Many Sisters of the Precious Blood make art and crafts, and while the forms of their creations vary widely — carving, painting, quilting, singing and many more — they share in common a means of communion with others, and a way to reflect the beauty of God.
The skills Sister Rae Marie acquired in crochet continue to evolve and grow to include a host of beautiful and interesting items: quilts; cut paper folded into elaborate stars; triangles of fabric folded and sewn to make 3D flowers. Counted cross stitch produces all kinds of charming scenes, such as angels singing over a slumbering Baby Jesus or St. Nick with a sack of presents. Sister Rae Marie uses gathered circles of fabric, called yo-yos, to create Christmas tree ornaments or small, fabric Christmas trees. She learned to make the delicate and colorful thread balls called Temari, made and used for a variety of purposes in Japan for over 1,000 years. “Doodling” patterns, in the artform known as Zentangle, becomes a meditative practice — and creates a beautiful piece of original artwork.
“I just enjoy doing things with my hands — I’ll try any craft at least once. And I like to give away the things I make,” she said.
Story and photos by Mary Knapke
Top, crochet wall hanging; second, Christmas ornaments; third, a Zentangle; bottom, crochet angel ornaments.
