Mezuzah I've Made

Some of the ceramic mezuzot I've made. 

Today's Stars

These are stars 7 & 8. One more, and I can start to applique them to the background fabric. I've got the fabric for the 9th star laid out. All I need to do is cut the diamonds, mark the seam lines, and sew it together. But not today. I'm all sewed out. 

Star #6

I've decided on making 9 stars and appliqueing them onto 24" square background fabric then quilting as I go. I'll use up some fabric that I bought for "someday" for the back. If I use three different fabrics for the back, I can make a HUGE 9-patch square on the back of the quilt. This will be for on the bed. Maybe then I can take one of the sofa quilts off the bed and use it on the sofa. Nothing like a nice quilted blankie to snuggle under while taking a serious nap. 

Stars #4 and #5

Today was a productive quilt day. I got two stars done, and I've got fabric set out for another star. I need to let the fabric sit and keep coming back to look at it to see if it really works together. 


The black and white batik in the bottom star came from Hawaii. I met up with one of the members of Quiltart on the big island, and she took us to a great fabric store where I bought that batik. 

Star Of The Day

Today, I decided to play with just two colors - neither of which came out correctly. Turquoise and pale peach. Tomorrow, I think I'll be playing with three colors. 

Today's Six-Pointed Star

Here's today's 6-pointed star. Again, the background fabric probably won't be the fabric I use, it was just a better contrast than the kitchen floor. I'm considering a sampler quilt of assorted 6-pointed stars where I play with how I put them together and use up some odds and ends of fabric. 

But I Was Being So Careful!

I was going to alternate the points, but I wasn't careful enough. I realized my mistake when I went to sew the two halves together. But, I kind of like it this way. I'm not sure if I'm going to use the olive background. It's okay, but I don't think it really makes the star pop. 

Latest Beaded Pendant

I've ben playing with lines and colors. Here's the latest. 

Redwood Burl Pens

These are made from redwood burl. 

The Magpie Is Happy

Like a magpie, I'm attracted to sparkly things. I'm thinking of using these as pendants. 

Jim's Latest Pens

Jim has been spending quality time with his lathe lately, and these are a couple of his latest pens. 

Six Pointed Conundrum

I decided to try my hand at making a multi-diamond 6-pointed star reminiscent of how many 8-pointed stars are made. Now, I have to figure out if I want all the same colors in the middle or if I want to do half and half. And no, I don't want to cut out another set of diamonds so I can make both. 

More Lingerie

I tried to shot the lingerie between gusts of wind. I sort of managed that. Anyway, here are Jim's latest boxers made from fabric I was saving for "someday. He's going to have the spiffiest lingerie in town.

A Bit Of Beading

Yes, I'm aware of the threads. They aren't quite done. The top one is what happens when I get a colored pencil and graph paper for peyote stitch. The middle and bottom ones are delicas I bought to give a try with. I'll probably be putting a bead or crystal in the middle of each. The bottom two are earrings and the middle one will be a pendant. 

A Little Tote For My Tallit

I made a little tote to carry my tallit. The photo makes the center of the 6-pointed star look better than it does. Anyone out there know the secret to getting points to come out right? 

In Progress

I still have to do the binding and the sleeve. This is a quilt inspired by a challenge in Quilting Arts magazine to use text in a quilt. The Hebrew letters are the first letters of my first and middle name (Deborah Lee) and this is what I inscribe into my ceramic pieces as a signature. 

Jim's New Boxers

These were all fabrics I was going to use someday. I decided today was someday. Jim needs new boxers, so here is his latest lingerie. 

Coming Home To The Home I Never Knew I Had

I wanted to have my reversion at a time when the kids would be around because I wanted them to know how lucky they are to be able to know their heritage, their culture and their traditions. I got to say a few words before the ceremony and I told the kids about how I was raised Christian, but my family were really hidden Jews. I told about finding out who I am and who I've always been. 

 Me and the rabbi in front of the ark. I'm holding the Torah scroll and it's heavier than I had thought. 

 This is the formal document proclaiming I'm a Jew. This document will allow me to obtain Israeli citizenship should I wish to do so. Under the law of return, any Jew who wants is immediately granted Israeli citizenship. Jim would then be granted Israeli citizenship because he's married to me. Why would I want Israeli citizenship? Israel has socialized medicine. 

 The English side. 

 The Hebrew side. 

The top signature is where I signed my name in Hebrew. Years ago, I learned Hebrew script, but I only remember the block letters - so that's what I used.