SouleMama

my studio story

Some of you might remember the plans I had for a studio above the barn when we first moved here. It was a matter of time and budget (and a baby on the way!) that we didn't do it right away. But as time went on and that space began to be used by the kids, I wondered whether it was the right place for me after all. I so love that they have a space all their own, a space to play loud music and be alone or gather with friends and, as the case may be, build an indoor skating ramp/music studio. I love that. We all do. And so, instead of my studio above the barn, I began to dream about a yurt tucked back just a ways into the woods. We marked out a spot and sought out a yurt, and I started daydreaming about that little studio yurt in the woods with a wood stove and peace and quiet. And then construction began rather quickly on an addition on the house for Gram. By the time that was done, my thoughts had shifted from yurt to tiny house, something a bit more permanent than a yurt. We found the plans. Staked out the space once again. Sourced lumber.

And in the meantime, and as time has a way of doing, more than four years have come and gone. Those four years I've spent working in this "temporary" studio of mine - in the front of the house, at the bottom of the stairs, just across from the kids' library. And somewhere along the way, in the past six months or so, it slowly started to dawn on me that I don't want to go anywhere else to work. That while a cozy cabin in the woods would be far away from family and quiet.....it would also be far away from family and quiet! These children of mine are growing older, and with that comes a level of understanding for the work that Mama does, and the respect for a closed door. For the most part, that's really honored here. And now that they are older and we find them doing much of their own work at the same time that I am doing my own, I truly appreciate (most of the time) the interruptions as we share our days. "Mom, I'm forgetting how to adjust white balance, can you help?" says Calvin. Or "Do you have any green bulky yarn, Mama?" will come from Adelaide. I pause what I'm doing, we chat, we work on something together, and then we all get back to it. Parallel play, I guess you could call it. All of that - one of the greatest joys of the way that I work at home - would be lost if I were to go even 500 feet out the back door. 

Add to that the cost of building (and wiring and plumbing), and the reality that all of these children of mine will likely not always be living in this house, and it's rather large enough as it is without adding any more square footage to heat and take care of when someday there may be far fewer than eight living here....and well, I had myself a turn of mind. Maybe here, where I've been all along, is just where I should be working. Aha! What a delightful moment it was when I realized that. Relief! Peace! I was able then to look at this space entirely differently - a bathroom, a hundred and fifty square feet of my own, and a lock on the door for when I absolutely need no interruptions. Everything I need! Right here! And with that in mind, everything looked different. I began to look at the space from scratch, so to speak. Without the "temporary" furniture and bits and pieces that we threw in here to begin with just to 'make do'. But instead imagining and day dreaming just what we could create that would perfectly suit the needs of my work. And with my new found confidence in building things with wood, well my goodness, it seemed like the possibilities were endless!

A new rug, a new chair, some milk paint, and two new tables.  Alongside clearing out a whole lot of this and that that just wasn't needed or used anymore. For the desk table, I built Ana White's Vanessa's X Picnic Table. Easy peasy, made in pine, and finished with Vermont Natural Coatings. Next to it, I painted over my old sewing table with white milk paint (from Miss Mustard Seed) to give myself a little more room for laying out papers and magazine proofs and all that kind of thing. And my work table - ah! Steve built that for me from the plans for Michaela's Kitchen Island, though we made quite a few modifications to make it larger and more suited for my needs. It has drawers. Drawers! And deep deep shelving for storage. Oh gosh, I love it so. 

And really that was all it took. Moving things around just a bit. Creating a more open space in the middle, along with a chair for rug hooking and spinning, helps enormously. I feel like I have so much more room to move around and do the things I do in my studio now. And plenty of room for company too, for I really do love my visitors. 

It's funny how plans change and evolve as they do sometimes, isn't it? I thought we were headed in one direction with all of this, circled all around our options, and ended up exactly where I am with what I already have. I kind of love that. I love that it worked out that way. I love the work that I do, and goodness you know I love my family. What a privilege and a joy to keep the two together.

Oh, I can't wait to see what gets made in this space in 2015!

such clean friends we have!

Most all of these little bundles have been distributed, so I feel safe in sharing them here with you now. Not that our holiday gift this year was a huge surprise to anyone, but still. Of course, we gifted soap! A Soule Family Solstice Soap Sampler to be precise. 

It was late August when we began work on this project, accumulating enough variety and quantity of soap for all these packages. Accounting for curing time and the inevitable failures, it worked out just perfectly that by early December, we had seven kinds of soaps ready for sharing. Though the late night soap making was done by me (and Steve laughing at me in my soap goggles, aka ski goggles), the next part of the project was shared by all. We each claimed a soap as our own - to be tested, named and described. In the end, we had Smelly Wine, Candy & Nuts, Jim, Lovely Lady Lavendar, Pumpkin Pie, Violet Swirl, Oil & Sugar. Adelaide created a library of line drawings for me to scan and use alongside the soap descriptions. And that's precisely how we ended up with a little booklet full of soap ingredients, and descriptions such as these: 

"Violet Swirl - Once upon a time there was a girl named Violet. She was a horse girl and was always dirty from mucking out the stalls. One day, a fairy godmother came down and gave her this magical soap. It was pretty and smelled good. And from that day on, she always smelled good too." - Adelaide

"Smelly Wine - It's just good soap. It's super good to use. It smells good. It has wine in it, that's why it's brown. If you like wine, you'll like this soap. If you don't like wine, you won't like this one. Or maybe you will. It's good soap." - Harper

"Lovely Lady Lavender - It's like Old Spice, for hippies." Calvin

Ah, this was such a fun project to create together as a family, and even more delightful to share. And as Harper said one night in a marathon soap packing session, "Our friends are going to smell SOOOO good!!" Indeed!

 

days of nothing

I can't tell you how many times I played checkers yesterday. Or picked up a stitch on Adelaide's new knitting project. Or read Christmas Trolls to Annabel. Or played the boys newest favorite game, Fluxx, that doesn't make any sense but sure is fun. It was a lot of all of the above. But I assure you I am not complaining - quite the opposite. For as much as I love the celebratory family parties and rituals and traditions of our Solstice and Christmas.....I might love the quiet days of the winter holidays just as much. The in between days. The quiet (a relative word, to be sure) days spent at home, diving into new projects and doing a whole lot of nothing. Together.

I hope that in the midst of your celebrations there are similar joyful moments of peace and "nothing"!

pause & enjoy

I am about to fully dive on into Christmas days with these wild and awesome monkeys I love so much. I'm looking forward to pausing everything else to enjoy the blessings of this season. I'm sure you are ready to do the same, and from our home to yours I wish you much peace and joy with those you love in the days to come! 

welcoming the light

Oh, what a lovely solstice that was. I don't know if you believe it possible in a house of eight people and more animals than we can count, but the day was so very mellow, it really was. Just easy, and comfortable, with a lovely quiet flow of togetherness. Games, baking, making, and celebrating. Our traditions practically carry themselves at this point, with so many hands making sure their favorite part of the day happens, and everyone else's too. For a few days prior, I had the pleasure of hearing the kids remind Gram of just what it is we do here on Solstice and why. I found myself smiling quietly at what they each said, often in surprise at their interpretation of it all. For instance, I had no idea that the tiny pickles (cornichons) were such a vital part of Harper's Solstice tradition! (And I was glad to hear that, for I hadn't remembered to put them on the list until then.) Or that Adelaide loves our Solstice Intentions and the fire bundles best of all, even though she says they never work ("I always do the same ones. To stop biting my nails and to get along better with Harper. But it never happens!"). And the older boys, focusing their attention on the all-important Solstice fire outside, and telling Gram exactly what time they needed to start it in the day to get it going well enough to be "raging!" by the time darkness hit. And then Annabel, confusing all of her holidays into one, telling Gram about the tooth fairy, hot cocoa and stockings from Santa....and then being absolutely delighted at each turn that the day brought.

It's a pleasure to see these traditions take flight, that once upon a time we dreamed up as a very young family. Now they begin to carry themselves, and get twisted and turned in ways I never could have dreamed myself, but love so much. The day is a much-loved, central part of our holiday traditions, and a perfect slow, intimate start to the more boisterous and jubilant Christmas week to come.

Yesterday, there were intentions set, light and darkness both celebrated, gifts shared, family loved....and yes, lots of tiny pickles consumed. Today, the sun will shine just a little bit longer than it did yesterday. With it, we welcome all the hope and love and light that it represents, and wish you all of the same in your wintry holiday season! 

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Brooklyn General Store

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Brooklyn General Store. In Catherine's words: 

"Brooklyn General Store and brooklyngeneral.com strive to recreate a time when people would center their day around a trip to the general store. It is more than a shop, it is a calm, creatively stimulating, and comforting space, a counterpoint to hurried NYC life. It is a place where the peaceful nature of handwork is loved and respected. It is where country fiber warms the big city and the world wide web. Brooklyn General Store is home to all kinds of natural fiber yarn; new and vintage fabric; knitting and sewing notions; carded fleece fibers; wool felt; woven gifts; buttons; milk paint; natural dyes; sewing and knitting tools; quilting supplies; books on all kinds of crafts; embroidery supplies; vintage quilts and aprons; drop spindles; sewing machines; and many other things. In addition to tools and supplies, we offer a beautifully curated sampling of unique hand made goods. Brooklyn General also offers a wide array of classes, as well as studio time on our classroom machines."

SouleMama: Tell us about your background. What path led you to the work you do today?

Catherine: I have been a maker since I was 5 years old. Throughout my school years, I made crafts and sold them at local craft fairs. While in college, I became interested in Midwifery via feminist readings and some great Sociology classes. I have been a Midwife since 1995. I have been working in private practice in NYC since then. I opened Brooklyn General in 2002, just after the birth of my 3rd child. It started out very small in my garden floor but has now grown to fill the space across the street formally an old neighborhood department store. I moved my Midwifery practice into my garden office. Often my clients become my customers and my customers sometimes become my clients.  

SouleMama: What's your favorite part of your job? The most challenging?

Catherine: My favorite part of owning Brooklyn General is being surrounded by creative people and materials. When I get an idea about making something, I know if I share it, someone will earnestly join in my excitement. I, in turn, get very excited about the ideas of the makers who are our customers. It is that energy that makes Brooklyn General special. The most challenging part of owning Brooklyn General is being a Boss. I am not a bossy person. I am mostly pretty shy and there are times when I need to get out of my comfort zone and become the Boss.

SouleMama: How does the balance of family and work play out for you? How has motherhood affected the work you do?

Catherine: Balancing 2 careers and motherhood has been a tremendous challenge. I have managed to work it out so that I am home after school and I make dinner almost every night for the kids. I don't do a lot of homework with them. I never have. I am not teaching them about school subjects, I am teaching them how to love, how to connect, how to be silly, how to follow your gut, be brave and know that you can do anything you set your mind to. There are times when I have been ready to quit. I have asked my kids if they want me to stop something. They always get upset when I talk about it. They know me as who I am and they do not want me to change. I make things and I deliver babies and I love my kids.

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

Catherine: The things I make that I love the most are those things that use materials that have special meaning for me. I once made a scarf for one of my favorite babysitters,  out of a maxi-dress that my grandmother had worn in the 60's. I trimmed it with beautiful hot pink super soft velvet from my best friend's grandmother's sewing box. I also love to knit with cashmere. What can I say.

SouleMama: What advice do you have for people wanting to be more creative?

Catherine: Just dive right in. You don't have to do anything perfectly. If you love it, then it is perfect. The more you practice, the more you will teach yourself little tricks that work for you. Find your tribe - the other makers in your community and gather with them to make things. This will connect you with creative energy and will turn the making into a social process which can lead to very exciting things. 

For today's giveaway, Brooklyn General Store is generously offering the following gift to TWO lucky winners:

~ $75 gift certificate which can be used in the shop or on line. 

Happy Making to those lucky people!

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In addition, Brooklyn General Store would like to offer Soulemama readers 10% off from Dec 20-Dec 31st. Enter code "soule2014" at checkout. 

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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 9:00 am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winners are...

Ooooh, this is my kind of shop!! Thank you.
Posted by: maplemom

Oh Just Wonderful!
Posted by: annette

Thank you, Brooklyn General Store! 

{this moment}

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{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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making

Ah! SO much making happening around here. Making music, making gifts, making merry, and most definitely making messes. My studio redo is nearly complete, the wrapping has just begun and everywhere I look I find someone else working away at something - paper chains, glittery pinecones and lots and lots of 'secret projects'. And today, all of that hard work will be fueled and rewarded by sweetness, after a quick baking session with these caramels just this morning. I wish I could share some with you (because really now, must we eat the whole pan?), but instead I share my wish that you and yours have a lovely day today, and enjoy the spirit of making - however that may look for you - this time of year brings!

 

at the table

And here we are , at that tricky time of year for crafty bloggers - where there is so much going on, but nothing to share! Not that anyone on our list isn't expecting what we're crafting up for them, but still, let's keep the illusion of surprise at least. 

Last night was another family session of making and labeling and packing. Teacher gifts are going out this week to the various classes the kids take, and things are being shipped today to far away friends and family. We're nearly done with the handmades! As we were busy elving together last night, I was remembering some of our early family gift making when there were still so many little helpers. How fun, but also tricky it was to sometimes keep everyone happy and feeling involved in the process. (The bird calendar might still be my all time favorite little kid handmade we've shared, and its balance of child and adult work was just right.)  It's all changing as they get older, and I am loving where it's all going - how their own creativity and ideas mature and develop and fit into the family plan. Last night at the table, the crew had some turnover as someone got bored or someone else wanted to go outside to play. We were never all together at once, but everyone was present at one point or other in the evening - making, packing and wrapping. And talking and laughing. I decided to move slowly, not rushing my way through the tasks, but truly looking around and sinking into the goodness of the moment. My growing children, our holiday traditions, the way we are together as a family. As I did so, I wondered if we will always gather around a table to make things together, no matter how old we are. I hope we do.

Are you doing the same thing in your home? I wish you much peace and joy in your own family elving these days!

making merry

Oh, I love the moments right before my house fills with people. When the kitchen smells of yummy things in progress, the house is as clean as it will be, and the kids are glued to the window waiting for our guests. After all the running around that happens before a party, those last few quiet moments are a most lovely deep breath that I appreciate so much. An exhale before what comes next - a full house, gathering with those we love in this special time of year. Wrestling cousins, talking adults, full bellies, pianos and singing and so much laughter and merriment.

Cheers to December, and all the merry making yet to come! 

SouleMama Sponsor ~ urban baby bonnets

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, urban baby bonnets. In Colette's words: 

"unique & totally original fabric combinations define our hip, artsy approach to kid’s apparel design. we’re more than just a store, more than just a brand. we move beyond craft and commerce. we believe what we’re doing is art. like you, we’re mamas, too, and we think we’re still kind of hip. we’ve done all of our own product design. our kids have done all of the product testing. with UB2, you get an honest product with distinctive design flair. everything we sell is handmade. no sweatshops, no outsourcing, just beautifully handmade, heirloom quality clothes & accessories for your little one. try us out. join the project. all the cool kids are doing it.

A fabric store on Spoonflower is where my custom designs are featured.

I also make sovatissa hand sewn art dolls on etsy!"

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

Colette: i'm really excited now about launching a new product line-- the sovatissa art dolls. sovatissa is an americanization of "owl bird" in my family's native russian tongue. the dolls are all artisan designed, sewn, stuffed, and finished. each one is unique, no two are the same. they are about 26" from head to toe and each one comes with a little story-- her name, birthdate, and a bit about what she's made of.  

they are super colorful, fun, bright, and totally vintage modern. so far, i'm making them from remnant fabrics left over from the sampling process and upcycled natural fiber pieces that i scout from local thrift shops. i like to use a lot of cashmere for their hair-- in lots of colors (blue! orange! red!)-- and silk for little skirts, hair ties, and other small parts of the dolls.  

 

each doll has a little heart embroidered on her chest with a very special glass bird bead in the center. i'm thinking light hearted or flight of fancy, heart of fancy... the bead gives her something uplifting and really unique. it's the trademark part of their design.

 

their faces are all hand embroidered and are deceptively simple. each face takes about a half hour to make, and each one is different, depending on what that specific doll seems to need. it's kind of like their names... they are named during the making process. although i've only completed  a handful of them so far, each time, the name of the doll came to me while I was working on her... each one has a personality and the name seems to grow organically from that.

 

my hope is that kids who get these dolls (they are most appropriate for kids over age 3 because there are small parts, even though they're all firmly sewn on) will find them to be their best friend-- the go-to pal that they bring everywhere.

 

the dolls are available now on etsy, and more pre-made dolls will be available for purchase after the holidays. custom dolls are available now! i can have your custom doll done in time for the holidays for a small rush fee. they'll start at $195.

  

For today's giveaway, urban baby bonnets is generously offering the following gift to ONE lucky winner:

~  earthly delight modBonnet in winner's choice of size

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In addition, urban baby bonnets would like to offer Soulemama readers free US shipping on any size order. Enter Coupon Code "freemysoule" at checkout.

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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 9:00 am EST on Monday, and announce the winner, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winner is...

 

I'd love to win this for my baby girl! Thanks for the opportunity.
Posted by: Allison

Thank you, urban baby bonnets!

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Lavender's Blue Homeschool

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Lavender’s Blue Homeschool. In Kelly's words: 

"At Lavender’s Blue Homeschool I work with families who are looking for a holistic homeschooling method - one that nurtures their child’s creativity, spirit, and intelligence. I offer tons of free resources for the early years on the blog as well as complete curriculums for Kindergarten and First Grade."

SouleMama: What inspired you to start your business?

Kelly: For the most part, our modern culture isn’t supportive of a connected community and family life, and yet when it comes down to it, parenting really matters. Most of us have more opportunity to create peace in the world through our parenting than through any other means. I love mentoring parents, and I also love homeschooling and writing our own curriculum - so that seemed like a perfect match. I’ve been amazed by how many of the things I love to do (like writing, singing, and crafting) have all come together in this one business that helps other families thrive as homeschoolers. And now that I’ve been in business for almost 18 months, it’s really my readers and customers who inspire me the most - I can’t get over how encouraging they are.

SouleMama: Tell us more about your customers.

Kelly: I work with thoughtful, intentional parents who want to homeschool with a holistic approach. They’re interested in the big picture of a peaceful family life and learning together at home, not just meeting academic objectives. Many of them are inspired by Waldorf education and its creative developmental approach but they’re nervous about the learning curve and making it work at home. So they’re looking for inspirational, intelligent information and they need support that’s non-dogmatic and encourages them to trust their children and their own intuition. They’re also some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I’m always amazed at the level of positivity and support in this community!

SouleMama: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?

Kelly: I used to start my day with tea in my favorite mug with one of my favorite quotes on it. That mug broke a couple years ago and then just yesterday I saw the quote again somewhere and thought oh yes that’s exactly right. I love when these things find you at just the right time.

“Nothing is worth more than this day.”  Goethe

For today's giveaway, Lavender’s Blue Homeschool is generously offering the following gift to THREE lucky winners:

~ A complete homeschooling curriculum - your choice of Kindergarten or First Grade (in digital format).  

Lavender’s Blue Kindergarten is for parents who want to inspire their children’s learning through play, nature, art, song, and story. It includes all the circle times, stories, watercolor painting, beeswax modeling, and crafts you need for a joyful year of kindergarten - without having to plan it all out yourself.

Lavender’s Blue First Grade is inspired by Waldorf education and designed to help you thrive in your first year of homeschooling. There are detailed lesson plans in form drawing, language arts, math, painting, and modeling, full-color pictures, a complete first-grade circle time, and all the information you need to feel confident and prepared.

Please let us know if you would like Kindergarten or First Grade in the comments below - and also why you would like to homeschool with Lavender’s Blue!

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In addition, Lavender’s Blue Homeschool would like to offer Soulemama readers 20% off any curriculum purchase through December 31, 2014. Enter Coupon Code "HOLIDAYS20" at checkout.

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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 9:00 am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after.  Comments closed! The winners are...

What an exciting giveaway! The kindergarten would be perfect for us :)
Posted by: Kate Alicia

We start 1st grade (for the second time around) a year from now and I'd love this curriculum! Thanks!
Posted by: Sue N

Wow, I will start homeschooling my kindergartener this month. I would love this curriculum. 
Posted by: Kari

Thank you, Lavender’s Blue Homeschool!  

{this moment}

. . . . . . . . .

{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

. . . . . . . . . .

little trees

While Mama's been busy with Nutracker and then messing around in my studio, and Papa's been busy keeping the home fires burning and everyone happy and fed, inside and out....it has not been lost on a few of the Soules that the clock is ticking in on December. After a few requests to put up our tree, they decided to take matters into their own hands. With garden clippers in her hands, and a hatchet over his shoulder (a brand new gift for the newly minted six year old working man), Adelaide and Harper went deep (or not so deep) into the woods to find their own trees. I'm told they then dug around in the barn for some lights, got out some scissors and markers and tape, and set to making their own merry. With a crafty planter plus rocks serving as a tree stand. Love.

The pine needles all throughout the house? And the water spilled over the laundry? And the bits and pieces of paper and string and tape all over the floor? One hundred percent worth keeping silent about for this kind of childhood merry, absolutely. They've got the rest of us inspired too - today, we'll get our family tree. I can only hope it will have an ounce of the magic that these little trees have. With their help, I'm sure it will.

she's at it again, folks!

Tuesday morning, Ezra walked into my studio for his usual good morning hug. He blinked a few times as he looked around the room, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and said dramatically - for an eleven year old boy just waking up, anyway - "she's at it again, folks!'

Indeed, I am. Though I've been thinking about this for months, I decided it was time to dive on into my studio revamp project. This space I spend a decent amount of time in each day, and that was starting to not quite suit my needs as well as it could. And what with my new found love for the skill saw and drill, I thought I could make this room work just precisely as I need it to. Though I may have put myself in a bit over my head - one of these carpentry projects (yes, there are more than one!) involves sliding drawers and pocket screws. What are those, you ask? Well, I haven't the foggiest idea. Yet. And of course, I've got to get to get all of this made and then put back together before hosting a holiday party this weekend and definitely in time for all the holiday sewing that I have, um, yet to start.

Right. So I may not have the best timing. But sometimes you've gotta just go for it, you know? Plus, I don't need that much sleep, I'm persistent (stubborn?), and I've definitely got helpers. It gets worse before it gets better, I remind myself. Then I stare one more time at the corners (tiny, though they may be) that are 'done'. One little corner....one sliding drawer at a time. By golly, I think we've got this.

 

at the end of the show

I'm moving slowly this morning, and my boys are still sleeping at 10:30am. It is the morning after a long stretch of Nutcracker time and we're all sleepy (including Papa who has juggled the home front on his own). I think I feel as tired as though I were on that stage dancing all those shows myself, though of course I wasn't. Who knew that driving, applying makeup, fitting costumes and handing out props could be so exhausting? But it is, and I remember this feeling from each year prior. But I think the real exhaustion comes from a slight holding-of-breath that we do as Mamas (and Papas and friends) in the wings, backstage, and in the audience. Holding our breath that all goes well, that no one falls, that no one drops the girl (the first rule of dancing for boys!), that our children feel pleased with their performance, that they feel supported by their peers, that they can end this run feeling confident, strong, and happy with what they've done.

This year, I watched Ezra step into the role of Fritz, a new role for him, one which he brought all of his theatrical presence to, and carried the role beautifully - and differently - than his brother did before him. And I watched as Calvin was presented with a new role just days before the first show, and rose the occasion with just two rehearsals, and a calm and quiet confidence that made me so proud. The breath-holding, finger-crossing doesn't just happen for our own children though, but for them all. I found myself many times with my hand on my chest and a lump in my throat - and sometimes tears in my eyes - as I watched someone else's child on stage. We are all watching all of these children grow - we've seen Fritz grow into the Prince, for example, and know the hard work, dedication, injuries and struggle that each one of these kids puts into this passion of theirs. The things they give up so that they can do this fully. And I guess that's really it - the passion is an amazing thing to behold. As Steve and I sat together in the audience this weekend watching, he leaned over and whispered, "these are the boys that wrapped themselves in tinfoil for days at a time." Yes, they are! And so are all the other two hundred dancers on that stage, be it tinfoil or tutus or whatever their case of early childhood dress up and theatrics may have been. And here they are now, still as children, but on a stage with a live orchestra, in front of two thousand people day after day, doing what they love. All of them. Ah! I had goosebumps at that moment thinking of all that combined youthful passion, and even this morning, feel a wonderful lingering joy for and pride in each and every one of them. 

Someday, I know, I will not be spending my October and November days in those wings. (Though I do think I've got a few more years!) But I hope that I'll continue to always carry the sounds of Tchaikovsky in my head and the corresponding feeling of joy in my heart that I know right now. All thanks to the Nutcracker (and two very special boys).

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Silk Oak

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Silk Oak. In Jan's words: 

"Silk Oak is hand printed, eco-friendly clothing made with love in Ithaca, NY since 1977!

For up to date info, check out our Facebook page."

SouleMama: What's inspiring you these days?

Jan: I was recently part of a panel at my local credit union, Alternatives Federal Credit Union. AFCU has an innovative business development program called Business Cents (Community Enterprise Networking and Training Services). The cornerstone of their services is a 10 week class called Getting Down to Business which takes you from idea through business plan, financial feasibility, marketing strategies, and all of the confusing details that go into building a successful business. It's an amazing class!

As I sat in the final session of the series, I was struck by how much the world has changed since I first went into business 34 years ago. There were no books to be found on running a small business (small business was defined as under 100 employees!), no "Marketing for Dummies", social media, Etsy... In short, I felt like I was on my own. On top of that, most businesses were run by men and I was a young mother with 2 small children in tow.

 

My marketing class was my real world business, which had been financed by taking out a second mortgage on our house. Wow, that puts the pressure on!

 

In contrast, I could see that the students in the AFCU class, who ranged from their 20's to 70's, were going to leave with skills that took me years, thousands of hours of work, tens of thousands of dollars and lots of hard earned lessons to acquire. What an amazing resource!

 

At the end of our panel session, we were asked if we had any last thoughts, lessons learned, something we wished we had known then. Here are our seasoned words of wisdom:

 

~ Create the vision of what you want your business to be in your mind and live into it. Remember that everything, no matter how grand, began as an idea. Just as a house begins as a drawing, create the blueprint of your business and build it from there.

 

~ Let your passion inspire you. Always make time to fill the well, renew your excitement, take time to enjoy the present moment. Don't allow the busywork and details bog you down so that you lose sight of the passion that pulled you into your business to begin with. 

 

~ Be open to ideas and suggestions from mentors but, ultimately, be true to your own instincts. We all have different styles, needs and levels of tolerance for risk. Some of us jump right into the water, while others need check it out, dip their toes in and get used to the water more slowly. It's all good, there is no "right way". (I'm the jump in first and check to see if there's water later, kind of girl!).

 

~ Remember that you're on a journey. It's not a straight path. There are detours, wash-outs, unexpected pleasant surprises and helpful tour guides. Be prepared to add some extra stops, pick up some new maps and be willing to make changes. 

 

~ Enjoy your journey, you get to choose!

For today's giveaway, Silk Oak is generously offering the following gift to TWO lucky winners:

~ $100 gift certificate! 

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In addition, Silk Oak would like to offer Soulemama readers 15% off through December 21st. Enter Coupon Code "SOULEMAMA" at checkout.

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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 9:00 am EST on Monday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winners are...

Beautiful clothes!
Posted by: Robin

what great designs! thanks so much!
Posted by: lynx artemis 

Thank you, Silk Oak!  

SouleMama Sponsor ~ Nova Natural Toys and Crafts

Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, Nova Natural Toys and Crafts. In their words: 

"We sell toys and crafts that inspire and encourage children and families to learn, share and play together. By selling toys made in Europe, the U.S. or in fair trade businesses, we ensure that our products are as good for the people producing them as they are for our customers. Because our products are made primarily of natural materials like wood, cotton, silk and wool, we ensure that they are renewable and safe. It goes without saying that they are also fun!

Nova Natural recently added a blog to our site which will focus on parenting, child development and crafts for the whole family."

SouleMama: In your mind, what is that one thing which makes your business different? 

Nova: At Nova, we pride ourselves on the high quality of all the items we carry. We offer products that will last a long time and stand up to the enthusiasm with which we hope they will be met. Not only are our toys well built, but they are also aesthetically pleasing and, most importantly, fun!

SouleMama: How long have you been in business? 

Nova: Eleven years ago Susan and Ted decided to make Nova a part of their lives. Their boys were still in diapers when they took on the challenge of providing natural toys and crafts for children across the country. While the diapers are a distant memory, the enthusiasm for these toys hasn't waned. Every year brings new discoveries Nova is delighted to share with you. We are continually struck by how fortunate we are to have created a community around our core mission of providing wholesome products that encourage every child's individual and beautiful spirit to flourish.

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

Nova: Our lives are surrounded by artificial shapes. In our homes and our workplaces everything is so smooth, shiny and bright that we can easily forget the organic forms that connect us to the natural world. Indeed, many of the things we use on a daily basis are lifeless; it is impossible to find the any trace of the person who made it. In contrast (on the other hand?), handmade things are imbued with the life of their creator, both in their perfection and in their flaws. It is especially important for children to have the experience of what is handmade as it helps to create true warmth and love in their hearts for the Earth and other people.

For today's giveaway, Nova Natural Toys and Crafts is generously offering the following gift to THREE lucky winners:

~ $100 gift certificate! 

Some items we are especially excited about right now are Felix Fox, Rita Rabbit and Quincy Squirrel who are all hand crocheted in a Fair Trade Project in India. We are also pleased to offer two beautiful maple wood items that are hand crafted in the US: a pushwagon and a doll cradle, both perfect for the busy kids in your life and made to last.

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In addition, NovaNatural Toys + Crafts is happy to now offer Free Shipping on all orders over $100 in the Contiguous United States.

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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 8:00 am EST on Sunday, and announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winners are...

we love NOVA and would so love to win this one. fingers crossed. thanks for the chance!
Posted by: parisa

Winning this would be such a blessing right now!
Posted by: Natalia

Thank you! We love Nova Naturals.
Posted by: Miranda

Thank you, Nova Natural Toys and Crafts! 

{this moment}

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{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

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for my littlest bird

But first!

Before I bore you to tears with talk of rug hooking yet again (what? You're not as obsessed as I? 'Tis a shame!)....I want to tell you - before it's too late - that our Taproot Holiday Pop-Up Shop opened yesterday! We all had so much fun handpicking all this handmade goodness from some of our favorite makers. This portion of our shop is a limited edition thing, so when the goods run out (as some are already doing), that's it. Even if you don't shop, do enjoy peeking at all the wonderful things these people have made, and reading their stories. Oh! And in the Taproot Goods section of our shop, Support Your Farmer and Feminism is Freedom tees are now available in Youth sizes. I thought you'd want to know that. I'm waiting anxiously for my own to arrive in the mail.

Now, let's talk rugs....Yes! 

Honestly, I'm not sure how exactly this rug is finished. I feel like I've hardly been home at all. But I suppose it is a testament to the 'one row at a time,' 'one seam at a time,' 'one strip of wool at a time' philosophy that rules my days. At the end of the day before bed, just a few strips of wool hooked and one chapter of an audio book (I just finished All the Light We Cannot See and am struggling to find something as wonderful to read after that amazing story). I suppose that's how this rug was made - in tiny moments that all add up. I'm so pleased with the results - my first rug meant to be a 'rug.' It includes the lyrics from a favorite song, The Littlest Birds Sing the Prettiest Songs by The Be Good Tanyas, and was meant all along to be for my own littlest bird, Annabel. Just a little something for her little room. A tiny spot of wooly warmth to stand on (it does feel so good on the toes), or to sit on while she plays with her dollies (that's her Edrie doll on her lap from Bamboletta). 

I learned a bit about color in rugs on this one - I could have used a more contrasting color around the lettering. As it is, it's a bit hard to read (though we all know what it says, no matter). I used a combination of yarns from my stash, and some from my sheep. I was surprised, actually, at just how much yarn it soaked up - that yellow around the edging is Anne's fleece dyed with tansy and I used nearly two full skeins (I can't remember the yardage). This was such a fun project, and I've got ideas and thoughts for the next one. It's a lovely balance to knitting - though hardly as portable - it does move faster and just feels different to work with. I'm feeling a little itchy for some knitting though, and I think I'll move onto that while I plan the next rug. Harper has requested one, in purple and with a truck on it. So...there's that to think about. And you know someone keeps slipping me designs featuring horses. Of course. 

Meanwhile, I think my littlest bird will enjoy her rug. I asked her if she preferred it on the floor as a rug or if I should put it on the wall. She thought for a moment, finger on cheek, preparing her statement, and then said, "I think I'd like it if you make it a dress for me". I think that means she likes it? 

(their) handwork

My hands have been busy - mostly on the steering wheel, securing the hooks and eyes on the costumes of tiny dancing ladies, and applying makeup to fidgety boys. There has been little to no knitting, and hardly a hooked strip of wool, not to mention the sewing machine or my spinning wheel. But there are two children in the Soule house who are more than making up for my slacking in the handwork world. 

Adelaide finished a 'funky scarf' as she calls it (I say it's called getting creative when you run out of yarn in one color) for her cousin's birthday. As the birth date approached, Adelaide walked around the house all day long with a small basket of yarn clipped onto her clothing and her knitting needles in hand. All day long, for two days straight, until the scarf was complete. 

All that knitting from Adelaide inspired Harper, and I am so pleased to report that we have another knitter in the house! Woot! This being the fourth child I've seen learn to knit, on thing I can say is that they've all learned at such different ages and so differently in style. But I do usually start them all out on a size ten or so needle with an aran weight yarn. And we use the lovely little rhyme "In through the front door, run around the back, peek through the window, off jumps Jack" to help learn the knit stitch. Harper was keen to have that rhyme drawn out for him as he was learning it. He doesn't need it anymore, as it's committed to memory now and his own scarf is coming along beautifully.

I'm also happy to report that Adelaide has joined me in the hooking world! I had bought her this kit intending to give it to her as a holiday gift. But all the hovering over my own hook and frame was not only crowding me, but also letting me know that she needn't wait. It took barely a moment of instruction and she was off. By the time I came home with the boys at the end of the day, her sheep piece was done. Well, then. She didn't want another kit, though, she wanted to create something of her own. That last photo is her design that she presented me with early one morning with the request to help her transfer it to burlap. Can a Mama just brag a little? Because that is not at all the usual style in which she draws, and yet somehow she understood the need to keep the elements simple and large and layered. And the colors she choose from our yarn stash? Wonderful. Oh my girl. Oh my kids. What fun this all is!

And you? And yours? Whatchamaking these days?

hold on

We are in the thick of such goodness right now! A birthday to celebrate (how can my sweet little Harper be six years old? Oh, but he is!), a Thanksgiving holiday we hosted (with a forty four pound turkey to boot!), and the beginning of a long string of Nutcracker shows (this year finds us engaged even more than ever before, with my dancing boys filling the roles of a Fritz, party boy, tin soldier, cavalry, mouse, mother ginger's child, and chinese soloist, oh my!). Add to that preparing the farm for winter (which has already arrived), and preparing ourselves (and our gifts) for the coming holiday. It is, without a doubt, our busiest stretch of weeks in the year. As the days have whipped by, and as we get into the car (in just twenty minutes!), I find myself repeating silently and aloud the words hold on. Both hold on for this wild ride of a few weeks. And hold on to these moments as they are flying by, stopping as I can to remember the little precious pieces as they appear and then disappear just as quickly, right in front of me. 

As we all dive on into the month of December, may we remember to hold on. Friends, I wish you a most wonderful start to your week, and your holiday season. 

December 1

 

Hello December! 

And welcome to the newest Sponsors here at SouleMama...

Annapurna Living

To Nourish, Uplift, and Inspire the Fierce, Feminine Soul. From Carrie-Anne Moss.

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Boho Chic Fiber Co.

Hand Spun Yarns, Spinning Batts, Punis, and Hand Spun Creations. Offering 15% off all orders in the shop for the month of December with coupon code "SOULE15"

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Pipsticks

Pipsticks provides sticker subscriptions for sticker lovers around the world. Designed to tickle the imaginations of kids, crafters and pen pals everywhere, Pipsticks brings a beautifully designed pack of stickers selected from high quality international suppliers to its sticker club members each month. Pipsticks also offers gift subscriptions at a range of price points – perfect for the sticker lover in your life!

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Check out all of their handmade, natural, and creative offerings - and those of our other Sponsors - in the days and weeks to come. I thank them and you both for your presence and support here. And if Sponsorship is something you're interested in for your own business, please be in touch!