matilda the lamb is a peice to represent a huge year of upheaval and rebuilding for me, that has required me to set boundaries in a way I never have before. I wanted to create something to commemorate the growth l've made- a tangible offering to the universe, a thank you for the lessons, and a guardian for someone who needs it, now that I'm my own.
a year of learning how to guard my softness (like a lamb) by keeping it safe with sharp clarity and boundaries when needed (my hidden sword) ~ every boundary set feels like a reunion with a previous version of myself I had abandoned, leading her safely forward, and showing her that I can be trusted to keep us safe now. I have finally reached a point where l've built a life, and a self, that I actually want to protect.
She's 25" long, weighted to 2.6lbs in her arms, feet, and bum with a mixture of micro glass beads and poly pellets. her face is hand embroidered, with a custom mixture of yarns and threads, with bead freckles. her fur is a patchwork of minky fabrics and custom textile patches.
textile patch 1: a tower patch, handwoven on my loom. inspired by the "tower" tarot card, a card that represents the necessary collapse of old foundations so something new can be built
textile patch 2: a pool patch, to represent the wellspring of hope in the "star" tarot card, which immediately follows the "tower" card. it's a hope that only appears after the necessary destruction.
textile patch 3: the star patch, also inspired by the "star" card, a star sewn and embroidered onto hand dyed silk.
textile patch 4: wrought iron gate patch, the gate made with couching yarn with embroidery thread, onto hand dyed silk.
Matildas collar is made of mulberry silk, hand dyed with plants I foraged locally. the plants used add an additional element of protection and healing with Matilda ~
smoke bush leaves: represents purification, resilience, transformation, and new beginnings
blackberries: for protection, and considered to be a boundary plant in celtic folklore between the human and fairy world
iron: used as a toner, iron also symbolizes protection, as well as strength and courage.
the combination of materials and symbols used in her design are meant to give her a protective energy to help her human stand up for themselves, find strength in autonomy, and honour their personal boundaries without guilt <3
~although matilda is a plush, she is also a piece of art that is not intended for rough play or children. she is intended for display and gentle cuddles. she should only be spot washed with mild soap if dirty. each plush of mine is a unique creation, made from my own designs. I am completely self taught, and they are by no means perfect by mass produced standards, but that is what makes them unique.>thank you <3
