Make Everyday Beautiful

As my company motto, I chose "Make Everyday Beautiful." Why?

I am a firm believer that it's the little things that fill most of our days that often bring us those moments of true beauty. There are certain days where a boxwood wreath, or a red necklace, or the smell of baking banana bread really serve to lift my mood and make me thankful for the good things in life. Everyday is defined as commonplace, ordinary, found in the ordinary course of events. For many of us, with lives full of seemingly small things, life can feel a bit too ordinary at times.

My muse on the art of the everyday is Edith Schaeffer, an author of the excellent book "Hidden Art." Here is a great quote of her's that I use often:

"Art in its various forms expresses and gives opportunity to others to share in, and respond to, things that would otherwise remain vague, empty yearnings. Art satisfies and fulfils something in the person creating and in those responding (14)."

Be creating something unique that becomes part of everyday life, we are sharing in the same longing for the beauty. And somehow it's good for the soul.

So, in my small way, I try to craft special things that will bring beauty to the everyday of my customers.

I'd highly recommend reading Hidden Art by Edith Schaeffer!

Make everyday beautiful!

Buy Handmade

I am a handmade junkie. I treasure most gifts that friends have made - a quilt, a sham, a potholder. Personal things become part of our story, and there is delight in surrounding myself with items that have a personal touch and quality materials.

I like that there is a whole "handmade movement" out there as many artists sell their wares on popular sites like etsy and in the ubiquitous holiday craft fair!

Why buy handmade, when you can often get something cheaply at a large chain?

I found a neat website for the "Buy Handmade" movement at www.buyhandmade.org . Check out this section from the site:

"Why buy handmade?

Buying Handmade makes for better gift-giving.

The giver of a handmade gift has avoided the parking lots and long lines of the big chain stores in favor of something more meaningful. If the giver has purchased the gift, s/he feels the satisfaction of supporting an artist or crafter directly. The recipient of the handmade gift receives something that is one-of-a-kind, and made with care and attention that canbe seen and touched. It is the result of skill and craftsmanship that is absent in the world of large-scale manufacturing.

Buying handmade is better for people.

The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. We are encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own culture. Our ties to the local and human sources of our goods have been lost. Buying handmade helps us reconnect.

Buying handmade is better for the environment.

The accumulating environmental effects of mass production are a major cause of global warming and the poisoning of our air, water and soil. Every item you make or purchase from a small-scale independent artist or crafter strikes a small blow to the forces of mass production."

Pretty good reasons, huh? Check out what's available locally!

Some great site for handmade things, craft fairs, etc. :

Etsy

American Craft Council

Festival Net - Craft Fairs and other fun

Red Coral Bracelet Featured on NCTriangle Team Blog Treasury!

My red sponge coral bracelet is featured on the NCTriangle Team's blog this week!

Check it out! http://nctriangle.blogspot.com/

Some New Photos to Enjoy