Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A bit of Good Luck for the new year (Hands AB)

Can you believe this year is nearly over? It's really hard to fathom. It has gone by so quickly. Even more unbelievable is, I am still working on this Hands AB. I put all other projects aside yesterday and created this spread specifically for today, so you will feel luck and good fortune before the new year hits.

The Hamsa Hand is supposed to ward off envy, bad luck, and the "evil eye." That is why an eye (a good eye) is sometimes drawn into the hand. This is the stylized Hamsa Hand. It has two symmetrical thumbs. I made the background using a technique I will post next year (grin) and the hand from polymer clay. I free handed the Hamsa Hand design on copy paper, cut out the pattern, then used it to cut out the clay. I used dental tools to cut around the clay, since I'm really quite craft knife challenged. I was going to put some decorations in the hand, but once I got the outline finished, I was a bit afraid to make a mistake, since I didn't really have time to start over.

As for the background, this is a single piece of cardstock I scored in the middle and glued to the pages. I then cut the pages to the size of the cardstock and that is why you see other pages peeking out of the book.

I hope this image (and spread) brings you luck in the new year.

6 thoughtful remarks:

Diane said...

I'm so glad that I found your blog. This year one of my goals is to try my hand at an altered book. I have so many great vintage books-too many--I love them, but I need to do something with them. I love what you've done, and also the techniques your willing to share--thank you!! Diane

stephanie said...

Thank You for the good wishes, Elizabeth....and here's to a wonderful 2010!!! Looking forward to an inspirational year!!!

Christine Clemmensen said...

Hi Elizabeth.
I hope your Christmas have been wonderful, and I wish you a glorious 2010 :-)

carole brungar said...

Love all the cats in their Christmas hats, totally gorgeous!! :)
Happy New Year!

Jeanene said...

Thank You for the New Year wishes.I hope you have many days of ARTing in the New Year.

Debrina said...

Hey Elizabeth! We wish you a happy new year too. We've had a hell of a time here tonight - lots of laughter! 2010 has started pretty well in fact!