You ever wonder why I always start my posts that way on Facebook?
Well, even if you didn't, I will tell you why and let you know the story behind the name.
My father's family is Polish. My maiden name is Jeziorny, and it's a pretty cool last name even if it is hard for the English-speaking to fathom how to pronounce it. "Jezior" means "lake" in Polish, and as my Grandfather explained it to me, it's like my last name means "of the Lake." I'm Katelin of the Lake!
My grandfather. That is where the story of Lalka begins.
He called my sister and me "dolls" when we were young. I can still hear his soft voice calling us "dolls" now, and picture him peeling a Golden Delicious apple in his favorite chair. I always loved the unique endearment, and when my sister had her own daughter, I made her a very special matryoshka of felt, and addressed my niece as our doll on the gift tag. It made my eyes brim with tears to remember my grandfather in this way, while also showing my little niece how loved she is.
I've always loved dabbling in crafts, but I had never gotten over my anxieties about perfection while working on projects. A lot of things I make stir up my anxiety and stress me out. It's not enjoyable at times.
I discovered Peyote stitch in 2011, and once I had tried it, I was hooked. The difference between Peyote stitch and all the other things I had tried, like sewing, painting, scrapbooking, etc., was that Peyote stitch was almost completely stress-free. It relaxed me, and was calming, like a meditation. I could spend an hour working on a piece, and if I had to unravel the whole thing and start all over again it didn't upset me. I worked many hours at my dining room table in complete silence stitching beads in 2011. I loved weaving beads so much that I looked forward to all the work I put into making jewelry.
I have expanded from just making Peyote stitch to making other kinds of jewelry. I have created resin jewelry, worked with other kinds of stitches, and experimented with metalwork. I love making all kinds of jewelry. It's very zen and enjoyable for me - it is something I love so dearly! There is always something new for me to learn and try. Making jewelry puts me in the same frame of mind as listening to my grandparents' stories as a child. I feel gratitude, pride, and peace.
Lalka, a doll, is something adored and cherished to me. It only made sense for me to call my work Lalka by Katelin because I love the jewelry I make.
Enjoy these beautiful Summer days, dolls. Much love to you and yours. Until next time!
