Last weekend I had the pleasure of leading a card class in Blacksburg for 17 lovely ladies. They each received a kraft bag with a Kintsugi tag as a place to house the cards that they made during the class. Have you heard about Kintsugi? I had not heard of it until Stampin’ Up! came out with an amazing Suite called Kintsugi Inspirations.
Kintsugi means “golden joinery” in Japanese. It is the ancient art of repairing broken pottery by mending the pieces with a special lacquer that is dusted with gold or other precious metals. When I started reading about Kintsugi, I was drawn to the Japanese philosophy behind it. Kintsugi recognizes that breaks and repairs are part of the pottery’s history and instead of hiding the damage, it is celebrated. The flaws aren’t hidden but are transformed into something beautiful. A piece of pottery that has been repaired using the Kintsugi method is seen as more valuable and stronger than before.
Broken Dinnerware?
Do you have all the pieces of your dinnerware – a complete place setting? Most of us have had a broken plate or bowl over the years. What did you do with your broken plate? I’m guessing it probably went into the trash. A plate in pieces won’t be able to hold food anymore. After it was broken, it lost its value.
Not surprisingly, most of us have probably felt broken or not very valuable. And most of us would probably rather hide all of our flaws. However, as children of God, we are being molded by the Potter. “…we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are the work of Your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 “For we are His workmanship…” Ephesians 2:10 He can take our broken pieces and make us beautiful. He is in the healing and restorative business. God can use our imperfections and weaknesses for His glory. “…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Another Kintsugi tag
Are your cracks showing? God can make your cracks and scars beautiful. As a vessel for Him, you have a story to tell, His story. You are a unique and beautiful piece of pottery made to point others to the one who loves them. Are you willing to let him take your broken pieces and make something beautiful out of them?
The sentiment for the Kintsugi tag came from a different stamp set. But, I thought it was fitting. “You are destined for great things”. At first it may seem a little odd. However, I was thinking of Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'” The Lord has good plans for your life. As a child of God, you are destined for good things and your future is secure in Him.
Cards using the Kintsugi Suite
On my YouTube Lives we have created cards using the Kintsugi Suite. Here are one set of cards that we made. You can watch the replay of the LIVE here.
Hopefully, you enjoyed seeing just a glimpse of the symbolism in the Kintsugi art form. There are probably enough metaphors to write an entire book about how we are broken vessels in need of restoration. For now, I’ll just stick to this blog post and to making cards/tags with this super cool Kintsugi Suite.
The Kintsugi Suite
Thanks for sharing the meaning of kintsugi – I love that it makes something ‘broken’ beautiful. Blessed are they who are cracked for they will let in the light.
Your cards are beautiful!