In Yiddish my mother says...

Der mentsh trakht un Got lakht, which means: Man plans and God laughs.  

We sometimes think too much of ourselves, we think we have it all mapped out and we can anticipate the future, no problem. So we make plans for this and that.  Meantime, God is looking upon us and laughing because he/she has a plan which trumps ours. 

Now I'm a great believer in making plans, I love the anticipation, the before is almost as wonderful as the actual happening.  But I try to remember that things happen, and I'm not "all that", I try to be flexible, and humble enough to know I can't control everything. I try to keep things together, even if they don't go my way.  

I love that expression, Der mentsh trakht un Got lakht, it says so much in just a few words.

The plan was to take Bella out to lunch on this beautiful spring day, meet with a few more friends and sit at a nice restaurant at Rittenhouse Square, overlooking the park.  Instead we need to go in to get a CT scan for Nina who is having some severe pain on one side of her face.  It started as an ear infection, but didn't seem to heal.  After spending hours at the hospital yesterday, they think this may be as a result of some jaw issue.  So today it's CT and Oral Surgeon, hopefully getting to the bottom of this and on to recovery.  I'm thankful we were able to get in today, they are amazing at CHOP, (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia).  We will do lunch some other time.  Bella is cooking, and will make lunches for us since it is most likely to be a long day in waiting rooms.  She will keep us company and along with a few books, we will be fine.

I was also going to come home and chart, write instructions, answer many of your emails, but I don't think that will happen.  Please be patient, I will get back to you this weekend.

I managed to get a little smile from my sweetie-pie.  Kisses, my baby!

Talk to you soon!

xo

Orna

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I'm back from a week of joy and excitement.

Welcoming our grandson, Ruben Morris Wolf, named after my father (Ruben), and Orin's grandfather, (Morris).  Parents, sister, grandparents and wonderful aunt and photographer, Nina, are enjoying every moment.
Nina has taken some beautiful photographs these past few days.

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Heirloom design, new and precious.

"Baby Steps" is here.  A design that came from a very personal place, my desire to gift my new granddaughter with something she would keep with her, something from my hands and heart -- to hers.

This bracelet is stitched on 40 count silk gauze.  It is stitched with silk threads and mounted on a beautiful woven ribbon.  It is then embellished with Japanese Miyuki beads and finished off with all Sterling Silver findings.  A treasure for someone you love, a bride, a newborn,  a dear friend, or maybe just for you. 

"Baby Steps" is delicate, exquisite and rich.  It is a delightful piece to stitch, with detailing that you can only achieve on 40 count silk gauze. This kit includes all the lovely parts of this wrist adornment, everything you need!  The Sterling Silver ribbon crimps are easily applied to the woven ribbon. 

ALL Sterling Silver findings.

Tiny Miyuki beads embellish the edges.

I am very partial to this new piece, and I think you will be as well.

See and order here!

xoxo
Orna

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Work? What's that?

It's been a long time since I sat down to work.  Not even stitching for the past week.  First sick, then some quality time with Nina ;-) and this weekend Nomi is here!  So excuse more family photos for now and see you back at work next week!

xoxo

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Hot air, everywhere!!

When did this happen?  I pride myself in knowing when a new trend comes around. Not that it's some kind of serious accomplishment, but I just like to know what's what, when and where.  So I was checking out some of my regular blogs, and began noticing quite a bit of hot air! 

Did you know about this?  And if you did, have you made, stitched, gone up in any hot air balloons lately? 

howaboutorange.blogspot.com

papermatrix.wordpress.com

papermatrix.wordpress.com

rookno17.com

aboutgoodness.com

on Etsy

theholidayhomester.wordpress.com

cupcakestakethecake.blogspot

Martha Stewart Kids Craft

Cookies from Sugar and Flour on Etsy

by Meredith Gladstone 1976

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Betsy Beads - another great book

I was first attracted to the teaser, "confessions of a left brain knitter".  Then I saw the colors and by the time I saw the shapes and creativity of the beads, I had my credit card out. The book came and lived up to my expectations. It's very enjoyable, motivating and unique. I highly recommend this for anyone who thinks outside the box.

Betsy Beads by Betsy Hershberg

This Sunday I'll be going to Bead Fest here in the Philadelphia area.  I usually come home with bags of freshwater pearls, crystals, some fine stone beads and some interesting findings.  Should be fun.

Oh, and speaking of fun, just a couple of photos from Nomi's birthday party.  She is turning one.  Happy Birthday Nomi!

Ever tried making a Passover birthday cake that tastes good? Not easy!

Nomi, birthday girl and Shiri, mommy

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The meaning of life:

Friday evening, my girls at the computer in my studio, chatting, singing, and laughing together.  Saturday evening, Shiri and Reid cooking Pad Thai while I make lemon pudding cakes. Nina trying to keep Esther from licking Nomi up.  Sunday morning all of us sitting around, taking pictures with Nomi and just a little sad that soon they need to go back home.

 

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Preparing for 2012

 

2012 will be one of my busiest, I know that now.  I want to believe that I will keep a healthy balance. Between all the workshops, the cyber classes, the new designs, all the commitments, I want to believe I will stop to enjoy.   

 

My family has changed this year, we have added a new generation, Nomi.  Nina is growing up so fast, soon it will be 10 years since we first met her in Cambodia.  Reid and I will be celebrating 19 years of marriage in 2012, WOW! I hope I remind myself each and everyday, to keep my life balanced, to take a moment and look up from the canvas or the computer.  I know it sounds cheesy, but I want to remember to look up at the sky!

But in the meantime, it's still 2011 and there is much to do before this year ends.  BTW, Nina is wearing a new design for earrings.  Lots of Tiny Secret Corners introduced next year.  We'll talk soon, so have a great week!

Orna

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Even Designs need a little lovin.....

Do you recall, old friends, the Carolina Cuff? This one was designed back in 2003, and recently, I saw a faded, unfocused photo of this beautiful cuff, and knew it was time!   The instructions have been overhauled, and the thread lists have changed to compensate for discontinued or otherwise unavailable threads. A special thanks to Gayle Roelofs for stitching the lovely new models -- her impeccable technique made it easy to show off the design!

I've mentioned Gayle before, we go way, way back.  We used to talk about our pre-adolecsents, now we talk about our grandchildren.

You've seen a preview of the kits for Dolci being compiled.  Over 300 little bottles!  We've had many requests, after the deadline, asking to sign up for class. Well, we were thinking that while we can't accept any more registrations for the class plus kits, we will continue to accept sign ups for class participation only.  The "Class Participation" option for the Dolci class is being extended to anyone who wishes to take advantage of this wonderful class! With this option you get to learn the special techniques that go into Dolci beadmaking, as well as hang out with other fabulous stitchers on the beautiful Dolci forum. What better way to spend all that extra post-holiday time?

Now could I possibly finish without giving you yet another look at Nomi?

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OUCH!

Mommies can say anything three million times and it just doesn't register.  "Don't climb up there..."  "Don't touch, that's hot", "Don't get on chat rooms without my knowledge..."  the list goes on and on.  I've said "Don't walk around barefoot, you can get a splinter on the wood floors!"  a zillion times.  Not exaggerating!  A zillion times.  So on Saturday, when Shiri, Orin and Nomi were here for the weekend, we here a sudden scream, a wail and then heavy sobbing.  Nina, no shoes on, was dragging her feet and a splinter, a big one at that, lodged into the sole of her foot.  We all ran over, all five of us, (Nomi didn't seem too interested), and started throwing all sorts of advice around.  Soak the foot, cut the foot, heat the foot, ice the foot.  To make a long story short, we tried it all but the good-for-nothing piece of wood is still there.  If it doesn't come out by this afternoon, we are off to the doc's office. 

Nomi witnessed it all.  She is 7 months old, mind you,  (TODAY!), but still...  do you think she learned how important it is to listen to Mommy? 

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Those Eyes, ahhhhhhh

They say it all.

We love you, Nomi.

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about a baby...

The top left photo is of Nomi's diaper bag, namely her Pamper Swaddler diapers.  Nomi is visiting for the week and it's all about the baby.  Her diapers became an inspiration for all of us here: Genevieve, Shiri and I have been working on this inspiration board between feeding, diapering, soothing, smiling, cooing, and admiring our little Nomi.

What's prettier than the inspiration board?  This is!

oooops! 
I had to come back here to remind me to remind you that - just over a week left to buy your individual kit of SWEET!  Remember?  Starting July 1st they will be available as Thread Gatherings of 6.  Till then you can get them as individual kits.  Don't let this opportunity get away!

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Back home and on my way out the door.

I'm back from a delightful week with Shiri, Orin and Nomi.  Nomi and I bonded at night, just the two of us, (except when I reluctantly had to pass her on to mommy for feedings).  I'm told she misses me very much. 

Shiri and I took Nomi on long walks, on car rides to Fairway Market for grocery shopping, (the best grocery store ever!), on sprees to Babies R Us and to her one month doctor visit.  In between excursions and during her short naps, we decorated her room.

The Quilt is by Orin's grandmother.  She also knit the beautiful yellow blanket on Nomi's bed

I love the print on the wall

The flowers we painted and the needlepoint hearts I stitched for her room.

 

 

 

 

Nomi's collection of vintage toys, the robot I crocheted on one of the shelves and the closet doors with flower outlines that  Shiri and I are painting.

 

We aren't done but we are very happy with the progress and I'm looking forward to going back.

I've completed the Petit Trianon class, (great class, lots of fun), and the design is now available for you to purchase and stitch.  On Friday I leave for 2 classes with the New Jersey Needle Artist ANG Chapter.  If you are in the Morristown New Jersey area and want to drop by for a trunk show, send me a note and I'll give you the scoop.


I'm working on getting the first installment of My Family to you.  I'm re-charting it so that you have clear well drawn diagrams.  I should be ready very soon so if you still haven't signed up to follow my blog, make a stop on the right side of the blog and sign up.  There will be a free thread kit raffled off with each installment, all you need to do is be a follower.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I'll be back very soon!

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Where I come from and where I'm going

I've always thought that there is nothing more important than knowing where I come from and where I'm going.  It gives me a sense of grounding, purpose, responsibility and hope.  Where I come from is my family.  Where I'm going is my family.  

My Family

In 2001 I wrote an ongoing column called My Family for Needlepoint Now magazine. Each column entry had a story about people in my family as well as a needlepoint design to go along with the story.  The designs eventually came together to form a large composition which is pictured here.  I would like to bring this series to you, along with the free designs, one column every two weeks.  

Why now?  Nomi,  our first grandchild, was born on April 14th, 2011.  She continues the story, she is where we are going.  

And here is some fun news for you!  Every installment of this series along with the free design will also include a GIVEAWAY.  We will be giving one lucky follower a gift of the fibers used in the installment's free design!!  I say follower because in order to be included in the drawing you must be a follower of this blog.  To follow please look on the right-side column, under the About Me, where it says: Hi, and thanks for following!  Sign up and you're automatically included in each of the drawings!

I will be posting the articles just as they were printed in the magazine at the time.  Where I feel it important to comment, I will add an explanation on what was happening at the time. Today I will leave you with the introduction to the series.  My next installment will include the first free design.  I hope you enjoy these stories and perhaps you will be inspired to start a series of your own.

Auntie Nina and little Nomi

MY FAMILY – A NEEDLEPOINT FAMILY ALBUM

It is the greatest honor to be able to address you on a regular basis from the pages of this most wonderful magazine.  I sit here in front of a blank page much like I sat 5 years ago in front of a blank canvas. In front of that first canvas, I did not know what a daunting task I was taking on.  Many times in my life I have taken bold steps, made radical changes, and I wish I could tell you that they were done after deep thought and with much bravery—often, they were not. Had I thought each of the steps through, I may have backed down and stayed where I was.  Luckily I was anxious enough for a change, curious enough to experiment.  This time I know what I’m getting myself into.  This time I am terrified! 

English is not my first language.  I sometimes mix up my idioms, translate expressions that make no sense to the English speaker and use words that I have read but never heard, pronouncing them totally wrong.  I am being a bit manipulative now: I say all this to ask for your understanding when my writing is perhaps not as good as it should be to grace the pages of this publication.  I hope that now I have you on my side…

On this blank canvas, I would like to bring you a “chain of creation”.  I want it to start with an idea, develop into a complete concept and with the help of words and stitching, progress into a creation.  

My idea began with the realization that the most important part of my life is my family. They are important not only because of the love we share with each other, but also because of the lessons of human nature that I learn from each and every one of them.  They are all so different, and yet they all come together into one grouping: My family.  Some I never met, some joined through marriage, and others are a part of my daily life, the background and foreground of my every moment, much like needlepoint—Creating needlepoint designs has become what I do, and defines much of who I am.  I want to use needlepoint to create a design that will express the importance of my family, and I would like to create it along with you.  I have no monopoly on the treasure of family.  We are all embraced by it. 

Over the next few months, I will share with you a design comprised of elements each representing members of my family.  I will tell you about the people that inspired each of these components. They all have such wonderful stories.  You can stitch along with me and when we are done, I will show you how they all come together to form my new design: Family.

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Welcome Nomi To the Great Big World....

This is Genevieve--

As frequent readers may know--Orna's Daughter Shiri was expecting last week, and, well,  you know how these things go--

Welcome a Healthy, Beautiful  Nomi Wolf to the World!!!

Orna is up north with the new little family, and has let me know that Nomi is the prettiest, smartest, most talented three---er---four day old that she has ever met! Now does that sound like a Grandmother or what!!???!!

Nina is taking on her role as Auntie beautifully, she is very attuned to every squeak and squeal Nomi makes! And Reid is beside himself as only Reid can be. Mother and father are apparently getting the hang of the schedule, and Nomi, as a baby will do, is setting the pace for feedings and snoozing and snuggles!

Congrats to everyone!! I expect new photos soon, and will certainly post the cute ones!

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