Welcome, November! As the days grow shorter, piles of leaves deeper, and slate grey clouds bring rain and snow, my daily pace has slowed. For today's blogpost, I share the history behind a very special collaboration and give you a peak at some new projects we have been working on.
I first met Ukrainian artist, Marina Ilnytska when I purchased her sunflower beading pattern from MyBeadsJewelry for Three Pines Studio's first Peace for Ukraine Fairy. The sunflower is Ukraine's national flower, a symbol of peace and resilience. I chose a wing fabric that included forget-me-nots, a flower that grows in Michigan and Ukraine.
Marina and I soon learned we could communicate through translations by Etsy and Google Translate. Marina helped me design the next Peace for Ukraine fairies. As she helped me incorporate traditional beading patterns, I learned that each oblast in Ukraine has its own style of embroidery. I also learned Ukraine's national colors are red and black and that many of the embroidered elements had their own meanings.
Shipping between our countries improved. We were able to exchange ribbons and beads. Eventually, Marina was able to create beaded pieces that I then incorporated into the fairy designs (flower crowns, wands, baskets, snowflakes, hearts...) It has been our sincere honor and joy to offer fairies at Three Pines Studio that both of our hands have touched. Our monthly collaborations continue to this day.
In September, Ukrainian artist, Marina Ilnytska and I began designing a new Ukrainian fairy with the intention that the proceeds would once again support World Central Kitchen (WCK). The global need continues to be great. Since September's collaboration, WCK has courageously helped families impacted by a hurricane in Mexico, earthquakes in Afghanistan, and conflict in Israel, Gaza, Egypt and Lebanon.
This time I wanted to design a winter fairy. Last winter was very difficult in Kiev and throughout Ukraine because of attacks on infrastructure. Many hours were spent each day without electricity and heat. Marina drew inspiration from a favorite children's book of Ukrainian carols. I was immediately moved by the illustrations and Marina's beaded stars.
By searching the image of the cover, I was able to order my own copy of the translated title, "A New Joy Has Become" by A-Ba-Ba-Ga-La-Ma-Ga publishing house and illustrated by Andrii Poturailo, Rostyslav Popskyi, Vladyslav Yerko and Kateryna Shtanko.
Through inspiration from its beautiful illustrations and Marina's feedback and beadwork, I am excited to share our first Ukrainian carolers.
