Paper and Cloth

Works in Yellow

Intrigued still with water and ink on paper, two directions emerged from my last exploration — layering and graphic shapes. Working larger, as well as grounding these abstractions in the sky will be additional considerations when I move forward.

Dying

Dying has been on my mind. But, finding the physical and mental time to do so is another story — it takes some research, preparation and supplies. So, when a friend asked if I wanted to take a natural dying class with her, I jumped at the opportunity thinking this could be a quick way to get info, hands on experience and to finally get started.

I walked away from class in awe, but also knowing dying may have to wait. However much I love the idea of natural dying at home, the process is too laborious for my life right now. Oh, but what beauty and skill involved in this process — depth truly to admire.

24 Beanbags

As I said yes to the custom birthday package order, I took a deep breath. I was delighted to get the order, but also uncertain if I would be able to make 24 beanbags in a timely fashion. Luckily, I was and with a ton of fun. I love making things and am grateful when there is opportunity to share.

Custom Work

Not too long ago I completed a custom order for a little person who was turning four. I sewed a birthday and name banner in his favorite colors, in addition to many, many beanbags gifted as party favors. This project was a blast and I’m happy to say Mama and Child both seemed delighted. Thank you.

Health and Friendship

As I patiently wait for my third little one’s arrival, I especially miss my North Fork friends. In many ways, together, we came into our own as mothers, finding grounding and support with each other as we approached birthing and parenting in a gentler and more natural way. This amazing community of women helped me transition into the mother I am and work to be. I lean on them still.

I’m supported by such a different, yet amazing, group of women (and men) where we live now and I am just recently awakening to the depth of our connections. We have come together after our initial journey into parenthood and are now tackling new obstacles. Most of us share a natural and gentle way, but I think what really deeply connects us is our quest for health and healing. These friendships provide such resources, grounding and support.

Over the year and a half we have lived in the Pacific Northwest, we have slowly transformed the ways in which we sustain ourselves. Soon after we moved, we became gluten and dairy free, finding enormous benefits with this shift. From there, we moved onto soaking and/or spouting our beans, grains, nut and seeds. And most recently, we have focused on culturing fermented drinks in addition to reintroducing dairy, but raw dairy. I think we have culturing dairy and water kefir under our belts, but mastering yogurt making with raw milk still eludes us.

We are in transition yet again, as we have layered nutritional pursuits on top of personal and parenting goals. It’s amazing to witness the depth of all my friends as my two worlds meld and I journey through life.

I was introduced to Nourishing Traditions, Breaking the Vicious Cycle and Gut and Psychology Syndrome by my friends. As my friends are, these books too have proven to be amazing resources.

Cardboard Creations

From airplanes and ice cream shops to helmets and armor, cardboard serves us well. In addition to three-dimensional creations, we’ve used cardboard to draw, paint and print on. The options are endless! I’m always hesitant to toss boxes because new cardboard creations seem to be continually in the works.

One of my favorite children’s books relevant to this theme is Not a Box .

Crayon Rolls

Last year, Christmas time, I attempted sewing crayon rolls for gifts, but for some reason my brain would not compute. This year on Christmas Eve, I attempted crayon rolls yet again with success and delight.

Not only do my two kiddos tote their beautiful crayons in their rolls, but the crayons stay in great shape since they are not rubbing against each other.

I am now selling these beauties at Paper + Cloth: Stash. I only wish I had time to make more in a rainbow of colors.