Vanessa Lubach's Terrific Linocuts

Vanessa Lubach, of the UK, has a particular talent for linocut.

Take note of the overlapping tree branches and the fur of the squirrel. 

When the many steps in the process of creating a linocut print are 

realized and appreciated, one sees that her detailed artistry is truly outstanding!

Sketching, cutting the linoleum, printing each color.

The results make a lengthy process well worth it!

Well done, Vanessa!

Find more of Vanessa's work here:

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Images used with direct permission from Vanessa Lubach.

The Clever Japanese Art of Nerikomi Pottery

An intriguing art form is the ancient Japanese pottery technique called nerikomi.
The word itself means "to press into." The clay is layered in decorative patterns
and then pressed into cylinders, which are then thinly sliced to reveal the design.

A technique much like polymer clay canes...

or the millefiori glass of Murano, Italy...

or... sushi!

Here are some super examples of nerikomi pottery,
then a YouTube video that I just know you'll enjoy!

It's always fun 

to see how it's done!

A New Year's Challenge to Make Mistakes

I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. 

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, 

trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, 

changing yourself, changing your world. 

You're doing things you've never done before, 

and more importantly, you're doing something.

-Neil Gaiman

Based on this quote, I'm sharing with you

various thoughts on mistakes.

Make them, 
learn from them, 
then move onward and upward!

Make it a great year!

Happy New Year from My Paisley World!

~LuAnn

Children's Book Illustrations at the Mazza Museum in Findlay, OH

Children's books play an important role in education.

Little ones are enticed by enchanting illustrations

as they're read to while nestled in comfy, loving laps.

Next comes that magical process of recognizing letters and words,

and soon a love of books blooms into a love for reading.

Within Ohio's University of Findlay lies a real treasure: The Mazza Museum.

With a goal of promoting literacy, the museum attractively exhibits an 

8,000-piece collection of original artwork from children's books.

Popular illustrators such as Sophie Blackall, Mary Engelbreit, 

Don Wood, and Eric Carle are featured.

Original illustrations hang framed on the walls

with their corresponding books placed beneath them.

I was thrilled to recognize titles that I loved reading to my children,

as well as books from my own childhood!

Such a delightful place to visit!

Thank you, Lindsey & Julie, for sharing this special place with your Aunt Lu!

Find out more here:

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Glory to God in the Highest!

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, 

keeping watch over their flocks at night. 

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, 

and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'"

Luke 2:8-12

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,

praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"

Luke 2:13,14

hanna varghese

Love, peace, and joy to you

as we celebrate the birth of Jesus our Savior!

~LuAnn

A Stroll Through Philly's Christmas Village

A very special holiday tradition in Philadelphia is its Christmas Village, 

held in Center City's LOVE Park from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.

The Village is modeled after the authentic Christmas markets in Germany,

the most well-know of which is the Christkindlmarket in Nuremberg.

Beautiful arts and crafts, including a large variety of Christmas décor and ornaments,

are sold by vendors in rows of wooden booths bedecked with festive pine garlands,

red bows, and the spectacular yellow Herrnhut stars - also known as Moravian stars.

What a festive way to spend a December afternoon with my daughter!

As is said in Germany, "Fröhliche Weihnachten!"

What a fantastic variety of Matryoshka dolls!

Lots of good eats! Grilled bratwurst was the lunch of choice. 

Roasted nuts, baked cheese raclettes, pretzels, and strudels were also popular.

Exquisite wooden Schwibbogen, ornaments and nutcrackers by Käthe Wohlfahrt.

.

How about this trend of brightly colored live Christmas trees?

More information:

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