Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Heart of My Heart

A few days ago, I posted a picture of my newly spray-painted bed. Hanging off-center above it was one of my favorite pieces of art. Of course I had to rehang the art after seeing the photo, which reminded me of the story of its origin, which reminded me of something I've been meaning to share with you for awhile. Here we go...

This is the art I'm talking about.



These are the tags on the back of the art. Here's what the top one says in case you aren't able to read it:
Scherenschnitte by Sharon Schaich (I dare you to say that out loud)
A "scherenschnitte," the German word meaning scissors cutting, can be cut with scissors or a knife from a single layer of paper or from folded paper, making a symmetrical design. The origins of the art date back to the 4th century in China, the first civilization to use paper. The early German settlers in Pennsylvania found scissors and paper to be a ready means of creating a loving message for Valentine's Day or a lacy trim for the mantelpiece or pantry shelf. Some cuttings were embellished with watercolor or pin-pricking, and the cherished holiday greetings were often slipped into the family Bible for safekeeping.

I bought this scherenschnitte, called "Heart of My Heart," at an art festival somewhere in Virginia – I think it was Leesburg – 23 years ago, in 1990. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. I didn't spend a fortune for it, but it ended up being one of the most expensive pieces I own because I got the only speeding ticket of my life on the way home. It was my first road trip in my brand new car, a 1990 Audi 90, and I was caught going 90 mph in a 45 mph zone. Ooops.

How ironic that "1990" is part of the design. Makes it real easy to remember the provenance though.



Anyway, a few months ago, I got a Google alert that mentioned a "7MSN Scherenschnitte" project.








I clicked on the link, which took me to Kay Vincent's blog and this scherenschnitte:





Totally blows me away. She's captured everybody, from Peach the tarantula-eating chicken, 
to Amelia and Turtle Steve, and everybody in between.
Be sure to click on her link to read about how she did it.
Posted by at

28 comments:

  1. Marge in Michigan2/12/13, 4:20 AM

    I betcha' you have a NEW favorite scherenschnitte now. It's awesome!

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  2. sundog2/12/13, 4:53 AM

    Yes, that's what The 7MSN Ranch (blog) does to people - IF they are that talented. What a unique, uniquely beautiful work of art, and touching at the same time. My hat is off to the artist (even more so after I read her "About").

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  3. Sandy2/12/13, 5:00 AM

    That is great, but I don't understand why she wouldn't contact you before hand...or at the very least, present you with the finished product.

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  4. Anonymous2/12/13, 5:12 AM

    Gorgeous! She even included the reptiles -- the snakes and the small lizards :). Took me a while to find the porky-pine -- would he be down in the lower left corner?

    M in NC

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  5. RVVagabond2/12/13, 5:22 AM

    Alan's alien nose. Snort. What a talent and what a great eye for creating absolutely iconic images of the 7MSN crew.

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  6. Taryn2/12/13, 5:35 AM

    First, let me say, I visit Leesburg frequently. It is just down the road from me. I'll be there tonight in fact, as that's where my dog's agility lessons are held. You would not recognize the once quaint little village. Suburbia now runs all the way out that far :-(

    The 7MSN Scherenschnitte is AMAZING!

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  7. Donatella2/12/13, 5:44 AM

    That is magnificent! And she got everyone, including Deets.

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  8. MadSnapper2/12/13, 5:57 AM

    awesome! so is the one you have framed.

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  9. Anonymous2/12/13, 6:21 AM

    That is amazing! I'm blown away!

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  10. Carla2/12/13, 6:21 AM

    HOE. LEE. COW ! That is beyond amazing!!

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  11. Grey Horse Matters2/12/13, 6:25 AM

    Very cool.

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  12. Denise at Autumn Sky2/12/13, 7:03 AM

    That is so incredible! I hope you find a way to add this to your art collection because it belongs with you.

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  13. Sandra2/12/13, 7:14 AM

    Beautifully done.

    Best always,

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  14. Jenny2/12/13, 7:27 AM

    That is soooo cool. going to check out her blog.

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  15. OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts2/12/13, 7:52 AM

    This is so fabulous....all encompassing and a lovely piece of art. Oma Linda

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  16. Anonymous2/12/13, 7:58 AM

    That is so cool and amazing! Wow! Thanks for sharing!

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  17. JC2/12/13, 8:27 AM

    I thought your heart look nice but I had no idea how fancy it was and is.

    Too cool that she did one of you all.

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  18. Kathleen2/12/13, 8:36 AM

    Amazing, indeed! Love this art work; want a copy of this art work. I just left a comment on Kay's web blog. She's a struggling artist and I'll bet she could sell a whole bunch of these to regular 7MSN readers!

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  19. Carol in N. Colorado2/12/13, 9:06 AM

    It's stunning and I am blown away on the creativity. Everyone is captured beautifully.

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  20. KathyB2/12/13, 9:49 AM

    Love both pieces. Thank you for sharing. Good to see the ones we miss too.

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  21. Sandy from Edgewood, NM2/12/13, 1:04 PM

    See Linda... the lives you have touched with your blog. You and the gang are priceless!!!

    Thanks for being you!

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  22. Ethel2/12/13, 1:09 PM

    Wow... Simply amazing! She even got the swallow on the yucca? Not sure if that's right.
    I am also impressed by the speeding ticket...awesome!
    ( when you were in the fast lane of life)

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  23. janejane2/12/13, 1:37 PM

    I hope you can get one of these. It's so special,like a story in a frame. Love the heart and flowers, too.
    I laughed about your one and only speeding ticket. Many years ago I got two in one day!

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  24. Unknown2/12/13, 1:45 PM

    There are just no words to describe the beauty of it! One of a kind art for sure!

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  25. Carolynn Anctil2/12/13, 4:23 PM

    I think they're both lovely. Such talent!

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  26. Dougie Donk2/12/13, 4:48 PM

    Ahh, so I wasn't the only one who fell prey to the Audi's deceptive speed! My "honest officer, it didn't SOUND like I was going fast just got me 3 penalty points & a fine :(

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  27. JaneK2/12/13, 5:49 PM

    Oh goodness! That is amazing! This ADD brain could never dream of doing something that intricate. I hope she is going to give you one? I love that she has included those who await us on the Rainbow Bridge. Just lovely!

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  28. Alison2/15/13, 8:45 AM

    What I really love about Katy's piece is that you can definitely tell Alan from George and Lyle from Hank. That's pretty impressive with just silhouettes!

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