I Wish You a Happy Water Dragon Year!

Dragons, printed on cloth after a gouache painting,
inspired by an ancient Chinese vessel

And may the dragon be a symbol for strength, beauty and spiritual growth. In Asia, it is a positive symbol, not the incarnated evil, but a natural force that arises in early spring. The Chinese celebrate the New Year in these days; the Tibetan calendar sees the 22 of February as the beginning of the Water Dragon year. In this article there are some very interesting and helpful remarks on astrology in general. See it with a huge portion of sensible and critical understanding. Most of it is what we make of it.
When I started doing needlework again a few years ago, I did so because being too much on the internet and reading each and every site on conspiracy theories wasn't doing my soul any good. True or not -- I decided not to decide, but feed my mind with issues I experienced to be positive. I worked on a cosy and colorful little world around me. The cushion is part of it.
Curing the world is hardly possible. Doing what we can without neglecting our own welfare has become my solution. Have a time of happiness and well-being!

Cooperation worldwide

What a pleasure to use material that comes from somewhere and to see one's own material being used! This is a synergy that unites artists in a very profound way.

Isn't this a wonderful piece? My friend Yael from Israel built it around a few stenciled dragons I sent her. She is an extremely talented lady who creates wonderful bags and backpacks out of colorful fabrics. Whatever she does, it is profound and meaningful, rich and lucious.
In this case, she used her own dyed fabrics an a branch of the strawberry tree to create this unusual and dramatic wall hanging. I could hardly think of a better use for the prints. Please visit her blog and see more pictures and close-ups of this quilt.

Second cushion finished

Two cushions to go with the quilt, using the "pig knight" fabric and my dragons. The new one looks a little smaller. Also this one is hand-quilted allover.
Maybe I should have added an edge.
Rain and dark clouds every day.