Make a gift of sacred space with doorknob blessings

Each time the door opens, closes, rosary a reminder to ask God for protection

Published: December 12, 2016

By Malea Hargett
Editor

Doorknob blessings can be purchased or made at home. Artist Chris Thomas said, “Each time the door opens and closes, the blessing reminds us to ask for God’s protection and presence for our loved ones and our home.”

How to make your own

Supplies

Bead stringing wire

Small beads and one large center bead

Crimp beads

Cross or crucifix

O rings

Lobster clasp

Card stock

Ribbon

Step 1: Cut two 12-inch bead stringing wires. Start the first wire by stringing a crimp bead and a lobster clasp. Thread wire back through crimp bead, pinch with pliers to secure the clasp.

Step 2: String three inches of various beads. Add a large center bead, continue for another six inches.

Step 3: Finish first string with crimp bead and cross, stringing the wire back through the crimp bead and pinching.

Step 4: On second wire, string crimp bead, O ring, then back through crimp bead and pinch it.

Step 5: String three inches of various beads. Thread the second wire through the large center bead on first wire and continue for six inches using various beads.

Step 6: Finish the second wire by threading a crimp bead and then an O ring that contains small charms, such as a wing (for angels), bell, a star and a shell (for friendship). Or you might choose a second cross. Thread back through crimp bead, pinch and cut wire to finish.

Step 7: Using a thin ribbon, attach a card printed with a Bible verse.

Two verses to consider:

“I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“Happy the one who listens to me, attending daily at my gates, keeping watch at my doorposts.” (Proverbs 8:34)

Other ideas:

• Families with children can easily make their own simple doorknob blessings using pipe cleaners and plastic beads.

• Use a continuous 24-inch length of wire and omit the clasp if you don’t want an opening at the top of the loop.

Thomas’ doorknob blessings can be bought for $24 at etsy.com/shop/ChrisThomasPottery

Cork’s work is available at etsy.com/shop/ThouArtPottery

A little bit of faith is infused into every piece of pottery created by Chris Thomas.

A self-taught potter from Texarkana has turned her hobby into a small business and is able to incorporate her Catholic faith into her creations. Thomas, who has a certificate from the diocesan spiritual direction program and a bachelor’s degree in theology from St. Gregory University in Shawnee, Okla., prays while she creates.

“Everything I do, I do with prayer,” she said. “I am so blessed that I have a beautiful sun-filled studio that I can choose what goes into it. There is a lot of prayer time.”

The marrying of art and faith has also blessed Thomas with friendship. Her friend formerly of Texarkana, Texas, is also a partner in their latest creations: doorknob blessings.

Thomas and Nina Cork met five years ago at the Women for Art’s Sake ArtsMarket in Texarkana through their love of art. Thomas had a booth selling her pottery while Cork had an art show.

Thomas is known for her pottery bowls, jars and mugs and has even been commissioned to create chalices and patens for Christian churches and the holy water bowls at her parish, St. Edward Church.

Over the years the two together have created “fairy bells” with guardian angel medals attached, prayer jars and different styles of crosses and angels. Their rosary mugs have been one of their most popular creations. One of Chris’ clients requested a mug that would aid her in praying the rosary with her morning cup of coffee. Thomas’ version has a cross formed by 10 vertical beads for the Hail Marys and five horizontal beads for the five decades.

Even though Cork moved to Bay St. Louis, Miss., this summer, the two have been able to keep up their friendship through visits and phone calls. Thomas often texts photos to Cork to get feedback.

“Each fall, we do some type of ceramic project together. Time was just too short this year,” Cork said. “While shopping, we saw a doorknob blessing and quickly decided we could do this.”

The first dozen were created around Cork’s kitchen table over the next few hours while they prayed and talked.

Thomas and Cork want Christians to place their beaded creations on their doorknobs, handles or even rearview mirror to remind them of God’s grace as they enter and exit a space.

Thomas said, “Each time the door opens and closes, the blessing reminds us to ask for God’s protection and presence for our loved ones and our home.”

Thomas appreciates that her creation inspires the senses of sight, touch and hearing to remind Catholics to pray throughout the day.

At the end of one string of beads is a cross and on the other hand are various charms, including a shell (for the Mississippi coast), star (for the Lone Star state where Thomas lives), angel wings and bell, to remind Thomas and Cork of their friendship. Attached to each blessing is a card with a Bible verse.

“It’s just a reminder that God is present,” she said. “I am all about Emmanuel, God is with us.”

The jewelry-quality ones sold by the friends are available online or during craft shows they attend. Thomas also takes special orders by e-mail at .