JCasa *handmade

square one

back in the time known as b.k. (before kiddos), i spent a fair amount of time at my co-op pottery studio.  it was a quiet zone with the utmost respect of space and freedom, and wonderful relationships were built.  it was a creative time in a very inspiring space - i felt safe taking risks and stepping away from a lifetime of being convinced "i cannot draw for shit so i am not an artist".  it all changed then and there.  the clay, that studio, my teacher + friends :: it changed me.

that urge to create, that need to use my hands + make things didn't stop when i had the littles, but it definitely went into hibernation for a while.  over time, though, the maker in me resurfaced with many baby knits and eventually during one naptime, i happened upon the sewing machine my mom gave me about 20 years ago.  i remember her telling me that it would be "a good thing to have", but never knew what it would come to mean for me. 

it was on that first sewing machine that i made the hub a set of curtains with Barry + Glodean xerox transfers back when we were dating.  and it is that hub who encouraged me to find that pottery studio.  and it is that pottery studio that made me realize i have a creative voice.  and it is that creative voice that resurfaced in my stitches since becoming a mother. 

knitting and sewing has been the kiss that awakened the artist in me and allows me to find balance in motherhood.  carving out time to create refuels me in so many ways.  i am blessed to have a quiet space to work in, and find inspiring niveaus of square one with every mess and subsequent cleanout + reorganization.  wishing you a lovely weekend - happy making!  xoxo

it's beginning to look a lot like

holiday shop is OPEN!

i am so excited to offer a little something for everyone this year - him, her, the kids, and especially all my merry makers out there - and with TWO great enticements bound to make a lot of people smile.  but more on that below...

curious?  well, read on... there are lavender filled linen ornaments with handbuilt kiln-fired stoneware leaves ::

vintage patchwork wrist cuffs for mamas & their cool kids ::

a special handknit toggle scarf for him or her (or you) ::

of course, there is a new sewing tutorial ::

come now, it was only a matter of time... quilted wristwarmers!  functional, wearable whimsy just the thought of which make you smile, and with a little bit of hidden elastic to keep cold air away and provide the quilty look you love - quite literally at your fingertips.

and finally, there's a knitting pattern for a fabulous cowl ::

it’s a simple concept :: a loose handknit tube that you pull over your head to keep your neck warm when it’s drafty or snowy, or possibly to hide the hint of a double chin. this cowl is appropriately named because I could wear it each and everyday - and i do.

times are tough out there for a lot of us.  so i tried hard to be mindful of that when putting together this year's small holiday shop, creating just a few special handcrafted pieces that people would really love.  a warm thank you from me to you for the support, kindness and inspiration that swells around me so.  i extend my thanks to you and also on our behalf in two ways ::

• enjoy FREE SHIPPING to the USA + CANADA Dec. 1-3, 2008

• for EVERY PATTERN + TUTORIAL SOLD in my shop from Dec. 1-25, 2008, i will donate $1 to the March of Dimes*.  (25 days is a long time and i am excited to see what we can do!)

xoxo

now go have a look!

p.s.  *you can read more about the March of Dimes here.

why? :: because.

why?  as in why on earth am i stopping mid-clipboard of our pre-thanksgiving to-do list to craft?  well, my friends, the answer is simple :: because.

because it calms me.  because it allows me to take a much needed step back to inhale + exhale and get into a more soothing rhythm than the hustle + bustle situtation i have going on these days.  sorry i haven't checked in in so long - all is well in our world save a few runny noses, deep deep coughing spells and more than a mountain of wonderful stuff to accomplish before thursday....

if i think about all that must be done because there will be 15 people here in 48 hours (yikes!), then the joy will be lost.  so i take a step back.  breathe.  think about how blessed we are to have people we love here in our home to celebrate all that we are thankful for.  and smile, knowing that since it's my first turkey, expectations are low - it's bound to be a hit as long as everything is cooked and i remember to take the giblet bag out.  am i right?

there, that's better.  now where's my clipboard...

my warmest wishes to you and yours for a happy thanksgiving!  xoxo

:: - :: - :: - :: - ::

♥ holiday shop :: monday, 01-dec.
...a few small goodies to make you + your people smile!

finding center

the hardest part about throwing pottery, hands down, is centering the clay on the wheel. if you cannot find your center, the piece will inevitably be floppy, uneven, and possibly crack or burst in the kiln. my pottery teacher, teresa, taught me to empty my head and allow all focus and energy to be on the clay... i eventually learned to let it tell me what it wanted it be. everyone (myself included) came into the studio with the naive fantasty of making big bread bowls or enormous salad bowls. and after years and years of muscle and sweat and lopsided dishes, i made a few. when i feel stress coming on, i try to think about the clay and the wheel and all i have learned from it... it's all good.

now here's the surprising thing: it was easier to center the clay when i was pregnant. belly and all. so, when i was listing in my shop just now, i took a closer look at the foot where i signed/dated each piece. and there they were.

TWO plumes of smoke coming out the chimney - i made this piece when the duo was on board! i looked back in my sketchbook and discovered it was one of the last ones i made before going on busy-mama-hiatus. i've kept many treasured pieces for us here at home, and certainly given oodles away to family and friends. and the fact that some of you out there go ahead and buy my work is such an honor. i'm sure this one will find a good home soon as well.

thanks, everyone, for your support and positive feedback!  xoxo

[originally posted on blogger :: 21-aug-06]

it calls to me

i am really itching to get back to my pottery co-op - miss the wheel, my friends, the cool clay, defying gravity with the earth itself. soon, soon. maybe this fall/winter i can get back into a groove of going one night a week. i think the family (and my stash and my swede) will survive, eh?

these are a few special pieces to be added to my shop this and next week. the lilac wall vase is up was sold already and the pendant is special to my heart since it's the only one i've ever made.  i'd love to know how other mothers do it - the juggle, putting aspects of life "on hold", the yearning to endulge oneself again, and effectively doing it all. whatever "all" is to you.

[originally posted on blogger :: 08-aug-06]