| Ner Tamid Mezuzah |
Dimensions: 1.25″ x 3.50″
Stitches: chain, seed, blanket, stem, double running
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I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying creating these mezuzahs! I think I’ve found a new form of prayer. Actually — praise — is what I should call it. Thank R’Jill for my productivity in this area, lately. I’ve been doing her shamanic journey series and one lead us to learn how to praise — this is pretty much a direct result of that experience.
I think I go the proportions really right this time. I liked the size of the first one (block print shin) but the second one (as above so below) felt a little bulky.
This one weighs in at a nice 1.25 w X 3.50 h (give or take a smidge). It fits well on a door and looks nice and petite. I like that the unfinished size of this is 7″ high — so it’s a nice magickally significant number. I suppose I should make it 1.5″ wide finished, so it’s really a 3X7 piece of fabric. I think I will do that for the next one.
The design, as the title says, is meant to be the eternal light (ner tamid) that hangs in synogogues. It’s also meant to evoke the Bezalel style of silver filigree work. The embroidery of the lamp and chain is done in metallic filament blended threads (DMC) and the flame is a blended ribbon with a center thread of sparkly red. It’s a fancy thing I picked up at a high-end embroidery shop. It’s a bit brighter than the image makes it look, at least on my computer screen. If you zoom in, I think the silver is better represented.
The chain is, well, chain stitched. The lamp is a mix of back stitch and outline/stem stitches. The “hanger” at the top is bullion stitch.
I changed the side stiching to a simple double running stitch, which I think works bettter than the blanket stich I’ve been using previously. I think the blanket stitch would have looked too heavy on this one. I’m still working with the same batch of linen, from The Scarlet Letter. I’m really happy with that, so I’ll probably continue with it until I run out.
[tags]jewitchica, judaica, mezuzah, ner tamid, bezalel, embroidery, handmade, chain stitch, double running stich, bullion stitch[/tags]
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4 Comments so farLeave a comment
There’s actually a few kits that I’ve seen. Try this one: http://www.ssww.com/product/?sku=WD3167&sourceid=qIq2RLO6CB-7AnOVLbqO
You could try pasting pretty paper on there if painting isn’t your thing!
and I’ll see if I can find the other one.
Okay, excellent point. I’m dealing with Jews, so semantics are going to be important. I’ll be sure to call them mezuzah covers from now on!
Thanks for finishing with a compliment– keeps me from getting snippy and defensive!
Just to let you know, the thing that you made is actually a mezuzah cover or mezuzah case, not a mezuzah. The scroll that goes inside is a mezuzah scroll and a mezuzah is actually the door post that the case (with the scroll inside) gets nailed to.
Beautiful work, btw.
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It’s absolutely beautiful. I wish I had your talent! I’ve been trying to make some sort (any sort!) of mezuzah for our house but I can’t come up with anything. Looks like I have to hit Ebay. : )
The best of luck to you with your wonderful project!