Peace and Time: Gifts from the Talisman Project
Friday, October 30, 2009 at 08:22AM There is nothing quite like the joy of receiving something in the post. Something tangible, something handmade, handwritten. Its not that the e-world is thoughtless and cruel, quite the contrary; if the e-world didn't exist I wouldn't have received these gifts at all. Snail mail is just, well, different, and special in its rarity and the time that you know went into getting it made and sent.
This part of the Talisman Project involved sending two people from the group a small handmade gift symbolizing a quality or thing you wish you had more of in your life. These were the symbolic gifts I was given through the swap: Time and Peace.
The gift of "time" was given to me by Emma of Little Brown Rabbit. In Emma's letter she related that though she wishes she had more time, she's recently made a personal commitment to always find the time to stay in touch with her friends; this was what inspired her to design the little notelets she sent me.
{You can tell Emma is a pro at this kind of work, these cards a beautifully made with gorgeous illustrations and beautiful little details that just elevate the quality of her work. You can buy her gorgeous stuff here.}
I'm so glad she sent me "time" because I actually needed to look at how I've been valuing my time. I'm actually very fortunate that I do have a lot time, what I'm working on is how to use it. Not long after I got these notes from Emma I decide to address this by taking the plunge full force into the free e-book Wishcraft (don't be put off by the cheesy graphic, this is an awesome book). And I'm loving it!
It's also really wonderful to get a gift that I know I'll be giving again when I send these three beautiful cards off to surprise some other friends. :) Thank you so much Emma for your thoughtful gift.
My second gift was "peace" from Laura Davis of Cutline Crafts. Laura said that she is always peaceful when she knits so she made upcycled yarn from an old t-shirt, and took it to a whole new level by tea-staining it (giving it a slightly vintage feel too)! I don't actually have a picture of it "before" (I hijacked the one above from Laura's blog post) because I got so excited I had to make something with it right away.
I made a crocheted yoke for a dress using the yarn, and for the body I used yet another upcycled t-shirt. I think the idea of reducing our waste with innovation is very peaceful. I also love the idea of peacefully lounging around in this super comfy dress. Thank you for sharing your peace with me Laura and inspiring me to create something new with something old!
Reader Comments (5)
Awww thank you so, so much Laura! What a lovely post and I'm so pleased you liked your gift!
You've made my day :)
xx Em
YAAAAY! Glad you like the yarn. Your top looks so cute and cozy. You made my day, too! :)
-- Laura
What a beautiful idea!
So pretty; I am in awe of all you talented people.
That is the cutest top ever! What a magical transformation.