Esmeralda's Bag - 1. Inspiration

I quit the administration of the Facebook Group "Créer un Bijou est un Art" about 6 months ago, not long after the first contest had come to its end. I had been confronted with the loss of my dearest friend, Isabelle. She was one year younger than me, and died of a sudden and violent stroke... I still mourn this loss, because my love for her is nestled deep inside of me and will always be. She was an example for me... A huge loss.

Image Courtesy Patrick Duval

I came along the image of a mind-blowing Mandala called Crystal Door, painted on wood by artist Patrick Duval (aka Mandalaman) - visit his website and his blog and Facebook page to see his work.

His work is so beautiful, I can look at it endlessly. My creative juices wanted me to make the 'Esmeralda's bag' or Fortuneteller bag with this image printed on fabric. So I asked Patrick Duval if I could use the image for a beaded creation, to participate in the 3rd CBA contest. All 3 contests were theme-based, and for the 3rd theme Heroes from comics, television, film or litterature were accepted... I chose Esmeralda, the beautiful Gipsy girl from Victor Hugo's Roman "Notre Dame de Paris". Next blog post is about how I made it.

I wish to thank Patrick Duval for allowing me to use his picture and have fabric printed with his artwork. FYI: this artwork has been rebaptized "Mandalaman Complexe".

I wish to thank and honour Isabelle, for the beauty she has brought in my life. May she have crossed the Crystal Door, crossed all the skies and walk in the Loving Light of the Source of All...