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Kristin's Cards, Pastel Paintings

Handmade Cards and Pastel Paintings Bring Joy

Featured Image Photo Credit: Kristin McCarthy, Hand-Made Card; Pastel Painting “September Sheep”

Handmade Cards

Each card is an original piece of artwork. Using beautiful Japanese papers and a pair of scissors, I cut out shapes and designs that are floating around in my imagination. Using colourful threads, I hand stitch the papers together—adding beads and sequence as I go. The only glue I use is to adhere the little art piece to the cardstock.

Charming and whimsical are words that come to mind when you see these hand-created cards. They are blank inside for you to add your own sentiment—or you can keep the card for yourself and frame it. Each card is approximately 11cm X 14cm with matching envelope. Each card is cream coloured textured linen.

I make all sorts of themes such as birthday, Christmas, Mother’s Day, 1st Communion and other religious themes, wedding and everyday.

For more information, visit my Hand Made Cards page or contact me.

Paintings

Living in Rockwood, Ontario (near Guelph) allows me to stay in touch with nature on a daily basis. Surrounding myself among trees, fields, rocks, natural waterways, horses, cattle and sheep are calming forces in my life. Seeing sheep grazing in their field, the wind in the trees, winter shadows on a snowy landscape and pathways that lead to light. These are the things that inspire me to paint.

When I open up my box of pastels, the colours just sing- waiting to become one of these images. Each group of colours reminds me of the four seasons: whites, blues and greys for winter; bright greens for spring; deep greens, pinks and yellow for summer and ochres, purples, deep reds and oranges for autumn. As I begin a new painting, it takes on a life of its own—a little snapshot of a particular time, during a particular season at a certain place. What wasn’t there before, now exists as a reminder of where I have been and what I have seen. And that allows me to share it with the world around me.

For more information, visit my Pastel Paintings page or contact me.

Kristin's Shows, Prayer Bead Workshops

Workshops and Shows

Featured Image Photo Credit: Kristin McCarthy

Wool of the Lamb Prayer Bead Workshops

Are you a creative type? Are you interested in beading? Are you interested in praying in a new way?

Well, perhaps a Wool of the Lamb Prayer Bead Workshop is for you!

Using my designs and unique felted wool pieces, you can create your own bead strand. We begin by discussing the theme of the bead strand. With my instruction, you string your own chaplet with the beads of your choice, or kits that I have put together. I supply all the necessary tools for the workshop, such as string, beads, felted piece, prayer page and storage bag. Then as a group, we pray the chaplet together to complete the workshop.

It is a great way to

  • Deepen your prayer life
  • Gain a better understanding of God through prayer
  • Learn about Saints and the history of our Catholic Faith
  • Offer our Catholic Faithful a continuous personal faith development
  • Share our faith and pray as a community

I look forward to meeting you.

For more information, visit my Workshops page or contact me.

Shows

I welcome you to come and see me at the shows that I am participating in. I often have my latest designs– both necklaces and chaplets available that may not be on my website just yet.

I display all my products for you to see and purchase—Wool of the Lamb Prayer Beads, felted wool necklaces, key chains and other woolen items, my beaded and hand-stitched paper cards, plus my bead bags showcasing my pastel paintings. Depending on the show, my paintings may be on display for purchase as well.

I look forward to meeting you.

For more information, visit my Shows page or contact me.

Catholic Prayers, Meditations, Spiritual Readings and Writings

Spiritual Readings and Writings; Catholic Prayers, Meditations

Featured Image Photo Credit: Kristin McCarthy, Pastel Painting “Stained Glass Holy Spirit Dove”; Pastel Painting “Stained Glass Landscape Cross”

Spiritual Readings and Writings

I enjoy sifting through forgotten ‘Catholic’ books while researching new bead strands. I often stumble upon interesting old texts, chapters and articles that may not necessarily work in a chaplet, but are nonetheless worthy of reading. So, I have dedicated an area of my website to readings and writings that I have found appealing and I wish to share them with you. Included are a wide range of topics ‘of all things catholic’. As I continually search for new inspiration, I am always adding new content for your perusal, so check back often.

For more information, visit my Spiritual Readings and Writings page.

Catholic Prayers and Meditations

Prayers are deeply personal. And when we find one that speaks to us, we tend to say it often.

It is easy nowadays to find common Catholic prayers, many websites have them. I, however, enjoy sifting through forgotten books and stumbling upon prayers that are not so popular. If you too are looking for something a little different to add to your favourite list of prayers, take a look at  my selection. I am constantly adding new found prayers, so please check back regularly.

For more information, visit my Catholic Prayers and Meditations page.

Wool of the Lamb Prayer Beads

Hail Mary Decade Chaplet

The Hail Mary Decade is a wonderful way to begin a relationship with Our Blessed Mother Mary. A decade however, is great way to begin praying the rosary.

A Hail Mary Decade is one decade of the rosary, consisting of just 10 beads with a cross or crucifix. Those who are not in the habit of praying the rosary may look at it as a daunting task. Lots of beads, lots of prayers and meditations all at the same time! A decade however, is great way to begin praying the rosary. You can focus on just one mystery while reciting one Our Father and 10 Hail Mary prayers. Before you know it you will be praying the whole rosary on just one decade strand. The Hail Mary Decade is a wonderful way to begin a relationship with Our Blessed Mother Mary. We can pray with and to her. She watches over those who honour her and answers those who ask for her intercession.

I offer the Hail Mary Decade Chaplet in various colour combinations. Each chaplet comes with a prayer page. Sample images and prices are shown below.

Please contact me to arrange for a purchase. Additional chaplets and rosaries are available on my Wool of the Lamb Prayer Beads page.

Hail Mary Decade Chaplet- starting at $30

The Hail Mary Decade Chaplet consists 10 needle-felted woollen beads and crocheted and felted cross.

I create large Hail Mary Decades made from natural wool fleece. I needle-felt woolen beads, each about the size of a ping pong ball, either dyed in Kool-Aid colours or left naturally and paired together with a co-ordinating soft woolen cross. It feels great in your hands, and it is soft and pliable. These oversized decades are great for people with limited dexterity or those who benefit from tactile sensations.

 

Wool of the Lamb Prayer Beads

Chaplet of the Ten Evangelical Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary

For Teenagers and Adults

I came across this prayer bead strand, but felt that I needed something to reflect on while praying. I paired each virtue with a meditation from St. Louis de Montfort’s “True Devotion”.

The Virtues are: Pure, Prudent, Humble, Faithful, Devout, Obedient, Poor, Patient, Merciful, Sorrowful/Compassionate.

Short meditation for each virtue included.

“Holy Virgin, from now on I will show you my loving devotion by imitating your virtues. There is no greater homage, no greater proof of love, that I can give.” (“Imitation of Mary” by Alexander De Rouville. 1985-1977 Catholic Publishing Corp., N.Y., pg. 17)

The church urges us as Catholic faithful to look to Jesus’ Mother, Mary, as a role model during our earthly lives and to imitate the virtues of the Blessed Virgin as best we can. The Virtues are: Pure, Prudent, Humble, Faithful, Devout, Obedient, Poor, Patient, Merciful, Sorrowful/Compassionate. Give Mary your solitude by being alone with her while praying this chaplet. Giving Her your time and attention, you will realize something within you that calms your sorrows and alleviates your fears. Before you know it, you will begin to hear God speak to you because you know His mother. It is in this solitude where you can learn to trust God and honour His Blessed Mother. Bring all your dangers, doubts and anxieties to Mary. Believe she can help you and have faith.

The Chaplet of the Ten Evangelical Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a straightforward prayer strand and features the most popular Catholic prayers; Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. I came across this prayer bead strand in my research, but felt that something was needed to reflect on while praying, so I paired each virtue with a meditation from St. Louis de Montfort’s “True Devotion to Mary”, a church classic.

This chaplet is ideal for those who want to deepen their relationship with Our Blessed Mother. It is also great for high school students who have stepped away from their faith and are searching for something a little different.  Also great for retreats for teachers, educators and groups who desire faith development. This chaplet can help you get to know Mary better and thus bring you closer to Her Son, Jesus.

“The Blessed Virgin’s life contains lessons for everyone. If we study it, we learn how to live in prosperity and adversity, prayer and work, honors and humiliations.” (Imitation of Mary by Alexander De Rouville. 1985-1977 Catholic Publishing Corp., N.Y., pg. 15)

I offer the Chaplet of the Ten Evangelical Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary in various colour combinations. Each chaplet comes with a prayer page and a plastic storage bag. Sample images and prices are shown below.

Please contact me to arrange for a purchase. Additional chaplets and rosaries are available on my Wool of the Lamb Prayer Beads page.

Chaplet of the Ten Evangelical Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Felted – $16

The Chaplet of the Ten Evangelical Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary consists of a felted woolen cross or ten pointed star, 10 colourful glass beads, each representing a specific virtue and a glass end bead to finish the chaplet.

Wool of the Lamb Prayer Beads

Chaplet of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

For Confirmation (Children Grade 7)

For Adults too!

Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, you are completing your commitment to Christ that began at your Baptism, making you adults in the Faith. These gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit help guide us throughout our lifetime.

I was inspired to give new life to this bead strand using more modern day vocabulary that would appeal to our young people during their time of Confirmation. So you will find my Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit Chaplet is a little different than those chaplets of the same name. Apart from the ending prayer, I have written this entire chaplet with the Holy Spirit guiding me. The gifts are the same: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Fortitude (Courage), Counsel (Right Judgement), Piety (Reverence) and Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe). Each gift has a short meditation/prayer to fully gain its meaning, written in an easy to understand way.

With Confirmation, the Paraclete opens before you a path of continual rediscovery of the grace of adoption as children of God, which will make you joyful seekers of the truth.

Pope John Paul II

Through the Sacrament of Confirmation, you are completing your commitment to Christ that began at your Baptism, making you adults in the Faith. You are given the Holy Spirit who visits you inwardly and touches you deep within your soul. Whatever challenges you face in your life, know that these special gifts given to you by the Holy Spirit are like no others. Time in prayer will help you develop these gifts and give you complete confidence in Christ.

Inspired by the Sacrament of Confirmation, with children, ages 12—14 in mind, I have re-created the Chaplet of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit by using more modern day vocabulary that would appeal to our young people. The Gifts are the same: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Fortitude (Courage), Counsel (Right Judgement), Piety (Reverence) and Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe), but I have added meditations that will hopefully inspire our faithful young Catholics. The Holy Spirit did indeed guide me through this process.

The chaplet consists of a felted woolen cross, 7 beads, each representing a specific gift: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Fortitude (Courage), Counsel (Right Judgement), Piety (Reverence) and Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe), and an end bead. Each gift has a short meditation/prayer to fully gain its meaning. The cross and end bead also have a prayer. Mary has a strong presence in this chaplet as each gift is accompanied by a Hail Mary. Know that you can also call on Our Blessed Mother for help at any time.

This is also a great chaplet for those who wish to reconnect with the Holy Spirit and reaffirm the gifts that have been given us.

So we pray with Mary, sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, a most precious dwelling-place of Christ among us, so that she may help us to be living temples of the Spirit and tireless witnesses of the Gospel.

Pope John Paul II

I offer the Chaplet of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit in white and the colour of your choice. White and red are the typical colours for Confirmation. Any colours will work! Each chaplet comes with a prayer page and a plastic storage bag. Sample images and prices are shown below.

Please contact me to arrange for a purchase. Additional chaplets and rosaries are available on my Wool of the Lamb Prayer Beads page.

Chaplet of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit – $14

The linear Chaplet of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit consists of felted white or coloured cross, 7 beads and 1 end bead.

Kristin's Shows

Catholic Women’s League 2017 Ontario Provincial Council Convention Monday, July 10, 2017 to Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Aside

I will be selling my products at the Catholic Women’s League 2017 Ontario Provincial Council Convention on Monday, July 10, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 11, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, July 12, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.  at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre, 555 West Arthur Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario. Please come to see me.

Kristin's Shows

Catholic Women’s League 97th Annual Hamilton Diocesan Convention, Friday, May 26, 2017 and Saturday, May 27, 2017

Aside

I will be selling my products at the Catholic Women’s League 97th Annual Hamilton Diocesan Convention on Friday, May 26, 2017 from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 27, 2017 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Viking Suite Crush Area at the Crowne Plaza Kitchener Waterloo, 105 King St. West, Kitchener, Ontario. Please come and see me.

Prayer Bead Workshops

Holy Rosary Workshop

For Grade 2 First Communion

The cost is $11 per kit.

The Rosary is a beautiful, prayerful exercise that encourages you to be still and mindful. It is a prayer that can be done privately or communally and offers the Catholic faithful something that we all share in common. It helps us all to better our relationship with Our Lord as well as Our Blessed Mother Mary. The way to Jesus is through His mother.

The Holy Rosary workshop is a great introduction to the rosary for a First Communion class or to those looking to familiarize themselves with this prayer. This is a fun and hands-on approach for Grade 2 students to get to know the rosary and Mary, Our Blessed Mother, as well as an understanding of how to pray the rosary.

Students make their own rosary using natural coloured wooden beads and a blue woolen cross. Students can personalize their rosary by choosing between two different shades of blue, both symbolizing Our Blessed Mother. The wooden beads represent the wood of the cross and the woolen cross represents the Wool of the Lamb. As we string the beads together, these young students practice sorting, counting and patterning while using fine motor skills and listening to instruction.

I often split the Holy Rosary workshop into two parts. As a class, it takes about one and a half hours to make the rosary due to the age of the students. There are a lot of beads to string for little fingers. I also recommend that the Grade 2 students be assisted by older students, such as Grades 7 or 8, or by parent volunteers. We take a break before learning to pray the rosary or, in some cases, I return another day to pray the rosary with the Grade 2 students.

At the end of the Holy Rosary workshop, students have a completed rosary and an understanding of how it is prayed. This workshop helps them practice  popular Catholic prayers, such as Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. It is a great  introduction to meditation, reflection and being still and invokes a relationship with God and His Mother Mary. Communal prayer also encourages children to share their Catholic faith with their peer community.

In this workshop, following my instructions, each participant will make their own Rosary, which consists of 5 sets of 10 Hail Mary beads (oval wooden beads), marked with 5 our father beads (round wooden beads), one centre bead (large oval wooden bead), ending with a woolen cross. Each chaplet kit comes with a prayer page and plastic storage bag. After the chaplet is strung together, we pray the chaplet as a group.

For more information or if you would like to host a Wool of the Lamb Prayer Bead workshop, visit my Kristin’s Workshops page or contact me.