lucky 13

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At my last show, I was lucky enough to meet a few collectors of my work. Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween is such a busy show that I rarely get more than a few minutes to visit. I consider myself extra lucky because I was able to meet Lindy and her granddaughter Sophia. They were 28th and 29th in line. As they rushed to the Prim Pumpkin booth, Lindy treated Sophia to a lovely little blue pumpkin.  You see, it was Sophia's first Bewitching Peddlers show and she was so excited to find a piece..... but she really had her heart set on a PINK pumpkin! 

I stopped doing commission work a few years ago, mainly because my vision for a piece sometime does not match up with my clients vision, and I stress out greatly at the prospect of disappointing someone who has trusted me to create something special for them. But, when Lindy contacted me after the show telling me what a delightful time they had  and how Sophia was set to turn 13 on January 13th, I was happy to oblige when she asked for a special work for her birthday.
This special project has been under wraps for weeks and now that her magical 13 has come and gone, I can share.

The Cats out of the bag....

The children and I began haunting our special spots for treasures. I had an idea of adding 13 tiny gifts to the couture of this piece, which I named Lucky.  The children harvested lots of tiny goods along the way as well. This was a wonderful top secret project and they were keen to be involved. 

Lindy sent me heirloom fabric to work with for the couture. It was a vintage pillowcase that Sophia's Great Grandmother had embroidered! I stitched pockets across the front, giving her a little Peddlers nod. We wrapped each gift and tucked it safely away for Sophia to discover. 

Lucky the pink pumpkin came to life just for Sophia. She has a little 13 on her cheek and some wily pumpkin in the patch put 13 little hash marks on the back of her head!

This is the lovely Sophia with Lucky, on her 13th birthday!

Sophia is pictured here with her little brother, Jack who is 10 years old. Jack told his grandmother and Sophia that 13 is your most special birthday! 
It's wonderful to me that Sophia's grandmother set out to make this birthday completely magical for her. It's something that women in my family would have done. Bigger than the gift, is the bonding that Lindy and Sophia shared. They travelled together to get to my show from out of state, sharing love and laughs and a sense of wonder at what they were about to see. Inspiring wonder is what the magic is all about for he. 
Sometimes as artists we forget the "wonder."  From time to time it slips away from the front line of what fuels us. I am grateful to Sophia and Lindy for reminding me of magic of wonder. 
Happy Lucky 13 sweet Sophia!
​xxoo