It begins...

A friend recently forwarded an email to me titled "The Invisible Mother," a short essay comparing the tireless and often thankless job of a mother to the builders of Europe's great cathedrals. Both give their whole lives for a work they will never see finished, both make sacrifices and expect no credit, and both are fueled in their passion by the faith that the eyes of God see every detail. The writer of the essay was inspired by the thought that our endless efforts in motherhood, invisible as they may seem, are worth it and can make an enriching life.


For many of us, the way we choose to hold our invisibility at bay is by creating something tangible. For me, my days often end with knitting - my love of fiber and the need to do something relaxing end up producing something I can hold and look at. Nobody will know how many times I swept under the high chair that day, or how many toys I picked up, or how many times I tried to coax a "please" or "more" or "sorry" out of my 5 year old. But a darling, handmade infant hat? That you can see.


I start new projects every day, and my 10 year old does the same. In this process of creating (and yes, often not finishing our projects!) we connect with each other and a bigger picture of ourselves in the process. My plan for this blog is to share the projects that excite me and bring some accessible proof of my existence in this invisible world of mothering!


So, this blog is dedicated to the mothers out there whose days are filled with the minutia of tasks that build our children and our families. I often tell people that I haven't decided what I want to be when I grow up. But for now, I am the builder of a great cathedral. With every shoelace tied, lunch packed, and forehead kissed, I build.


And I can hardly wait to create something new...


Friday, February 11, 2011

Crafters Unite

I think it's important for crafters to stick together.  Spell check tells me that "crafters" isn't a word, but that's just ridiculous!  I could say artists instead, but I don't know - can I count myself as an artist?  Why not.  If someone asks me what I "do" I can tell them I'm a fiber artist.  HA!


The same day I picked up my writing hat and started this blog, I visited a local jewelry artist show with my friend, Chris, at the Lenexa Community Center.  It was so much fun to look around at all the different styles and all the creativity.  And I did buy something for myself, which I thought was fitting - new earrings made out of vintage typewriter keys!  Totally love them.  The artist who made them has created a company called Junque Drawer Studio, and I encourage you to check them out at www.junquedrawerstudio.com.  They make all kinds of things out of old game pieces, typewriter keys, bottle caps, and other crazy junk drawer stuff.  All the earrings were artfully displayed on vintage playing cards and other random cards, which really made for a cool display.  
I've worn the earrings several times this week, and have added some things from the website to my birthday wish list.  For those who live in the area, Junque Drawer Studio jewelry can be found at:
 Trendz: 151st and Nall
 Milk Boutique: 10524 S. Ridgeview, Olathe
 Olathe Glass & Home Decor: 510 East Sante Fe, Olathe


They are also opening their own boutique in May at 12070 S. Ridgeview in Olathe.  If I find out when the grand opening is, I'll post it.


That's it for now, true believers!  (Is that from the old Spiderman cartoon?  Can't remember.)  Go forth...and make art!
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