tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46700580776143498812024-03-05T08:14:08.307-08:00Fresh Creations by NaomiKetubah, surface design, art licensing, Ketubah design, Judiaca, Naomi Broudo, life experiencesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-58582379165914496792016-04-11T09:52:00.001-07:002016-04-11T09:52:33.946-07:00Envelop evolves!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just received an email from <a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/designers/p/detail/naomibroudo">envelop</a>, the online textile shop, that they are reinventing themselves as of April 29th. Sadly, that means that my pillows will be discontinued as of that date. If you are interested in a last minute purchase, here are a few photos of the prototypes. and below are links for purchase!<br />
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<a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/designers/p/detail/naomibroudo"></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/articles/details/p/fresh-coffee">Fresh Coffee</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeZx8iHZaMMsT4emk7j8eN07M5lyI_ZibDEdD7Da_NrTE8wJmmQ01GtuiW1Lfutx4G9dikTpU3nqs32JrTugHUG9lbe548uPwI83dG4fa4BL0ROLY2BIgCLU42OAIAxNpQpVCLhbKAg7f/s1600/kittyF&B.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeZx8iHZaMMsT4emk7j8eN07M5lyI_ZibDEdD7Da_NrTE8wJmmQ01GtuiW1Lfutx4G9dikTpU3nqs32JrTugHUG9lbe548uPwI83dG4fa4BL0ROLY2BIgCLU42OAIAxNpQpVCLhbKAg7f/s1600/kittyF&B.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/articles/details/p/meow">Meow</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/articles/details/p/abstract-14">Abstract</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJU6lLL9EDwLyySvPa5q6VluTwg8xxrz7_oyIuFlReW2PPv7WeX4Ddj1FCoFx0WXCnoPnIQsvf3cVb3iqPu7L6y6AuGkjYAVJ8ZeVvsfrOxOvB4HPgEJehJuAwuhj-yqi4cpt-0lwCsDM9/s1600/moroccanF&B.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJU6lLL9EDwLyySvPa5q6VluTwg8xxrz7_oyIuFlReW2PPv7WeX4Ddj1FCoFx0WXCnoPnIQsvf3cVb3iqPu7L6y6AuGkjYAVJ8ZeVvsfrOxOvB4HPgEJehJuAwuhj-yqi4cpt-0lwCsDM9/s1600/moroccanF&B.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/articles/details/p/alhambra">Alhambra</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGBAJwCZuRNvz9qOCx3BBd0QFJhvh7XwJEIar2o8UP-GS1vu7p0WNNxgGQS-GjDgIBOZwQj2rgWL5F8MQ4imV9Vlbx7Zt6KPHQ9AmAoBgPTsIky990WX6yM7dJpOljeqWbMAtQD1bMPuI/s1600/teacupF&B.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGBAJwCZuRNvz9qOCx3BBd0QFJhvh7XwJEIar2o8UP-GS1vu7p0WNNxgGQS-GjDgIBOZwQj2rgWL5F8MQ4imV9Vlbx7Zt6KPHQ9AmAoBgPTsIky990WX6yM7dJpOljeqWbMAtQD1bMPuI/s1600/teacupF&B.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/articles/details/p/tea-time-7">Tea Time</a></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-16223094489938715482014-12-08T19:42:00.001-08:002014-12-08T19:47:39.653-08:00The shopping trip that transported me back into my Baba’s kitchen with one bite.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1gNK7J2dteACjNZPgbj2Hrf4cwYxmpyPlAYLbGlxuQNrHHra8vlETvOWdpbvuSyQaHNif4JT28lzO0wcqWO_pMkPnoxQpAua2YjIFd7kTJLLgo8_NKnjJwmCGoIATEHLgVrQhTGwxnK3/s1600/baba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1gNK7J2dteACjNZPgbj2Hrf4cwYxmpyPlAYLbGlxuQNrHHra8vlETvOWdpbvuSyQaHNif4JT28lzO0wcqWO_pMkPnoxQpAua2YjIFd7kTJLLgo8_NKnjJwmCGoIATEHLgVrQhTGwxnK3/s1600/baba.jpg" /></a></div>
We just got back from our bi-weekly shopping trip to Trader Joe’s. We have a very specific route through the store and after filling our cart and checking out, our next stop is almost always <a href="http://www.sahadis.com/">Sahadi’s,</a> a specialty Middle Eastern food shop, where we fill our cart with aromatic roasted nuts, savory pastries, and breads. Once through the door, you are transported into a different world, and we savor the experience of being there, as much as the delicacies we enjoy eating at home until our next shopping trip.<br />
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This week Marc was looking for a particular item that he had read about in a New York Times article —Ines Rosales Sweet Olive Oil Tortas. He found them after some searching and we added one package to our order.<br />
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When we were finally home and unpacked, it was time for lunch and we both looked forward to tasting our newest acquisition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EbFHfvEAhS392cHTTbeh72jsAmw9NzOhYlF1kqrNQIKlKdAJgYfCvCLvAG1tXgbfaTGWz1zI-sCNdFCxvV-YwA43FTC-dH3BYODQPonqPY35Pp0IblIgaju5GdFkBPO6ZLSOmNVTV3TO/s1600/packaged_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EbFHfvEAhS392cHTTbeh72jsAmw9NzOhYlF1kqrNQIKlKdAJgYfCvCLvAG1tXgbfaTGWz1zI-sCNdFCxvV-YwA43FTC-dH3BYODQPonqPY35Pp0IblIgaju5GdFkBPO6ZLSOmNVTV3TO/s1600/packaged_2.jpg" /></a></div>
The packaging was quite deceiving, and we both thought we were in possession of some kind of pita like savory/sweet bread that would go well with the cream of mushroom soup sitting in front of us. “Oh!” I said, surprised as I opened the individually wrapped tortas. “They are hard, not soft and there is sugar on top”. Then I took a bite.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCm8l4ZSHgl3hiohKNU9_AtSRjN9RWj9JA4kTdK7lfzqTBMLjDtg4XLd5T8Sb_2OlhqGQCRyntYbVUfKGlE65Av31lgnM2vpQ9GKhOZI7Wz7QtSVDZW7FOrzv50WA9QLeh1xxgVAE1lm9/s1600/Kichel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCm8l4ZSHgl3hiohKNU9_AtSRjN9RWj9JA4kTdK7lfzqTBMLjDtg4XLd5T8Sb_2OlhqGQCRyntYbVUfKGlE65Av31lgnM2vpQ9GKhOZI7Wz7QtSVDZW7FOrzv50WA9QLeh1xxgVAE1lm9/s1600/Kichel.jpg" /></a></div>
That one bite took me back ... way back to my grandmother’s kitchen. My Baba Fruman, as we called her, had a white apron on and I was about 4 years old. There were well used and well oiled cookie sheets everywhere. On the flowered table in front of us she was very skillfully rolling out a very stretchy dough. Once it was evenly rolled, she took a feather pastry brush (I hate to think what kind of feathers or how I even remember this detail, but it is as clear as day in my memory), and carefully oiled the surface of the dough. Then she took the bowl of white granulated sugar, and with a few practiced motions, spread an even layer of sugar crystals over the glistening surface. <br />
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It took only a few more seconds for her to cut three or four lines in both directions with a sharp knife across the oiled and sugared surface. Together we carefully transferred the delicate squares to the cookie sheets. If they had lost their shape in the transfer, it was easy to pull at one corner or another to pull them back into a square shape. The dough was completely malleable at this stage, but that would change soon enough!<br />
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The oven was by now at the perfect temperature, and each of the many cookie sheets made their way in, each one covered with glistening flat squares. They were removed 10 minutes later, transformed into the best cookies I had eaten then or since. She called them kichel. They had puffed up and the corners were all wonky. Some bubbled up, and there were a few where the sugar had <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">caramelized</span></span>
slightly. Those were the best, and I tried to save those all for myself. They were crispy and sweet. Sooooo delicious!<br />
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I couldn't tell you exactly how many times we made them together, but they were a staple at Baba’s house and we lived across the street until I was six, so I had my share of kichel until then. After we moved to Winnipeg, Baba regularly sent us care packages with kichel and all of the other amazing sweets she made at that table on those same cookie sheets. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HSkZzB9_wwdk-ADEp2qo_f0YDacgbiJ3NaqXvmL-6MEGdm4Z6Y0w-gYNGCYxxnhbdJI-kilSuuIqqh3l2nJVsvnkZVff1jreBqlUiESSnTdQGl9V5zBf-MGRoKqpLZNtIqzkbfeQYs54/s1600/recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HSkZzB9_wwdk-ADEp2qo_f0YDacgbiJ3NaqXvmL-6MEGdm4Z6Y0w-gYNGCYxxnhbdJI-kilSuuIqqh3l2nJVsvnkZVff1jreBqlUiESSnTdQGl9V5zBf-MGRoKqpLZNtIqzkbfeQYs54/s1600/recipe.jpg" /></a></div>
When my Baba passed away, I was already living in Israel, and I remember writing to family members to ask for the recipe. I realize now that it must have really been important to me because I still have the hand written instructions. But I have to admit that I was never able to do it justice, even though I tried it a few times with limited success. They never tasted like the batches we made together. So you can understand my delight after that first bite of Ines Rosales Sweet Olive Oil Tortas.<br />
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These Spanish tortas are not exactly like my Baba’s kichel. They have an added ingredient — aniseed — which is wonderful, and they are round and not square. But the taste of that first bite, was as nostalgic as it was sweet. I plan on giving the recipe another try, and, if all else fails, I know where I can get my fix.<br />
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It is so comforting to travel back to a wonderful memory, brought on by such a delicious sensory experience. I think I will make a cup of hot tea right now, eat a whole torta and remember how much fun it was to bake with my Baba, and what a wonderful impression it made on me when I was such a little girl. She was not a particularly warm or happy person. I am sure she had her reasons. But in the kitchen she was generous. And I am happy I had the opportunity to know her in that way.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-26930714034267103732014-07-01T13:40:00.000-07:002014-07-10T21:55:41.036-07:00Fresh ideas I can relate to: Jeanette Kuvin Oren<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxbC0TC34RxIJjqryhGcNicIfOaJvtbSmDGbf7GEtZis439-EcuQ6pn96aQ6P91IFUbXH1GG6GtczxlyC_807l2ED9rkIYjmhqKO2St2zYQ1Zps-nLDNzmzA9sa3FjDZdbR6jGLJIKA_e/s1600/flicker+ketubah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxbC0TC34RxIJjqryhGcNicIfOaJvtbSmDGbf7GEtZis439-EcuQ6pn96aQ6P91IFUbXH1GG6GtczxlyC_807l2ED9rkIYjmhqKO2St2zYQ1Zps-nLDNzmzA9sa3FjDZdbR6jGLJIKA_e/s1600/flicker+ketubah.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">copyright - Jeanette Kuvin Oren</td></tr>
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The art of paper cutting has a special place in my heart. It
is steeped in tradition that has found its way into both Ashkenazi and
Sephardic folk art going back to the 15<sup>th</sup> century and perhaps even earlier.
Interestingly Ashkenazi and Sephardic designs were in fact quite different in
style, the first being very decorative, filling every space with intricate
designs, while the latter being less complicated and simpler in symbolism.
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In the 20<sup>th</sup> century, this art form had a rebirth
of sorts. Today there are many artists pushing the limits of this craft to new
levels. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOV9fNTvpv3sSlZAVNEJVw8xIXbtd1Eqn8vKenimrc760Y-444uF9gJjaK0XLUPKeqGGYtCLfPIVVRPVUYBGrzRolGin6DLYwr_WmMMKTDyVZVO6_-P_zrcABq5VJZQwJi_ZnyR3Tqc_V/s1600/custom+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOV9fNTvpv3sSlZAVNEJVw8xIXbtd1Eqn8vKenimrc760Y-444uF9gJjaK0XLUPKeqGGYtCLfPIVVRPVUYBGrzRolGin6DLYwr_WmMMKTDyVZVO6_-P_zrcABq5VJZQwJi_ZnyR3Tqc_V/s1600/custom+fabric.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ketubah - copyright Jeanette Kuvin Oren</td></tr>
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The work of Jeanette Kuvin Oren is an example where paper
cut technique meets fiber art/stained glass/ laser cut metal in a blend of
ancient tradition and modern creative brilliance. The breadth of her portfolio
and the lengths to which she is undeterred by the various material limitations
is very inspiring.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQ26OAo_yWif9T59fyX1Cw8Xu9K_qAuk9mm1uBJTm2KVBVn7ywIKUcokJJNOEKzcCnmL3lo5YgkjQ9IhphPRhUZgxb9pV4czu6kH08dqGMmW3WoNa79fu_75C3KEJEGa6LvWNyJWP-N8D/s1600/torah+covers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQ26OAo_yWif9T59fyX1Cw8Xu9K_qAuk9mm1uBJTm2KVBVn7ywIKUcokJJNOEKzcCnmL3lo5YgkjQ9IhphPRhUZgxb9pV4czu6kH08dqGMmW3WoNa79fu_75C3KEJEGa6LvWNyJWP-N8D/s1600/torah+covers.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torah cover - copyright Jeanette Kuvin Oren</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jeanette is self-trained in all of these mediums. After
completing a Masters degree in Public Health and most of her PhD in Epidemiology
at the prestigious Universities of Princeton and Yale, she decided to go with
her passion full time — creating commissioned Judaic art and graphic design.
Her accomplishments are substantial. She has created more than 350 installation
pieces worldwide, in many mediums including mosaics, fiber art, paper cutting,
painting, laser cut metal and sometimes combinations of these mediums. Aside
from large installations, she also does commissions for individual ketubot as
well as other Judaica related fiber art.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxIKCpZ5ykz3ZKNuN8FIYRaj5YXBpk4IUSREc2Y6QuYNnusczVx1h480xm6sXgy7xsimkF9fjIUxYgi6Dnr1UcOwaJOMmM2IH8QjGs3KL-vML186RGqn3bW5cFhQHDliT12h3Ka46ubje/s1600/chuppah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxIKCpZ5ykz3ZKNuN8FIYRaj5YXBpk4IUSREc2Y6QuYNnusczVx1h480xm6sXgy7xsimkF9fjIUxYgi6Dnr1UcOwaJOMmM2IH8QjGs3KL-vML186RGqn3bW5cFhQHDliT12h3Ka46ubje/s1600/chuppah.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuppah - copyright Jeanette Kuvin Oren</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I came across her work as I was doing some research on paper
cut ketubah design. As I mentioned, I really love this craft, and I really
appreciate the symbolism of using an age-old tradition to create unique and
meaningful ketubah design for today’s modern couples. Her integration of fiber
art with paper cut technique especially intrigues me. Her work in this area
shows not only her creativity, but also her knowledge of craft at the highest
level.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyXvz27Lmr3fH2L2jFkVGOR5oH0u7or_blZUfvOQli8HbYG5tKmeG_0G9fcftFirm7NJBpSOuh1rSgzrdQnZhLRAn_qm71E1jXfR9en3PDyIBd6dWiEVyd4i3YVQFmaFXo8rjX6mwcCkM/s1600/laser-cut+metal+gates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyXvz27Lmr3fH2L2jFkVGOR5oH0u7or_blZUfvOQli8HbYG5tKmeG_0G9fcftFirm7NJBpSOuh1rSgzrdQnZhLRAn_qm71E1jXfR9en3PDyIBd6dWiEVyd4i3YVQFmaFXo8rjX6mwcCkM/s1600/laser-cut+metal+gates.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laser cut metal gates - copyright Jeanette Kuvin Oren</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7h4W4CF14kOarcQo01fsBsMHuxyMYXzEQxHd8qEeLjkPlofRiPURNteMh4tENcL0ttfiHs8WaiofFvos7VhqBmDcDOhU5fmWHWERCw32ANgNa9OsVuVUYNSLmweJRtTCfR0HyhXBUSE7/s1600/All+fabric+ketubah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7h4W4CF14kOarcQo01fsBsMHuxyMYXzEQxHd8qEeLjkPlofRiPURNteMh4tENcL0ttfiHs8WaiofFvos7VhqBmDcDOhU5fmWHWERCw32ANgNa9OsVuVUYNSLmweJRtTCfR0HyhXBUSE7/s1600/All+fabric+ketubah.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ketubah - copyright Jeanette Kuvin Oren</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can find out more about Jeanette and see more of her
work on her <a href="http://www.kuvinoren.com/">website</a>. Here is her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jeanette.kuvinoren?fref=ts">facebook page</a>, and a link to her <a href="http://www.kuvinoren.com/#!shop/c1bpf">shop</a>. If you
spend some time looking at her work, I believe you will be as inspired as I
was.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispR8dbHYPsA1XOXQiQ3YU0uk7HfQJSXu4lZlPbBsM-RmzBCuW3Frk6iCw4_nYBSbr_2gbbqDnEcIpnI_wHIlXCmF8hyNopYtGNjpY4UZzw5GK5xb5C1_ivsv11jaj020X6TGrT13YcQYc/s1600/custom+fabric+and+paper+cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispR8dbHYPsA1XOXQiQ3YU0uk7HfQJSXu4lZlPbBsM-RmzBCuW3Frk6iCw4_nYBSbr_2gbbqDnEcIpnI_wHIlXCmF8hyNopYtGNjpY4UZzw5GK5xb5C1_ivsv11jaj020X6TGrT13YcQYc/s1600/custom+fabric+and+paper+cut.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ketubah - copyright Jeanette Kuvin Oren</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are several other paper cut artists I am going to be
writing about soon. There are too many amazing artists out there, to limit
myself to sharing only one! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Until next time!</div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(all images copyright to Jeanette
Kuvin Oren)</span>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-47354144281175122532014-06-23T12:09:00.000-07:002014-06-23T12:09:53.654-07:00Fresh Ideas I can relate to: Masha Manapov<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuLmxoXY9zl6RS8fNFkmOWXq1Jz47t6ws7v7UFWsopKY84IaNNOJNextsXyZuteskZmPmcdB-Z_rW82D1a9t3IxcAi5EsCusy-DE5ty086c2j_NEtkcHzW9-iC1WhEXa5G5yey1exhhTD/s1600/il_570xN.475556835_5sko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuLmxoXY9zl6RS8fNFkmOWXq1Jz47t6ws7v7UFWsopKY84IaNNOJNextsXyZuteskZmPmcdB-Z_rW82D1a9t3IxcAi5EsCusy-DE5ty086c2j_NEtkcHzW9-iC1WhEXa5G5yey1exhhTD/s1600/il_570xN.475556835_5sko.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155627856/house-blessing-premium-print?ref=shop_home_feat_1"><span itemprop="name">House Blessing Premium Print </span><br />copyright - Masha Manapov</a></h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have not written a blog post in a really long time, so I thought what better way to reinvigorate my blog than to introduce you to an amazing artist that I can't stop thinking about. Her name is Masha Manapov and she lives in Tel Aviv. She is a graduate of the Bazalel Academy of Art and Design with a major in
illustration. She writes on her website, that her work focuses mainly on print and press media. But I found her on etsy.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was doing my usual monthly search on etsy to see who is new to the growing list of ketubah artists opening their shops and offering ketubot for sale. I am always looking for innovation in style and fresh ideas. Masha’s work drew me in immediately. When I looked deeper and had a look at her <a href="http://dvashop.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, <a href="http://www.mashkaman.com/">website</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/dvashh?ref=pr_shop_more">etsy shop</a>, I knew I my first instinct was spot on. Her work is fresh, unique, fun, and completely loveable.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She calls her shop “Dvash” which means honey in Hebrew. I love the name and it is so appropriate. Looking at her work is like trying to decide on a which candy to choose in a candy shop full of delights. She explains on her website: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
“ The<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>shop<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>was<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>born<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>from<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>the<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>need<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>to<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>design<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>original<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>high<span class="" placeholder=""></span>-<span class="" placeholder=""></span>quality<span class="" placeholder=""></span>
<span class="" placeholder=""></span>Jewish<span class="" placeholder=""></span> & <span class="" placeholder=""></span><span class="" placeholder=""></span>decor<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>products<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>with<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>a<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>fresh<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>perspective<span class="" placeholder=""></span>. <span class="" placeholder=""></span>Driven<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>by<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>a<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>passion<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>for<span class="" placeholder=""></span>
<span class="" placeholder=""></span>creating<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>something<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>new<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>and<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>a<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>bit<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>different<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>I<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>am<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>looking<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>to<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>provide<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>products<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>that<span class="" placeholder=""></span>
<span class="" placeholder=""></span>will<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>brighten<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>up<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>your<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>small<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>moments<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>and<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>big<span class="" placeholder=""></span> <span class="" placeholder=""></span>celebrations<span class="" placeholder=""></span>.” </div>
</blockquote>
And that is exactly what you will find in her shop. I have read through her website and shop descriptions and I have not found out exactly what her process is. Her work is full of texture and whimsey and speaks loudly to my aesthetic.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQjZ1jfQEgcY2i_k_OsY-FDFMb0Yti4JKYf-zGAOdfJc2dZRTK5vk3ia6XfUKKZH6n-6J5vzg4M_Qgls_UlKLDw7-MKyTz9vcaJV_VQNs1zoFqP8eZpx2JOCzNEP_Bl3qmbwX-k2vuiza/s1600/il_570xN.566492338_9lqp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQjZ1jfQEgcY2i_k_OsY-FDFMb0Yti4JKYf-zGAOdfJc2dZRTK5vk3ia6XfUKKZH6n-6J5vzg4M_Qgls_UlKLDw7-MKyTz9vcaJV_VQNs1zoFqP8eZpx2JOCzNEP_Bl3qmbwX-k2vuiza/s1600/il_570xN.566492338_9lqp.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/182302866/green-modern-romantic-ketubah?ref=shop_home_active_3">Green Modern Romantic Ketubah <br />copyright - Masha Manapov</a></h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1kjUAE2UXM2hxOtvJPmaGTRp5hwKKk8NjXYGFHeRTVLL2nsgH1ocngvsaPaBQCkstADdmlMYNWKslFqsLTiqINjPIxhEACCwyH49yf0oZMfx_7x3UFz0etQKkeoXIRrTJ5Vc8WhdN81S/s1600/il_570xN.604635967_32xd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1kjUAE2UXM2hxOtvJPmaGTRp5hwKKk8NjXYGFHeRTVLL2nsgH1ocngvsaPaBQCkstADdmlMYNWKslFqsLTiqINjPIxhEACCwyH49yf0oZMfx_7x3UFz0etQKkeoXIRrTJ5Vc8WhdN81S/s1600/il_570xN.604635967_32xd.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/190204989/blue-ketubah-for-the-modern-couple?ref=shop_home_active_1">Blue Ketubah for the modern couple<br />copyright - Masha Manapov</a></h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Masha launched her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/dvashh?section_id=15047741&ref=shopsection_leftnav_5">Ketubah Collection</a> on Feb 14, 2014 so it is still fresh and new. I hope she will continue to add new designs as I think she has a unique style that will be very popular with young couples looking for something new and refreshing. Her subject matter is traditional, but her approach is very new.<br />
<br />
Ketubot are just one aspect of her work. She is best known for her illustration work, but I for one think that her Judaica portfolio is first rate and I am sure the world will agree with me!<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do. (all images are copyright to Masha Manapov)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQlOQIFpySWyl8yEez-TkpUEcMtMjeBiC9zXsXz9_uz1UXP-VHOJWhyxVIGPXnthhBwAoqmUfmMmCdh6adLK05_g6vFNu2I21t32BoaXJHDFnM02SjnGo-q9-e-86pjT5mmvv9rLjuuTZ/s1600/il_570xN.475519714_qo70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQlOQIFpySWyl8yEez-TkpUEcMtMjeBiC9zXsXz9_uz1UXP-VHOJWhyxVIGPXnthhBwAoqmUfmMmCdh6adLK05_g6vFNu2I21t32BoaXJHDFnM02SjnGo-q9-e-86pjT5mmvv9rLjuuTZ/s1600/il_570xN.475519714_qo70.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/155624846/lions-holiday-set-of-four-cards?ref=listing-shop-header-4">Lions Holiday Set<br />copyright - Masha Manapov</a></h4>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-69823747515099142132012-12-23T13:35:00.001-08:002012-12-23T13:38:24.585-08:00Packing up my crafts, thinking of mom and dad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzqj__qVm1rb6DeTWlM5fb1LerA6-Ok4vKC3iZ7jYSpPSLDkxDbdLxgEMsX8X2SHJ0xk1zT-pvvJxxLcz7AGL-P93vI8PDJKoVwFAVCOWqM0VlLK0T7zVbmr9EgxYjjm2UbOaZijopWVw/s1600/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzqj__qVm1rb6DeTWlM5fb1LerA6-Ok4vKC3iZ7jYSpPSLDkxDbdLxgEMsX8X2SHJ0xk1zT-pvvJxxLcz7AGL-P93vI8PDJKoVwFAVCOWqM0VlLK0T7zVbmr9EgxYjjm2UbOaZijopWVw/s1600/mom.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom loved painting flowers. This is one of her paintings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My mom was incredibly talented. She was an artist, a potter and a talented curator of all things. She knew how to hang just the right painting in just the right spot and arrange beautiful combinations of artifacts on every shelf or table. She was so good at it, that friends and family asked her to come over when they moved into a new home to help arrange their art and beautiful things. She was always happy to oblige as it gave her great pleasure to see every piece of art perfectly situated. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately for her, she was not born in a time of handmade marketplaces like etsy, where all of her talents could have been transformed into multiple careers. Or in a time of great opportunities to sell art and crafts in inspired surroundings at holiday craft shows. <br />
<br />
Instead, she packed up her paintings and sat in very drab and boring shopping mall art shows, which she hated. But still, due to her amazing marketing skills (and my dad’s amazing calligraphy skills) she sold her paintings and brought joy to everyone that bought them. <br />
<br />
Did I mention that my mother was very organized? And that my dad was very handy? Getting packed up for each mall art show was organized to the last detail. My dad built and painted the stands and rigged up a dolly to keep them tightly fastened to each other during transport. He added velcro tabs to his hand lettered signs: “Artwork by Florence Fruman”, so that they could be easily attached and detached at each show. Mom had a “satchel” that had all of the hardware she needed to hang the artwork on the stands: her business cards, receipt book (so she could keep track of where her painting would be living), signage, masking tape etc. which was always packed and ready to go for each show. <br />
<br />
Before packing up the car, the paintings, which mom and dad framed themselves, were first wrapped in plastic and then carefully swaddled in an assortment of fluffy towels, and stacked in a big cardboard box on another dolly for that purpose. The stands, the paintings, the satchel, the box and the dollies all fit perfectly into the car. <br />
<br />
They had a system. <br />
<br />
At the end of each show, as if the film was being rewound, the paintings that had not sold were taken down, wrapped in plastic and then towels, stacked in the box, carted in the dolly, into the car, out of the car, unwrapped, and into storage until the next time. <br />
<br />
Fast forward to Winter 2012. Florence Fruman’s daughters, Naomi (in Brooklyn) and Leslie (in Toronto) are busy stressing about how to pack up their crafts and set up a booth at their first craft shows! <br />
<br />
I know that each of us, separately, thought of mom and dad every minute of the process. I thought about all the advice and encouragement they both would have given their girls if they were still alive. Dad would have hand painted signs for both of us and mom would have come to all of our shows and talked to all of the potential customers, encouraging them to buy our wares. Although we both did well at our first craft shows, I know we both would have sold more if mom were there. She was a “closer” when it came to sales. No one would have walked away empty handed! <br />
<br />
It is hard to believe (and our dad would have been very proud), but Leslie managed to get all of her wares, her “satchel”, numerous folding tables, dollies and other booth infrastructure and decor into her tiny Volkswagen Beatle. The eggshell blue bug was packed and unpacked through November and December attending holiday craft shows in the Toronto area. <br />
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As for me, I packed up my “satchel”, ketubah prints, pillows and framed prints into a car service (Brooklyn style) and headed for Williamsburg for the finale weekend of the Brooklyn Night Bazaar. <br />
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And wouldn’t mom and dad be doubly pleased to know it was their grandson who dreamed up and produced the incredible Brooklyn Night Bazaar, so that his mom could have a table at her first ever craft show? <br />
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Thanks mom and dad for a life full of creativity and support, in this life and the next (and to our aunties, who have taken over supporting our creative endeavors where mom and dad left off).<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zO4iYDbKiRBwpJ8MFl5ySo6kSsYADRFBLSBc4HOHqjLHNYUStFVR69xZvU4oSfUfdD8ngmaEC5U78fsym-y0HTtEcjuKwVXiymj1x2GfdtSRdJpTlQH6NaDnNjAl5ndAwftSB_zfeFwX/s1600/clayshapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zO4iYDbKiRBwpJ8MFl5ySo6kSsYADRFBLSBc4HOHqjLHNYUStFVR69xZvU4oSfUfdD8ngmaEC5U78fsym-y0HTtEcjuKwVXiymj1x2GfdtSRdJpTlQH6NaDnNjAl5ndAwftSB_zfeFwX/s1600/clayshapes.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pottery by Leslie Fruman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My sister Leslie is a self taught potter, crafting nature-inspired functional art for your table and home. She is based in Toronto, but sells worldwide through her online <a href="http://www.clayshapes.etsy.com/">etsy shop.</a><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLebRPHpncLKX6eu1OFL5LbpqX5DtRN_r2ltnkRv20zeo67dzg-FTL5lXW19htfVLoKda21O-G88hyjRQBolt4iGd3LFebs0PuzznvNy7LC-4K6OWdYI-MPe4RBQ-lti71msK0pnCGKWy/s1600/frames2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLebRPHpncLKX6eu1OFL5LbpqX5DtRN_r2ltnkRv20zeo67dzg-FTL5lXW19htfVLoKda21O-G88hyjRQBolt4iGd3LFebs0PuzznvNy7LC-4K6OWdYI-MPe4RBQ-lti71msK0pnCGKWy/s1600/frames2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My booth at the Brooklyn Night Bazaar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I am a ketubah artist, digital painter and wanna be textile/surface designer. You can find my wedding related and judaica products at my <a href="http://www.naomibroudo.etsy.com/">etsy shop</a> and my <a href="http://www.freshketubahdesign.com/">website</a>, my pillows at <a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/designers/p/detail/naomibroudo">envelop</a>, my textiles at <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/naomibroudo">spoonflower</a>, and my stock images at <a href="http://www.imagezoo.com/artist.asp?id=NBO">imagezoo</a>. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-64045359286383289862012-12-10T17:48:00.000-08:002013-05-24T06:18:04.893-07:00A handfull of pillows, a whole lot of possibilities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5Q5ScdE0LC1pn1e1I_layB8Kcfw0yiESx-AJAWr17-7WOhaKgVMWG0MmcJ1wXmse9EfX5aj_QyeDbalql0X_xFlrjK6GAmUSHUQ6zesQGQhyphenhyphenvQNVe5Bgaishh3PfyKrwMyVKUChtE7pl/s1600/fronts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5Q5ScdE0LC1pn1e1I_layB8Kcfw0yiESx-AJAWr17-7WOhaKgVMWG0MmcJ1wXmse9EfX5aj_QyeDbalql0X_xFlrjK6GAmUSHUQ6zesQGQhyphenhyphenvQNVe5Bgaishh3PfyKrwMyVKUChtE7pl/s1600/fronts.jpg" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_478854422"></span><span id="goog_478854423"></span>I received a very small package today. I have been waiting for it for three weeks and the anticipation has been killing me. I wouldn't say I have been losing sleep, but I have been counting days and worrying about what I would find inside this very small package — that held five pillow covers I designed almost two years ago. They come without the pillow forms, so they all fit in one bubble envelope. Today was the day they finally arrived. And today was the day I actually got to see my foray into fabric design in real live products.<br />
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Kind of exciting.<br />
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It took me about 15 minutes to stuff the pillow liners I bought at IKEA last week carefully into each of my pillows. I wanted them to look really puffy and full. Once I had them all zipped up with the "as advertised" wonderful invisible zippers, I started playing with them. As I had envisioned when I was designing them, the backs and the fronts of these pillows can be interchanged and rearranged, giving you many many options of how to use them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxb417d_y_HgB37s0_gTqRU9euzXrztiemdTpXkGIplTfWDNTXq8mle6YMWf8XtOS95Ji55XGAcVw8QKSr5nB9v9wpLyHQBhYvLrU7uZjRvzaEbdN4mGJf-2Bwqq4vOfWBciZtJhO3DaVZ/s1600/backs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxb417d_y_HgB37s0_gTqRU9euzXrztiemdTpXkGIplTfWDNTXq8mle6YMWf8XtOS95Ji55XGAcVw8QKSr5nB9v9wpLyHQBhYvLrU7uZjRvzaEbdN4mGJf-2Bwqq4vOfWBciZtJhO3DaVZ/s1600/backs.jpg" /></a></div>
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I am very pleased and I hope you will agree. They are quite cute and all go together in an interesting way. Five pillows go along way to create endless different looks. So if you decide to buy one of my pillows at my etsy shop, or directly through <a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/designers/p/detail/naomibroudo">envelop</a>, I really hope you will buy two or three, so that you can mix them up and change the look of your room just by flipping the pillows around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRmDc2qyT5h_snRiMe2za59K08X6YUtxAwnbNCWV3Jo2DC6zb2klbqP5XsVBaL5htfJcx74DRDmppaPRLhvysOefOiQxusv9lXmHV5oAXk3tye1stLnN8lCSz4z9DTpjta3852T3AJ1jC/s1600/mix+and+match_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRmDc2qyT5h_snRiMe2za59K08X6YUtxAwnbNCWV3Jo2DC6zb2klbqP5XsVBaL5htfJcx74DRDmppaPRLhvysOefOiQxusv9lXmHV5oAXk3tye1stLnN8lCSz4z9DTpjta3852T3AJ1jC/s1600/mix+and+match_1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIQU0v9XVdUzzZUfWYwOXRzBCFcXAe99PEBNAEODh_QgNpPTEG0-fq1Ps3NhLRl930n3RM-KPxiP2ACzWVHG-s7GPvSE2Un6BQVyKI3WmLCkIZjcetmPyQ-3UTg22Sq0aSNfd3NpUh6j6/s1600/mix+and+match_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIQU0v9XVdUzzZUfWYwOXRzBCFcXAe99PEBNAEODh_QgNpPTEG0-fq1Ps3NhLRl930n3RM-KPxiP2ACzWVHG-s7GPvSE2Un6BQVyKI3WmLCkIZjcetmPyQ-3UTg22Sq0aSNfd3NpUh6j6/s1600/mix+and+match_2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now that I have seen them in the flesh so to speak, you can be sure I will be finding some time to develop another series of my designs for your pillows. For now, here are my pillows, fronts and backs. For now they are available at <a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/designers/p/detail/naomibroudo">envelop</a>, soon they will be available at my <a href="http://www.naomibroudo.etsy.com/">etsy shop</a> as well. They come in three sizes, so that is another way to mix and match. Have fun!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRoPuDqZkIdlaqvIKHn4gqDp665tPdG5aKFbj67px_-dLyITnLMxetbm1gp_tti5AMsPPxAGgb4E7VTFKH2rEU8KkfRorMEmRNDMwKERy7UtkHhFTvzhJ65v-CgzRVFnFE5E3ZhSUY2hf/s1600/coffeeF&B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRoPuDqZkIdlaqvIKHn4gqDp665tPdG5aKFbj67px_-dLyITnLMxetbm1gp_tti5AMsPPxAGgb4E7VTFKH2rEU8KkfRorMEmRNDMwKERy7UtkHhFTvzhJ65v-CgzRVFnFE5E3ZhSUY2hf/s1600/coffeeF&B.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/articles/details/p/fresh-coffee">Fresh Coffee</a></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeZx8iHZaMMsT4emk7j8eN07M5lyI_ZibDEdD7Da_NrTE8wJmmQ01GtuiW1Lfutx4G9dikTpU3nqs32JrTugHUG9lbe548uPwI83dG4fa4BL0ROLY2BIgCLU42OAIAxNpQpVCLhbKAg7f/s1600/kittyF&B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeZx8iHZaMMsT4emk7j8eN07M5lyI_ZibDEdD7Da_NrTE8wJmmQ01GtuiW1Lfutx4G9dikTpU3nqs32JrTugHUG9lbe548uPwI83dG4fa4BL0ROLY2BIgCLU42OAIAxNpQpVCLhbKAg7f/s1600/kittyF&B.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/articles/details/p/meow">Meow</a></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zH4bPQL6KHvNbh3mlgC8DsBLXkZExHzs77SrggzVU2olnPe7k51Eyma72vnqs8Y-vd9s02GbWQ8v20Qku-6e-GlWNj2UdnbfaepI_jf0jz457PhLHUBT8Pe3osbORRrMDcLwX-wSB_7o/s1600/midcenturyF&B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zH4bPQL6KHvNbh3mlgC8DsBLXkZExHzs77SrggzVU2olnPe7k51Eyma72vnqs8Y-vd9s02GbWQ8v20Qku-6e-GlWNj2UdnbfaepI_jf0jz457PhLHUBT8Pe3osbORRrMDcLwX-wSB_7o/s1600/midcenturyF&B.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/articles/details/p/abstract-14">Abstract</a></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJU6lLL9EDwLyySvPa5q6VluTwg8xxrz7_oyIuFlReW2PPv7WeX4Ddj1FCoFx0WXCnoPnIQsvf3cVb3iqPu7L6y6AuGkjYAVJ8ZeVvsfrOxOvB4HPgEJehJuAwuhj-yqi4cpt-0lwCsDM9/s1600/moroccanF&B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJU6lLL9EDwLyySvPa5q6VluTwg8xxrz7_oyIuFlReW2PPv7WeX4Ddj1FCoFx0WXCnoPnIQsvf3cVb3iqPu7L6y6AuGkjYAVJ8ZeVvsfrOxOvB4HPgEJehJuAwuhj-yqi4cpt-0lwCsDM9/s1600/moroccanF&B.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/articles/details/p/alhambra">Alhambra</a></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGBAJwCZuRNvz9qOCx3BBd0QFJhvh7XwJEIar2o8UP-GS1vu7p0WNNxgGQS-GjDgIBOZwQj2rgWL5F8MQ4imV9Vlbx7Zt6KPHQ9AmAoBgPTsIky990WX6yM7dJpOljeqWbMAtQD1bMPuI/s1600/teacupF&B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGBAJwCZuRNvz9qOCx3BBd0QFJhvh7XwJEIar2o8UP-GS1vu7p0WNNxgGQS-GjDgIBOZwQj2rgWL5F8MQ4imV9Vlbx7Zt6KPHQ9AmAoBgPTsIky990WX6yM7dJpOljeqWbMAtQD1bMPuI/s1600/teacupF&B.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/articles/details/p/tea-time-7">Tea Time</a></td></tr>
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These pillows will make their debut at the Brooklyn Night Bazaar on Dec 21st and 22nd, along with a bunch of other fresh creations I am cooking up as we speak.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-86108393171107124722012-12-05T09:45:00.001-08:002012-12-11T19:21:48.828-08:00Free Chanukkah download love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1dhTVHUcHpVPUaYesP1LgvAg3WjIa_5MDXSv_O9Me_VVyYycBiH8CUkdb9NZDorDY22TGKYPV9qpf6u7bs6l1XBOyKbJqK5lKU_oVHTKlji9QxpQ7SQOwZP3rmo7JT2AfWLReMzNT3_-/s1600/chanukkah_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1dhTVHUcHpVPUaYesP1LgvAg3WjIa_5MDXSv_O9Me_VVyYycBiH8CUkdb9NZDorDY22TGKYPV9qpf6u7bs6l1XBOyKbJqK5lKU_oVHTKlji9QxpQ7SQOwZP3rmo7JT2AfWLReMzNT3_-/s1600/chanukkah_1.jpg" /></a></div>
December 8th is the first night of Chanukkah (Hanukah, Chanuka, however you want to spell it!), otherwise known as the celebration of lights on our Jewish Calendar. As the story goes, after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, one small cruse of olive oil
that had escaped contamination (still kosher), which certainly should only have been enough for one day, miraculously, burned brightly for eight days.<br />
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To celebrate this miracle of miracles, we light candles for eight nights and eat every kind of unhealthy delight soaked in, fried in or otherwise full of oil. Sounds awful, but it is actually amazingly delicious.<br />
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We also have a tradition of giving gifts — and that is what I have in store for you.<br />
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In the spirit of the holiday I have prepared a pdf file of some Chanukkah printables just for you — that you can download <a href="http://files.tandemdesign.com/Chanukkah_Print.pdf.zip">here</a>! Please print them as often as you like and share the file with your friends, just respect my copyright and keep it to personal use :)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprtNt25VY9d8A1gVt1k-UfJu9PdGrURuBbewS__uncrkAOUu2Rzk-c4Oo0KwYTwp8KmGvHaC8XPhjRHArmG913XinxB65V4yqve6es2C3zr24wVQlACxkRsqV93tPewjphKt9rz-xG7Xk/s1600/pdf+images_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprtNt25VY9d8A1gVt1k-UfJu9PdGrURuBbewS__uncrkAOUu2Rzk-c4Oo0KwYTwp8KmGvHaC8XPhjRHArmG913XinxB65V4yqve6es2C3zr24wVQlACxkRsqV93tPewjphKt9rz-xG7Xk/s1600/pdf+images_2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pdf includes an 8.5 x 11 poster, printable Chanukkah cards, and gift tags. Have fun!</td></tr>
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And if you want to read a nice Chanukkah memory of mine about latkas you can find it <a href="http://ketubahbynaomi.blogspot.com/2010/12/making-good-latkas-is-really-scienceor.html">here</a>.<br />
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Or if you are confused about which candle to light when, and from which side of the Menora, you can check out another of my posts <a href="http://ketubahbynaomi.blogspot.com/2010/12/happy-chanukkah-everyone.html">here</a>.<br />
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And if you are interested in purchasing some more printable Chanukkah decorations at my <a href="http://www.naomibroudo.etsy.com/">etsy shop</a> you can get there with this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/62395860/hanukkah-decorations-diy-printable">link</a>.<br />
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Happy holidays one and all — and may your candles burn brightly and your house smell of fried onions and potatoes for eight glorious nights!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-20967858562309813692012-11-28T01:20:00.001-08:002012-12-11T19:22:41.701-08:00New work to share (I am quite excited!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdusIuegyUFtx5_k_5onHXUMBGgoMi_ZZsi84PB2FtCYqfosXP7Gsdwx_AX91NGUJyd04WPawJSqDSRfd9s2V4q769w1IhwZOLQwB12gNA2KeRLgBw0tTWBgtM0FNLcrKUTUDoWzLQq4N/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdusIuegyUFtx5_k_5onHXUMBGgoMi_ZZsi84PB2FtCYqfosXP7Gsdwx_AX91NGUJyd04WPawJSqDSRfd9s2V4q769w1IhwZOLQwB12gNA2KeRLgBw0tTWBgtM0FNLcrKUTUDoWzLQq4N/s1600/coffee.jpg" /></a></div>
A lot of ideas have been percolating in my mind for several months. Dozens of electronic files, folders with images and photos I have taken while traveling, bits and pieces of inspiration creating a collage of images in my mind. They have been cooking on the back burner for a long time.<br />
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This week I finally had some breakthroughs and I feel ready to share.<br />
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I have started listing the new items at my <a href="http://www.naomibroudo.etsy.com/">etsy shop</a> and I am eager to get some feedback on my newest fresh creations.<br />
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<b>Parchment impressions:</b><br />
I am trying some digital collage using photography and my electronic artwork. Here are a couple of Ketubah close ups that are now for sale. If you click on the photo caption, it will take you to the item in my shop.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116200632/ketubah-love-and-flowers" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_OMpucvXRcfCZsN_3PBuUbIBRPa2nAGAM1rLe-U8fVz99RXQACNcZkcUZEX3wmYkdhf-Dstjv2HTEWM6L8ODYggfh3i0gkFwFng-SQNeTUL6UA951TNw2ZySnlxn3VQ1tb-FqFjJPfoz/s1600/closeup_black.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116200632/ketubah-love-and-flowers">Ketubah love and flowers</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGz9b0V-mA_LGBSxM4KR4a6RblSZrnKV-lcVLXmOaP5JkHYDC27RpylD52MVWbTztZ_nnGz-R_DjpaC7VqyEa1mrhCEoVgVmEaVgS1XjcSU5rI1R-dqgfe5N1I1pbmYjAAbS1U2a1Hhoj/s1600/humsa+close+up+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGz9b0V-mA_LGBSxM4KR4a6RblSZrnKV-lcVLXmOaP5JkHYDC27RpylD52MVWbTztZ_nnGz-R_DjpaC7VqyEa1mrhCEoVgVmEaVgS1XjcSU5rI1R-dqgfe5N1I1pbmYjAAbS1U2a1Hhoj/s1600/humsa+close+up+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116198324/ketubah-humsa-with-pomegranates?ref=v1_other_2">Ketubah hamsa and pomegranates</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Ketubah/ signing tree/guestbook series:</b><br />
This I am really excited about. The best ideas come out of collaboration, don't you agree? A bride contacted me a few weeks ago. She confided in me that she has been dreading her ketubah search. What she really wanted was a ketubah and a signing tree all in one. But they don't exist. When she saw that I had both signing trees and ketubot in my shop, she asked shyly if there was any way I could combine the two.<br />
<br />
Brilliant!<br />
<br />
What a great idea. I wish I had thought of it myself. In figuring out the details for her, I came up with a few more ideas, and I have many more in my head that I will be working on over the next few weeks. In the mean time here are a couple of thumbnails of three I have ready for sale. If you click on the photo caption, it will take you to the item in my shop.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPOi6QHTyS1FVay0RXWkXORoiGfxWa-6US3qu19rEPHUcVSNXBZpX-HE_0-cB7aC_5lCfevpDDcoTL5vuymzyCj9sGHiweY6dTxCcjmrcgloUdlfWpSTmQBITPLn0bn89_au6J8a86Ypo/s1600/intertwined.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPOi6QHTyS1FVay0RXWkXORoiGfxWa-6US3qu19rEPHUcVSNXBZpX-HE_0-cB7aC_5lCfevpDDcoTL5vuymzyCj9sGHiweY6dTxCcjmrcgloUdlfWpSTmQBITPLn0bn89_au6J8a86Ypo/s1600/intertwined.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116407884/signing-tree-ketubah-intertwined">Ketubah signing tree: Tree of life intertwined</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG091WOYNcNhj1TVnZE_0iuf95hN_J6cMtvPKtKGMzUwlJFZM1XWUU3Ja_hontSJVQXV6zrue9_g8P5hPvbJsfKlIX-knyR1a9xJVi1o0av7EHCs-y5OpnOEKYADopjDRg0i3j9kmD-36S/s1600/love+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG091WOYNcNhj1TVnZE_0iuf95hN_J6cMtvPKtKGMzUwlJFZM1XWUU3Ja_hontSJVQXV6zrue9_g8P5hPvbJsfKlIX-knyR1a9xJVi1o0av7EHCs-y5OpnOEKYADopjDRg0i3j9kmD-36S/s1600/love+birds.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116473366/signing-tree-ketubah-love-birds">Ketubah signing guestbook: Love Birds</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5VOWBSNlfwRb7Jd4zLFJNbSf7oM3BPt8wmC7oEAX6uv94Zdb68bQB6q7AiZR4WiIvNyDd9POexL1KYJQijyHoCu0xGs3c-S31BuX-0dwBNOg5S3TmCrSry-wCTaneU8IMfVo0p_eAkz-/s1600/rainbow_closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5VOWBSNlfwRb7Jd4zLFJNbSf7oM3BPt8wmC7oEAX6uv94Zdb68bQB6q7AiZR4WiIvNyDd9POexL1KYJQijyHoCu0xGs3c-S31BuX-0dwBNOg5S3TmCrSry-wCTaneU8IMfVo0p_eAkz-/s1600/rainbow_closeup.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/116411966/signing-tree-ketubah-tree-of-life-in?ref=v1_other_2">Ketubah signing tree: Tree of life in full color</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
As soon as I have more pieces ready for sale, I will be bothering you again for your feedback!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-72908554209990417792012-09-01T00:52:00.001-07:002012-09-01T00:52:43.454-07:00It's almost Rosh Hashanah. Are you ready?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-y4dpPWS3fUn21yKaOHu1TYCa8f6wW-9shzAb5cDhZ1R4XRdfD0XwsGEC1RINdhBuUn5uKbnJy3hb1v2O9DRLEXAwEUXRhY1zis_GqCxFve1lA-yAoA1Bqh2-st7W3KBSEcxIWUVmX2n1/s1600/Apples+and+honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-y4dpPWS3fUn21yKaOHu1TYCa8f6wW-9shzAb5cDhZ1R4XRdfD0XwsGEC1RINdhBuUn5uKbnJy3hb1v2O9DRLEXAwEUXRhY1zis_GqCxFve1lA-yAoA1Bqh2-st7W3KBSEcxIWUVmX2n1/s1600/Apples+and+honey.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/108312413/printable-jewish-new-year-card-apples"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Printable Jewish New Year card: Apples and Honey</span></a></h1>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In just over two weeks the High Holidays will be upon us. I thought I would make your lives a bit easier with a few new listing at my etsy shop. I have converted three of my card designs into printable pdf files in three sizes; 8.5 x 11, 4 x 6 and 5 x 7. They are customizable with your own personal message and can be sent out by email or printed at home on card stock. Print as many as you like for $9.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisull2X72uffWiiEpMI0TpdAkc9fGVfMP5Bxfpp5Brw_V0Www4_2Rww0gmGeeWyGB66jl5D-o8c4n9Q5hqlRByVjQTI4ASskku2grEHFAj5Dcmue0hrLdm8ObiAsbuhmoGP6iN2vU-2-g/s1600/apple+++Honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisull2X72uffWiiEpMI0TpdAkc9fGVfMP5Bxfpp5Brw_V0Www4_2Rww0gmGeeWyGB66jl5D-o8c4n9Q5hqlRByVjQTI4ASskku2grEHFAj5Dcmue0hrLdm8ObiAsbuhmoGP6iN2vU-2-g/s1600/apple+++Honey.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/108313408/printable-jewish-new-year-card-apples"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Printable Jewish New Year card: Apples and Honey</span></a></h1>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You can find the listings at the links below the images.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogegFsL1iHVB7TwKmIOerrkTOa6ttSM9S591PEGfB_9kXt5Ms2-AJKLyKXMRhe4izVpH__Qb8jftQrp1aLfTMrEJ6toQxwz_cSYHyI16VLipAvdpymSD4WnOhAEmqparEelnU5NH-dwcP/s1600/pomegranates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogegFsL1iHVB7TwKmIOerrkTOa6ttSM9S591PEGfB_9kXt5Ms2-AJKLyKXMRhe4izVpH__Qb8jftQrp1aLfTMrEJ6toQxwz_cSYHyI16VLipAvdpymSD4WnOhAEmqparEelnU5NH-dwcP/s1600/pomegranates.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/108312461/printable-jewish-new-year-card"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Printable Jewish New Year card: Pomegranates</span></a></h1>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Happy New Year everyone!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-54286810586136315482012-08-28T16:24:00.000-07:002012-08-28T16:24:08.393-07:00Fresh ideas I can relate to: Ketubah Love by Toby Simon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_80APwqeysz7GLKD9onQe0yVEOT4NscCMu0JUti7x9hKnOgnIpvP37gQOu_2SG907n7FKrT-xfAPOsh-VtqgYg-cc7Ii_n2BRUHmWcq9x0b0buytGGTuKh8X8J5UhuajIC6YDdex_Yid/s1600/fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_80APwqeysz7GLKD9onQe0yVEOT4NscCMu0JUti7x9hKnOgnIpvP37gQOu_2SG907n7FKrT-xfAPOsh-VtqgYg-cc7Ii_n2BRUHmWcq9x0b0buytGGTuKh8X8J5UhuajIC6YDdex_Yid/s1600/fish.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/106908021/soul-delights-anniversary-print">Soul Delights Anniversary Print</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I bumped into Toby on one of my etsy searches to see what new ketubah artists had emerged while I was away travelling. I was interested to see if there were any new trends emerging that would inspire me.<br />
<br />
When I saw Toby’s “<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/106908021/soul-delights-anniversary-print">Soul Delights Anniversary Print</a>”, I was smitten immediately. You all know how much I love patterns and fabric design. Well, here is someone, who often makes her own fabric and THEN creates beautiful fabric art compositions, with this fabric and THEN adds her own calligraphy to create magnificent ketubot. Now that is a fresh idea I can relate to! My heart was bursting!<br />
<br />
I knew there had to be an interesting story behind this multi-talented woman. I contacted her almost immediately to congratulate her on her original work and ask her if she would be willing to be interviewed here.<br />
<br />
I could tell right away that she was a thoughtful person. I provided my questions and she carefully crafted her answers. The resulting interview, I hope will give you an insight into the passions and process of this amazingly talented lady.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBZRdkdUr1Nz463qAGZcJJddg2PGzhEd23qjTIUNfcIST1psTpcxie7ri8cQoWCo2luHAAQWNGFSZa-lyOmYKbar9bIWS4xATibeQtSGnw4rMXvwFOhTejqCIkf-lisvIQRY7BeHGF4HZ/s1600/treeoflife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBZRdkdUr1Nz463qAGZcJJddg2PGzhEd23qjTIUNfcIST1psTpcxie7ri8cQoWCo2luHAAQWNGFSZa-lyOmYKbar9bIWS4xATibeQtSGnw4rMXvwFOhTejqCIkf-lisvIQRY7BeHGF4HZ/s1600/treeoflife.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97342425/ketubah-tree-of-life">Tree of Life Ketubah</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With no further adieu, may I introduce Toby Simon!<br />
<br />
Q. Hi Toby. Let’s start from the beginning. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?<br />
<br />
A. I’m an artist in San Francisco whose creative interests range from drawing, writing calligraphy, playing the violin, and quilting. I live with my very vibrant and inquisitive daughter, Mona, and husband, Dave, whose interests are equally as eclectic as mine (everything from beer making to quilting to gardening to pickling). While my full time job is raising my daughter, I am an innately creative person and aspire to turn my art into a sustainable income.<br />
<br />
Q. Now let’s hear about the creative part in a bit more detail. Tell us about your three passions — Judaica, calligraphy, and fabric arts.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRqukKDB62aVMUKf-LcAKkeLlzqEePQqtgppKx6PJSNlCKOfo104FmI4WUNNny3eT7a2kdzVlOH9uoF2ouN-_ixUA-TqHHnH3CYU0-MtdXU6Gb3m5ajAZT1ywPOMVSa1CY_SZvGn6N2VI/s1600/tree+of+life+Calligraphy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRqukKDB62aVMUKf-LcAKkeLlzqEePQqtgppKx6PJSNlCKOfo104FmI4WUNNny3eT7a2kdzVlOH9uoF2ouN-_ixUA-TqHHnH3CYU0-MtdXU6Gb3m5ajAZT1ywPOMVSa1CY_SZvGn6N2VI/s1600/tree+of+life+Calligraphy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merging calligraphy with illustration is a really fun technique that can
bring life to words and depth to an image. This tree is filled with the
words “Etz Chaim” and “Chai” which I laid out to give texture to the
leaves and dimension to the trunk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1D8YrnRwiUkmeNPk67DoIUEZrsvmu0DPui78M0TvhIDLe065SW64b1dzdyZne5jEYmqYNmtw1ZOtqmx5KJOuMKAThvWLXdEd8ocyqxKk0t4zOZ2B5V9VeMrOa4mnUYica38AIAsAvLRp/s1600/menorah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1D8YrnRwiUkmeNPk67DoIUEZrsvmu0DPui78M0TvhIDLe065SW64b1dzdyZne5jEYmqYNmtw1ZOtqmx5KJOuMKAThvWLXdEd8ocyqxKk0t4zOZ2B5V9VeMrOa4mnUYica38AIAsAvLRp/s1600/menorah.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This gesture of a Hannukah Menorah was painted with an old stick of
mascara . I used colored pencil to strengthen the form and illuminate
the image.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A. Having grown up with bits of Judaica throughout almost every room in my parents’ house, designing Jewish art was always on my radar. After graduating college I began applying my English calligraphy to a stationery business (my other Etsy shop), but still kept an eye on what Ketubah artists were doing since it was an art form that always excited me. For me, and, I would venture to guess, for many Jewish calligraphers, designing Ketubot is a natural direction to explore after discovering Hebrew calligraphy; it is a wonderful way to showcase your love for lettering.<br />
<br />
It wasn’t until some time in ’08 that I finally decided to try my hand at illustrating and painting a Ketubah. I was not happy with the results and felt extremely discouraged. It looked forced and plain and didn’t hold a candle to what was out there. I knew the only way to compete with the countless talented artists in the field was to find my own artistic voice. It was particularly designers like Melissa Dinwiddie whose beautiful work I used as motivation to improve my own standard.<br />
<br />
Q. But Toby, how did you dream up combining all three?<br />
<br />
A. It wasn’t until a few years later when I discovered my knack for combining fabrics and patterns did I realize I finally had an art form worthy enough to apply to the world of Ketubot.<br />
<br />
Combining the three elements was actually the easiest part. There’s a satisfaction we get in bottlenecking our passions into one solid direction. I had the Judaica theme to guide my new art form; A Carte Blanche aesthetic (“painting” with fabrics) with a theme I loved (Judaica art with lots of room for lettering). It was a relief.<br />
<br />
Q. “Painting with fabrics” is a beautiful way of describing what you are doing. Are you printing your own fabric?<br />
<br />
A. Yes, I’ve begun designing and printing my own. At the moment I mostly use ready designed fabric scraps that I’ve collected from stores, quilting festivals and over-the-hill clothing. However when I can’t find a particular pattern in my stash I will create it myself. Another reason I’ve begun designing fabrics is because it allows me continue drawing, painting, and experimenting with writing tools; skills I’ve been building since college. The drawing table is my happy place and I really don’t want to abandon it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4IR79f2UoNtKw8cjK8lFt2zznEvaCqUv3Mdj7x6gjQEEDSxswXe6N1hiCPmtY_C2_4R0h12ltqY07JundtJbprb69H2hiHJAeAVNV6NB8-8Sm8YU4w4GaUhxMQhTpt4vPCGZs9M0l7xF/s1600/alefbet2_fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4IR79f2UoNtKw8cjK8lFt2zznEvaCqUv3Mdj7x6gjQEEDSxswXe6N1hiCPmtY_C2_4R0h12ltqY07JundtJbprb69H2hiHJAeAVNV6NB8-8Sm8YU4w4GaUhxMQhTpt4vPCGZs9M0l7xF/s1600/alefbet2_fabric.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Written with flat edged pen fountain pen
and shaded with colored pencil. I repeated and staggered the block of
letters to create this fabric
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Q. Are you willing to share your secrets? Can you tell us how you do it?<br />
<br />
A. Sure! Designing a fabric starts with an illustration or motif that I scan and repeat in Photoshop. I then print it on my ink jet printer onto <a href="http://www.cjenkinscompany.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=whitemiraclefabricsheet">C. Jenkins Miracle Fabric Sheets</a>. You simply feed the fabric sheet through the printer, press it with a warm iron, and then peel off the paper backing. It’s genius if you only need small swatches of patterns. I’ve also sent some prints to <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome">Spoonflower</a> when I wanted to have a ½ or full yard.<br />
<br />
Q. How long have you been developing this completely unique style?<br />
<br />
A. For about two and a half years I’d say. Right before my daughter was born, my husband surprised me with a sewing machine. I’d been making him little patches by hand as birthday presents – cutting animal shapes and sewing them on hats and scarves – which took a very long time, and I think he was curious to see what I would make with a machine. I went searching for reading material on sewing basics, but then I would get sidetracked by books about patchwork and fabric collage, and I ended up delving into that art form and running with it.<br />
<br />
Q. I imagine, I am not the first to shower you with accolades about your work. How is your work being received?<br />
<br />
A. Thanks! I’ve gotten lots of positive feedback about how they are unique and not a style people have seen with Ketubot before. I also receive a lot of comments such as “I wish I could get married again so I could order a Ketubah from you” or “I wish I was Jewish…” For this reason I've started selling several of the designs as art prints without the Ketubah text so that anyone can enjoy them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuM6FgG4nIdKzoScy0cYXOVNTh_7AHMIKzaKpr6Rom-cCfYEmeTy28V071fXCSpe8d_fppk8cqT1LSjuaUrL2vJdg-o-tPO3afdhZnXe8dVlWrcpFTasP4rYt6GpMBXGlqmPKD_xBlDCg4/s1600/art+prints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuM6FgG4nIdKzoScy0cYXOVNTh_7AHMIKzaKpr6Rom-cCfYEmeTy28V071fXCSpe8d_fppk8cqT1LSjuaUrL2vJdg-o-tPO3afdhZnXe8dVlWrcpFTasP4rYt6GpMBXGlqmPKD_xBlDCg4/s1600/art+prints.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ketubahlove.com/tree-of-life-art-print/">Tree of Life Art Print</a></td></tr>
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<br />
Q. I see that your ketubot on etsy are prints of your fabric art with calligraphy overlaid. Have you ever created a fabric ketubah with hand lettered text right on the fabric? If someone wanted to commission you to do that, would it be possible?<br />
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A. Yes I’d be happy to discuss creating a commissioned Ketubah. While I probably wouldn’t write out that large a body of text directly onto a piece of fabric, I can easily scan a large body of text and print that onto a Fabric Sheet and sew that into an original quilt. To inquire about a fully commissioned Ketubah people can get in touch with me through my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KetubahLove">Etsy shop</a> or directly through my website at <a href="http://www.ketubahlove.com/">www.ketubahlove.com</a>.<br />
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Q. How do you see this developing over time? Do you see this evolving into other Judaica one of a kind pieces?<br />
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A. I do have big plans for Ketubah Love. I’m working on evolving it into a Judaica shop with fabric goodies and stationery for Jewish holidays and Simchot. Mona has just started preschool and I have a baby boy due in November, and I plan to use the time before his arrival to churn out some exciting work.<br />
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WOW! The more I learn about Toby, the more amazed I am.<br />
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To find out more about Toby and her creations, you can visit her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KetubahLove">ketubah love etsy shop</a>, her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/savorthedate?ref=seller_info">Savor the date etsy shop</a> and her <a href="http://www.ketubahlove.com/">website</a> (where you can see actual video of her process). And if you head to, and “Like” her <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ketubah-Love/288669041179406?ref=hl%29">Facebook page</a> you can be included in Rosh Hashanah give away to one of her new Facebook fans really soon. I recommend coming back often to check up on her. I expect great things from Toby. She is a true artist with a passion, and very high standards for herself and her work. The sky is the limit on what fresh idea she will come up with next.<br />
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Thanks Toby for sharing your story with us! And best of luck with Ketubah Love! <br /><br /> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-12253226898105746512012-08-05T05:44:00.000-07:002012-12-11T19:23:11.622-08:00My pillows!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHToSA1LQgWzC72pFL6LAKn1poov4cvXJv1m9m5v1rtEQaXGM7DSiqKHGX97dZdt55__J9BQOKi4NS7MaYrd4vUjnIi4Kjy57Z4c5HoKvyiqRwoI9Hdxgmcj8Szn1nJvcvwQQ9RGVnB9Yy/s1600/pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHToSA1LQgWzC72pFL6LAKn1poov4cvXJv1m9m5v1rtEQaXGM7DSiqKHGX97dZdt55__J9BQOKi4NS7MaYrd4vUjnIi4Kjy57Z4c5HoKvyiqRwoI9Hdxgmcj8Szn1nJvcvwQQ9RGVnB9Yy/s1600/pillow.jpg" /></a></div>
While we were still on our "unplugged journey", my friend Cyndy sent me an email telling me she had purchased two of my pillow designs as gifts for friends. When I was in Ottawa visiting Cyndy last month, I got to see one of my pillows for the first time.<br />
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I am happy to report that the quality is second to none! The fabric is wonderful and the colours are exactly as I expected them to be.<br />
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So if you were hesitant about shopping at <a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/designers/p/detail/naomibroudo">envelop</a>, FEAR NOT! The product is amazing and Cyndy confirms that shipping is a breeze.<br />
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Here are a couple of shots of this design on the couch. My pillows are reversible so you have two pillows in one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFeyxlHCSK2Pi8TXO67bWzdpbggxNcL9gB_fFhc2WjC_F1u-xweMp3ILrGI_aaXKOrList0wB9ElbURqjAfTYqaVPx2GOTGrzbszQqXYn8gqZS-4W1_A5OwdZAGRso1wTMbSVUXfMp9Qt/s1600/pillow+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFeyxlHCSK2Pi8TXO67bWzdpbggxNcL9gB_fFhc2WjC_F1u-xweMp3ILrGI_aaXKOrList0wB9ElbURqjAfTYqaVPx2GOTGrzbszQqXYn8gqZS-4W1_A5OwdZAGRso1wTMbSVUXfMp9Qt/s1600/pillow+back.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1o2GXf7PWzQLGS7NXaLQn97TvG1aDN4CvybOzclXF7NGfGHiqqmQok4HunBi-A0AuzSsGZpth3WU_ApEjAzu4P-DbIF7iLvm6xVNInOPb-5rv01OtI2A43CY9W3qCfRmN7Jp-RbL4jsh/s1600/pillow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1o2GXf7PWzQLGS7NXaLQn97TvG1aDN4CvybOzclXF7NGfGHiqqmQok4HunBi-A0AuzSsGZpth3WU_ApEjAzu4P-DbIF7iLvm6xVNInOPb-5rv01OtI2A43CY9W3qCfRmN7Jp-RbL4jsh/s1600/pillow2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Check out my full pillow collection <a href="http://www.envelop.eu/shop/designers/p/detail/naomibroudo">here</a>. And if you do buy one, please send me a picture!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-72801498076423857462012-06-28T12:36:00.000-07:002012-06-28T12:36:34.536-07:00Back at it!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXJv-6P8jF0kuAWkfchASfR5d2sZm2aV_2va2xsFF0RqJTIWd2ESYT12gELzbC_Bx-TBW2XBW9cOD46Di2VvIOGnf7C5tu6heskMEk8PMdB9FQQBbQMTn70r_nqMQWOINc7yoD1YCiAUw/s1600/ketubah+images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXJv-6P8jF0kuAWkfchASfR5d2sZm2aV_2va2xsFF0RqJTIWd2ESYT12gELzbC_Bx-TBW2XBW9cOD46Di2VvIOGnf7C5tu6heskMEk8PMdB9FQQBbQMTn70r_nqMQWOINc7yoD1YCiAUw/s1600/ketubah+images.jpg" /></a></div>
Wow, it has been a long time.<br />
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Many of you following me here at fresh creations, know that the last year has been one filled with great adventures and amazing experiences that I have been documenting on our travel <a href="http://www.broudos-unplugged.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. During those many months trekking in Nepal, overlanding in India, and discovering South East Asia, I left the virtual shelves in my etsy shop completely empty. I couldn't really get my head around how I could keep the shop open and continue to customize my artwork. It was going to take time to figure out what the future of my shop would be if we were "unplugged" and and I was "studioless"<br />
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Surviving on the road for almost a year requires creativity — and a lot of help from family and friends to figure out how to do things at a distance, find ways online to do absolutely everything and survive without an address or phone number! It has been a real education, and for the most part completely positive. The bottom line is, there are solutions for almost everything and with a little bit of patience and only a few freak-outs, we have managed extremely well!<br />
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But back to my etsy shop ...<br />
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I missed it. <br />
Puttering in my shop. <br />
Interactions with my customers. <br />
Walking to the post office every day to ship out orders.<br />
But mostly being a part of something very meaningful. There is something terribly fulfilling about creating a piece of artwork (Ketubah) that celebrates the union of two people in love.<br />
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I know I am getting mushy, but it's the honest truth. Even with all of the amazing sights I was seeing, mountains I was climbing, museums I was visiting, experiences I was writing about, or photographs I was taking, I still missed the experience of being connected to so many weddings. I simply had to find a way to put that piece back into my life.<br />
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And I have.<br />
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I will now be able to create and customize my artwork from anywhere in the world and ship the final product to you wherever you are. As long as we both have an internet connection, we are in business! I am slowly restocking my shop with Ketubah designs and soon I hope to also add other items as well. Some will be printed items, and some will be pdf files that you print yourself. And I guess it will continue to evolve as I do.<br />
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I am glad to be back at it and I am looking forward to hearing from you, wherever you are!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-71396040052173403032011-08-11T11:18:00.000-07:002011-08-11T11:18:31.262-07:00WeddingYentas.com: Miriam and Jakes wedding, including my love birds ketubah!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhjh_BEYebB-zX2c7Ww-EM7FhJTzKVU6PB4NXXXhIa1fgTyCX_MHRdsxbYL3Sb6lyrLkuNvreu9fxayXi02Bglgc_GPNDUI07DpG5uXnAGskV4V2fvfcmXluUdf3VIqeqlkcsPc-qKeav/s1600/Miriam+and+jake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhjh_BEYebB-zX2c7Ww-EM7FhJTzKVU6PB4NXXXhIa1fgTyCX_MHRdsxbYL3Sb6lyrLkuNvreu9fxayXi02Bglgc_GPNDUI07DpG5uXnAGskV4V2fvfcmXluUdf3VIqeqlkcsPc-qKeav/s640/Miriam+and+jake.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hazelnutphotography.com/" target="_blank">Photo by: Hazelnut Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Many of the couples I have worked with this summer, are being featured on blogs this month. Have a look at this stunning wedding featured on <a href="http://www.theweddingyentas.com/?s=Miriam+and+Jake&x=0&y=0">WeddingYentas.com</a> – and my love birds ketubah. <br />
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Mazel Tov Miriam and Jake!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-21267612098122133512011-08-11T10:52:00.000-07:002011-08-11T11:21:53.337-07:00Michael and Meredith's Miami Beach Wedding: with my tree of life ketubah!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6_eVvOMhdPPjnvwM1kfJ2BG22_TAHNQ73yuA4yoyPmPrXGjvzljVhbTl28X6CtQ9yjt54Gbv_tT9ItdVY-v1GvGHckcTIHbt9kjm4Reqw64IRdu8lNEUGAn5tgNCRqQ5Nci2Y3EaCuKd/s1600/0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6_eVvOMhdPPjnvwM1kfJ2BG22_TAHNQ73yuA4yoyPmPrXGjvzljVhbTl28X6CtQ9yjt54Gbv_tT9ItdVY-v1GvGHckcTIHbt9kjm4Reqw64IRdu8lNEUGAn5tgNCRqQ5Nci2Y3EaCuKd/s1600/0090.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by: <a href="http://intimatebridalportraits.com/">Emily Harris Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>While away in Europe I got a message from <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/">Style me Pretty</a> alerting me to a wedding post including one of my ketubot. You can see the whole post <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/07/27/national-hotel-wedding-by-emily-harris-photography-ocean-flowers-and-decor/#comment-268131">here</a>. The most beautiful couple in an awesome venue!<br />
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Mazel Tov Michael and Meredith! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-35831278415393200762011-06-27T15:56:00.000-07:002011-06-27T16:00:47.910-07:00100 miracles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFIjX88w03W96Pe-Dv3fuCsYNsyw_A6LhdgIR1_GDAFZ4NKjamLR5DQryyawv4y2e9ZiRmtgw8C37LLOaP2zzVLnkiCso7Ql3YqNIbTo4TG4acjl-54-iavFPCaPTGWJr35hCiWSCdCIS/s1600/100+sales+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFIjX88w03W96Pe-Dv3fuCsYNsyw_A6LhdgIR1_GDAFZ4NKjamLR5DQryyawv4y2e9ZiRmtgw8C37LLOaP2zzVLnkiCso7Ql3YqNIbTo4TG4acjl-54-iavFPCaPTGWJr35hCiWSCdCIS/s1600/100+sales+graphic.jpg" /></a></div><br />
When I opened my <a href="http://www.naomibroudo.etsy.com/">etsy shop</a> in August, after more than a year of preparation (learning how and building my freshketubah website, learning about and creating this blog, reading everything I could find about opening a shop and how to promote it, creating the initial designs I would try to sell ...), I thought I was ready for whatever would happen next. But I also tried to be realistic about the experiment I was embarking upon.<br />
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When the first miracle happened the next day, and I had my first ketubah order, I had to pinch myself to be sure I wasn’t dreaming! When I finished pinching, the real panic set in, as I was completely unprepared to fill orders. I am embarrassed to say I still did not have my ketubah text options completed, shipping materials in hand or any branded forms/mailing labels or letterhead. No proofing forms or even a process in place to keep track of any of it.<br />
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In Hebrew there is a saying: “the shoemaker walks barefoot”. You would think after 20 years of creating branding and marketing material for my clients, I might have been a bit more prepared.<br />
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But you see, I had not in my wildest dreams thought I would have sales right away— or ever for that matter. And to this day, after reaching my 100th miracle sale, I am still pinching myself to be sure I am not dreaming.<br />
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It is a moment in time, when people with a dream can make miracles come true. It is a time when you can, with a bit of initiative, learn like I did, to set yourself up with an online shop, and with hard work, make a go of it. It is an amazing opportunity, which I hope I never take for granted.<br />
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So a humungous thank you to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">etsy</a> for existing, and to the hundreds of people at the other end of my internet searches, who answered my questions, gave me encouragement, taught me techniques, filled the blanks in my knowledge base, and kept me moving forward. And to my 100 miracles — let me just say, you are awesome, every single one of you :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-42509310491094774222011-06-24T14:20:00.000-07:002011-06-24T14:20:52.036-07:00Mazel tov all around!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZS1zPskjGz5DEGpVAZBuQhEY5fv1TlclIJ_K-RZ5N2_NZ2vwUJNYW4pK8lvmGUeakxjQCytw_mBnvMaqyHoWg2aOSd_4auqdLeJrC87imHdgictD9BKh8sLoWF0LcGaTv7waSrV-OXso/s1600/MAZEL+TOV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZS1zPskjGz5DEGpVAZBuQhEY5fv1TlclIJ_K-RZ5N2_NZ2vwUJNYW4pK8lvmGUeakxjQCytw_mBnvMaqyHoWg2aOSd_4auqdLeJrC87imHdgictD9BKh8sLoWF0LcGaTv7waSrV-OXso/s1600/MAZEL+TOV.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Family Simcha’s are the best! Family members fly in from all corners of the country/world to spend three days and nights, dressing up (some of us are more comfortable with this than others ... ), filling our tummies with delicious Jewish food, commenting on how great we all look, and kvelling about the latest accomplishments of our children or grand children. In the middle of all of this, is the actual reason for us being together — The Wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Brit Mila or Baby Naming. No matter what the Occasion is, there are always tears of joy, mazel tov’s all around, and a few extra pounds on the scale by the time all is said and done. Those of us that couldn’t make it to the event wait impatiently for the facebook updates and online slideshows. In our family — news travels so quickly — that any noteworthy tidbit makes it from Vancouver to Jerusalem and back almost simultaneously! By the time the pictures arrive we are all convinced we were actually there, even if we weren’t!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In May this year, our family was lucky enough to have two beautiful Simchas in very close succession. One in Vancouver and one in Toronto — and Marc and I were lucky enough to be able to enjoy them both first hand. In anticipation of both events, I started planning what I would make for each of the girls experiencing their rites of passage this past May. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">India Raine (Is that not the most beautiful name you have ever heard?) came into this world on December 13th 2010. I think that it is safe to say, that there is a competition going on between the parents, grandparents and super baba (India’s great grandmother), as to who can love this beautiful baby girl the most! And the rest of the extended family is not far behind. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggB6e77toaRzgYvX6pbNzDQCqxP20XknlBKPkn7itFiz5GyXtRV6z_Qe1bjo-6GvSeqDRVq9ViscUQHfOQ7LH1ducmSf0XwHYRksdkwsqVxF-QaCnMrMnNzNsm8oYYRE92DFvAhDUa2k2e/s1600/India_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggB6e77toaRzgYvX6pbNzDQCqxP20XknlBKPkn7itFiz5GyXtRV6z_Qe1bjo-6GvSeqDRVq9ViscUQHfOQ7LH1ducmSf0XwHYRksdkwsqVxF-QaCnMrMnNzNsm8oYYRE92DFvAhDUa2k2e/s1600/India_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I set to work creating a baby naming certificate for India several months ago. I was so excited about it, that I came up with a number of ideas. The final design is pink pink pink! India’s favourite colour. Lots of pretty flowers and two happy peacocks. The final artwork was ready for her naming ceremony mid May, here in Vancouver. India, dressed in pink (of course), was a perfect lady during the proceedings, letting mommy and daddy, all of the grandparents and super baba do all of the crying! It was amazingly beautiful and meaningful. I still get teary just thinking about it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Less than two weeks later we were on a plane to Toronto for the next amazing family extravaganza. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sarah is many years past her baby naming ceremony. This year was the year for her to prepare for becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Anyone that has gone through this process, knows it is a lot of hard work. There is a whole year of study. A Torah portion and Haftorah to understand and learn how to read, and how to chant. And then a speech to write about the whole experience. And on top of everything, this all has to be performed in front of a packed Synagogue of family and friends. It seems impossible to expect this of a 12 year old ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">But I forgot to tell you that Sarah plays hockey. She is a goalie, and a really good one — She doesn't shy away from difficult tasks.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4iXUhaBOPxDZ-jluF4qKT6j1n71DJdwUNY0z_Sfmagao-vAEoixNQp65vuqJNg9extshAhgWELT2nfqSFU_WpS50Pfo-9gSnu1FSWk2T3eWKbCJM_zjZCAZ5jTuOWL8CdwYQ5DK0QUim/s1600/Sarah_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4iXUhaBOPxDZ-jluF4qKT6j1n71DJdwUNY0z_Sfmagao-vAEoixNQp65vuqJNg9extshAhgWELT2nfqSFU_WpS50Pfo-9gSnu1FSWk2T3eWKbCJM_zjZCAZ5jTuOWL8CdwYQ5DK0QUim/s1600/Sarah_4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;">I knew I wanted to create a keepsake for Sarah that included her Torah portion and symbols of her coming of age this year. Her Torah portion is called Bamidbar, which means “in the desert”. As we all know — lots of crazy stuff went down in the 40 years our ancestors wandered in the desert. G-d didn’t have a lot of nice things to say about the experimentation, and some of that tantrum ended up in Sarah’s portion. I didn't dwell on that though — I had my own interpretation. The way I see it, everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them and to always remember who you are. So for Sarah, I incorporated the symbols of the sabbath, the Torah, and scenes of Israel with the words she studied and learned to chant so beautifully, into a keepsake that I hope will remind her of her incredible achievement becoming a Bat Mitzvah and her connection to the Jewish people. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;">Like </span><span style="font-size: small;">the 40 years in the desert, </span><span style="font-size: small;">preparing for a Bat Mitzvah, was no picnic. But with hard work comes big rewards. The Bat Mitzvah weekend was amazing. Sarah outdid herself. If she was nervous, it didn't show for a moment. We all got to dress up and eat non-stop for three days — and — really enjoy each others company. Seeing her beaming parents and grandparents as the Bat Mitzvah girl recited her haftorah and delivered her speech at the Synagogue and later at the evening dinner party, was priceless. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sarah’s younger sister Chloe was the master of ceremonies for the Saturday evening party. We have a few years to wait for her turn on the Bimah — but if the previews are any indication, it will be a Simcha not to be missed! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Mazel tov to India and Sarah and to families everywhere celebrating — and eating — and crying tears of joy!</span><span style="font-size: small;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-7007341242259270122011-06-24T08:33:00.000-07:002011-06-24T08:33:04.954-07:00Kibbutz celebrating 100 years<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimonzpiFDlKjYMSTAcc8GuUHYl6lLcZ19_v6C7a1rB_sqoIhVmCnxUxYAiVxwgh29B4-8h9HPXpwpjI2xLBcrJmbFBC-0vGu3JFr5FL3mOf2gVapD1gSDzlFP-e3o3jQFoULz_oGHzpk6h/s1600/may+2011+028%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimonzpiFDlKjYMSTAcc8GuUHYl6lLcZ19_v6C7a1rB_sqoIhVmCnxUxYAiVxwgh29B4-8h9HPXpwpjI2xLBcrJmbFBC-0vGu3JFr5FL3mOf2gVapD1gSDzlFP-e3o3jQFoULz_oGHzpk6h/s1600/may+2011+028%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adamit General Meeting by Barbi Bamberger</td></tr>
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This quilt was made by my good friend Barbi Bamberger. We spent 11 years together on Kibbutz Adamit. Our son’s were born just months apart and were part of the same group from their time in the baby house through to grade school on kibbutz Eilon.<br />
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This quilt was made for a major quilt exhibit called “A Century of Kibbutz”,<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span>at Beit Gavriel located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and won an honourable mention! Yay Barbi! Her quilt depicts the weekly kibbutz meeting where we discussed and voted on all major decisions about our daily lives on the kibbutz. As you can see from her depiction, we all had different things on our minds while these big decisions were being made! The meeting took hours and was often very lively, but it also was a time for finishing knitting and quilting projects, or catching a cat nap.<br />
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As the kibbutz movement celebrates 100 years, Kibbutz Adamit celebrates it’s 40th birthday. To commemorate this, many of us will be returning to Adamit for a reunion in November. I am looking forward to seeing this quilt in person and reminiscing with old friends about the discussions that kept us up until the wee hours, the community we created together, one committee meeting at a time, the cakes we baked for aruchat arba, the nes cafe we drank in the moadon, the Shabbat meals in the communal dining room, the baby quilts made together, the apples, that were picked ... and so much more.<br />
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If you watch this video, you will see and hear about the other 55 quilts in this exhibit. It brought back great memories for me. I hope you enjoy it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-66154484495847640132011-06-19T11:14:00.000-07:002011-06-19T11:14:45.203-07:00New offering at my shop: Wedding Guest Posters!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqO33mxLd2B2Z_hs-o4YrZAQf0T9AFX-03VEolQHwxmeDuPVnWGDN61Ux8ilTqZ1JzZgo-UmgJL7zIXQRobfttWhYc3r-ta_4R5a0Ut3uf75UU9AFmXUQnYq1tnMkQ0yszBrLans0a10J/s1600/Hydrangea_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqO33mxLd2B2Z_hs-o4YrZAQf0T9AFX-03VEolQHwxmeDuPVnWGDN61Ux8ilTqZ1JzZgo-UmgJL7zIXQRobfttWhYc3r-ta_4R5a0Ut3uf75UU9AFmXUQnYq1tnMkQ0yszBrLans0a10J/s1600/Hydrangea_blog.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I have been watching the amazing growth of fingerprint trees and wedding guest book alternatives on etsy over the last year and decided it was time for a fresh approach. So I am happy to announce a new section at my shop called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NaomiBroudo?section_id=8096283">Wedding Guest Posters</a>. Instead of fingerprints, I have leaves already in place for guests to sign. As I write this post, I am dreaming up other designs for wedding showers, baby showers, birthday parties ... it is endless.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCoB_1UeOCq_hxlAHtpSZdeHgOC9s3GraNKOArC6agYfbvyfv-kUx0aHSdYhNXQRc2341Sh2uZ2GJYIhPuH6EYC7tYV3rFzZA7ozRpDzbyuTPKJ1m3njmCNQkq44pkRUTZSYFh4EGJdvy/s1600/Hydrangea_blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCoB_1UeOCq_hxlAHtpSZdeHgOC9s3GraNKOArC6agYfbvyfv-kUx0aHSdYhNXQRc2341Sh2uZ2GJYIhPuH6EYC7tYV3rFzZA7ozRpDzbyuTPKJ1m3njmCNQkq44pkRUTZSYFh4EGJdvy/s1600/Hydrangea_blog2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Each poster is (at the moment) 13 x 19 and accommodates from 100-200 signatures depending on the design. Each poster comes with a small poster with instructions that can be framed.This message can be customized to suit each event.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPv1JKieIIYi8xgmqt0HQEeHyh2CMGEV27yJTjGUrsaqY22VwJE8jSrpRwhhyphenhypheniTDTAyH-0NwLlUgAObRHFLG_ym13782dVbKjsKL4rbQ0j0_iFJZBRx-tfxQxqpMKcYgnQccefN1VkNuQ/s1600/roses_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPv1JKieIIYi8xgmqt0HQEeHyh2CMGEV27yJTjGUrsaqY22VwJE8jSrpRwhhyphenhypheniTDTAyH-0NwLlUgAObRHFLG_ym13782dVbKjsKL4rbQ0j0_iFJZBRx-tfxQxqpMKcYgnQccefN1VkNuQ/s1600/roses_blog.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The posters are printed on the same beautiful paper my ketubot are printed on - and some of them coordinate with ketubah designs which may be of interest for some of my wedding buyers.<br />
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Check it out and let me know what you think! If you want one of these for your next wedding/shower/bat/bar mitzvah, head over to my <a href="http://www.naomibroudo.etsy.com/">shop</a> and send me a convo or email at naomibroudo[at]gmail[dot]com. Have fresh ideas for me? I would love to hear from you :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-18157239391232621162011-06-17T09:22:00.000-07:002011-06-17T09:22:13.316-07:00Note to self: Do not seal camping equipment in a box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvPhpJTPoXQu0OSHiusPWtDGeUQBb4C8NNqIP9yThZniFjxqCK1Rqer52sT8WEXtOQmjwiCO6d372Y0noMr6tOicTjIia0eaEEXsRXmZA1eUyoQhyphenhyphenla0xyM7VPUc23t3Q-Oiobli17LOn/s1600/camping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvPhpJTPoXQu0OSHiusPWtDGeUQBb4C8NNqIP9yThZniFjxqCK1Rqer52sT8WEXtOQmjwiCO6d372Y0noMr6tOicTjIia0eaEEXsRXmZA1eUyoQhyphenhyphenla0xyM7VPUc23t3Q-Oiobli17LOn/s1600/camping.jpg" /></a></div>To say there is a lot going on in the Broudo household at the moment would be an understatement. I never thought I would be thanking Canada Post for being on strike, but the excuse to put my etsy shop on holiday couldn’t have come at a better time.<br />
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Let’s see ... besides planning our September/October car trip in the US South West, planning our November trip in Israel, organizing gear for our trek in Nepal in December, and gear for our 82 day overland trip in India, we are also moving out of our apartment, putting all of our worldly possessions in storage until we return from the 2011/2012 Broudo adventure. So — a few things going on.<br />
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Every day has it’s accomplishments as well as its surprises. Yesterday in preparation for our now weekly trip to MEC (Mountain Equipment Co op, for those of you reading that are not from BC), we bravely opened the storage locker and pulled out the box labelled “camping equipment”. <br />
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Nothing like the aroma of camping equipment that has been sealed in a box for a year! I guess it could have been worse, but we both almost fainted from the stench. Then figuring out how we would take it up the elevator, into the apartment without offending our neighbours — oh well, we are moving out so what the hell.<br />
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I immediately filled the tub with warm sudsy water, added two knapsacks, and was delighted to find that if you repeat this several times, the smell and the dirt does actually disappear! Even more remarkable is that by this morning, the bags are almost dry. kudos to quick dry technology!<br />
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Our (now clean) tent is draped over a drying rack in the living room. One knapsack is hanging from the shower and the second is drying on a rack in the tub. There is a sleeping bag drying over a chair in the kitchen. thermarests are blown up for testing.<br />
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The apartment looks like a campsite after a wild night of partying. The good news is, it doesn't smell like one anymore!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-47556050067854672262011-05-23T00:01:00.000-07:002011-05-23T08:40:21.077-07:00Summer in Vancouver: Friday May 20th to be exact!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqksWCHmpw0NgDPceNa7VIqFbgjgylBIS3DHD6CgGObPhoWmNd8fJsexSIM0xrOayty5yIHYB61mLGWyTFtI0lDIA0SdWZr-cpXZ-ZkPaB87X_E9AWc1dH9MzSe8-98ap6_x9DLM2GlZ1/s1600/pedicure_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqksWCHmpw0NgDPceNa7VIqFbgjgylBIS3DHD6CgGObPhoWmNd8fJsexSIM0xrOayty5yIHYB61mLGWyTFtI0lDIA0SdWZr-cpXZ-ZkPaB87X_E9AWc1dH9MzSe8-98ap6_x9DLM2GlZ1/s1600/pedicure_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Last Friday the temperature in Vancouver hit 17 degrees. The sun was shining for the first time in an eternity and we all got excited that Summer had actually arrived. Historically, this phenomenon is fleeting, so Vancouverites have to move quickly. There were sandals to dust off, summer wardrobes to review – and of course the first summer pedicure to book.<br />
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I wasted no time, and took my chances as a walk in, at my local mani/pedi establishment at 10:00 am as they opened their doors and placed their sandwich board signage on the sidewalk. I had chosen my polish colour, and had magazines in hand before the rest of the staff entered through the back door.<br />
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Nothing like bubbling sudsy water, piles of gossip magazines, and a comfy black leatherette massage chair to transport you to another world. Who ever came up with this combination of blessed therapy was brilliant. “The Price is Right” was on the television as I sat down, and before long I was shouting out prices and ohing and ahing with the audience as if I was actually there.<br />
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For an hour as my feet were being pampered and my toes were being painted, and my back was being massaged, I did all the things I never do – watch daytime TV – read fashion magazines – and catch up on all the advice Oprah has to offer. It was more delightful than I am really willing to admit!<br />
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The woman doing my pedicure did an excellent job, and since no one needed my chair, she let me stay until the end of the soap opera I was watching, even though my nails were already dry. She just winked and motioned to press the start button again on the massage chair – ahh ... heaven on earth!<br />
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I walked out a new woman, in capris and sandals enjoying the sun on my face, even though I was actually freezing for the entire five minute walk back to my apartment. It was only 17 degrees after all ... and I was in capris and sandals ...<br />
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By Saturday morning it was pouring with rain and freezing cold. Ah, Vancouver at least you are consistent!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-77099446509235473792011-05-19T13:51:00.000-07:002011-05-23T00:04:19.946-07:00The journey continues ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O_qYQzqTCAgXSBIk7JpPttm3XC9gCBARK_kN-oZC59tCjXs1DFu5TOP5kJFJRc8mhLbBtPgZvHIy4mI9TCQhx3TwJgdm0LXQ1BQC0d_uSo-BWYAv-BH4ozMnt0jhpxrcGfETrRok7LFg/s1600/fork+in+the+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O_qYQzqTCAgXSBIk7JpPttm3XC9gCBARK_kN-oZC59tCjXs1DFu5TOP5kJFJRc8mhLbBtPgZvHIy4mI9TCQhx3TwJgdm0LXQ1BQC0d_uSo-BWYAv-BH4ozMnt0jhpxrcGfETrRok7LFg/s1600/fork+in+the+road.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you believe in fate? I think I do. Life places forks in our way at every turn and we consider the options and make our choices. The fact that those choices magically create our future is the mystery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wonder how I knew to apply to Emily Carr College of Art and Design in 1986, or how they knew to accept me into 3rd year ... ? If I hadn’t – and they hadn’t – I would never have met Violet there – and she would never have gotten me a job at Signals Design Group after we graduated – and would never have taken the leap with me a year later to start our own design business ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Huh ... I guess then we would never have experienced 21 years of the best business partnership that has ever existed in the history of the world! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember as if it was yesterday, us sitting with our husbands trying to come up with a name for our business. “Tandem Design Associates” made so much sense then and it still resonates today. We were a team from day one, and we still finish each others sentences 21 years later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And if we had not been in the best business partnership (and friendship) in the history of the world, we would not have come to the realization together, that at the next fork in the road, we would each take a slightly different path. So I have to believe that it was fate that brought us together, and our synergy that made Tandem a success and our friendship that makes this next bit possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So this is when I get a bit teary, cuz this is huge ... The fork in the road is just in front of me and I have chosen my path. The tricky part, is that I know this path has a few forks in it, but I can’t see them yet, so I have many decisions yet to make. But the tears are not because of what lies ahead — but for the amazing experience that has now come to an end. I have been letting go in baby steps, but this week it feels like it is really happening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And so the journey continues. As the corporate designer persona takes a back seat to the illustrator/designer/vagabond in me, a new chapter begins. I have big and many plans. Some of them are already in motion, others, well we will see what fate brings my way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And if I had a glass of wine in my hand, I would toast to friendship and partnership and not sweating the small stuff. Violet and I never did and it served us well.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-65699145916067278842011-04-25T11:07:00.000-07:002013-06-02T20:02:05.725-07:00Building their own traditions under the apple trees at Little Dog Orchard: Tahneer and Jon’s Wedding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tahneer and Jon photo: <a href="http://www.mcvphotography.com/contact/">MCV Photography</a></td></tr>
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Tahneer and Jon are good friends with my son Aaron and daughter-in-law Melissa. It was exactly a year ago this week, that I first sat down with them to talk about their ketubah. To get the ball rolling, I asked them about their wedding plans. I can’t remember who spoke first but it was clear to me from the first words, that this was going to be a very special wedding. They started by telling me about the venue – An apple orchard, near New Paltz, New York.<br />
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Don't you love it when things just fall into place? Tahneer began to describe how they found their venue. “I met up with my friend for dinner when I was at a conference in Philadelphia, and I mentioned that we were thinking of getting married in an outdoor space – like an orchard or a vineyard.” Tahneer explains, “Then my friend said, — I don't know if this will help, but I have a friend from grad school who now lives and works on an apple orchard!” This story/person so appealed to Tahneer, that she knew she had to look into this further. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-N4K_89g7Mbu00D-U_Lpw0ETVW620MRuuUdHepVVu1s9T9KfjsL8HG-lbTy9Tay4zIj8ZFzgLnIwBLX16HEusd17zuFwplnl-YtKQbEDcCelxxf6UG1BMhHt1eaD_a-l9BL55M9nqDKs/s1600/apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-N4K_89g7Mbu00D-U_Lpw0ETVW620MRuuUdHepVVu1s9T9KfjsL8HG-lbTy9Tay4zIj8ZFzgLnIwBLX16HEusd17zuFwplnl-YtKQbEDcCelxxf6UG1BMhHt1eaD_a-l9BL55M9nqDKs/s1600/apples.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding Ceremony at Little Dog Orchard photo: <a href="http://www.mcvphotography.com/contact/">MCV Photography</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.littledogorchard.com/The_Orchard/Home.html">Little Dog Orchard</a> had never been rented out for a wedding (or anything else for that matter), but the owners were keen to find new ways to utilize their property. “We contacted Julie and we drove up there and met her and her partner Jody” Jon explains, “They took us around the property and we knew immediately that this was where we wanted to have our wedding.”<br />
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Besides caring for their organic apple trees, Julie and Jody’s other talents lent themselves beautifully to wedding planning. “Julie is a DJ and Jody is a sound engineer” Jon began. First they hooked them up with <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thebigshoeband">The Big Shoe</a>, a local cover band. “We loved their vibe and music and they became our Wedding Band”. Then the creative duo found them a caterer, a florist, a restaurant for the rehearsal dinner, and even helped with parking and technical arrangements the day of the wedding. “Julie and Jody were awesome and we love them for everything they did for us” Jon says with emotion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1gQ4EGLr_cGEIUeNoV5FUBbsU62r-6Jmda96Y0FLiSCGd3lKLqTXNryG8R3vFI6w-KYEdpUEQFO3YvQ3Y570S6i2UHe9QYslrUsim6QPPvJubI9qzYfu7btvXvqz6mbDY15cdYhUqwO8/s1600/band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1gQ4EGLr_cGEIUeNoV5FUBbsU62r-6Jmda96Y0FLiSCGd3lKLqTXNryG8R3vFI6w-KYEdpUEQFO3YvQ3Y570S6i2UHe9QYslrUsim6QPPvJubI9qzYfu7btvXvqz6mbDY15cdYhUqwO8/s1600/band.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Big Shoe photo: <a href="http://www.mcvphotography.com/contact/">MCV Photography</a></td></tr>
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But the venue was just one aspect of the unique personality of this wedding. When we got down to discussing what elements they wanted to include in their Ketubah design, they related their experience at a friend’s Quaker wedding. They were intrigued with the wedding certificate. “In Quaker tradition, it is not one individual that marries a couple. The board of elders agrees to allow them to marry and the entire congregation certifies the marriage by signing the certificate” Jon explains. This suited Tahneer and Jon’s inclusive and egalitarian sensibilities, and they wanted to incorporate this tradition into their ketubah. “How many people will be at your wedding?” I asked sheepishly, trying to calculate how I would have space on their Ketubah for hundreds of signatures, Ketubah text in English and Hebrew and an apple orchard ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQK1X1cDOIHUtGflp4Of1wvugwsrCb4eeTrBAA_rf6qJR-tR-08YNf9FHNX1wzNMxNNe7usYL4DyLpJcVGnU1Jva1e4cV379kKWn02hopbGxDJwmI9b3tCNt7o34wTwDwY1UNpYDFsSsvn/s1600/ketubah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQK1X1cDOIHUtGflp4Of1wvugwsrCb4eeTrBAA_rf6qJR-tR-08YNf9FHNX1wzNMxNNe7usYL4DyLpJcVGnU1Jva1e4cV379kKWn02hopbGxDJwmI9b3tCNt7o34wTwDwY1UNpYDFsSsvn/s1600/ketubah.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ketubah: <a href="http://www.naomibroudo.etsy.com/">Naomi Broudo</a> photo: <a href="http://www.mcvphotography.com/contact/">MCV Photography</a></td></tr>
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When there is a will, there is a way and working with Tahneer and Jon was amazing. A true collaboration. “I remember (the ketubah design) as one of our earliest wedding projects” Tahneer reminisces, “looking at the early drafts you sent us of the Ketubah, and deciding together how we wanted it to look, what would make it most symbolize what we wanted it to symbolize!” The final result several months later, was a double apple tree design with 180 signature lines superimposed over the intricate root system. I think we were all pleased with the final result! And so were all of their friends when it came time to sign their Ketubah at the wedding.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA_K3PNeUxhc4g-MQ_JQuSSAlkfVJoTRx3JiSxMfyW58XmCt5YwthYxiLNzqbtOTpUlFsp6_daXEZGxs7l2cmjRUu5ZO9GQ_L6TRxzlK_sBmCv8B8gKZK2bpoeU1yeronF8SHS6gsR9hyphenhyphen/s1600/signing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA_K3PNeUxhc4g-MQ_JQuSSAlkfVJoTRx3JiSxMfyW58XmCt5YwthYxiLNzqbtOTpUlFsp6_daXEZGxs7l2cmjRUu5ZO9GQ_L6TRxzlK_sBmCv8B8gKZK2bpoeU1yeronF8SHS6gsR9hyphenhyphen/s1600/signing.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: <a href="http://www.mcvphotography.com/contact/">MCV Photography</a></td></tr>
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I asked them recently, what they took away from this beautiful tradition they created. “We felt very loved and supported”, Jon began. “And I love the idea that instead of some ordinary sign-up guest book that we will never look at again, we have the signatures of everyone who attended on one beautiful sheet.” Tahneer added.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9X7SCXGUSnZZRrLrPa4BQj5xujk6YBdkI16k6tQCZd0mSOaVcwyIiJ46OuDYxcxywjwR89Q-oCZY1aDNWg3_bo1IBzGKAA9J6TYa_VYu6Ib4UtyHxbwBI2DsqiYfVOmtVddVI5zfTUyEO/s1600/DIY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9X7SCXGUSnZZRrLrPa4BQj5xujk6YBdkI16k6tQCZd0mSOaVcwyIiJ46OuDYxcxywjwR89Q-oCZY1aDNWg3_bo1IBzGKAA9J6TYa_VYu6Ib4UtyHxbwBI2DsqiYfVOmtVddVI5zfTUyEO/s1600/DIY.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Personal touches photo: <a href="http://www.mcvphotography.com/contact/">MCV Photography</a></td></tr>
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This wedding has a personality all it’s own because it is <i>personal</i>. “I think both Jon and I appreciate things when they relate to people we know and love, so we really tried to integrate friends and family into as many aspects of the wedding planning/execution as possible” Tahneer explains. For example, there was home brewed beer by Jody, hand drawn invitation artwork by Tahneer’s little brother Mo, Wedding dress alterations by a friend of the family, makeup and hair by Jon’s barber in Jersey City, assembly-line candy-jar-filling by the Oskman family, to name just a few of the personal touches. “It really felt like we were supported by a whole community of friends, family, and in some cases even strangers!” says Tahneer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEPnWzf3LLGib4I6H6ZmLRyx0vZc2F4X2Y5SynkqhmQkyenihq_4fWy6tlYdGIGcPisuoQF78qITJ3W_ezFRQlTlQbyuORgQ9eRsW0na4qkY-e35QYEQssS3SJAaxYBTuvSFnvmhp7WMk/s1600/cake+and+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEPnWzf3LLGib4I6H6ZmLRyx0vZc2F4X2Y5SynkqhmQkyenihq_4fWy6tlYdGIGcPisuoQF78qITJ3W_ezFRQlTlQbyuORgQ9eRsW0na4qkY-e35QYEQssS3SJAaxYBTuvSFnvmhp7WMk/s1600/cake+and+flowers.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand picked flowers from Shoving Leopard Farms photo: <a href="http://www.mcvphotography.com/contact/">MCV Photography</a></td></tr>
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Even the flower arrangements were a group effort. Months before the wedding, the couple scoured flea markets to find 25 different glass vases for their center pieces. The Saturday of the wedding they drove to <a href="http://www.superiorconcept.org/shovingleopard/flower.htm">Shoving Leopard Farms</a> to pick fresh flowers in the farm’s “flower maze” with an intimate group of friends and family, who then filled decorative baskets and created the center pieces for the wedding. I can’t imagine anything more meaningful!<br />
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I spent some time going through their wedding album recently and thought their photographer <a href="http://www.mcvphotography.com/contact/">Mike Vasiliauskas</a>, really captured the essence of their special day. It felt so real! I asked them to summarize their wedding concept in their own words. Here is what they had to say: “The main focus of the wedding was to make people feel relaxed, and at one with nature (in the most tree hugger way) ... The flower picking, Ketubah signing, and the apple orchard all contributed to our focus. People felt involved, and having the wedding at our “new” friends orchard, really made people feel welcome ... People picked apples, felt the warm hospitality of the orchard, and really felt comfortable enjoying themselves.”<br />
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I only experienced their wedding vicariously through their wedding photos and their descriptions, but I think you will agree that this is one wedding, where the dream and the reality are one in the same. Thanks Tahneer and Jon for sharing your incredible story.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieefVnNYMX2HJcxF2UMLw4lMilfly0LVhv2pEte2rfbzZjP2YWiqjKWZXQX0LCrH6v-qxRVi9MFj3OMpUAL5CaWCrBrbwvVc9d5oNZMBmN5EMYsklTwW48ollTVii-fKYO7INo8eQ1m2z8/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieefVnNYMX2HJcxF2UMLw4lMilfly0LVhv2pEte2rfbzZjP2YWiqjKWZXQX0LCrH6v-qxRVi9MFj3OMpUAL5CaWCrBrbwvVc9d5oNZMBmN5EMYsklTwW48ollTVii-fKYO7INo8eQ1m2z8/s1600/03.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: <a href="http://www.mcvphotography.com/contact/">MCV Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Oh – and in case you are living in the New Paltz, NY area, Julie and Jody have a lease-a-tree program which you can find out about <a href="http://www.littledogorchard.com/The_Orchard/Lease-A-Tree.html">here</a>. You can help tend your own tree and reap the benefits of your labors! And if you want to have your wedding under their organic apple trees, I am sure they will be happy to hear from you!<br />
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Wedding Photography: <a href="http://www.mcvphotography.com/contact/">MCV Photography</a> | Venue: <a href="http://www.littledogorchard.com/The_Orchard/Home.html">Little Dog Orchard</a> | Music: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thebigshoeband">The Big Shoe</a> | Ketubah: <a href="http://www.naomibroudo.etsy.com/">Naomi Broudo</a> | Flowers: <a href="http://www.superiorconcept.org/shovingleopard/flower.htm">Shoving Leopard Farms</a> |</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-51994652363693470582011-04-13T16:40:00.000-07:002011-04-13T20:17:04.691-07:00Why is this trip to the post office different than any other trip to the post office?<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSjMJLqaA6fNTjIlYZvqciPwVOqH1sB_cinQXLOxDAMPf4nJRwuZY-2yVlE9q2Q5WJxhQERjhcylh0yS4VNUtJDffmfi3GL4v7-C-vxD9nitaWjr4AyaeD0s2kSTxw2TOJ8RZLqGcN3TT/s1600/thanks+graphic_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSjMJLqaA6fNTjIlYZvqciPwVOqH1sB_cinQXLOxDAMPf4nJRwuZY-2yVlE9q2Q5WJxhQERjhcylh0yS4VNUtJDffmfi3GL4v7-C-vxD9nitaWjr4AyaeD0s2kSTxw2TOJ8RZLqGcN3TT/s1600/thanks+graphic_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Excuse my passover brain</span>. Every experience seems to turn into a passover story...</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">During the Passover Seder</span>, The youngest child is always asked to recite the four questions. The opening line of each of the four questions is the same: “Why is this night different from every other night?” Hearing these questions each year, keeps the events of the past clear in our minds, and gives us time to reflect. I was reminded of the four questions on my visit to the post office this morning. Nothing to do with reclining, eating matzah or bitter herbs, but still profound.</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The ladies behind the counter</span> at my local post office always get a kick out of me arriving with my ketubah tubes several times a week. I regularly ask them for US Expedited Parcel Forms, so that I can fill them out at home to speed up processing. And I know they appreciate me being organized considering the long line that is usually forming behind me.</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Yesterday</span> they decided to write down the dimensions of my tubes so that they wouldn't have to measure them each time, which I thought was very sweet. But today, when they asked me if I would like to have them jot down my Venture One card number and my mailing tube dimensions, on the card they keep next to the computer – I thought – wow, I AM a regular customer!</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I know it may seem silly</span> to get excited about Canada Post, but it is really much more than that. What makes THIS trip to the post office, different than any other trip to the post office, is that It reminded me why I have become a regular at the post office in the first place.</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Several things</span> have happened over the past couple of months and I think they all deserve a public thank you. Firstly and most importantly, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jenniferraichman?ref=seller_info">Jennifer Raichman</a>, who has been my inspiration and role model on etsy since day one, has been so exceptionally generous, I really do not have enough words to thank her. Between being a mother of two young kids and running an amazingly successful etsy business (Ketubot and Invitations), she has time to share her knowledge with me AND to refer couples to me. Jen you are the best! </div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">And speaking of</span> etsy, I joined two etsy teams: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/teams/5818/etsychai-jewish-team">Etsy Chai</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/teams/8564/judaica-on-etsy">Judaica on Etsy</a>. Both teams have been very supportive of my work, featuring me in their treasuries and even shopping at my shop. It is great to have a community of like minded artists to share ideas with, brag a little and even kvetch now and again.</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">And it was also</span> through etsy that Lisa from <a href="http://templesholom.ca/">Temple Shalom</a> Gift shop here in Vancouver, first saw my work. One thing has led to another and with Lisa's encouragement I have a new line of Bat and Bar Mitzvah gifts for sale in the Synagogue gift shop as well as at my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/NaomiBroudo?section_id=7925072">etsy shop</a>. Thanks Lisa for pushing me to try new things! </div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">So you see</span>, there are good reasons why these last two months have been the best and busiest for <a href="http://www.naomibroudo.etsy.com/">Fresh Creations</a> and <a href="http://www.freshketubahdesign.com/">Fresh Ketubah</a>. And next week at our Seder, since I will be the youngest at the table, I will volunteer to sing the four questions. And when I do, I will be giggling about my trip to the post office today!</div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-32285822899236484422011-04-08T17:56:00.000-07:002011-04-09T07:30:28.882-07:00We were once slaves in Egypt: Time to clean the silver.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXFHiO4KWsdu7LDjH4o3Q5n8CcI7W0sypzCFKg08-KVLm1aHFo1NKHH1beR734l08OJFDLGFbS2og7IjNwD0huardvktukwHhi7baexiAohSE7oh9B-wZ4kab9UJ5zczB2KS1fdXKTrZJ/s1600/P1070979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXFHiO4KWsdu7LDjH4o3Q5n8CcI7W0sypzCFKg08-KVLm1aHFo1NKHH1beR734l08OJFDLGFbS2og7IjNwD0huardvktukwHhi7baexiAohSE7oh9B-wZ4kab9UJ5zczB2KS1fdXKTrZJ/s1600/P1070979.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I think it is safe to say</span> that we Jews take spring cleaning quite seriously, as it is spring that reminds us, among other things, that we were once slaves in Egypt—and at least once a year it is our duty to retell the story. To prepare for this event, we take out dishes, recipe books, Hagaddahs, and assorted serving dishes that otherwise sit wrapped tightly in dark cupboards for the rest of the year. In the weeks leading up to the Passover holiday, we ponder and fine tune our festive meal line up, purchase boxes of matzah (hoping this year's batch will be as crisp and delicious as last year) and other unleavened concoctions, and of course clean the silver.<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">My mom had a beautiful set of china</span> that only came out for Passover, for the seder (festive passover meal). Gleaming white china with gold leaf designs. Wonderful soup bowls with little handles on each side, so perfect for steaming chicken soup and fluffy matzah balls. The table was always beautifully set with crystal water and wine glasses, sterling silverware, silver platters and serving dishes for all of the amazing dishes my mother and her sisters prepared for the meal.<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">As a kid, I really had no idea</span> how much work went into pulling this off each year. My biggest concern at the time, was having enough room in my tummy for all of the seemingly endless courses of aromatic food being served on those beautiful dishes! But we all grow up eventually, and there is a time for all of us, when “cleaning the silver” becomes our responsibility.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">For me, it happened</span> the year my dad was so unwell, that my mom was planning on skipping Passover all together. I was by then completely grown up, married, a mother myself with a son already bar mitzvahed. Still, I had more than one moment of fear, wondering if I could really pull it off. There were tears in both my parents eyes that night as we silently agreed that the seder would move to our house that year. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">It turns out</span> that it is just as hard to let go of the “silver” as it is to “clean” it — yet for every family there is a moment when it is time to pass down the traditions, recipes, dishes and responsibilities from one generation to the next.</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3x4tkKOHDN9SdE2ofXbAVGATJScCbWKfenTqMg2L5jIp17i-WE_ktHVRyGVcO_kuGBxgrBt9o7QvUbVseda-77MkjSCwael_602ohIfcwAa8gJDdMi5LEt2Zy_EVLhzxMI7BbD-_8_35/s1600/pessach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3x4tkKOHDN9SdE2ofXbAVGATJScCbWKfenTqMg2L5jIp17i-WE_ktHVRyGVcO_kuGBxgrBt9o7QvUbVseda-77MkjSCwael_602ohIfcwAa8gJDdMi5LEt2Zy_EVLhzxMI7BbD-_8_35/s1600/pessach.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">From generation to generation things change. My table is always set with modern dishes (not china) and stainless steel silverware (dishwasher safe every piece!), but in keeping with tradition, the horseradish is in the crystal decanter my mother used every year – the salty egg mixture is always served in my Baba Fruman's glass bowls – the silver jacketed Hagaddah from Zada Harry always sits on the table. Our table is full of seders past and all of the wonderful memories they bring with them.<br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdhkNFc7kwzNIzxMi-oBdAILWctsd6tMeGTUU8gNzdxU3to1xeaZ38TpEnF42mE8ah-YeDiFeOqFDHzTX0DuemxCxydc68SZZWBiihFZu1ReOsNViTnRrpiLYDvaNpQ6t7D_2lJ-C8rgh/s1600/pessach+combined.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdhkNFc7kwzNIzxMi-oBdAILWctsd6tMeGTUU8gNzdxU3to1xeaZ38TpEnF42mE8ah-YeDiFeOqFDHzTX0DuemxCxydc68SZZWBiihFZu1ReOsNViTnRrpiLYDvaNpQ6t7D_2lJ-C8rgh/s1600/pessach+combined.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mom's kiddish cup and candle sticks</span> — that she passed down to me the year the seder moved to our house, have come out of the cupboard. As I ready myself to clean them, I see in my mind's eye, my dad, uncles and grandfather negotiating so astutely with all of us giggling cousins for the afikoman – I see my mom and her sisters in and out of the kitchen serving us delicious food – I can hear my own son as a child singing the four questions – and my husband Marc leading our seder –and my most recent and cherished memory of leading the seder myself for the first time with my daughter-in-law's family in New York. And of course in my imagination I conjure up the day when my son will be leading the seder with his own children. Mom's beautiful china and sterling silver have been passed down to them for just that special Passover!</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Passover preparations everyone! And by the way, toothpaste is the greatest for cleaning your silver!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670058077614349881.post-29599139875290159422011-04-01T19:11:00.000-07:002011-04-06T06:20:17.016-07:00A “rock” down memory lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNZJKp3S0DfMbySbjyv5KkUNkA9QnadyGEldCHugsawXwQ_5GTMLj6yt9C-vLoRH_oGdG9FfFY50v_iviE43QquG5Yzgvs33D9XzXmSCAqFh_C1_pYF4id1KWJxQpHYOMkNjuMpx4aYys/s1600/alabaster+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNZJKp3S0DfMbySbjyv5KkUNkA9QnadyGEldCHugsawXwQ_5GTMLj6yt9C-vLoRH_oGdG9FfFY50v_iviE43QquG5Yzgvs33D9XzXmSCAqFh_C1_pYF4id1KWJxQpHYOMkNjuMpx4aYys/s1600/alabaster+bowl.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I am pretty sure I am not the only one that is sentimental about rocks and shells collected from one location or another. It is hard to part with them. Seems silly, but just looking at them brings back the smell of the salt in the air, the long ago conversation, or the experience of that moment in time.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">When we moved last July</span>, I had to part with many things. We were doing a major downsize and half of everything had to go. When it came to this alabaster bowl of rocks and corals, the decision was easy to make. The Alabaster bowl was a gift from my dear friend Glenda who lost her battle with cancer this past August, and in it were rocks I gathered from a trip to the Red Sea in the Sinai Desert. So many memories in one small bowl.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU26hv4aRP2cIp1etsiKUZzVgQSTAYFvfAaqqBgnpZ4Fzk4j_41QOelkd5GWLYT2wIVBLMlOD0LXK1xaOzxE7UIZVXfPN68EyvnvkG6Cjh844HDgPiQYNc89ZTYF0jgZ352HbaMJx6_1O/s1600/Zeus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU26hv4aRP2cIp1etsiKUZzVgQSTAYFvfAaqqBgnpZ4Fzk4j_41QOelkd5GWLYT2wIVBLMlOD0LXK1xaOzxE7UIZVXfPN68EyvnvkG6Cjh844HDgPiQYNc89ZTYF0jgZ352HbaMJx6_1O/s1600/Zeus.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand painted stones by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/zeustones?ref=pr_shop#">Fusun Aydinlik</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I was reminded</span> of my collection of memory rocks this week when I bumped into Fusun Aydinlik's etsy shop called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/zeustones?ref=pr_shop#">Zeustones</a>. She is from Turkey and she has a great story about the stones she gathers and paints:<br />
<div class="overlay-body"></div><div class="overlay-body"><i>In Greek Mythology, two sacred mountains are called Mount Ida, the “Mountain of the Goddess” ; Mount Ida in Crete, and Mount Ida in Turkey.<br />
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Mount Ida in Turkey is located on the Aegean shore of Anatolia, near the site of ancient Troy. Here lies the classical shrine where Paris is said to have judged the beauty of three Greek goddesses: Aphrodite, Hera and Athena. This event was also considered as the origin of the Trojan War owing to the jealousy of the goddesses. Later when the full fury erupted, the war itself was witnessed by the mythological Gods, from a high point of Mount Ida, which at 1,800m (5,800 ft) provided a bird’s eye view of the hostilities!</i> <i><br />
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I live in a village in the Ida Mountains, nestling amongst the olive groves and pine forests, southeast of the ruins of Troy. On a southern promontory of my village the Altar of Zeus (Zeus Altari), overlooks the Aegean Sea; the Gulf of Edremit and Lesbos Island….</i> <i><br />
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In my neighbourhood Zeus once walked , and these are his stones… </i></div><div class="overlay-body"></div><div class="overlay-body">Each of her painted stones tells a story and are all exquisite.</div><div class="overlay-body"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMo6708akhk-VEdJNu2YnhXZrcgrIANkbrpBDInmLF1SVvPNDxV4dPbX04LsJoClQovgraBLAWRq34KLFyfIaujIhXCf23Qkho0lqpcjhhniHkTxNmD7GXOnhGX52QFAfb0VHMyw9U73X/s1600/amy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMo6708akhk-VEdJNu2YnhXZrcgrIANkbrpBDInmLF1SVvPNDxV4dPbX04LsJoClQovgraBLAWRq34KLFyfIaujIhXCf23Qkho0lqpcjhhniHkTxNmD7GXOnhGX52QFAfb0VHMyw9U73X/s1600/amy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock art my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artistinthearctic">Amy Komar</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="overlay-body"></div><div class="overlay-body"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">When I was participating</span> in my first <a href="http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/">poppytalk</a> market, I bumped into <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/artistinthearctic">Amy Komar</a> who is a artist from Alaska. I didn't know at the time that she also paints on canvas. Here are a few more samples of her amazing rock paintings. You can also see her paintings on canvas at this <a href="http://www.amykomar.com/index.php">link</a>. If you do, you will be delighted to find that one is the extension of the other.</div><div class="overlay-body"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovtJ1awZ68NsHXzwNHilkuUqy3NKuewyerE9ld8tdNe3XXxwlKDBJQ9PDfcr8JeSJxonpADI82W-6sFuDde_KmHJqvqrCbeYua5XNDUI1PDbezudvMoW4MrZqXiFyY8iutaNPOyO_wu35/s1600/stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovtJ1awZ68NsHXzwNHilkuUqy3NKuewyerE9ld8tdNe3XXxwlKDBJQ9PDfcr8JeSJxonpADI82W-6sFuDde_KmHJqvqrCbeYua5XNDUI1PDbezudvMoW4MrZqXiFyY8iutaNPOyO_wu35/s1600/stitch.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crochet covered river rocks by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/StitchHappens7?ref=pr_shop_more">StitchHappens7</a></td></tr>
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</div><div class="overlay-body"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">In my search for rock art</span> I had to giggle when I found Renee's shop called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/StitchHappens7?ref=pr_shop_more">StitchHappens7.</a> She lives in a small rural southern New Jersey town, is a mother of five and has a house full of cats and dogs. She is a lover of yarn and all things natural. And you guessed it, she combines rocks and yarn to create her masterpieces. Doesn't it just make you want to hug a rock?</div><div class="overlay-body"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmxinc59bzKzwQKrEEL8xz3ct5XR2tPOwE1ebFwSDm5sBIKQLU_eEHg0PQZzFm0QZ11Qw0c8kDlzJKjTZEOB3IWCC-LSAgRpbyEIhmm73Tvadaqjdour-HVvftVxIVtCvmE6tSXRV9HZG/s1600/billie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmxinc59bzKzwQKrEEL8xz3ct5XR2tPOwE1ebFwSDm5sBIKQLU_eEHg0PQZzFm0QZ11Qw0c8kDlzJKjTZEOB3IWCC-LSAgRpbyEIhmm73Tvadaqjdour-HVvftVxIVtCvmE6tSXRV9HZG/s1600/billie.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rock art by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BillieRocks?ref=pr_shop_more">BillieRocks</a></td></tr>
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</div><div class="overlay-body"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The last stop on my rock art trail</span> is a shop called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BillieRocks?ref=pr_shop_more">BillieRocks</a>. I think the artist's name is Billie. She is a self taught artist who took up rock painting as adult. She loves everything about the process from selecting a river rock that is just the right size and shape, cleaning the rock, sketching an outline, doing the painting, and giving the piece the final touches. The results are amazing!</div><div class="overlay-body"></div><div class="overlay-body"></div><div class="overlay-body">Finding all of these artists, gave me an even better appreciation for the collected smooth rocks in my alabaster bowl. Treasures every one!</div><div class="overlay-body"></div><div class="overlay-body"></div><div class="overlay-body">Happy Friday!<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0