Juliet and I were flatmates over 25 years ago. Though we live on different continents, we have remained in contact on and off since then. Social media makes it easy these days. Juliet messaged me some months ago to ask if I would make something for her #50cardsfor50 project. Always the entrepreneur, for her 50th birthday she is asking people to make a card with a piece of advice on the card or something beautiful and inspiring. She wondered if I'd be interested in making one.
Juliet sent me a pack in the post and I eventually got to work. I wanted to create something "Israeli", something that said something about the place I call home. I decided to papercut the word "Shalom" in both Hebrew and English. "Shalom", like many Hebrew words, has more than one meaning. Shalom means peace. However, "peace" is only one small part of the meaning. "Shalom" is also used to both greet people and to say goodbye, but it means much more than "peace, hello or goodbye"...
Shalom is rooted in the word שלם (shaleim) which means wholeness, completion, wellness, perfection. When we are "at peace" we feel a sense of "wholeness."
I backed the white postcard with blue paper. The national colours of Israel are officially blue and white, as seen on the flag of Israel. An early Zionist poem explains that the colour white symbolises great faith; blue the appearance of the firmament. (The original dark blue stripes were later lightened to heighten visibility at sea.) Because of its association with the State of Israel, blue has become very popular in contemporary Jewish design.
Juliet is currently putting all the cards she receives on Instagram and possibly has other ideas for them as well. She seemed thrilled to receive my card, writing the following on Facebook:
"Lisa is an artist and makes beautiful cards and paper cuts. I asked if she'd make me something for my birthday #50cardsfor50 project and she sent me this. I love it."
* This post has been shared on All Seasons, Happiness is Homemade, The Weekly Link Up and Tuesdays with a Twist.
9 comments:
I love this one Lisa and can see why Juliet is delighted with it too! What a very thoughtful gift for your friend, and so nice that you both still keep in touch. x
What a great idea for her birthday. Your card is wonderful and I love the pop of red on the heart. xx
This is cute - what a lovely idea! #pocolo
Another beauty for your friend to treasure!
I am so happy to learn the deeper/fuller meaning of the word “Shalom.” Although thinking it meant (only) “peace” , I still always have thought it the loveliest possible greeting or farewell and rather envied that ... Now, I think it is even more perfect. .... the card is beautiful. Your friend is a fortunate lady to receive it. ...... Way back when my husband turned 50, our four young adult kids and I each surprised him with ten presents (most, but not all, of them small and silly).... one for each year. He was shocked! (He has always been the giver, not the receiver, and it was a pleasant change ...and a challenge .... for the rest of us)
What a beautiful idea for turning 50 and you interpreted the brief so perfectly. Just lovely. I think you have such patience to cut it out. It is a eye catching card. #mmbc
Beautiful how you explain all the meanings of shalom and of the colors. Hebrew is such a complex language. One day I'll take the jump to start learning it, as well as the meaning of numbers. Have been walking around with that idea, because it will definitely enrich knowing the meanings in Bible reading. Always fun to connect with old friends, eh? Many thanks of sharing this with All Seasons! Have a fabulous week:)
Gorgeous, I love a bit of papercutting.
Loving the pop of red against the blue and white. Another gorgeous card! #twinklytuesday
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