Rebecca Sower

still here

After a few emails ("hi Rebecca, are you still there?"), I woke up and realized just how long it's been since I visited with you here.  Updates.....

A couple of weeks ago, a dear friend introduced me to Thistle Farms in Nashville.  I've visited their facility twice now, such authentic and strong women.  Here's a bit of what they're about...

"Thistle Farms is a social enterprise run by women who have survived lives of violence, prostitution, and addiction. By hand, the women of Thistle Farms make natural bath and body products that are as good for the earth as they are for the body."

Their products are beautiful and truly good healing products, been using nothing but for a couple of weeks now.  Oh, and the sweet lady in shipping told me to tell you that if you purchase something online from them, she takes time to pray over your product and its recipient.  Really.  How many of the items you purchase are prayed over?

 

For my gardening friends, are you starting your seeds indoors?  I've been tending my little green indoor garden for a couple of weeks or so.  This is so relaxing and rewarding for me.  But I'm ready to get out there and dig in the dirt for real, aren't you?

 

I've been in my studio very little lately.  The pull just hasn't been there.  We go through these times, and I always say to roll with it.  Forced creativity usually tells on itself. 

Been making and packaging up a few things to take to my new little booth at Artifacts...a handcrafted artist emporium in a nearby town.  It will be fun (interesting?) to see how I sell locally. 

And last but not least, when the weather permits, I've been heading down to our old tobacco barn.  For the years we've lived here, the old barn has sat quietly by, waiting for something.  I've just never been sure what that something is.  But lately I've been going down, cleaning up, clearing out, thinking, noticing.  Got something up my sleeve for the old barn.  The scheming's been fun.

So there you go.  It's what's going on in my world of late.

But enough about me...what's been keeping you busy?

 

the next thing

So many of you came by my vendor table at The Creative Connection last weekend.  Thank you!  Selling one of my pieces is always a little bittersweet...sad to see it leave me but thrilled one of you give it a new home.  For those who weren't able to attend, I'll be listing many items in my etsy shop over the next day or two (or three).

And so I am back home (phew!) and ready to sit down and take a long hard look at all the opportunities that are before me.  Just feel like it's time to do some deep-thinking and see what's on my path ahead.  Actually, I've been feeling this way for a long time...only this is (I think) the first opportunity I've had to really give it some dedicated attention.

But first is a complete studio re-do.  It's definitely time for that.  So many years of stashing and gathering and stuffing.

Oh and back to the Creative Connection...it was just that, a perfect place to connect with other creative souls.  Such fun.  For those of you who like to holiday shop early, I thought I'd share some of the lovely discoveries I made at the event...

I Sew Lucky...adorable, lovable stuffed owls and such.  I bought one and I don't even have young children anymore.  Yep they're that cute.

Shiznits...the most lovable monsters ever, and high-quality too.  Rare and adorable.

J. Jewels Designs...beautiful, classic, custom-made sterling imprinted jewelry by the most delightful designer.  I got to wear my new ring for several hours before my daughter spotted it and well you know what happened next.

Vintage by Crystal...handmade German spun-cotton treasures.  I purchased a beautiful tree ornament from her.

Century Farmhouse...Handcrafted artisan herbal soaps.  After watching her soap-making demo, and being a hard-core handmade soap user myself...I was in love.  She even captures rainwater to use in some of her soaps!

Until we meet again!

pulling it all together

I'm still in August.  It isn't fair that it's September already.  That means I have to start pulling everything together for the Creative Connection event next week.  Wow, next week, really?

Actually, I've been so excited/nervous about taking the handcrafts made by my Haitian girls that I've sorta lost focus on my own work.  But here I go anyway.  It will all work out just fine, as it always does.

I couldn't decide whether to post a pic or two a day to give you a peek at some of the items I'm taking.  Then decided, nah let's just throw it all out there.

As you've come to expect from me, a lot of words and sentiments in my work.

Because really that's all it takes sometimes, isn't it?  Just a word...

A word to inspire, to encourage, to soothe, to get us up out of that chair and get us going.

And if it's a reminder that's hanging on our wrist or our wall, well all the better spoken.

And so now my word must be 'go'.  So much still to do.

If you are going to be in Minneapolis next week please let me know, I'll keep an eye out for you.

Now I'll leave you with some of the best words I know...

"Be glad of life"

{ henry van dyke }

 

the beautiful combination of art & motherhood

Many of you young mothers out there think you have to wait until your children are older to have time for your creativity.  You think you're too tired to be creative.  You think you're too busy to make art.  So you are just waiting for that magical day, when your children are older, to have time to focus on your artistic side.

One young mother has found a way to bring it all together--her role as mommy and her art.  Shona Cole has written a practical guide for fitting creativity into your life.  May I introduce The Artistic Mother.

I have been asked to be a part of many art and crafting books, and each one has been a rewarding experience.  But this book, to me, is a little different.  It takes two of the most driving forces in my life--motherhood and art--and illustrates how those two things are more beautiful when they are in harmony.

Shona covers everything from writing poetry to step-by-step projects that will help you begin your journey toward being an artistic mother.  She gives guidance on planning your day, photography and art goals.  Scattered throughout are 'artist spotlights' from other art moms like Misty Mawn, Corey Moortgat and Susan Tuttle.  Truly, this is a really good book and I'm not just saying that because I'm in it. :)

I'll close this post with the opening quote in Shona's book, by John Updike...

"What art offers is space--

a certain breathing room for the spirit."

Well said indeed, Mr. Updike.  Until next time, dear friends . . .

 

(p.s.  There are some amazing things going on over at Haiti by Hand...like a Mary Engelbreit original...and some bags donated by Amy Butler...just didn't want you to miss out--wink wink.)

 

 

 

i now know what generosity means

I am back from Omaha, where another Silver Bella event was rich and rewarding.  I did something this year that I have intended to do every year but never stepped outside the flurry to do it.

In our teacher kits, Teresa gave us these lovely little blank books...and I knew when I saw it, it was just the thing.  I passed my little book around in each of my classes for my students to sign.  Those were my instructions...just sign your name and maybe a bit of contact info.

And I have no idea why I expected less than what I received back.  Ribbons and sketches and lovely little cards and sweetest of notes, charms and trinkets.  If you could have seen me, on that last leg of my plane ride home.  As I flipped through the pages, I just couldn't stop crying.

To my sweet precious students at this event, I am a blessed woman because of you.  I miss you already!  You are lovely, soulful, amazing, yeah a little chatty, organic, authentic and more than anything, you are so very generous.  I watched as you shared with each other, you shared bountifully with me--your art, your stories, your secrets, your supplies (I could go on and on).  Girls, I love you.  You just don't know how much I love you.  Even after several years, I am humbled and surprised and so very honored that you still make your appearance in my workshops.  Especially when it was long ago obvious that most of you have a talent level far beyond my own.

I wish I could name each of you by name here so the world would know you as I do.  I can say from the deepest part of my heart that you have forever made an impression on me, and I cherish you.  You are each one golden to me.  I hope our paths cross many more times, and I hope at each crossing you will sit and share a little part of who you are with me once again.

  

doors and love and focus

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Be an opener of doors for such as come after thee."  Those are rich words.  They are focused on others and not on one's self which seems to be pretty prevalent these days and I'm getting so weary of all the self-absorption.  Others.  Not you.  When oh when will we figure that out?

I am honored to be the feature in this month's "Artist Portfolio" in Somerset Studio.  One of the art pieces I created for the article is based on these words.  This piece will eventually make it back to my home and will hang as yet another reminder to focus where focus is due.

 

I am re-reading the biography of Amy Carmichael whose motto was "Love to live. Live to love."  I like that.  That's a good motto.  The Somerset article, written by Ricë, a girl who loves to live, tells more about my view on life, art and even a little on raising children.  So enough on that, except to say I'm honored to have had this opportunity.

And so now would be a good time to do something nice for someone else (even--ouch--someone you don't like).

the spectacular spectacular

Announcing another event that I'm excited to be part of coming up very soon--October 23 and 24.  The Spectacular Spectacular event in Clarksville, Tennessee (yay! finally something in my neck of the woods).  The event is coordinated by Paige King of the oh-so-lovely Hodge Podge shop in historic Clarksville...

...and Artifacts, a lovely shop chock-full of antiques, original artwork and more...

 

Although I won't be able to teach workshops at the Spectacular, I will be setting up a vending table.  But the workshops look amazing (including ones by Jenni Bowlin!).  Click on the Spectacular logo under "Events" on the left to get all the details.  Now I must get busy...much to do!  Hope so very much to see you there.

 

 

 

disorderly discoveries

"One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly

 making exciting discoveries."

{ a.a. milne     }

I have been meaning to post more often.  I have been busy making discoveries, mostly in my studio.  After a long spell away, I walk in with new eyes and find forgotten and neglected materials and ideas.  I'm rediscovering my paints and even my sketch pencils...and more on that later if I'm brave enough to share...

But I have missed my time here with you.  And I am ready to step out of my corner and reconnect.

First I will let you know about this...

 

...an article featuring a couple of my aprons in Art Quilting Studio.  For you stitchers and textile artists this really is a fascinating publication, rich with ideas and techniques...enough to make your fingers itch.

And this...

...am excited to be a part of this book.  More about this on the 4th (next Thursday?).  But for anyone who has a blog or is beginning a new blog, a really great book of inspiration, and I would not say that if it weren't true.

Hmmm, let's see...oh yes!...really excited to be teaching with Amy and others at Artology Retreat in Holland, Michigan, in October.   We'll each be teaching day-long workshops, mine on this project...

 

Oh plenty else going on...but enough for now.

And I'm thinking of giving something away to one of you, very soon.  So come back for a visit tomorrow...or maybe the day after that...

grace and peace.

 

shoes and silver

Today, if you will allow me, I will take the opportunity to tell you about two very important but very different events. 

{1}  This Thursday, I'm hoping you'll decide to go barefoot.  Yes, barefoot.  Don't wear shoes on Thursday.  Here's why...

 

Across the world, this event is taking place in schools, businesses, everywhere!  My daughter is coordinating this event at her high school and I promised her I would help spread the word.  It's not too late to sponsor an event where you work.  At least check into buying a pair of shoes.  We have some and they're great shoes, and not a worthier cause.

{2}  Switching gears a bit...

I am honored to be teaching and vending again this year at Silver Bella.  This amazing event (really, it is amazing) comes each November in Omaha and is hosted by the ever-gracious Teresa McFayden.  She has lined up an incredible variety of instructors, so for those of you who may be a little tired of me (I hope not!), you may choose to attend the classes of her or her or her or her or her or even her--wow!  We hope to see many familiar faces and many new ones.  Check out the Paper Bella Studio site for info and updates.  Registration opens tonight!

Thanks for letting me take a little side trip for these important announcements!

Sending love your way...

snuggling-in time

I know you've heard all about it...Silver Bella 2008.  And it was all that and more.  How could there be so many creative, precious, generous people gathered together in one place?  Well I don't know how, but it happened.  It was my privilege to teach you, to get to know you, just to be with you.  I am so honored.

But now I am back home with no more traveling between now and the holidays.  Virtually all of my holiday shopping is done online (yay Etsy!), at antique shops or by my hands.  If you do happen to see me at the mall it's because my youngest daughter (she's 15) has dragged me by my ponytail saying 'Good grief! why can't you just be a normal mom and love the mall?!'  (oh, and speaking of her...you're going to get a kick out of what I discovered in her room this morning...keep reading)

So now I'm in 'snuggling-in' mode.  Step one, get the house clean (ugh!).  But then I get to decorate, do handmade projects, bake and all those homey things I love to do this time of year (like crochet a scarf for my oldest daughter)...

What do you love to snuggle in and do this time of year? 

Okay, don't you dare tell her because she will kill me dead if she even knew I was talking about her on my blog (which she of course never reads)...But this morning I was looking for something in my 15-year-old's room and noticed high up on a shelf these two boxes...

...does anyone else think this is as funny as I do?  Her box of "stuff", not to be confused with her box of "things"!  Omigoodness, I'm still laughing about it.  No, of course I didn't look inside!  But I am wondering...how does she decide if an item goes in the "stuff" box or the "things" box?  I can just picture her standing there pondering...

Gosh, I love that girl!