silently aware

old wood block printing

Block printing has been around for centuries. The first blocks were cut and used to print prayer books in Nepal. Hand carved wood blocks have been the traditional means of printing in Nepal, and India for centuries. Even today prayer books in the Himalayan Monasteries are printed from such blocks. In India paper and fabrics are still printed with these hand carved blocks, except this practice is becoming rare due to expense, and the cheaper alternative of screen printing.

To care for: wipe off paint and dyes immediately after you are done printing, let dry and once a month or so wipe down with olive oil to keep the wood oiled.
Keep out of damp areas, and make sure the blocks are dry when put away.

To print: Use a sponge, or sponge applicator and dab it into the paint or dye, and gently cover the surface of the block (make sure you have good coverage but not so much that it blobs up). Then on a padded surface (for example a pile of newspapers, or several layers of cloth or felt), place a piece of paper, or a tee shirt(with cardboard inside the tee) and firmly press the woodblock. Gently rock the block in place, in all directions to achieve a clear print. It is wise to practice on scrap paper a few times to get the hang of printing , and paint coverage before you attempt your final prints.

new on Etsy

Here are some new pieces I am uploading on Etsy this week. I will also give a lesson on how to make a piece or two...sometime this week. Remember to get to etsy. go to etsy.com, then scroll down to usernames and type in mariefrench, and you should be able to pull up the site.mariefrench.etsy.com...xoxomarie

some sacred icon images

some of the statues I love....

the rose is rose...it is alot more than that...

The rose is a rose...well not really it is alot more than just a flower of great beauty and fragrance. The rose signifies spiritual communion. The rose is the flower associated with the great Mother..The rose is a skin cleanser, a bath water, a fragrance.. The rose is used in salads, floral decorations, as inspiration, in photos...The rose is not just a rose...It is special like you and I. We are not just our names...we are multifaceted creations, glorious in our beauty and resourcefulness. Hold fast to your beauty today, and remember you are not just....you are infinity! xoxo marie

a place for peace

come in to my outstretched arms..
find the peace you seek...
lay down your guard, and sleep.
rest your weary soul , find comfort here...
blessed be the day when you rest in me through all the day...
peace be with you today and every day...

These pictures remind me that we can always find a special place that can bring us peace...so allow the great mother to bring you yours...rest in her arms...

religous images speak

There is something about religious images that help us to keep our minds focused, that ease our tensions, that show us a new way to think. I think that is why I like to paint them so much. The painting of them is like a meditation...you completely forget yourself, and the image a gift given. Mary calls me and I reply use me... Each stroke a prayer, each finished piece an alter...What speaks to you, relieves your tensions...Who calls?

indian wood block printing

I love to collect these old wood blocks...these amazing blocks have been hand carved throughout the ages, and used to print fabrics, papers, wall papers, and linens...
I gave a workshop recently using these blocks and every one got to design their t-shirts..It was a huge success. I will be putting up t-shirt printing kits with these antique wood blocks in the kits soon on etsy. I'll let you know when I do, as you will be the first to see the kit here..xoxo marie

pocketful of blesssings....

today is filled up full with blessings...The sky blue,clear,vast, the children healthy, my husband healthy,and kind, fun on the horizon, flowers in abundance, warm coffee in a mug waiting to be drunk, cardinals singing praise, a peaceful calm...yes today is full of blessings...take these blessings with you and allow them to be your secret spot to rest in when anything unlike these blessings attempt to intrude on your day. I am..xoxo marie

indecision

indecesion....why is it that I start down a path thinking it is the grandest path laid out before me ..only to come up with yet another idea..that leads me astray...If you were to get a birds eye view of my life you would find mole tunnels as my circuitous route...I am like a crow in a jewelry store, and each sprakly gem idea attracting my attention and I have to play it out,and and come up with the whole process for bringing it to fruition , and then a new idea starts to plague me...focus I'm told..how can I with all these sparkly ideas popping up in my head...each one a service, each one a possible path..So I look up as Saint Theresa looks up to the creator...I with my hands up in the air...WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO? You know what the reply was.....pack...okay , okay so I'll pack....

gems and jewels

They sparkle and glitter...trying to get the passersby attention...
Look at me they call..Can't you see I am beautiful...
Touch me , take me..I'm yours...
In creations eyes we are all these gems and jewels..
shine on.....

planting the wrong seeds

Yesterday seeds of frustration were planted...
soon buds of anger appeared...
and blossoms of wilted guilt spread to dreams of forgiveness...
Girls...I am sorry for all of my frustrations, fears, and words of anger yesterday...
xoxo mom...

Isn't life delicious!

I found this lovely book at a yard sale-Isn't she delicous. I named her rosy for her outlook on life. Rosie has just bought a bag of the most delicius peaches, and she is going to savor each juicy bite with the sweet nectar of life rolling down her face. She told me that I should take each bite as if it were my last and enjoy the nectar of life, see the beauty in it, and most of all be grateful! Okay , Okay I say...I will, I will...May your day be filled with bliss! xoxo marie

wonderful things are happening

I awoke this morning from a dream ...I had changed the color of my hair to black thinking it would suit me better...no one recognized me. Finally my husband said I liked you the way you were..and I awoke.
This dream I can only imagine has some footing in the fact that we are moving and the changes that are on the horizon....
Yesterday I found out my job as an art teacher was filled, I cleaned out some of the art room, and large boxes loom in my horizon...I cried.
It is not like I haven't moved before. It is not like I am sad I am moving. I wanted this move as much as my husband..I think it just stirs up old memories,and I know it has the seedling of fear of the unknown.
Time to grasp the back of my neck and shake myself off.
That's better.
One foot in front of the other...Trust the steps put before me...Listen.
WONDERFUL THINGS ARE HAPPENING!
These photos of the saints and Mary are reassurances of the goodness that awaits those who follow the gentle nudging....and walk the path of the unknown in faith.....May I be so courageous and strong in my faith. Their gentle reminders will propel me forward..and I hope you too...xoxomarie