29.3.09

Spiders Web

Here is a small group of spiders. I intend to sew metallic silver thread over the web, to give it a dew look.

27.3.09

Snail

He loves snails. He pops them on his hands and arms and watches them crawl about him.

The snail, a symbol of Perseverance,
Determination, Continuity, and Eternity.

Appearing mostly at night, snails are a lunar symbol, therefore a symbol of feminine energy and the cycle of death/rebirth, ending/beginning, continuity, and fertility. Because of its shell, it is linked to the symbolism of the spiral and to self-sufficiency...... represents slow and steady progress made in the journey 'home'(towards enlightenment)
The Egyptians used the snail to symbolize eternity and the vastness of the universe. Also the tendency of life to start off broad and grand and to eventually spiral down to it's basics as we get older.

26.3.09

Leaf Hopper


I couldn't find anything symbolic specifically for the Leaf Hopper, but it is a winged insect, that has undergone transformation from a lavae stage.
So it is a symbol of Transition, Celebration , Transformation / Change, Acceptance. In other words, Don't sweat the small stuff, be joyful and thankful for your blessings

Accept the changes in our lives as casually as a winged insect does. The unwavering acceptance of the metamorphosis is also symbolic of faith. Here we need to keep our faith as we undergo transitions in our lives. The insect understands that our toiling, fretting and anger are useless against the turning tides of nature – she asks us to recognize the same.

25.3.09

Blue lady bug / ladybird

We found some blue ladybugs on thelemon tree, so of course I had to draw them.
A symbol of Luckiness.
The ladybird is probably the only insect to have been consistently viewed as an omen of good luck throughout the ages.

The word 'ladybird' itself is an evolution of 'lady beetle', which was so called because of its traditional connection with the Virgin Mary. A popular legend recalls that during the Middle Ages when invasive insects were destroying food crops, the farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary and were blessed with thousands of ladybirds who quickly ate the pests and saved the harvest. From then on, the ladybird was known as 'Our Lady's Beetle', which evolved through ladybeetle, ladybug and finally to the presently known ladybird. This religious connection is also found in the ladybirds' names around the world:
· Nyckelpiga - Our Lady's Key-Maid (Scandinavian)
· Marienkafer - Mary's Beetle (German)
· Bozhia Korovka - God's Little Cow (Russian)
· Vaquilla de Dios - Cow of God (Spanish)
(‘cow’ most likely given because of the ladybirds’ markings).
· Bete a bon Dieu - literally Animal of the Good God (France)


In Northern Europe, tradition says that one's wish granted if a ladybird lands on oneself (this tradition lives on in North America, where children capture a ladybird, make a wish, and then "blow it away" back home to make the wish come true). In Italy, it is said by some that if a ladybird flies into one's bedroom, it is considered good luck.

24.3.09

Katipo spider


I wanted NZ natives where possible, so a large Katipo will be a great addition to the quilt.
Spider, a symbol of Mystery,Power Growth, Cunning, Progressive, Resourceful, and Creation

When we see our decisions, choices and actions as far-reaching, effective tools in life - we can see how we weave a web that can either serve us or enslave us. The Spider symbol meaning beckons us to be mindful of our behaviours - be smart about the life we weave for ourselves.
We can derive more Spider symbol meaning when we consider certain subtle characteristics that represent ancient symbols of infinity. The infinity symbol meanings occur when we consider most Spiders have eight eyes and all have eight legs. The number eight is also a symbol of infinity or lemniscate (an eight turned on its side). Also, the vibrational frequency indicates the meaning of with Maya brings about the understanding that not all things are as they appear to be.
The Spider symbol meaning in Egypt, is akin to Neith, a complex deity usually depicted with arrows as she is associated with hunting. Along with hunting, she is also associated with the creation, specifically the process of recreation in the dawning and dusking of each day. Neith is also a weaver, and is often shown with a shuttle in her hand (a tool used for weaving). It is this activity that gains her association with the Spider.
The Greek myth of Arachne, a mortal (although of noble stature) who was a spectacular weaver. Acclaim for her luscious lively looms spread over hill and dale and ultimately reached the immortal ears of Athena. Arachne claimed she was the best weaver, and thus prompted a challenge from Athena. And so, they played a round of “dueling looms,” but no one could confirm the victor. However, Arachne was quite smug about the whole process. So much so, that Athena smote her with a mighty blow of conscience and a dose of guilt. Arachne took the dosage hard, and could not live with the intense feelings of guilt and sorrow so she killed herself. Athena felt awful over the whole mess and decided to resurrect Arachne in the form of a spider so that she and all her offspring would forever be the best weavers of the universe.

23.3.09

Creepy Crawlies

I have decided to make a creepy crawly quilt for my youngest man, who is really in to bugs at the moment.

Using Jacquard Tee Juice Fabric pens, and Shiva paint sticks, I will attempt to create about 40 pictures of bugs and other creepy crawlies, and then make a Snowball quilt with them. So I am on the lookout for bug fabric at the moment. I have found some green/orange butterflies that he loves, and some blue/purple butterflies as well.

The creatures, or mini beasts are not just insects, but Snails fall into the invertebrates family, and Spiders do fit under arthropods, part of the arachnid family.
I have managed to draw 4 ants, 2 facing left and 2 facing right.

Ants are a symbol of patience,persistence, endurance, self-discipline, teamwork, strength, and stamina . All great things a boy needs to learn about in his process of becoming a man.
Ant teaches a sense of community, social structures, industriousness and sense of provision. Ant shows how to create by planning and discipline and patience with endurance. Ant also shows a promise of success through efforts and hard work and diligence.