Crafting for the Soul

I was born with a creative spirit that has found its way up and down many artsy paths throughout my life. My first bend towards the arts came when I was a young girl who enjoyed reading and drawing, and later, writing poetry. Writing poetry was something I did for quite a few years, primarily focusing on love and relationships. I started writing short stories in my early twenties and even started a novel that I have not finished yet. Although I have never completely given up reading and writing, I have ventured on to indulge in other forms of creativity.

Mama

You didn't tell me

sometimes

love is never found

You didn't tell me

Mr. Right

just might

not ever

come around

You didn't tell me

it could turn out

this way

Oh, Mama

The things you didn't say.

My next love came in the form of oil painting, which I enjoyed doing for several years, self-teaching myself most of what I came to know. The only formal training I had was in the form of a correspondence oil painting course. I have to admit that although I enjoyed painting, I did not do it long enough to become a noteworthy artist. I did, however, produce a few paintings that I really like. I have intentions of getting reacquainted with the canvas and oils someday, if God is willing.

Photography caught my fancy and has never let it go. Taking photographs is something I will always enjoy for as long as I can. There is something mysterious and graceful about a photograph, the way a photograph captures a moment in time and holds it forever. And, no matter what venture I am on, photography always has a role to play.

I also learned how to sew, knit and crochet. During the time when I was crocheting, I made a ton of doilies and dresser scarves. I used the best thread and everything was really nice. I gave almost all of them away and I do hope they are appreciated because I might never make another one! I have picked up the crochet hook and thread from time to time, but I have never worked like I did during that certain period of time. I remember once when I had a booth at this craft mall, and I had put a small crocheted doily in my booth to make it look pretty. I put a $30 price on the doily with the mindset that no one would spend that much on it. I just wanted it there for decor purposes. Well, to my surprise, someone bought it that very day! I imagine it was someone who knew quality when they saw it.

Then I discovered doll crafting. This form of creativity came about because of a need that could only be met if I myself made it happen. Back in 1999 or 2000, I wanted to have an angel tree for Christmas, and when I went shopping for angels, I could not find the type of angels that I wanted. I went to several stores and became frustrated when I could not find what I was looking for. I decided that I would make my own angels, and off I went in search of angel parts, only to find that there were no suitable angel makings either! Well, I had my mind set on an angel tree and I was not about to be defeated. After some research on the internet on how to make angels and dolls, I went to the craft store and bought a ton of supplies and went to work. My first angels were made with heads of wooden and foam balls covered with paper or painted, and clothespins, wire and paper for bodies. I painted cute little faces on the wooden balls, with open mouths singing praises to the Lord. Some of these angels were dressed in the finest of fabrics, which I purchased from High Fashion Fabrics in Houston, Texas.

Making the angels was an inspiration to me, and I wanted to go further in having the angels portray the praise and worship of the Lord. I began experimenting with modeling clay, and after creating some very funny looking creatures, I eventually learned how to handle the clay and started on a sculpting journey that I still enjoy today. I have not produced such a high volume of sculptures since that time. It was as if I was on a mission, and it was a spiritual mission. Each and every angel that I produced during that time was created with much care, much tenderness, much love. The angels had personalities, each one unique, and full of spirit, full of praise pouring out of their wide-open mouths. I sold several of these angels, each a one-of-a-kind creation, sculpted with my hands, signed and dated on the bust. I signed everything as simply "Rosalin" and the current year. The people who bought one of these angels also got a part of me as well, my spirit went with each of those angels. I in no way think of myself in the same league with God, but I believe I see in some way how God's spirit exists in each of us. I did not have the breath of life to give the angels, but I sent my spirit along with each of them. If that makes sense!

Once I started working with the modeling clay, I tried making other things such as Moon Santa, which I really like but had never seen any Black ones. So, I made myself some Black Moon Santas. After that came snowmen, elephants, paperweights and various tree ornaments. The modeling clay opened up a whole new world of expressive possibilities, especially when I learned how to make molds. I no longer sell originals, so those people who got them when I first started are few and privileged indeed.

I also briefly tried my hand at bead crafting and made a few pairs of earrings and eyeglass chains. I still have a ton of beads and fiddle with them from time to time.

Overall, I would say that photography and making the sculpted art are my favorite arts and crafts to do. However, I believe that anything that engages my mind, my imagination and my spirit, will bring me joy.

I thank God for the gifts He has given me, the ability to express my love, my gratitude, my praise of Him through angel and nativity arts and crafts. Being the diverse person that I am, I chose to make crafts for all to enjoy and have made angels to resemble Caucasian, Black, Asian and Hispanic peoples. I plan to add to this collection as soon as I can.

Rosalin Moss

For me, crafting is pleasurable therapy, a way to reveal some of what God has put inside of me. I hope that in some way, those who happen to possess one of my creations, will find some enjoyment, some therapy, each time they see that creation. Perhaps long after I am gone from this world, someone, somewhere will still be enjoying a piece of art that I created. What an awesome possibility.

--Rosalin Moss

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