tools necessary, are rakes, brushes, or whisks. You apply the paint or ink with brushes, whisks, eyedroppers or various small sticks. Some people use small screwdrivers dipped into the paint or ink and dropped onto the surface of the treated water. The rakes are for drawing through the paint to make different patterns. The first paint applied is called putting down stones. It is so wonderful to see how the different mediums react together to make endless patterns and designs. You also need is a tray to hold the water and paint mixture,for whatever you  want to marble.  If you want to try, there is a lot of information out there.  The book I have is called Marbling Paper & Fabric by Carol Taylor. This seems to be a great book  from what I have looked at to get you started on your way to learning this beautiful technique.   I have gathered some supplies and am looking forward to taking a journey of marbling. Here is another task ahead. 

     As I have thought about how to find my center in my journey, I have learned I really feel part of that center is tied up in knots. I like tying knots.  I also, love using stones and beads. Part of my journey to my center will include string , thread, cord, beads and stones.
      I have quite a varied background in knots, and lace making, and bead work. I also like paper and clay, so don't be surprised if some of those show up too. 

      Here are some of my works from the past two weeks.  First I knotted a little lampshade for a light that did not have one. 

      On this little shade I used a metal frame that was for holding a votive candle and a little dish to heat up oils to scent the air. It had a ring so I could attach it to the lamp.  I knotted cotton string to make a shade. I also did some simple wrapping of the cord around the frame. It turned out looking like a quaint little wildflower.  I think it will do the job. 

    Second, I made a necklace and bracelet set, using  a poker chip with an added embossed paper added to it for the pendant. Then I tatted a little back for it and beaded  around that to hold it all together. Then on the necklace part I did some macrame knots and beading. The bracelet was made in a similar fashion. 




   

Then I made a little card for a friend using tatting , and tenriffe lace, and a few beads. 

  



   I next finished a bracelet that I had started awhile ago. I finished the needlework then I did some beading around that and then attached a button and loop to hold it all together. 

   


  Last of all I made a necklace with a favorite stone donut and some stones and beads made of wood jasper from my stash, also I used a really old bead that I bought on ebay on top of the donut.  It turned out to be a bit off center. I need some practice with that. 


     












      I hope you enjoyed this little side trip. See ya next time.
Enjoy the journey wherever it may lead. 
       Check out YouTube and search for Ebru or marbling and be amazed as I was.  I always marvel at how some simple shapes, knots or dots of paint can turn into a 
composition of beauty and unsurpassed detail.