the chinese invented paper

     Did you know that? They also invented pasta, printing, fireworks and the compass. Wouldn't it be great to teach your child adopted from China all these great things about the land of her birth? That is exactly what a group I am a part of has been trying to do. We are creating 100 Good Wishes Quilts or a Bai Jia Bei, that will teach our children about China. Expectant parents are doing this for all kinds of themes and for children adopted from anywhere. It is a beautiful tradition started in China and is a great tradition to start for all children.
    So, besides being gone for half the summer, buried in work, installing laminate flooring and babysitting my darling niece I have been swapping. I joined a Chinese Culture swap. I was hoping to find others wanting to exchange Chinese themed fabric and I found those people through a Yahoo Group. The greatest thing about the Internet is being able to find just about anything you are looking for! Through this group I have been connected to people from all over the country and the world. We each chose a topic, wrote about it's significance to China, included a Chinese Proverb and a wish for the child who will be receiving the quilt. There were 50 people in the group covering 70 topics. I have learned a lot and have enjoyed experiencing the creative energy of all these people, women working toward a common goal. If you want to see all the gorgeous squares of fabric I have been getting, visit my 100 Good Wishes Quilt page here or in the right-hand side bar. Everyday I go to the mail box and there is another surprise in the mailbox and it isn't a credit card offer for 0% interest until 2008!
    I had the topic of paper. One of my favorite things-I make paper as a hobby and I love paper arts and crafts. The Chinese invented paper. This picture is the wish I prepared, 70 times over for the members of the swap. Be sure to check out all the great wishes I've received they might inspire you.

Comments

[jessica]

Hi Karin~

Your fabric and wish are beautiful! Thanks so much! What a treat it was to receive them. Even the envelope was lovely. I'm glad to see you're participating in the mini Chinese Culture swap. :)

P.S. I've really enjoyed reading your blog.

Jessica in Portland, Oregon
LID 4.27.07 for Sahalie

[Kelli]

Hi buddy. I am so excited to contribute a square for you! If the cats had opposable thumbs they'd each cut one out for you as well. :) Love, Kelli