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...