Chrysanthemum Shalom[singlepic id=30 w=300 h=224 float=]
“Shalom” means “peace” and “hello”. The Hebrew word is made with quilled chrysanthemums and shaped quilling coils.  The inner mat is covered with Yuzen paper, and the outer mat is lavender. The frame is antique silver (not shown) 7.5 x 9.5

Cost: $145 + $10 s/h

Topiary “Baruch Haba”[singlepic id=25 w=218 h=300 float=]”Baruch Haba” means “welcome” and is usually displayed at the entrance to a home. The phrase comes from Psalm 118:26: “Blessed is the one who comes (in the name of the Lord)”.

Bessamin Box[singlepic id=35 w=175 h=340 float=]

This bessamin box, to hold spices for the Havdalah ceremony, honors the holiday of Succoth, thus combining the mitzvot of making Havdalah with that of “sitting in the Sukkah”.  Each side features an oval inset of one of the “Four Species” – etrog, willow, palm, and myrtle, in color, with its Hebrew name in gold.  Surrounding the ovals are pomegranates or grape leaves, also in gold.  Pomegranates and grape leaves are traditional symbols of abundance, and pomegranates particularly represent all 613 mitzvot. Around the base, in golden Hebrew letters, is the latter half of Lev 23:40 “…and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days.” (Because this was for decorative purposes, the non-sacred spelling of these Names was used).
The entire piece, except for the walnut base, and the bead on top, is constructed of quilled paper, most of it edged with 23k gold. The physics of the paper coils, and the attachment strategy, make this box sturdy and fully functional. The dome on the top, which will receive the most wear, was coated with glaze for extra durability.  The entire piece is 7″ tall, and 2 1/4″ square.  The top is removable and there is a mesh bag inside to hold spices.  The walnut base was created by Mel Turcanik, a Minnesota woodturner and friend.

Cost: $1025  Shipping is complementary.

Menorah[singlepic id=36 w=260 h=339 float=]

This menorah picture was created in several stages.  First, acid-free paper was embossed with a menorah form. The menorah itself was sized and gilded with 23k gold leaf.  The candles were covered with aluminum leaf, and the flames are made with copper leaf.  It is 5 x7, framed.

Cost: $85 + $10 s/h