Accentuating what’s already there
To accentuate, to give a hint of vibrancy, is to remind us of what’s possible and to reveal what’s already there.
Some time ago I noticed that one of the healing chimes started to fade. I wasn’t surprised, they are natural materials after all. The Japanese Photinia leaves went from a lovely amber spice to a kind of dull sandy cider color. The indigo thread became much lighter, losing a bit of its vibrancy, too.
I was okay with it and what's more, I wanted to take it back into my own, and hold its weathered energy between my palms. Like all things, there is a life cycle, and acceptance is also part of that.
It got me thinking about the idea of how we often give a hint of color, or a touch of vibrancy to accentuate something – like having fresh flowers in a room, or in wearing jewelry, or in putting on makeup. We do that all the time, in fact. It’s not to just cover up the old and faded, but in fact, is to highlight what’s possible and already there – a brighter mood, the zest for life, a vibrant spirit.
The idea of painted leaves came to me again, and the copper acrylic paint I had first used last summer on magnolia leaves.
The leaves I wanted to use this time were already a spice copper color, still on their branches and dried, but not too faded. They found me while I was out walking in my neighborhood. They were just there in a yard bag on the street, waiting for me to take a handful home, so I did.
And so it began, the careful brush strokes of copper acrylic paint onto the leaves (watch the video above). From the first one, to another one, and then more, each one unique in shape, in proportion, in presence. They glistened like pennies, accentuating their value, and sensing their self worth.
I began to wonder about copper – it’s an element and metal – but what does it signify? I came across this, which seemed fitting:
“Copper’s special ability is its process of igniting our true inner potential and connecting it with our personal will. With both of these forces aligned, the shining light within us can burst through to bridge the gap between the spiritual and physical realms.” Source
I wrapped the painted leaves in indigo thread like a jeweled necklace, all strung and dangling together, and draped them beside a light indigo ikat fabric. Yes, this is it, seeing how it was going to look as a healing chime. I began to hand stitch three simple columns. The wrapped and painted copper leaves were pulled through the columns. And finally, they were tethered to two thin arching sticks at the top.
Another healing chime, a reminder of our true inner potential, and accentuating what’s already there.
“Accentuating what’s already there” was originally published as an exclusive post to my Patreon supporters in July 2021. Now it’s public and available to you, too!
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