“A livelier emerald twinkles in the grass,
A purer sapphire melts into the sea”
Tennyson

Everyday is a blessing, and a challenge. I watch those around me try and find peace, harmony or balance in some form of relationship. Perhaps it is in a connectedness between parent and child, or co-workers, or two mates, it really doesn't matter, but all require a form of trust, respect and harmony. When trust is broken, respect betrayed, relationships dwindle.

When I was teaching, the creation of the color wheel was a wonderful way to exhibit how a perfect union or blend could result in a wonderful harmony. This same theory could be applied to any form of relationship, but work or confidence is needed.

Color can be a beautiful motivator to the soul. I find color to bring out strong emotions, reflect moods, give strength, and build confidence.

With September upon us, I have been playing a lot with the more fall or autumn palette. This week I decided to venture down a different path and delve into the color represented by the September Birthstone… named, Sapphire.

Sapphire is often found in a blue hue that draws my thoughts to the sea, a tranquil and soothing color. To keep my palette even more soothing, a touch of another stone, emerald is added. Emeralds are generally found in brilliant greens, and together the two bring an array of emotions.

Sapphire is defined as the symbol of truth, sincerity and faithfulness. This could be a reason so many choose this stone as a symbol of love and eternity. Emerald is thought to aid in the success in love, bring security, promote domestic bliss and bring out truth and honesty. This stone is another popular choice for symbolizing marriage for the “beliefs” it carries.

I began this project with a light weight crepe, something airy, non-confining, and open like the need we all desire in our daily relationships. I selected a style that has become popular due to its versatility, the open front jacket/wrap. Mixing my two very powerful colors noted for successful relationships, this jacket/wrap is a beautiful vision of an analogous harmony. The subtle, neighboring, vertical waves of the mingling hues gives strength, confidence and an elegant design. Now, if only human relationships could be created this easily with this much sincerity!

Sapphires and Emeralds……domestic bliss around you

I saw you standing with the wind and the rain in your face
And you were thinking 'bout the wisdom of the leaves and their grace
When the leaves come falling down
In September when the leaves, come falling down

And at night the moon is shining on a clear, cloudless sky
And when the evening shadows fall I'll be there by your side
When the leaves come falling down
In September when the leaves, come falling down ....
Van Morrison


I am dedicating this design to all my "daughters". When I began this design, I had a certain concept in mind, but like life, things changed through the process. As I changed directions, tried a different method to make my "mistake" more tolerable I realized the design was no more a mistake than it was perfect. With every twist I made to "smudge" out imperfections, the more it resembled crumpled leaves....falling down...
My wish to all my "daughters", and you know who you are, is to love yourself, your life, and most importantly, all your mistakes. Often it is the mistakes that give us our growth, and sometimes it is the best thing we did.
Girls, I dedicate this cape-like jacket in a very soft crepe to you....in colors of autumn leaves, and remember, just as my favorite artist sings...."I'll be there by your side...."

Leaves Come Falling Down.....

"You see, when weaving a blanket, an Indian woman leaves a flaw in the weaving of that blanket to let the soul out.” ...Martha Graham

As Fall is approaching, I find myself thinking of my paternal grandmother. A name like Pearl would conjurer one to think pale ivory, or a soft white….but this spiritual vision was in a vibrant Marigold. Her aura was one of mystique, caught somewhere between a sunshine filled energy to a deep wisdom, almost regal-like intellect. She held a firm position within the family. Even a child could see she was more boss than servant.

This woman believed children should be doing chores, helping in the kitchen or stay out of the way. Her powerful knowledge to farming was displayed heavily through her cooking. Never did I visit and not see pots simmering on the old farm stove. When she was not farming or cooking, she was steadily pumping her old loom, turning out the “rag” rugs. The colorful weaving added a hint of sunlight to the old house. She would show me relentless, time and again, how the warp yarns were strung and the reed weaved the strips of cloth back through. She then would pull the beater down to pack it tightly. I found it mesmerizing.

I truly believe my love for "creating" began while watching her foot gently tap the treadle pump and her hands slip the balls of torn rags through the yarns. The end product was always a beautiful new rug, made of mingled colors to adorn one of the families' floors. This time of year she would be working hard at the loom, crops almost finished, more time at hand and cooler temperatures pushed her inside more.

She did have a love of flowers, the chrysanthemum was a favorite. I often wondered if she loved mums more because during the cooler days of fall she had time to actually enjoy the bloom itself.

I worked this week on a piece of chiffon. Rather than stretching the silk, I hung it and allowed the paint to drench it more deeply. The colors selected tended to be in the fall scenery, or to me, a memory of Grandma pumping the treadle and producing those colorful rugs or a more serene moment by her mum bushes.


Garden Mums..... 14" x 66"

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and the autumn a mosaic of them all.” …Stanley Horowitz


Autumn is rapidly approaching and today the season is waving her hand hello. I just delivered the above piece to be auctioned at the annual fundraiser coming up, and the crisp blue sky, delightfully cool air, and that ever-so-slight change of color in the trees were a perfect match for the mood. Loving colors as I do, Autumn is my favorite season of beauty. I have always had an interest in science and the whole process of photosynthesis. I am intrigued by the "hiding" color beneath the green blanket of summer plenty in the leaves. As Fall approaches, and the tree begins preparing for winter, her beauty edges out in the most vibrant shades of golds, rust, coppers and rich browns.

As a child, Sunday drives were a wonderful source of entertainment. In the Fall, the drive became so much more colorful and exciting. I still love going for drives and seeing the "hills" of color. The time is limited but cherished.

Capturing those shades is even more fun, and watching them transform into their own beauty when I paint is wonderful. The two pieces I have completed here for PTK Fundraiser brought to life this early period of the season...a little introduction of "Indian Summer".

My first piece is the scarf, a lovely, draping scarf in 100% Jacquard silk. I hand-painted and dyed the piece in a rich, vivid capture of September’s coppers with flickers of the coming gold and yesterday’s green. This scarf is so easy to care for, and meant to be worn, just rinse in dawn dish soap, hang dry, and a light iron is all it takes!

The second piece is an extra long, 100% Charmeuse silk tie. This too is hand-painted in early fall hues much like the colors on my dogwood tree with a shimmer comparable to an Indian Summer day!

I hope you try and make it to the auction! The Public Theatre of Kentucky (PTK) is having their annual fundraiser on Sunday, September 13th 2009, at 440 Restaurant, 440 E. Main Ave., Bowling Green. The PTK non-profit organization is a friend of ArtWorks. Not only has PTK given ArtWorks permission to curate their lobby gallery for the past year, they have also contributed to our organization’s annual member’s exhibition.

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can."
-Danny Kaye


August is drawing to a close and it is time for me to get back on track! I have lingered and enjoyed the days of summer long enough. It occurred to me that so many have never had a glimpse of Carpenter's Lake. My photo is a bit old, but this was truly my "front" yard! A mesmerizing vision of wonder that I had at my daily breath each day. This photo was taken about thirty years ago almost to the date. Like my summer visitors were contemplating a flight south for winter, I see my new season adventure as well, as summer begins her departure.

As most are aware, I have many designs featured in the lovely Abide Studio in Franklin, TN. Deborah, the owner, and an inspirational, vibrant, talented and amazing artist herself, runs this very peaceful and tranquil gallery. Thankfully, I have at least spent some of my lazy days of summer refreshing my part of her inventory!! I know I have urged you before, but truly, try and get to Abide Studio for a visit. She has beautiful pieces to see, not to mention the entire set-up of The Factory! I promise, you won't be disappointed.

Today, I discovered a new little spot of promise! Mesh Boutique in Murfreesboro, TN is one of the most awesome little boutiques I have seen in quite awhile. It is located about a block from the square, but believe me, it is popping with enthusiasm! I met both of the owners, Heather and Jenny, and this little shop is going places. A very eclectic style, almost completely filled with hand-made items even down to one of their staple products, home-made soap the girls make their selves, this boutique offers a wonderful unique range of gifts for any shopper! Mesh Boutique is celebrating their One-Year Birthday this Saturday. I know they will do fantastic, the entire place illuminates a halo of warmth! I am lucky to say that shoppers will find Marsch Inspiration pieces inside too as well as other delightful textile designers!

Yes, my lazy days are coming to an end, and my brushes are being cleaned....silk being cut...inspirations turning to concepts. A new season is emerging.


www.melissamarschwalblay.com
www.deborahgall.com
www.mesh-boutique.com

...you can also find me on facebook.com/Melissa Marsch-Walblay, and twitter.com/MelissaMarsch....

“Have I Told You Lately that I love you?
Have I told you there's no one else above you?
Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness,
Ease my troubles, that's what you do.”


You turn 16 today, it seems like yesterday you were born.
Memories fill my head

Zo-Zo always at your side
Oreos and Milk at bedtime
Pink cars and Witches on the porch
Daisy in the stroller
Spaghetti Night
Leotards and Tutus
Uniforms and Books
Sacraments and Graduations
First dates and Test drives

“For the morning sun in all it's glory,
Meets the day with hope and comfort too,
You fill my life with laughter, somehow you make it better,
Ease my troubles, that's what you do.”

I was blessed with an Angel…
as beautiful inside as out,
a heart pure as spring water,
spirit strong as the scent of t he rose,
a gentleness soft and forgiving as the willow tree sways.

“There's a love less defined,
And it's yours and it's mine,
Like the sun.
And at the end of the day,
We should give thanks and pray,
To The One, to The One."

If you were a color, it would be the vibrant shades of sunlight,
flowing colors of joy, happiness , intellect and energy…
You are the sunshine of my days….
Happy 16th Birthday Fielder….



"Have I Told You Lately that I love you?
Have I told you there's no one else above you?
Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness,
Ease my troubles, that's what you do.”…..Van Morrison

"She walks in beauty,
Like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes."
~ Lord Byron ~

As the lazy days of a carefree summer close, school schedules, and work routines return, I have been thinking of the most beautiful tranquil place I have ever seen. A place that the moment I landed I knew I was surrounded by raw beauty.

The sun is vivid making every plant shine, the ocean a blue wonder of shades lapping at the shoreline, landscaped by local survival with barely a glimmer of any commercialization, just the natural lifestyle make this a delightful place to see. Shopping is virtually a void, unless you happen upon the local art market or those wonderful huts selling the infamous “Mama Juana” , an intoxicating drink of “love”! No, this piece of heaven on earth is all about relaxation, beauty and serenity.

Nightfall brings about an exquisite color scheme comparable to one of the local peacocks loving the land! Gorgeous blues, violets, and perhaps a hint of deep green gently blow through the palms floating out toward the starlit sky. As the waves rock by, a subtle reflection of the moon dances along the water. This is truly a place I can go to in my mind and still hear the waves, smell ocean and see the colors!

I decided that I needed a trip “back” to this place. Last week I began pulling out the silk again….and I chose a peaceful jacquard. I then began playing with my blues and violets and realized that the varied hues along with the weave itself was creating the nightfall memories I have of Punta Cana. The colors blended dramatically to give that “palm tree sway” and the “ocean wave”. Guys….I dedicated this one to you and made it into a nice tie….kind of a get-a-way all your own!

Dominican Nightfall…..for a romantic trip anytime


By the way….you can contact me now at www.melissamarschwalblay.com

That Wonderful Someone

Written by Gertrude Burg
(As recorded by Patsy Cline 5/23/57)

That wonderful Someone
Who makes the stars all shine
Who fashioned the mountains
To reach to the sky
Who brings each tomorrow
Who hears every prayer
In sunshine or sorrow
If you call He'll be there

That wonderful Someone
Who makes the flowers grow
Who paints ev'ry sunset
With colors that glow
Look all around you
And these wonders you'll see
Designed by that Someone
For you and for me

That wonderful Someone
Who makes the flowers grow
Who paints ev'ry sunset
With colors that glow
Look all around you
And these wonders you'll see
Designed by that Someone
For you and for me


Today would be my Mother’s 68th Birthday. Mom always made Birthdays special and a day to honor. I have been thinking the past few weeks about some of my favorite memories of mom and possibly her favorite things.

She loved listening to Patsy Cline….making homemade cinnamon rolls…walking through the woods and finding a stray blooming flower. She enjoyed watching the clouds rumble over the lake, the white caps warning us of storms to come. She always had her Reader’s Digest nearby, with a page folded back for later reading. Mom was never a “prissy” woman. She never wasted money on frivolous things like manicures and pedicures. She “fixed” her own hair up until her mid-forties. Her wardrobe was complete, but one of quality…not trends. Mom could pick beans in the morning, can in the afternoon, and host a Homemaker’s meeting at dusk. At the age of 35 she went to college, completed her Bachelors, Masters, and Rank 1. Mom was strong, kind, funny, smart and she carried a beauty and grace that was timeless….much like her only scent….Chanel 5.

Last night I received a lovely message from mom’s sister. She too had been thinking of her and was reminiscing of a visit years ago when mom came to her home in Michigan. Her memory was filled of quiet days by the fire, good reading, wonderful dinners and a dance nearby. We all remember the same lady….

I started trying to pull something together that truly suited mom. I chose a lightweight Crepe De Chine Silk, transforming it into a feather weight open jacket. Mom loved something on her arms, and preferred a jacket style over anything that she would have to “struggle” to keep up with! A memory I have of her is when she and I went to Hawaii. She loved the weather, the sun, and the exquisite flowers. She could not get over the rich color of the ocean as it swayed in and out from the beach. I pulled greens and blues together to help form those rich hues she was in awe of and allowed them to spread like the waves onto the silk. The margins of each hue mingled just enough to favor a deep blue-green, breaking back into a dramatic tropical green. I realized then that this creation was also looking like the natural spring we used to drink from on the family farm. As the water pebbled down the side of the hill, the rich colors of the grass and trees reflected up from the crystal water. I guess you could say I brought it all back home.

Happy Birthday Mom!

“Woodland Waterfall”……a treasure to be worn by a true lady