Category: Rituals and Traditions
Memorial
In 2018 on May 15th, my mother died. Every year I make a piece to remember my mother and her life.
The beads are from one of my mother’s necklaces.
Code for the word–Loss
Inside of the piece.
It can be free standing.
Code for my mother’s date of birth 02151930 and the date of her death 05152018.
The code for this page is 2025 and Unshed Tears for My Mother.
I knotted the green thread around the raw white linen. Each five knots is used to represent a dash. There are two dashes (M), space, three dashes (O), space, and two dashes (M).
Materials–
The green paper is painters’ paper. I had some paint left over from a piece. Rather than letting it go to waste, I printed it on a roll of paper. I used a parcel for the corrugated cardboard. The remaining materials are–watercolor paper, a few metal bits for the closure, beads from one of my mother’s necklace, and adhesive.
Scale–5.75″ x 4.75″ x .5″
39 Years 13 Bunnies
A few days ago my husband and I celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary. Each year I make a piece to mark the day. This year I made a little book that contains images of all of our bunny companions.
Our First Bunny
Our New Bunny Pair
Tray for Book

Materials List
Flash cards 9″ x 3″, kraft paper, roofing felt, tree wrap, printed photos and labels, contact paper, PVA, cotton and linen cord, pit fired ceramic beads, wax, hardware cloth, and crimping sleeves.
Valentine
One of my concrete cherubs and flowers from my garden.
Happy Christmas
Thanksgiving
Memorial Bowl
Every year on April 11th, I do something to acknowledge my nephew’s date of birth. When my nephew was 17 he had a major surgery. He survived the surgery, but died later that day.
This year feeling a bit done in, perhaps it is partially to do with the past year and the daily COVID news. I recently was fortunate to receive my first Pfizer jab. It is a bit of a relief that I am in the system.
The piece evolved from a celebration to a memorial piece for the loss of nephew, dad, sister, and mother.
Code
The code on the bowl has my nephew’s, dad’s, sister’s, and mom’s DOB and DOD.
Memorial Bowl Placed on Box Filled With Family Keepsakes
Materials List
Wool, Safety Pins, Roofing Felt, Photos Printed on Paper, Fabric Stiffener (Corn Starch and Water)
Gift of Amaryllis
Received an Amaryllis bulb for my birthday in November. Predicted the flower would open today, Valentine’s Day. Wanted to use it for a Valentine greeting.
Looks a tad like a heart. If you squint a bit.
I embroidered the background for a piece. Didn’t quite work. Maybe someday it will find a home.
Sunday, Valentine’s Evening
Moved to a warmer and safer location overnight.
Monday Early Morning
Moved the plant back to the warmest spot in the house.
Can see the white Brugmansia flowers outside. The Brug is a Brazillian White that I grew from seed. We try to keep it to 6′, but currently is over 10′.
Monday Nearly Noon
Sunday Afternoon, February 21
The weight of the three flowers is too heavy for the potting mix and pot. To the right is a bamboo stake in a pot of heavy rocks. When the fourth flower blooms, probably tomorrow, the weight of the flowers should be distributed a bit better. May not need support.
There is bamboo yarn inside a handkerchief to support the plant. The handkerchief should protect it from being cut or damaged by the yarn.
Used the Instants Photo Edition app to make the Valentine greeting.