In this month’s Common Thread Give-a-way I’m giving away one of my “Restore The Bond” fleece blankets.
I originally made this wall hanging for Pamela at Blue Star Equiculture. She wanted a new logo for her Working Horse Rescue Farm and knew that it needed to have a horse in it, a person and Blue Star. I came up with the design that you see inside the butterflies. When Pamela made the piece into a blanket she took the pattern of butterflies from the back and surrounded the image with them.
This piece has come to represent more than just a logo for Blue Star. For Pamela it became a symbol of the ancient bond between horses and humans. I came to this idea in my own way, first when I marveled at the way the NYC Carriage Horses behaved with the people who work with and care for them, then when I went to Visit Blue Star Equiculture and fell for a Percheron named Piper. It was with Piper that I felt the connection I witnessed in New York.
And soon, I’m going to be embarking on another horse adventure when I start taking riding lesson with Eli Norman. She has a pony named Chloe that she thinks might suit me. Chloe is a lot smaller than Piper and I’m looking forward to getting to know her.
So this wall hanging has taken on lots of meaning for me, more than I ever imagined. If it appeals to you, or someone you know, and you’d like to try to win it in the Common Thread Give-a-way, just leave a comment on my blog. I’ll announce the winner on Thursday morning.
In case you’re not familiar with the Common Thread Give-a-way it happens the first Monday of every month. On that day one of our regular artists (Rachel Barlow, Jane McMillen, Kim Gifford and Jon Katz) give one of their creations away. So check out their blogs and see what you might win one Monday in the Common Thread Give-a-way.
I just love this logo and the blanket. I refer to all horses as ‘my peeps’ as my name in Italian is horse – cavallo. This is exciting to see.
I especially like the bright oranges in the background, setting off the horse and the person. It also emphasizes the star above reaching down toward them. The butterflies are a nice addition to the front. I love this blanket.
Okay dokay. Not sure if my comment went through. Love the bright happy colors! 🙂 <3
I love what you have done with this piece, Maria, and I actually already have one of these beautiful blankets, but I’m entering your give-away because there’s a horse loving grandma down the road from me who would love to have one – maybe I’ll get lucky! Fingers crossed. Thanks
when I first saw the logo for Blue Star Eqiculture it spoke to me. When I ride my horse I feel a freedom like no other. I’m free from my bonds. I’m one with my horse. I’m truly free for those moments. In the logo I love the arms reaching up to the horse. The beauty of this made cry when I first saw it. The bond with animals can truly save us – the bond with a horse is so special. We earn the respect of horses. They read humans well. We convey things to them other humans may not see. So when they accept us and let us into their world we are blessed. My bond with horses opens me up and makes me more free than anything else in my life. I cry just trying to explain it. You definitely captured this feeling for me in the logo. 🙂
Beautifully made! Please enter me in the Common Thread Give-a-way!
Very nice wall hanging. This would be a nice addition to any room.
Hi Maria … I would SO love to win this fleece blanket with the Blue Star Equiculture logo that you designed. I’ve visited Blue Star, met Pam, and have been a supporter ever since … !! thanks .. Elaine
Wow, I’d love to get a chance to win this beauty. I look forward to hearing about your continued partnership with these folks. Luanne :))
Maria,
I follow your life with Jon on his Facebook page and feel like a member of the family. I don’t comment much but when I saw this art work I teared up. I know this was made for a friend but it hit home for me. When I was 9 years old, my mom would drop me of art the local hack farm to ride. I feel in love with a horse named Buck, and he with me. If I could write I would tell you stories of the love and trust we had for each other. One day people looking to buy a horse came to the stables and I was told to ride him to show to them ( he would only go for me) I loved him so much I rode him the very best I could hoping that they would pick him so he wasn’t on the hack line anymore, and they did. As they took him away I burst into tears and felt such pain. The owner of the farm told me that I was the one that made them buy him so stop crying. When I was 13 I went to find him and bring him back to me but he had been sold. … at the auction. I never knew what happened to him but I still carry his picture
I was born in the year of the horse and horses have special meaning for me.
I would be honored to win and display the fleece blanket.
A piece about movement
and joining with joy,
woman, horse and star
their land rich
and undulating
wrapped in
butterfly wings,
if I hold it, wrap
myself in it,
will I feel
the flutter of hope?
Such a beautiful giveaway! I’m looking forward to hearing more about your riding lessons!
What a beautiful, and timely, prize. With our endless northern NY winter, this would be perfect to snuggle under. Please enter me in the contest. Thanks!
I got one of these for a friend as a Xmas gift.It was beautiful!All the proceeds for a very good cause.
I love the title. Something this country needs to embrace. You do amazing work Maria, you have such a kind soul.
I would love to win this quilt. I loved the original you posted before.
I cannot believe that you are being so generous. Please add my name to the draw. This is a magical gift for someone–maybe even me.
The whole world is going to want this blanket, it is so relative to our lives. Please submit my name for the drawing.
Oh Maria, I adore your creativity! This speaks to my soul. I have a beautiful wall space in my music area that’s just screaming out for a covering. Wherever this stunning artwork lands, I’m sure it will find a happy home.
I would love to win!I love horses and support two horse sanctuaries, one 8n Michigan and one in South Dakota.
Maria, I love that you are making a connection to horses! I had the privilege of working with horses at Lollypop Farm near Rochester, NY – an old blind horse (Buddy) there saved my life one day when I was not paying attention to a troubled horse who came charging at me. Buddy sensed the danger and stepped in front of me which so surprised the other horse that he stopped in his tracks and then turned away.
It has been interesting to see how you are developing as an artist, I do enjoy your blog!
Sincerely Sue Martin
This blanket holds so much meaning to the horses, and those that love them.
Maria, you have captured this, with your art work.
I would love to win this.
I look forward to stories of your riding lessons and your time with the horses. I think you will fall hopelessly in love. Put me in the drawing!
I love your “restore the bond” fleece blanket – and would be so happy to win it!
I’ve admired this logo since you first posted it, as well as the work of Blue Star Equiculture. You couldn’t have captured the essence of their mission any more clearly. I’d love a chance to win this blanket!
I can really identify with ‘restore the bond’. I had horses up until the age of 25, when due to circumstances of ‘life’ had to give up having them. I never really lost my love of horses, and now 40 years later have definitely ‘restored the bond’. I started riding again at a wonderful stable near me here in Marshfield MA. I have connected deeply with ‘Austin’, the horse I usually ride. In fact, I just got through baking him some ‘horse cookies’ made with oatmeal and carrots. The blanket would have deep personal meaning for me. Thank you!!
Hi maria, so glad you got to see the gee bend eexhibition in New York. Love your creativity and strength. Look forward to your blog every day. Love this quilt hanging as we like horses and live in Wyoming.
Would love to win! Have enjoyed following your journey through *real* life and loss. As a semi-homesteader and avid animal lover..I’ve walked through your pain and loss with you <3
I absolutely adore this. Restore the Bond is such a perfect name for it and it says so much without saying more. Would be honored to have it in my home.
Butterflies remind me life is a process of transformation. My time with the donkeys ( not horses but equine friends for sure) at Bedlam transformed childhood fears and freed my heart to be able to connect with horses again. I am blessed to be able to stand close enough to look in their big eyes and feel their messages of freedom. “Run with it” they say when I feel like being a bit wild with my creative expressions. The gift of Horse wisdom is precious to me.
I would love to win your beautiful blanket. Horses fill my heart with joy and I’m really enjoying reading about your journey with them. Thanks for sharing your art and your life.
This is one of your most beautiful works, Maria, bringing to our attention the relation between humans and creatures (the horse) and the mystical space between, filled with creative possibilities. The mystery of Wakan Tanka inspires the open heart.
Living in Iowa, I can always use another fleece blanket and this one would be a very special one. One designed by the artist, Maria Wulf!
I would love to win this beautiful blanket.
Love it!
I would be delighted to be included in this giveaway! This is just such a beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing the quilt exhibit with us all too.
I grew up riding horses and loving them. Which was facilitated and encouraged by my grandmother. In high school and college I was not as active with them. Then I cared for my grandmother for 7 years, and connected again with horses when we could .. But it was not always an easy ting to do. After she passed away I moved back to NM, where horses came back into my life in a unique and special way. Wild free roaming horses graced my home and my path with their presence. About a year after being here they started getting rounded up and I began helping the rescue. Them I adopted some, And then some more. Now my life is overflowing with horses and I am studying natural horsemanship.
This also introduced me to a world I was unaware of.. Wild horse roundups, holding pens, auction, slaughter etc.
which is overwhelming and sad.
The most peaceful and powerful connection I’ve experience with the horses is crossing paths with the wild ones and just being with them on the land.
I know my grandmother is with me always and my mom and I could not do what we are doing for the horses without her, and the inheritence she gifted us.
You’re piece reminds me of the connection I feel with the wild horses and the land. It’s very special!
Thank you for sharing. I’d be happy and grateful to receive this piece 😉
This is as beautiful as you are Maria…would be so blessed to have this in my home!!!
I love this! I have loved horses since I was very young. I wished to have one but it couldn’t happen.
This is so very beautiful!!
Oh, yes! I would love to have it! Thanks, Maria!
Restore the Bond blanket is so beautiful. Please enter me in your contest Joan Tooher
its gorgeous! There is so much love and spirit in it, not to mention beautiful colors that remind be of Autumn!
Maria, I love all your quilts. I am so excited for you to start riding lessons. I rode years ago but have lived in the city my adult life…so no horses for me. I will look forward to your adventures. I also love finding out about Blue Star Equiculture, thanks.
Oh, I’d love to bring horses and their spirits back into my life with the blanket!
Love it. If by a longshot I should win it, I will give it to my friend Jill who has a small farm in Ohio. She has draft horses, donkeys, goats, dogs and cats. She is an excellent writer. I always tell her she should start a blog in her “spare time.” she is also a nurse practitioner. I tell her she is the female version of Jon Katz.
I love your art. I’ve been following Jon’s blog for several years and watched your relationship and you bloom under the care and watchful eye of everything living at the farm. Now I’m following your blog. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Would love to win this for my 14 yr old son Justin who is as they say “spectrumy” and just generally struggles with school and peers but excels with animals especially caring for horses donkeys and goats at Days End Farm in Maryland. He also rides himself as do I now. Following your and Johns postings and BSEs are how we end many days in order to send him to sleep in a good mood. The ability of animals to take my often lonely and angry son to a fulfilling and happy place within moments often brings me to tears. I hope to visit BSE soon and to return to Bedlam as well. As always I thank you for opening your creative life to us – it’s often a lifeline for me.
That is beautiful! I have loved horses since I was a little girl, but my parents didn’t feel the same. I started riding lessons a year and a half ago and absolutely love it-best part of my week! So, enjoy riding your pony. It just gives you a wonderful sense of “ahhhhh”!