Well, “Talisman for Painters”, a favorite beaded artifact, has a new home, sold at the Open Studio. For a few years I could not part with it, I think because it was a paint brush from when we first built our house. The dried green paint on the brush was the first color of our outdoor window trim. Maybe I had to hold on to it to prove we completed the hardest task of our life. Like a diploma.

"Talisman for Painters", beaded artifact, front and back Kathleen O'Brien

“Talisman for Painters”, beaded artifact, front and back Kathleen O’Brien

It took on its second life as an artifact, I guess, to validate its continued existence as an early 3-D collage. It took a while for the new owner to find the copper leafed 4 leaf clover, discreetly placed on the side. There are other elements taken directly from the land, the “Indian money” fossils (donut shaped) on the handle holes and connected to the string, and a few botanicals like yarrow leaves and grass.

"Talisman for Painters", beaded artifact, front and back details Kathleen O'Brien

“Talisman for Painters”, beaded artifact, front and back details Kathleen O’Brien

It looks really good on the new wall, and makes the collector happy, so I’m happy. she says, “Thank you for sharing. I love the piece…. Maybe differently than you loved it but I cherish it.”

"Talisman for Painters" in its new home

“Talisman for Painters” in its new home