Start As You Mean To Go

When we complete a significant project or process, we often say the "Shehechiyanu" blessing. But we don't really have a prayer for beginning the project. There's a prayer for a safe journey, but it really doesn't fit. I asked a Rabbi friend, who suggested that one might say their own prayer, and/or make a charitable donation to coincide with starting a project.

So I'm pondering what would be a good prayer to say when I begin a new project of significant size. And since I love to hear from other people, I'm putting the question out to YOU: do you have a special prayer or ritual when you start a project? Especially a work of art? What about when you finish? Just click "Comments" below, and share with us.

Work, Work Work!

My co-blogger-on-leave, Lynn Dorman, thought it was funny that I was blogging at 1:00 am. I explained that I love to get work done at that hour, including my beadwork. There are no distractions from phone, TV, kids, dogs, doorbell, etc., so I can actually concentrate. It's the only time I can even begin to create web pages!

Now, I know it's not the norm to do your work so late at night, but I can't imagine how people get anything serious done during the day. So tell me: what's your favorite time to get work done (especially art), and why? Just hit "comments" and let's have some dialogue.

Sneak Preview

P-s-s-s-s-s-t-t-t-t-t! I got a sneak peek today at the Tallit that Diane is making for her daughter's Bat Mitzvah. My, my my..... this woman has a way with silk! It's NOT the one shown here, but this one's cool too.

(Insert shameless plug here... ) You've just gotta come see Diane's Tallitot, Challah covers, Chuppot and wall hangings.... you know when, right? That's right, Sunday October 12th at MJCC !

What Laurie is Doing

Besides working hard on our upcoming Celebration of Art, fabric artist Laurie Fendel gives us a peek at what she's working on now:

I'm working on designing fabric vases... 10 layers and 3-dimensional. I will also do several trapunto pieces. They are also 3 dimensional - stuffed from behind. I'd like to have a variety of sizes - some small pieces to hang in niche places. I'm excited to try new fabrics and textures, perhaps even incorporate photos put onto fabric and blend into collage wall hangings.

The rest of us can't wait to see these pieces!!