Fraktur is the 18th and 19th century Pennsylvania German folk art tradition of illuminated manuscripts, which became a part of America's cultural history. Along with an extensive study of this art, my interest in calligraphy and drawing lead to the development of my own style of Fraktur within the early traditions. My ink and watercolor art includes both commissioned and non-commissioned forms. Commissioned forms include, birth, baptismal and marriage certificates. House blessings, specimens of calligraphy and design, valentines and color designs are among the non-commissioned forms of Fraktur.
Working in all aspects of clay being functional and non-functional while combining the two in some projects. Experimenting with alternative firing techniques using local clay.
Rewind to the beginning of the pandemic. In 2020 when no PPE was available for nurses and doctors. I thought I could help in some small way, so I dug out my sewing machine and started sewing. Soon, my husband and I were making and donating masks....lots and lots of masks. We worked at this full time 'job' for months and months. Working with the AUNTIE SEWING SQUAD on FB, he and I made and donated nearly 9,000 masks and sent them to people in need all over the country. Un-homed, migrants, our indigenous population...the forgotten folks.
The thing about making 9,000 masks is that you create a TON of fabric scraps.I knew that I could not just toss these pieces of fabric out.
But, what to do with it all? Lots of things. Wall hangings, dog beds, hot pads, placemats....and BUCKET HATS!
Tremendous resources are used to create fabrics, we need to use them to their fullest before we are done with them. It's just the right thing to do.
So, wear a reclaimed fabric hat....no doubt friends will ask you where it came from. You can start a great ECO-centered conversation, and you will be an environmental hero!