amulets and recipes

Sarah's first amulet with red thread protection

An amulet is a device, the purpose of which is to protect by magical means.
Amulets in the form of triangles are ubiquitous.
Their power is boosted with the addition of coins or embroidered patterns.
Triangle amulets can hang from a belt or purse or be pinned to a blouse.
They can be carried in a pocket.

Sarah's amulet embroidered with the Ukranian symbol for stamina and health, the branch of a fir tree

Triangular amulets for protection of lone travelers are made from plain fabric, crudely stitched.  (Gold or silver triangular earrings are also amulets).

quilt back hand stitched by April

There are many aspects of textiles, not just pattern that are protective, such as thread itself.

stripes and diamonds by April

The following motifs are in themselves amulets.
Star, tree of life, cross, hand, labyrinth, eye, and magic square.

triangles and nine patches by zoe

Confusion is an effective weapon against whatever the demon is.
Pockets out of alignment or false, small irregular details, complicated dense patterning,
all these serve to perplex.

hand stitched crosses by Sarah

Embroidery on edgings or seams of garments,
embroidery around pockets and over breasts are all used
to prevent disease-carrying spirits from reaching the body.

chocoolate chip cookies by Emily

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cream until fluffy 1 cup butter, 1 cup white sugar, 1 cup brown sugar
Add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla and continue to beat until fluffy
Fold in  2 cup flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt
Fold in 1 or 2 cup chocolate chips
Drop on ungreased cooke sheet by teaspoon and bake 350 degree oven 12 minutes or so
Slightly under-bake - when removing from oven slam the cookie sheet on counter or stove top
Dough can be refrigerated.

yellow cake by moi

Scratch Yellow Cake
pre-heat oven to 375 degree and prepare cake pan (9"square) with butter and dust of flour
Sift 2 1/4 cup cake flour with 3 tsp baking powder into mixing bowl, add 1 cup sugar and 1 tsp salt
Cut 1/2 cup soft butter into the flour, then add 2/3 cup of milk and beat for 2 minutes with electric mixer.  Scrape bowl often with rubber spatula.
Add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla and 1/3 cup more milk.  Beat 2 more minutes.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

star web by April

Solar motifs of circles and stars are powerful.

hand stitched amulets by sarah, stars and each stuffed with salt

Cut two triangle shapes from cloth you have on hand.
Sew the sides together but leave a small opening so that you can add garlic, salt or a written prayer.
However, the triangle by itself is powerful enough.  It has sharp points.

The text in this post is paraphrased from
Sheila Paine's book Amulets: Sacred Charms of Power and Protection

The images of sewing and cookies were sent to me by young women who are staying home this week.

Take care of yourselves dear ones.
(the recipe for chocolate icing is in the comments)

cottage again

I'm back on Manitoulin (with internet), after more time at the family cottage. The people were slightly different and included my brother and his family, as well as April's friends. The month has been devoted to family. Days are getting shorter. Niece Sarah brought candles to get us through the evening dinners.

In 50 years

Art making is a positive act. Even when the artist is in despair. Even when the artist has fear. BECAUSE producing an object that is intended to be looked at by others (in 50 years) implies a belief that there will be a society of people who are able to respond to that work. (in 50 years)

coming the distance

Ned drove the ten hours to visit me here in this strange land of elder care. It was wonderful to see him and be reminded of the moisture and greenness of Manitoulin. Otherwise overwhelmed.

fragile

Humans are so very fragile. For the most part we are able to forget this. That we are fragile. That our bodies and our minds are very very fragile.

still overwhelmed

Cry me a river
Forty feet wide.
Cry me a river
Toss me inside.
And when I'm drowning and holler for help.
Don't come a running.
I'll save myself."

This was what my mother would say to us kids whenever we felt sorry for ourselves.