Such a talent our friend, Paula Gaskill, had for making roses from polymer clay. Don't they just look like spun sugar? Masterful at blending color, she could make them in any color you wanted. It brought her such joy!
I remember one day a couple of years ago, Paula called me to ask me about her roses. "Do you think people would buy them? Should I try and offer some for sale?", she asked. BUT OF COURSE!! I recall telling her, why don't you pierce them side to side on the bottoms, so people can use them to do cagework beading, too, as an option.....so they can also wire them into a design.
She did so and they worked perfectly. Paula got so excited that she set about to making enough for every attendee of last year's annual B'sue Boutiques Workshop, to make sure we had some for our cagework class. She was not able to come but she wanted to be sure that she was represented. Everyone delighted in the little rose treats she sent for each and every one.
Paula was able to come to the first workshop....here is a little collage of special photos:
That's Paula in the top center photo, the one in the middle. That year she had brought us all little polymer clay owl pendants. She really was a master with her clay creations.
She also loved to make mixed media jewelry:
More of those wonderful roses!
Paula also loved to play along for as many Work Table Wednesdays as she could:
Just like the button in the photo, Paula lived her life with joy and had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved her family, she loved children, she loved her jewelry making friends and her craft....so much.
This morning I received some difficult news:
"Hi Brenda, this is Ashley, Paula Gaskill's daughter-in-law. Her husband, Stuart, wanted me to reach out and let you know that sadly she suffered an aneurysm and the family had to let her go peacefully. She was very fond of you, thank you for being a great friend and presence in her life. Stuart asks you to please pass this news along to the ladies in the jewelry group."
I couldn't even react to that news immediately. Paula was not up in years, she still had a lot of living to do. Gone? Really? It cost me a bit to consider it, and then I sat down to figure out how to tell you, her creative friends, in the best way.
Paula would want us to celebrate her and to go on creating and being joyful, as she certainly was. She would not want to see you despair, or let your hands drop down. If you have some of Paula Gaskill's roses, put them in a special place and promise yourself to use them in worthy creations. Don't just save them all back. Use them. This keeps her memory going.
We all have our own way of dealing with loss and the differences between us must be respected. But I must say, I always find the words of John the Apostle comforting when things like this happen:
"He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning not outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." --Revelation 21:4
We were never created to be sick or to die. That was not in the original plan. One day what is wrong will be made right and we will see our loved ones, like Paula, again. They are not forgotten by us, nor are they forgotten by the Creator.
Until we meet again......our Paula, the way we should remember her:
Much love to each one of you and especially to the family of Paula Gaskill who are undergoing this loss in the most personal of ways.
Thank you, Brenda Sue, for this lovely tribute to a treasured member of the B'Sue Creative Group. RIP, Paula.
Posted by: Carole Carlson | March 30, 2017 at 01:08 PM
We have lost a beautiful person, talented artist, and friend. My prayers are with Paula's family, who have lost so much more. RIP Paula, you will be missed.
Posted by: Delyssa | March 30, 2017 at 01:12 PM
Brenda Sue, thank you for your kind and loving message. So sorry for the premature loss of our creative friend. I have some of her roses and now I will never want them to leave my life. I will make something with her in mind & keep them.
Posted by: Jennifer Merrill Williams | March 30, 2017 at 01:14 PM
We have lost a wonderful, gracious artist and friend. This is so sad. Paula's artistic talent really shone through in her roses.
What a wonderful, precious tribute Brenda.
Rest in peace dear Paula. You will be sorely missed.
Posted by: Marica Zammit | March 30, 2017 at 01:35 PM
RIP Paula. We will miss you so much.
Posted by: Deb Beechy | March 30, 2017 at 01:44 PM
I'm am so sorry to hear about Paula. Thank you so much for the tribute, Brenda, and yes, her roses should be used and enjoyed. RIP Paula, you were a kick in the pants.
Posted by: Renee Allen | March 30, 2017 at 01:46 PM
Gonna miss her. Thanks for letting us know.
Posted by: Jo Dismukes | March 30, 2017 at 01:54 PM
RIP Paula, you were always an encouraging voice when I first started out with polymer clay and I have enjoyed working with you to keep The Love of Our Polymer Clay group going on Facebook. I will miss you and hope they have a great craft table all ready for you in heaven.
Posted by: Beth A Sullivan | March 30, 2017 at 02:01 PM
How heartbreaking. :( Paula was a lovely person, who loved polymer clay so much that her and Beth Sullivan started a group called "The Love of Our Polymer Clay". She will be missed. Thank you Brenda for the sweet tribute for Paula. She would have been very touched by it. My love to her family and friends.
Posted by: Cindy Lietz | March 30, 2017 at 02:10 PM
Thank you for letting us know, Brenda Sue, in such a graceful manner. I'm in shock and heartbroken at the loss of a special jewelry friend. Paula and I shared a love of polymer clay roses, and although I don't have any of hers, I will continue to make my own roses and dedicate some to her memory. Dance away in Heaven, Paula ... you'll always be in our hearts. <3
Posted by: Pamela & Toby, Novegatti Designs | March 30, 2017 at 02:17 PM
Just heartbreaking. I have no words. Thank you Brenda for such a wonderful tribute and for using my favorite scripture. ((( Hugs)))
Posted by: Candy Wham | March 30, 2017 at 02:21 PM
I met Paula at the first workshop, and was surprised at her tiny size. She had a beautiful smile that welcomed me in right away. She had a great laugh and sense of humor. We had been fb friends for a little while and I was disappointed that she had to leave early because there was no one to care for the dog. I loved seeing the photos of her precious Laylabug...her nickname for her beautiful little granddaughter. I am so sad to hear about her passing. Sending much love and peace to all of her family. She was well loved in our special group. May she rest in His eternal light.
Posted by: Marcia Tuzzolino | March 30, 2017 at 02:34 PM
Beautiful tribute. So much talent lost. Speechless.
Posted by: Susan Bowerman | March 30, 2017 at 02:49 PM
Right now I'm in shock .. Life is short .. I never met Paula but I had many conversations with her .. Thank you Brenda for sharing this with the group and honoring Paula as a great artist, woman, mom I could go on and on .. RIP Paula .. See you in Heaven one day ..
Posted by: Jann Tague | March 30, 2017 at 03:04 PM
What a sad day and such a loss. May her family find solace and peace in the Lord. Thank you Brenda, for your constant love to each member of this group, and especially to Paula. She will be missed
Posted by: Gayle S Fleury | March 30, 2017 at 03:09 PM
So sorry to learn about this. Her roses were beautiful. RIP Paula.
Posted by: Pat Counts | March 30, 2017 at 03:09 PM
I always loved seeing a post from Paula. She did beautiful work. I loved her picture too, such a big smile! God Bless her and her family!
Posted by: Cassandra | March 30, 2017 at 03:10 PM
This is so heartbreaking and shocking. Thank you for letting us know and for your beautiful words Brenda. our loving God Jehovah will no doubt remember this beautiful lady
Posted by: Teresa metheny | March 30, 2017 at 03:34 PM
I am so saddened by this news. Paula was so very vibrant. Her polymer work was exquisite, and I loved her creations.
Posted by: Mary Reckmeyer | March 30, 2017 at 03:35 PM
My deepest sympathy to Paula's family. I have your roses and will have fond memories.
Posted by: Petrick | March 30, 2017 at 03:49 PM
I still remember my first impression of her work... I just could not take it all in.. her talent abounds. She was so sweet! Thank you B'sue for the lovey way you presented her love for the arts. I truly have never ever seen a rose made that could compare with hers!
Posted by: Tisha Toone | March 30, 2017 at 03:49 PM
I'm so very sorry .Thank you for sharing this with all of us.My condolences to Paula's family.
Posted by: Jeanine Kuhn | March 30, 2017 at 04:52 PM
Sending comforting prayers for her family and friends. I am so shocked at her sudden passing. Her poor family. She was a lovely lady and I will cherish the roses she made me. RIP dear Paula.
Posted by: Chris Kemp | March 30, 2017 at 04:57 PM
How very kind of her family to remember her crafting friends. And thank you, Brenda, for your thoughtful words. My prayers go out to Paula's family on this tragic loss.
Posted by: kate McKenna | March 30, 2017 at 05:11 PM
I am in shock to hear this news. Ii just goes to show how we should live every day to the fullest. Thank you Brenda for letting us know RIP Paula
Posted by: Lyn Reeve | March 30, 2017 at 05:24 PM
Paula...thanks for being the voice of encouragement...unafraid to play at your craft. You made us welcome mistakes and change and growth. Sweet sister,you'll always be with us in spirit. On now to your next adventure.
B sue..thanks for sharing this difficult news in such beautiful words and thoughts.
Love to all...Mary Katherine
Posted by: Mary Katherine | March 30, 2017 at 05:42 PM
Always shocked to loose a friend, and this is such a nice tribute. Her roses carry on for her, her spirit in our hearts, carry on for her, Paula didn't take one day for granted we are now reminded we shouldn't either, Rest in peace Paula, and condolences to your family. Thank you Brenda for the Post of a friend gone too soon.
Posted by: gloria allen | March 30, 2017 at 05:50 PM
There are no words; what heartbreaking news. Our dear Paula, I'm so sorry this happened to you and your family. You worked so hard to make beautiful roses for my granddaughter's wedding jewelry. I will never forget that labor of love. I'm so glad I got to meet her in person and will cherish her roses. Paula, you will be so missed. I'm looking forward to seeing you again in a world that will be free of sickness and death, suffering and pain. (Revelation 21:3, 4) My heart and prayers go out to Paula's family, her dear husband and her beautiful granddaughter. Also, my heart goes out to Brenda and the group for suffering such a loss as this. 💔 💔 💔
Much love,
Catherine Shattuck
Posted by: Catherine | March 30, 2017 at 05:52 PM
This is so sad, there are no words. My condolences to the family and rest in peace dear lady.
Posted by: Gillian Cunningham Wright | March 30, 2017 at 06:39 PM
I am saddened and shocked to hear this news. Prayers and thoughts of comfort being sent to her family. Thank you for writing such a beautiful tribute Brenda. <3 <3 <3
Posted by: Tanya Tellefsen Van Beeck | March 30, 2017 at 06:59 PM
Thank you for such a beautiful tribute. RIP Paula. Prayers for the family.
Posted by: Jacqulin Jordan | March 30, 2017 at 07:20 PM
This is terribly, terribly sad. She was such a kind person. I never got the chance to have any of her roses. She and I had been working on a bulk deal when I caught pneumonia last year. After that, everything was forgotten.
She always had a kind word, and a smile for everyone on Facebook. She always reached out to help, whenever she could. I may have forgotten the roses, but I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I will never forget her spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Posted by: Gina-Marie Hammer | March 30, 2017 at 08:01 PM
She was such a bright spot with a beautiful smile at the workshop that I attended. And such a huge part of B'Sue's creative group ♥ with such talent for polymer clay. RIP Paula.
Posted by: Terry Matuszyk | March 30, 2017 at 08:29 PM
Such a talented lady......my heart is heavy for her family. She will be missed by so many.
Posted by: Sherry Russell | March 30, 2017 at 08:56 PM
I am shocked. Paula made my first sale from my Etsy shop. I made her first sale from hr website. I couldn't make rose buds and bought many from her o line store. Paula was the first person I connected in Brenda creative group when it moved from flicker to Facebook. I shared supplies with her and shared polymer tips with me. We even had several discussions about how long to bake polymer. Paula adored her granddaughter and we even shared daycare tips as I was a daycare provider at one time. Omg! Her sense of humor always put a smile on my face. She was just so funny on her delivery. She even put Christie thru the ringer, which was light hearted and fun. She also tried teaching me how to make those little owl from Cindy Lietz tuts. She would laugh at my heavy hands she didn't give up on me. Came so easy for her. I lost my little owl she gave me. So she sent me one in the mail after several weeks I told her I never got it. Verified address and everything. So this time she sent me not one but little owls and did get them. Then several months later we had a good laugh as I finally received the little in the mail a little worn for the wear but still as cute as ever. I still have issues with making this owl small and cute. I will miss her dearly. She is very special to me and I will never forget her.
Prayers to her family.
Posted by: Cindy | March 30, 2017 at 09:11 PM
I am so sad to hear this news. I planned to get some of Paula's roses, and admired the posts I saw using them. I regret now that I did never get them. Brenda, I recognize the translation you quoted from when you shared Revelation 21:4. I hope her family can find comfort in their faith and the knowledge many will remember them in prayers. What a blessed relief it will be when sickness and death are distant memories.
Posted by: Andrea Schubert | March 30, 2017 at 09:58 PM
What a great loss to the family and to our B'Sue Boutiques family. In the movie Emma, it was said best: "I don't like it when people go away." Thank you for gently sharing the news to us Brenda. Saying prayers for the family and her friends.
Posted by: Leslie Schmidt | March 31, 2017 at 12:14 AM
What a sad day! Unbelievably heart wrenching, such a Talented and KInd soul. Her roses are so beautiful, I have so many and I will treasure them even more now and think of using them in extra special pieces in her memory. Roses already have a very special Spiritual meaning to me and now will be even more so. Thank you B'Sue for this moving tribute and explanation of what happened to our dear creative friend!
Posted by: M Rangne | March 31, 2017 at 01:20 AM
Thank you for your beautiful tribute to Paula. She was a wonderful person who will be missed.
Posted by: Chris at Vintage Cravens | March 31, 2017 at 02:25 AM
Heartbreaking news, to lose such an inspirational talent and generous soul so soon. RIP beautiful lady x
Posted by: Erika | March 31, 2017 at 03:13 AM
Oh, my. This is a lovely tribute for a very nice person. Thank you.
Posted by: Susan~Killam Creative | March 31, 2017 at 07:31 AM
Lovely tribute. Thank you all for sharing your memories of Paula.
Posted by: Brenda Snowdon | March 31, 2017 at 12:04 PM
I am so very sorry for the loss of Paula. She was such a vibrant, fun, loving positive artist and friend. We had a very strong connection and friendship through the group For the love of Polymer clay. She would often ask me my advice and contribution to group challenges etc... she was a great friend to share our love for polymer clay with. Her roses were as beautiful as she was.
My prayers and love go out to Paula's family. Sending so much Love- Paula's very bight light will be very much missed, but never go out.
Posted by: Elizabeth Owens | March 31, 2017 at 12:35 PM
I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that Paula is gone. I was blessed to me her at one of the workshops and we had some really funny conversations. Such a beautiful person inside and out. My prayers and deepest sympathy are going out to her loved ones and family. Rest with the angels Paula...you surely will surrounded by roses. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend.
Posted by: Ellen W Gonchar | March 31, 2017 at 01:46 PM
great blog post. Never really knew her but admired her roses and her WTW and beautiful finished pieces.
Posted by: Lee Koopman | March 31, 2017 at 09:02 PM