SouleMama Sponsor ~ Imagine Childhood ~

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Imagine Childhood. In Sarah's words:

"... a little nature... a little imagination... a lot of play. Toys, tools and activities for growing minds. Imagine Childhood is a family owned and operated company offering high quality environmentally conscious toys and activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and open-ended unstructured play.

Visit our blog and explore the summer catalog."

SouleMama: What role does 'handmade' play in our society?

Sarah: I think handmade items play an extremely important role in society, especially these days when much of what we interact with is industrially manufactured. Handmade items share pieces of history and family stories. They teach us the value of imperfection. They make lasting memories. But primarily, they illuminate the importance of process. Handmade goods (and the making of them) help us understand what it takes to transform disparate elements into a unified and beautiful whole. They teach us that anything is possible as long as you’re willing to put in the time and get your hands a little dirty. They are catalysts for the makers and inventors of our future.

SouleMama: What's your favorite thing you've ever made?

Sarah: When I was eleven years old I walked into the wood shop at my elementary school and was handed a block of wood and told that it would allow me to build anything I could think up. Now,  since I was prone to both logic and fantasy, my mind quickly oscillated between the factual truth that there was simply not enough material there to make everything I could think up,  and the fantastic potential that the piece of wood just might be magical. I discovered that both were true. That piece of wood would become a mallet which I would use to make everything else for the rest of the year. Channeling a little Mr. Miyagi, my teacher insisted that I shape and sand the piece until the handle was as smooth as glass. Each time I thought it was ready, I would take it over to him and he would inspect it under a work light, promptly sending me back to sand a bit more. The day he said I was done, I couldn’t have been more proud.  I still have that mallet today and have continued to use it to build whatever I happen to dream up.

 SouleMama: What's the one thing you can't live without? 

Sarah: Sunshine... I think I’m a bit like a plant that way. Being from Colorado, I grew up on a healthy dose of 300+ days of sun a year and any time I’ve lived in a place with less, I miss it all the way down to my bones. It could be twenty below zero outside and you’ll never hear me complain as long as the sun is shining. Sunshine and fresh air can cure almost any ailment in my opinion.

SouleMama: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

Sarah: Today it’s: “Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so.” ~ Noam Chomsky

For today's giveaway, Imagine Childhood  is generously offering the following gift to TWO winners:

~ $100 gift certificate to the Imagine Childhood shop!

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In addition, Imagine Childhood would like to offer SouleMama readers 10% of all orders placed between now and July 24th, as well as free shipping for all orders over $100. To receive the offer, please enter " soulemama " at checkout.  Discount expires 7/24/13.

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To enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person, please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 8am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.   Comments closed!  The winners are:

My son's birthday is just around the corner. And there are sooooo many wonderful things for boys!
Posted by: lynn

So many great things at this store. Thank you for the chance...
Posted by: Tara

Thank  you , Imagine Childhood!