Dreaming of Redwoods at Dusk

Classic half-hitch knots 

I found the agate, used in this piece, at my favorite little sanctuary in San Francisco. This crystal reminds me of the beautiful spirals within redwood tree trunks, that mark the trees' ancient wisdom. Lately, I have been longing to visit the forest and take in its wonder and beauty, so I crafted this piece with love and honor for Mother Earth. I used the classic half-hitch knot to create the intertwining branches. There is also a Hamsa charm at the base of the piece. The Hamsa is a palm-shaped amulet represented across Jewish and Arabic cultures. The Hamsa is believed to protect against evil. A close friend brought me the charm, after a recent trip she took to her homeland of Israel. 

From the Forest: The Arrival ~ Click to hear this beautiful instrumental

Tree of Fortune

Tree of Fortune 

A wire-wrapped quartz crystal lines the trunk

Each of my days inevitably intertwines textile and tarot. With the Major Arcana and spools of colorful yarn entangled in my brain, I came up with this piece named 'Tree of Fortune.' The Tarot card Wheel of Fortune comes to mind when I stare at the roots of this tree. Wheel of Fortune is a whimsical card in the Tarot deck, that I believe represents movement, adventurous shift, and trusting in life's cycles.

I worked on this tree on a few golden afternoons, also with the inspiration of some favorite recordings:

Yarn Bombing: Radical Textile Street Art

Yarn bombing, also known as "guerilla knitting," has become a colorful craze in street art. Individuals knit or crochet cloth around various city objects, such as telephone poles or phone booths, creating whimsical installations. Yarn bombing began when people decided to funk up and reclaim their sterile, city environment. So, here's the exciting part... June 11, 2011 will mark the first "International Yarn Bombing Day," created by Joann Matvichuk from Lethbridge Alberta Canada. Although, yarn bombing has been specific to knitting and crocheting, I plan on integrating the art of macrame on International Yarn Bombing Day. I will find something in my community desperately in need of some organic love, and guerilla macrame will be born. http://www.yarnbombing.com/

Crystal Tree :: Citrine Dream

Citrine promotes confidence, abundance, and prosperity

This tree was crafted in San Francisco's Haight Ashbury district on a stoop in October

Macrame: An Ancient Tradition

Macrame is the whimsical art of tying knots. Each knot is part of a larger creation :: a magical tapestry that can be formed into anything from a wall-hanging to a unique piece of jewelry. This form of textile art, has a rich and deep history, dating back to 13th century Arabia. 

Arabian artisans began tying these decorative knots at the fringes of veils and shawls. After the conquest of the Moors, macrame spread throughout Europe. The art was later adopted by sailors, who used the technique to decorate knives, tools, bottles, and belts. They traded these items all over the world. Macramé was most popular in the stylish Victorian era. The clothing of Victorian women transformed, as they added intricate faerie-like trimmings to their costumes for balls and garden parties. Victorian homes were adorned in macrame art. 

Macrame resurfaced in the 1970s. In the age of the flower children, where individuals craved everything earthy, macrame tops, belts, plant hangers, wall-hangings, jewelry, and other crafts were seen everywhere.

Today, with the help of San Francisco macrame guru, Buster Fleming, I use macrame to create Crystal Trees. Crystal Trees are knotted in love and magic to celebrate Mother Nature. There is a true sense of alchemy as textiles and knot tying are transformed into mystical pieces of art.