My September Artist Trading Card...

I (started and ) finished my September artist trading cards for the Treasures ATC group yesterday. Keeping with my style, I used heavier cotton home dec fabric, an image printed on cotton fabric, and this time a cross charm. I added a little more color with seam binding.

The theme for this month is "Labor". I'm sure Jan chose it because this is the Labor Day month, but have been pleasantly surprised at the number of interpretations the participants chose to create theirs. Once I have all of them, I'll share photos of the entire set, but for today, you only get to see mine.

I've been teasing Jan (my sister) for a month that mine was going to feature a scene from the movie Patch Adams where he's hosting a gynecology seminar. The scene opens with a pair of legs flanking the entrance to the building with a sign that said, "Welcome Gynos". I actually found an image of it and sent it to Jan saying, "This is what I'm going for this month." She was appropriately prim about it, but I really did continue saying that's what I was working on.

Truthfully, I'd chosen a much more appropriate subject. I took an image I've shared with you before. It's my favorite Tom Clark sculpture of an elderly needlewoman working on a framed piece. She's seated in her favorite chair. He named the sculpture "Rebecca". I photographed her with one of my corgi sculptures and a button heart I made years ago. I shot the image in my Florida studio. She's always where I can see her. 

She's especially dear to me because she reminds me of the day I saw her at my first needlework market in Charlotte, NC. Lacis (one of my favorite suppliers in those days) had her sitting on a shelf in her booth, and I bought her without hesitation to sit in my shop back in Wisconsin. She's been with me ever since.

Then, I added the text "Proverbs 31:13". That Bible verse is "She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands". I feel it's completely appropriate for the "Labor" theme, don't you? I mean, labor doesn't have to be drudgery, right? The final touch was a rose gold cross, hand sewn in the bottom corner.

They're all secured in envelopes now, labeled, stamped, and in the mailbox. They'll be on their way to the other swap members today. 

Now that this project is finished, I'll be working on the next "Something Blue" bridal brooch that's due next week. I'm looking forward to smooth sailing on that piece, and hope to have it completed no later than Sunday. Saturday I'll be back in Portage for a Craft Day with my friends, which is something else I've been missing while I recuperate. Time to play with my pals again!

I think Handsome is calling, and I know it's long past time to mow the lawn. I see an hour or two of tractor time in my near future. I may have to take my coffee in a go cup this morning! See you tomorrow.

PS. If you're a needleworker who loves Rebecca, I can tell you that she's available from multiple EBAY sellers for about a quarter of the cost I paid for her. I guess collectibles aren't as valuable to current buyers as they were when I purchased her.  Just do a search for "Tom Clark - Rebecca" and multiple listings will appear.