Wool Folk Studio

First Friday in April

Christ endured true betrayal by Judas, but he will never betray us. He is always there for us, let us always be near to him!

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Anime Christi

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Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

Within your wounds, hide me.

Let me never be separated from you.

From the malignant enemy, defend me.

In the hour of my death, call me.

And bid me come to you,

That with your saints I may praise you

Forever and ever.

Amen.

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Meditation for the first Friday in April, inspired by The Devotion to the Sacred Heart by Fr. John Croiset, S.J.

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artwork © Wool Folk Studio – Erin Cork Woolfolk

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Christ Crucified, Diego Velazquez, oil on canvas, 1632

We adore you, O Christ and we praise you, because, by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Art critics and art historians widely agree that this painting of Christ on the cross is the most beautiful painting of the crucifixion.

Velazquez uses various styles to achieve beauty. Christ takes a contrapposto posture that is seen in Classical sculpture with one leg slightly bent and the body making a slight “S” shape. The dramatic light source is reminiscent of paintings by Caravaggio. The painting is life size and is believed to be commission for San Plácido Convent sacristy. It currently resides at Museo del Prado, in Madrid, Spain.

Meditation on the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the third Friday in March

We all know what it feels like to be betrayed by someone we love. But, did we accept it graciously like Christ did? Or did we put up a fight?

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“Judas, dost thou betray the Son of man with a kiss?” Luke 22:48

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We do not have the knowledge that our lives are fulfilling prophesy as Christ did, nor do we have legions of angels at our disposal to save us, but we do know that God is with us always.

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“And Judas, coming to Jesus, said: Hail, Rabbi. And he kissed him. And Jesus said to him: Friend whereto art thou come?” Matthew 26: 48-49

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How do you handle betrayal in a Christ-like way? Let us know in the comments

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Meditation for the third Friday in March, from The Devotion to the Sacred Heart by Fr. John Croiset, S.J.

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artwork © Wool Folk Studio – Erin Cork Woolfolk

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www.woolfolkstudio.com

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The Sun Printing Process

A collaboration with the weather, much of the results are out of my control.

Tools of the Trade:

Along with textile paint, a spray bottle with water, rubber gloves and foam brushes are the tools I use the most when I’m preparing a piece of fabric for sun printing.

The fabric is wet with water and then textile paint is applied with a foam paint brush. Custom colors are mixed using the primary colors, red, yellow and blue. Because the textile paints do not always mix the same way paint does to create secondary colors, I also use brown, green and orange to change the hue or intensity to create a particular color.

After the textile paint is applied a custom acrylic stencil is applied to the fabric. The stencil is designed digitally and laser cut. The stencil image creates the needed resist that creates the image. Where the fabric is exposed to air the water evaporates. As it dries it wicks water from the more wet areas. The dye moves with the water to the areas exposed and sets in the fabric as the fabric dries. This leaves the areas under the stencil lighter in value.

The sharpness, clarity and contrast of the image depends on the weather. Each piece is a collaboration with the weather. Humidity, wind, heat and sun all are a factor in how the final piece turns out.

I greatly enjoy the part of the sun printing process where I have to relinquish control of the piece over to the weather. The unknown is exciting, making each piece distinctive and unable to be recreated.

artwork © Erin Cork Woolfolk – Wool Folk Studio

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Meditation for the Third Friday in February

Christ’s love is daily present in the Eucharist, there for our adoration. His sentiments are always those of love toward us. What are our daily sentiments toward Jesus?

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“Then Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said to them: Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things shall be accomplished which were written by the prophets concerning the Son of man. For he shall be delivered to the Gentiles, and scourged, and spit upon.” Luke 18: 31-32

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Let our sentiments of love toward Jesus Christ never fade.

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Meditation for the third Friday in February, from The Devotion to the Sacred Heart by Fr. John Croiset, S.J.

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artwork © Wool Folk Studio – Erin Cork Woolfolk

Meditation for the Second Friday in February

Simeon was righteous and devout and the Holy Spirit was with him. He holds baby Jesus in his arms, blesses him, and presents a startling prediction.

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“And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold, this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted.”

Luke 2:34

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Let us always love and recognize Jesus Christ when he presents himself to us.

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Meditation for the second Friday in February, from The Devotion to the Sacred Heart by Fr. John Croiset, S.J.

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artwork © Wool Folk Studio – Erin Cork Woolfolk

First Friday in February

What does REAL love look like? Real love looks like Anime Christi, Soul of Christ. He is always there for us! He will never forget or hurt our feelings. He is there to fill our restless hearts with love.

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Anime Christi

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Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

Within your wounds, hide me.

Let me never be separated from you.

From the malignant enemy, defend me.

In the hour of my death, call me.

And bid me come to you,

That with your saints I may praise you

Forever and ever.

Amen.

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Meditation for the first Friday in February, from The Devotion to the Sacred Heart by Fr. John Croiset, S.J.

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Litany to the Infant Jesus

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

Infant, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Infant, true God, have mercy on us.
Infant, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.
Infant, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.
Infant, strong in weakness, have mercy on us.
Infant, powerful in tenderness, have mercy on us.
Infant, Treasure of grace, have mercy on us.
Infant, Fountain of love, have mercy on us.
Infant, Renewer of the heavens, have mercy on us.
Infant, Repairer of the evils of the earth, have mercy on us.
Infant, Head of the angels, have mercy on us.
Infant, Root of the patriarchs, have mercy on us.
Infant, Speech of the prophets, have mercy on us.
Infant, Desire of the Gentiles, have mercy on us.
Infant, Joy of shepherds, have mercy on us.
Infant, Light of the Magi, have mercy on us.
Infant, Salvation of infants, have mercy on us.
Infant, Expectation of the just, have mercy on us.
Infant, Instructor of the wise, have mercy on us.
Infant, First-fruit of all saints, have mercy on us.

Be merciful, spare us, O Infant Jesus.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus.

From the slavery of the children of Adam, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the slavery of the devil, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the evil desires of the flesh, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the malice of the world, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the pride of life, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the inordinate desire of knowing, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From blindness of spirit, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From an evil will, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From our sins, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most pure Conception, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most humble Nativity, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy tears, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most painful Circumcision, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most glorious Epiphany, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most pious Presentation, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most divine life, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy poverty, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Through Thy many sufferings, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy labors and travels, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Infant Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Jesus, Infant, hear us. Jesus, Infant, graciously hear us.

Humbly Honored

The most gentle priest, bought an orange Sacred Heart of Jesus original print on vintage fabric from me at the Catholic All Year Advent Market.

I saw him shopping at other booths and was both surprised and delighting that one of our local clergy was interested in the market and came out to support it.

He stopped by my booth and looked carefully at all the work. He had a contemplative look on his face, taking everything in. As he was leaving, he said he would be back, and he was.

We were able to chat more on his second visit. I found out which parish he was from and that he had an amazing memory, he knew every priest (there are 5) that are assigned to my parish.

He wore a Sacred Heart of Jesus metal pinned to his cassock, so I asked him about it. He said his mother starting pinning one on and that gave him the idea. He wasn’t sure if he was going to keep the piece for himself or give it to his mother.

I was both humbled and honored for my work to be purchased by this priest.

Ask your priest about art!

Your parish priest will surprise you, I promise!

Our previous pastor had been a graphic designer before be joined the priesthood. We truly do have the best designed bulletin in the diocese! He is also a painter, making icons for the church sanctuary to complete a renovation and painting photo-realistic water colors of Italian churches. I emailed him once, to thank him for all of the fine art he had brought to our church, he confessed to me that he was really an abstract expressionist. Think splashes of color on a canvas and comments like “my kid could do that.”

Our current pastor schooled me in the church library after I complimented a painting. It was a master copy that he really loved and was excited to tell me all about it! I had to do a little research later to find out about the piece.

My brother-in-law recently got married at St. Mary of the Annunciation in Charleston, South Carolina. I was really excited to see the church in person, the artwork looked beautiful online. During the wedding rehearsal there was a lull and I had the chance to ask the priest about all of the paintings. He didn’t hesitate to tell me all about the paintings and answer my questions. Some of the paintings, like the crucifix, are originals by a local artist, John S. Cogdell. Other pieces, are master copies by an Italian artist Caesare Porta, some are modeled after Fra Angelico others the source is unknown. He went on to tell me more about the stations of the cross and that some had been damaged and were restored by amateurs. What he was meaning was, the person who restored the damaged stations of the cross couldn’t paint and he was correct.

I have a minor in art history and am generally interested in art, so these sorts of art conversations just come naturally to me. But, don’t be afraid to bring up art with your parish priest, they are a wealth of knowledge!

Wool Folk Studio Logo

The Wool Folk Studio logo started out as a stained glass design. We decided we wanted something very special for our new front door. After creating the design on paper, I worked with a small artisan stained glass company to make the design ready for stained glass and select the glass colors.

When I began thinking about a logo for Wool Folk Studio, there was no question that it should be based on the cross in our front door. The symmetry has balance and harmony and the cross points to God, the one through which all this work is possible.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

In 2015, I took a workshop with a member of the local weavers and spinners guild about how to do a technique called sun printing. In my past work, I had always been interested in collaborating with the natural behaviors of the material or process I was using, so sun printing sounded like something I could get in to.

I took the workshop in the heat of summer and played around with the technique when I got home, a little. The instructor focused on using found objects to create a resist on the fabric to make an image. That was part of my previous language of making, since most of my work had incorporated found objects or fabric. I personally like thrifting! But, I couldn’t help but think that you could do more with the technique if you created your own resist rather than finding it.

In the meantime, I played around with the technique some and we added child #2 & #3 to our family. I also, changed jobs to teach at a Catholic school, grew deeper in my faith through reading and Bible study and ultimately transitioned to being at home with my children full time. During all this time as well it became more clear the more that I should be making work that was faith filled and would draw others closer to God.

In 2020, I had on my heart to create an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus using this sun printing technique. At first I created the image with sheet plastic, which quickly ripped. After talking to a friend, who’s parents own an engraving business, I realized I could get the image cut in a more durable material. I found an online graphic design program and taught myself how to use it to create the image. Had the printing plate cut and away I went.

Thirty-Five Salutations to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Hail, Heart of Jesus!…………………………………………………………Save me.
Hail, Heart of my Creator!…………………………………………..Perfect me.
Hail, Heart of my Saviour!…………………………………………..Deliver me.
Hail, Heart of my Judge!……………………………………………..Pardon me.
Hail, Heart of my Father!……………………………………………Govern me.
Hail, Heart of my Spouse!……………………………………………….Love me.
Hail, Heart of my Master!……………………………………………..Teach me.
Hail, Heart of my King!………………………………………………..Crown me.
Hail, Heart of my Benefactor!………………………………………Enrich me.
Hail, Heart of my Pastor!………………………………………………Guard me.
Hail, Heart of my Friend!…………………………………………….Caress me.
Hail, Heart of my Infant Jesus!…………………………Draw me to Thee.
Hail, Heart of Jesus, dying on the Cross!…………………..Ransom me.
Hail, Heart of Jesus! in all Thy states!……………Give Thyself to me.
Hail, Heart of my Brother!…………………………………….Dwell with me.
Hail, Heart of incomparable goodness!………………………Pardon me.
Hail, Magnificent Heart!…………………………………..Shine forth in me.
Hail, Most amiable Heart!………………………………………..Embrace me.
Hail, Charitable Heart!………………………………………….Operate in me.
Hail, Merciful Heart!…………………………………………….Answer for me.
Hail, Most Humble Heart!………………………………………Repose in me.
Hail, Most Patient Heart!………………………………………..Bear with me.
Hail, Most Faithful Heart!……………………………………….Atone for me.
Hail, Most Admirable and Most Worthy Heart!…………….Bless me.
Hail, Peaceful Heart!………………………………………………………Calm me.
Hail, Most Desirable and Excellent Heart!…………….Enrapture me.
Hail, Illustrious and Perfect Heart!……………………………Ennoble me.
Hail, Sacred Heart, Precious Balm!……………………………Preserve me.
Hail, Most Holy and Profitable Heart!………………..Make me better.
Hail, Blessed Heart, Medicine and Remedy of our evils!..Cure me.
Hail, Heart of Jesus, Solace of the afflicted!………………Console me
Hail, Most loving Heart, burning Furnace!…………….Consume me.
Hail, Heart of Jesus, Model of perfection!………………Enlighten me.
Hail, Heart of Jesus, Origin of all happiness!………………Fortify me.
Hail, Heart of eternal blessings!…………………………Call me to Thee.