This is another little 'keep safe' I've made as an example for forthcoming workshops. I made 'First Aid for the Soul' as a tactile little emergency kit for those difficult days - or moments. A place to keep positive reminders as something to turn to. A reminder to be in the moment and to appreciate those moments. A good friend once suggested I write down three positive things each day. It's something I try to do from time to time but don't always manage, but it can be helpful and certainly makes you start to notice and appreciate things - hence the 'capturing moments' pocket. The embroidered 'be here now' is a reminder to myself to stop and take a moment, especially when my mind gets itself all wrapped up with difficult thoughts. Lastly the little 'words of comfort' pocket is a place to store helpful quotes, words or sayings.
You might be interested to know about the materials I've used? I found the piece of vintage linen I've used for the outer cover and the pockets of the little wallet in one of the fabric boxes when I did my workshop at Hope and Elvis. It is lovely and soft and worn and a bit stained in places and only just the right size to make this little fabric folder from - I used it all up. I just knew it would be perfect for something. The circle is cut from the centre of a doyley and has the most beautiful hand stitching round the edge - much neater than I could have done. The leaves on the pockets and the little motifs around the circle are cut from vintage lace and I've added tiny beads and sequins. The flowers on the pockets are cut from a vintage silk handkerchief, very carefully stitched down and embellished with tiny beads. The silk used for the cross on the front is from a vintage kimono and the darker coloured finer linen used on the inside is from an vintage tea cosy cover. The little book fastens with a hook and eye.
Gosh this is quite a long post for me! Thanks for reading and to everyone who comments here or who sends me an email. It is wonderful to know that people connect with and appreciate the work that I do.xx
12 comments:
Very beautiful and exactly what I needed to see ... thanks! ..:-)
I am a relatively new follower of your blog, but I really enjoy your gentle inspiration, your use of vintage pieces, the sweet style of all of your pieces, and mostly the values you portray in your pieces to take time and not rush through life.
Once again, your work speaks to me. This time, I am seriously thinking of creating such a reminder, just a week ago, my EG nearly left this world - heart attack. I would have so much loved to participate in September but now everything is put into question. Your saying could not have been more perfect: first aid for the soul. Premier secours pour l'âme. Thank you, Christine.
The title of your blog is truly a description of your beautiful work. Every time I see your pieces, I go to a gentle place. Plus I love hearing how you chose each piece of vintage fabrics...it makes them even more special to imagine how you composed each one.
Thanks ever so much.
Diane in North Carolina
your work holds such grace of spirit Christine
Your work is so beautiful, comforting and inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing these lovely photos with us!
Wonderful words for your First Aid for the Soul, beautifully put together and stitched.
I agree with everyone. Your work is outstanding and how you put everything in its place os awesome,
You have such a gift, Your work always puts a smile in my heart.
Thank you so much.
Kindly,
Pam
Once again a super blog. I do like your natural colour scheme. Very interesting use of vintage materials
Such a great idea, love the little pockets and all your details in this are just lovely. I write down 3 things a day that I am thankful for and keep them in a book, it is interesting to go back and read what I was thankful for on what days!!
Such beautiful work, and a lovely concept. Your neat stitching encourages me to take time with my own as I am hopeless at it... best regards, Vicky
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