Friday, July 11, 2008

PIF - Pay It Forward on Etsy


On a random selection, I'll be offering a PIF in my Etsy shop. What is a PIF? PIF = pay it forward which means, I list an item which I'm giving away in return, the person (if another Etsy shop owner) lists a PIF item in their shop. It's basically a karma key so to speak. I do a random act in turn the recipient does one too!


On the subject of good fortune, I only yesterday completed this miniature painting. It's 5 x 7 acrylic on heavy acid free acrylic paper. It's known as a hex sign and here is how Wikipedia defines it:



  • Hex signs are a form of Pennsylvania Dutch folk art, related to Fraktur, found in the Fancy Dutch tradition in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Today some non-Pennsylvania Dutch people use the signs in a talismanic nature, although others see it as purely decorative, or "Chust for nice" in the local dialect.

Years ago, I made a trip to Lancaster, PA and became fascinated with the hex sign folklore and artwork. My family on my mother's side is of German descent so I guess it's no small wonder my interest in this form of art. Although I lived in an apartment at the time, I bought one for my home as a decorative piece.

It recently occurred to me to take the symbolism and create a work of art for wall space. Ordinarily, hex signs can be seen on the side of houses and barns. Why not bring the beauty and good fortune these hex signs represent in the form of artwork inside of our homes.


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