Evolution

I made this challah cover a few years ago.  The text is an intentional prayer that some people recite before kiddush. I did the calligraphy on a beautiful light weight wool. The border is an upholstery fabric.

 

Most of the other challah covers that were made during the time period I made this challah covers have all sold. This one has languished in my completed objects suitcase. There is nothing wrong with it. It just wasn’t great.

Yesterday, I decided to revisit it.  In the heyday of Yiddish theater Shakespeare's plays  were advertised as being  farteicht und farbessered  “translated and improved’ . That expression is often used  to described the process of fiddling and improving  of anything.

So in short, I  farteicht und farbessered the challah cover.

I added leaves to the  half hearted trellis-like designs on the sides of the text. I also added  scrollwork that was farbessered  with a bit of glitter in the paint/dye mixture.

The first word was given extra outlining.  I also added bits of glimmer to the border. 

 

I covered the rayon stitched border with vintage velvet ribbon in sea foam green. I think the piece is much improved. What do you think???

Despite the fact that this challah cover is made out of soft Easter-egg like colors and is pretty glittery, it isn’t flashy or tacky. 

 

To me this improved version of the challah cover reminds me of  a shy person who learns how to do public speaking.  The volume is now turned up enough on this piece. I hope it finds a good home.