In the Heart of my Home

A little something beautiful for you today...

It's no secret to readers here that I am passionate about essential oils. It's also no secret that I'm kind of fussy about what I put on my skin. If it's not edible, I pretty much refrain from rubbing it on any where. so, when Erin Meyer told me she thought I might be interested in her small business, I was delighted to take a look.

NYR Organic passes my ridiculously stringent litmus test: 

When formulating and making the products, they follow the precautionary principle – which means not using anything they believe could cause you, or the planet harm. 
The list is on the base of all their labels. We're practically kindred spirits! Here's what it all means:

NO PARABENS – linked to oestrogen overproduction
NO SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES – many contain synthetic chemicals that are harmful to health
NO GMO INGREDIENTS – not enough is known about the long-term implications
NO animal testing – unnecessary and cruel
NO SILICONES – coat the skin, impeding its natural function
NO PHTHALATES – reported to have toxic impact on human and animal life
NO NANO – not enough is known about the long-term implications
NO MINERAL OILS – derived from petroleum, have a tendency to block the skin
NO EDTA – doesn't readily biodegrade
NO PROPYLENE GLYCOL – derived from petroleum
NO CARBOMER – derived from petroleum
NO DEA – associated with known carcinogens
NO ACRYLATES – derived from petroleum
NO BHT – linked to breathing and lung impairment (and hyperactivity/attention deficit in my experience)

There are some amazing jars and bottles to be discovered here. But first, let's get to know Erin a little better.

What inspired you to start your business?

My first pregnancy brought a lot of anxiety: anxiety about my diet, cleaning products,my coffee intake, and what I was putting on my skin. Most of the anxiety was from societal influences and was largely unnecessary and self-induced; however, some of it became productive. I introduced some “cleaner” foods into my weekly grocery cart, I started making homemade cleaning solutions and some daily-use hygienic products, and I also started looking into chemical-free skin care. I initially found out about NYR Organic in a comment on a blog (thank you, blog writers!). I tried the products, fell in love with the amazing scents and effective results, and became a consultant! We use free-trade essential oils which provide intense and beautiful aromas. I can feel the lotions and creams soaking into my hands and softening my skin. And, I love knowing that the products I use on my daughter are 100% safe. I realized there are a lot of people trying to eat organic foods and wanting to live a greener lifestyle while still using skin care products that have unnecessary chemicals and harmful ingredients. And, it is exciting to share my passion for organic skin care with these people through education and pampering sessions!

 

 

If you could eliminate one thing from your daily schedule, what would it be?

Meal planning, food preparation, and trying to find creative ways for my toddler to eat her vegetables! Meal preparation is a bit of a chore for me. And, my 18 month old daughter’s eating habits are lacking, making for frustrating meal times (which is admittedly, my fault). I remain very grateful for the food we are able to put on our table when there are so many children who go hungry. I do hope that I will soon find that passion for cooking that I know is deep down within me; I just need to find it!

 

What's the product or offering that you are most excited about right now? Tell us about it.

Right now, I’m most excited about the re-introduction of our mascara. Typically,mascara has some of the nastiest chemicals and most harmful ingredients out of all cosmetic products…and we put it on our eyes! I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but I like a little mascara and lip gloss on a daily basis, and our mascara is incredible. It is effective (85% lengthening), smells amazing, and it doesn’t harm my lashes, ultimately making them healthier – they are naturally fuller and longer as if I’ve gone without mascara for months!

 

We're talking a lot about burnout 'round these parts lately, how do you keep

yourself motivated, and avoid burnout? What product would be your favorite to

suggest to a reader who is burned out?

In the fall of 2012, within a 3 month time frame, our daughter was born, we moved to a new state without family nearby (2 days after I gave birth), I began a new full time position as a physician assistant, my husband started his PhD program, and he began a full time job. In the last 18 months, we have certainly experienced that burnout you speak of. Continually trying to simplify our life has been fundamental to avoiding constant burnout. I recently transitioned to working part-time, we try to de-clutter our home on a regular basis (in a 1200 square foot house, this is vital!) and when our schedule gets crazy, we do our best to slow down and spend a day playing with our daughter, avoiding all other work, school and meal preparation!The wild rose beauty balm is my favorite restorative product. It heals my daughter’s eczema, restores my cracked and bleeding hands after washing my hands repeatedly in clinic, and it leaves my face baby soft after using it as a cleanser. I feel pampered every time I use it. And, my daughter smells delightful when I put it on her skin. I love to hold her and take in the scent…just like after she was baptized and smelled like Chrism for days!

 

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

Not long ago, I read the book No More Dirty Looks, and learned that in the United

States, the cosmetic and skin care industry is practically self-regulated. This means that the industry can put almost any chemical or ingredient into its products without regulated testing or trials. I realized that I was using hair mousse, face wash, and body lotions with possible carcinogens! There are only a handful of ingredients banned in skin care products in the U.S., whereas there are thousands of ingredients banned in European products. NYR Organic is an ethical, green, European company with organic skin care and cosmetic products that I know are safe – even while pregnant and breastfeeding. I have complete confidence when choosing any of their products for me and my family!

 Erin is giving away one free Frankincense Hydrating Cream to one of you! Frankincense is a precious essential oil, bursting with healing properties. This prodcut is a luxurious silken cream that will revitalize and rejuvenate, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and nurturing healthier skin. An it smells pretty amazing, too! Poke around Erin's site and see what else strikes your fancy. Leave a comment with a link and we'll notify the winner next week!

 

 

And here, a sweet makeup model will share steps to using NYR Organic Skin Care Products…

1. Pour some in your hand:

2. Rub it in and take a sniff

3. Enjoy the amazing scents and effective results!

Catholic Embroidery Giveaway

It's Small Business Saturday and we are celebrating big here at In the Heart of my Home. I'm shining the spotlight on a new sponsor almost every waking hour today and offering you a chance to win with every post. I want you to get to know my kind sponsors and I think you'll be glad for the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping in these small shops. The giveaways will remain open until Tuesday at noon and then all the winners will be announced in the original posts.

 

I'm so pleased to introduce you to Mary at Catholic Embroidery. Her things are so lovely and her shop has grown into new artistic endeavors since last we heard from her! Let's get to know her a little better. Oh, and I'm especially delighted with her favorite Advent tradition:

How did your shop come to be? 

 

Our shop came to be in 2007, on a leap of faith and a lot of prayer. It started in a little basement corner of our family home, and now takes the shape of a finished office with plenty of boxes containing stock and open orders spilling out all over this lowest level. (My mom is extremely patient with the growing process, which has taken away much of her basement storage!) What started as a family endeavor to explore the sewing and designing talents of the oldest daughters in our family, has turned into a business where each item embroidered and sent from our shop takes the form of little blessings sent to thousands of souls around the world. Having just celebrated 6 years in-business, I can honestly say it is a leap of faith I'm very glad we took! 

 

 

 

What's the product you are most excited about in your shop right now?

 

We are very excited to introduce a new line of products this season, featuring our own exclusive Catholic Embroidery designs in Stationery form! To start this endeavor, we are offering sets of high-quality printed folded cards with three of our most popular designs: Agnus Dei, Ave Maria, and St. Therese's Roses. These "blank inside" notecards offer a world of possibilities for sentiment-sending occasions, where a touch of the Faith through art often goes further than words. A perfect Stocking Stuffer this Christmas!

 

 

 

What's your favorite Advent tradition? 

 

The Advent season is so rich with traditions our family has adopted over the years, it's hard to pick just one! The St. Andrew Novena and Kristkindle traditions are the first that come to mind... but the favorite of all would have to be the feast of St. Lucy. On the evening of St. Lucy's feastday, our family traditionally lights the "candles" waiting in each window, and Christmas lights on the tree and garlands around the house. The nutmeg-scented aroma of fresh St. Lucy buns finally take their form in the twisted, raisin garnished treats as the dinner dishes are put away and the rosary complete. Then, the family gathers together by an open fire and with tea and St. Lucy Buns abounding, we read about the life of this holy virgin and martyr to which we know as the Saint of Light. All in the glowing splendor of candle flames and Christmas lights - so beautifully prefiguring the light of Christ's coming to the world!

 

 

Any plans for your shop for the new year that you'd like to share?

The coming of 2014 will bring many new products and ideas from our family workshop. We are presently researching various forms of art and symbolisms in this history of the Church and are discussing, together with our team of talented design artists, plans for many new additions to our exclusive Design Gallery. These designs will be one-of-a-kind images to represent your favorite saints, (finally obliging your requests for a St. Philomena design!), inspiring Catholic motifs, and symbols of the liturgical seasons. These designs will be taking shape in the way of embroidered clothing such as hoodies, t-shirts, and more! To top it off, we'll be bringing these items to more of your local Catholic bookstores, so you can see them for yourself in-person. As always, "man proposes, God discloses" - so ultimately, we take the new year with His guidance in-mind and with excitement to see where He leads Catholic Embroidery in 2014.

 

[Elizabeth's Note: I'm so excited about this stationery. It's just lovely! But don't forget the embroidery! These aprons make such nice hostess gifts. A great way to kiss the cook who creates your holiday meal:-). ] Browse the offerings at Catholic Embroidery, come back to the combox and tell us what you liked best. You'll be entered to win:

 

Set of 12 Assorted Catholic Embroidery Folded Cards Stationery Pack

 4 Agnus Dei Cards

     4 Ave Maria Cards

     4 St. Therese' Roses Cards

 

Meet The Art History Mom

This afternoon, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Kristen Nelson, The Art History Mom. Kristen's website is a treasure trove for all moms, homeschooling or not. Please take a few minutes and get acquainted. There's nothing to buy. Everything she offers is absolutely free of charge.

Who?

Artistic roots.

Growing up in New Orleans, Kristen was exposed to all sorts of wonderful music, architecture, art, and people. Her passion for art was born in her teen years, when she attended Metairie Park Country Day, a school with an excellent art curriculum. In college she studied fine art and art history at Colorado State University. During this time she spent her first summer in Italy studying Renaissance frescoes. If she wasn’t hooked on art before, that surely did it!

In her late 20s, she took a break from her high-pressure advertising career in Atlanta to follow her dream of living in Italy. Through an amazing job at Trinity College’s Elderhostel program, she led tours of the Italian art scene throughout the country from her base in Rome.

Museum match-making.

Two years later she returned to the States and resumed her career in graphic design. She met her husband, Christian, on a blind date. Not knowing anything about her, he suggested they meet at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. The first time they met face to face, they were standing under the gaze of a Rodin sculpture.

Christian is a golf enthusiast who works in finance, but he loves art as well. His favorite period is Soviet Constructivism. Hers is Italian Medieval. What’s yours? If there is a certain genre, work of art, or artist you’d like to see featured in her blog, please head over and let her know. She’ll do her best to oblige you.

Friends in artsy places. 

To make sure Kristen gets all of her art history facts straight, she consults with her beautiful and brilliant friend, Monica Shenouda, who currently lives in Florence. Kristen and Monica worked together in Rome. Since then, Monica’s earned her doctorate in art history from the University of Virginia. When Monica’s not teaching for Pepperdine University’s Study Abroad program, you can find her giving tours of places like the Uffizzi Gallery for Context Travel. Kristen likes to think that her art blog is a way for all of us to break from the daily routine and join Monica in Italy, where artistic tradition is so deeply rooted.

Why?

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” Henry David Thoreau

Art is so important. More than merely looking at pretty pictures or objects, it’s about learning how to see. This means recognizing beauty not only in art, but throughout the world around us. Although some people enter this world with the eyes of an artist, the ability to see is a learned skill anyone can acquire, especially impressionable children.

Think about the many images our kids are exposed to on a daily basis. Just to name a few: loud, often violent video games; over-stimulating TV commercials; and visually cluttered billboards hovering above as they ride in the back of our SUVs. But how many of these images actually give meaning to their lives? Or elevate their hearts and minds?

A lifelong gift.

Kristen's mother-in-law, Carol, tells an interesting story. When Carol was 7 years old living in Pensacola, Florida, just after World War II, her mother spent $25 (a small fortune at the time) on an art book filled with photos of masterpieces. It was placed prominently in the living room.

Her young daughter, Carol, quickly discovered the great treasure and was soon spending hours devouring its contents. The pages were filled with a beauty and mystery that fed her soul for years—after all, she didn’t have an iPad! Carol would gaze at the people in the paintings, make up stories about them, and imagine what it would be like to be part of their worlds.

Kristen's mother-in-law, Carol, holding her childhood treasure.

Later in life, when visiting museums, Carol would point and exclaim, “That’s Raphael!” or “Look at that gorgeous landscape by Turner!” Because Carol shared her artistic enthusiasm with her son, when he became Kristen's husband, they were able to enjoy art together. Now they're intent on passing this appreciation on to their children.

Great art is a click away.

It’s Kristen's hope that her blog will help you foster a deep affection for art in your child, too. Sadly, young people in America are under-exposed to images that enlarge their worldview in an inspiring way. And unless you live in a major metropolitan city, it’s difficult to visit museums to show your kids great paintings, sculpture, and architecture.

That’s why Kristen is bringing the masterpieces to you! She’ll cover all genres, posting different works of art along with kid-friendly talking points. Discussing art can be intimidating, so Kristen will make it easy for you. And although copyright restrictions exist for works created within the last 90 years, modern art will be included whenever possible.

As a parent, your part is to look at the images with your child and discuss what you see. (Kristen loves to hear your comments, and your children’s!) The featured pieces will be followed by a related art project, enabling your little ones to create something beautiful, while reinforcing what they’ve learned.

Along the way, your kids will expand their vocabulary and gain useful knowledge about geography and culture. I hope that together you discover not only the joy of art, but the joy of exploring it side by side.

So, are you with her?

If so, please subscribe here. It's free:-)

How?

So, how do you get the most out of this website? Here are a few tips.

1. Show your excitement. As parents, we all know that our children imitate our attitudes and actions. (Don’t you hate that sometimes?) That’s why it’s important for you to model enthusiasm. It sounds obvious, but if you are excited about viewing and discussing art, your kids will be, too.
2. Read before you share. I highly recommend reading the blog post before you share it with your kids. Take into consideration the ages of your children and plan accordingly. For little ones, you may only want to show them the images and talk about the colors and shapes you see. My 5-year-old likes to look at the artwork and go straight to the Fun Facts section. Tweens and teens might need a little more substance so they can explore the links within the post.
3. Timing is everything. If your kids are like most, as soon as you sit down with your laptop or tablet they are on top of you. This is the perfect time to pull up Art History Mom and explore a recent post together.
4. Allow interest to build. When first introducing her site to your kids, keep it short and sweet. The more art history I show my children, the more enthusiastic they become—but it takes time. You might want to start with a specific blog post your child will find interesting. Show them the images and point out a few engaging facts. Each time you visit the blog, spend a little more time. The point is to keep it positive so your kids will want to revisit the site and explore more art.
5. Tools of the trade. At the beginning of each post you’ll see a link to a page of flash cards. Print these out and cut them along the dotted lines. Then have your child write the answers to the questions on the back of each card as you review the post together. You can use them throughout the week for pop quizzes!
6. Pause for questions. You can read the post to your child or let him or her lead. If you’re guiding your child through the post, don’t forget to pause after the questions, giving some time to think and answer.
7. Display the art. Print out the featured artwork and post it in a prominent place in your home for a week or so. It will reinforce the lesson and you can engage your child by asking them questions about the artwork.
8. Bigger is better. Although this site is smartphone-friendly, you’ll have a better experience viewing the posts on a desktop, laptop, or tablet.
9. Homeschooling. If you’re a homeschool mom, I would be overjoyed if you choose to use this site as part of your curriculum. Incorporate it into your weekly routine and designate a special morning or afternoon to learning about art history.

Click here to see Kristen's full site!

Giveaway in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

To celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Ruth Tucker of Loreto Rosaries is offering this beautiful rosary and matching earrings. 

In order to be considered for the giveaway, visit Loreto Rosaries and look around. Come back here and tell us what you like. I'll announce the winner on July 16, Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

 

The winner is Carmen, who said,

Our Lady of Lourdes rosary is my favorite. Lapis lazuli is the Chilean stone ...had never seen a rosary made with them. Absolutely beautiful!!! Might be ordering the bracelet! :)
Beautiful pieces Elizabeth. And learning that the family came from Puerto Rico gives it an extra special touch! :)

 

Sponsor Spots

There are a few sponsor spots available here for the summer. If you have a cottage business or something fun and/or useful to offer my readers, I'd love to extend an introductory offer to you. Please email me at intheheartofmyhome AT gmail DOT com for more information.

Liturgical Time Giveaway

I'm keeping step with Michelle at Liturgical Time today. Come along?

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

I have always felt drawn to head covering in private prayer and in worship, particularly in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.  This led naturally into creating my own veils and subsequently to creating them for others.  I feel particularly blessed to have the opportunity to create head coverings for praying women because I believe that praying women, through the power of Our Lord, can be a tremendous blessing to a broken world.

 

How do you come up with new designs and ideas for veils?

We try to “think outside the box” and create unique veils that will offer a variety of women choices that they love. We have been particularly inspired to create veils that women who are new to head covering can feel comfortable wearing. That was the impetus for the development of our Eternity Veil which can be worn as a scarf and then discreetly pulled up over the head to form a veil.  We also create a variety of chapel veils which have long enough sides to allow “kerchief style” tying. We find that many women feel particularly at home wearing their veils in this fashion, rather than allowing them to hang free.

 

You mention that your veils can be worn in everyday life. Can you tell us a little more about that?

We are blessed to have women from a variety of Christian backgrounds as customers.  Some of our ladies choose to wear head coverings on a daily basis for reasons related to modesty, and/or to augment their devotional and prayer lives. Often, those who purchase head coverings for daily wear choose from our cotton headscarves, which are similar to wide headbands, or our more casual triangle-shaped kerchief style in lovely prints.

 

 

How do you combine your work and your family life?

Our work is very much intertwined with our family life.  Once upon a time, we had a lovely dining room and formal living room. Now, instead, we have a former dining room table which serves as a cutting table, a sideboard which stores trims and packing materials, and a space brimming with lace and fabric.  Everyone in the family participates in responding to inquiries, managing orders, creating veils, and packaging our creations for shipment.

 

 

Is this contemplative work for you? Do you pray as you create?

This is absolutely contemplative work.  I find repetitive stitching to be an excellent vehicle for contemplative prayer. We also pin the name of the recipient on the each veil as soon as the lace it cut. That name follows the head covering through to completion, allowing us to pray for the recipient every time her veil is in our hands.

 

 

What’s the product you are most excited about in your shop right now?

We have enjoyed creating a variety of Eternity Veils. Finding new laces and fabrics for them is exciting. We also love making our matching child and doll veil sets. Creating special veils for little girls and their dolls is always fun.

 Click around the lovely Etsy site and find your favorite veil. Leave a comment and tell us which one you like best. You might just win it! We'll give away one up to a $42 value.

 

The winner is

KackyK  who said...

The Dark Chocolate Eternity Veil is my favorite...but really they are all beautiful!

 

Getting to Know the Folks at Catholic Embroidery (& a Giveaway)

Just before his wedding, my son sent his brother to tell me to "hurry to the groom's room" because Michael wanted to talk to me. I admit, my heart was in my throat. When I got there, he had this for me.

Michael and Kristin had it made locally, but I want you to get to know some people who can make similar incredibly precious items for you, no matter where you live.  Let's meet Mary from Catholic Embroidery.

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

We started our business in 2007, after an introduction to the world of machine embroidery through a sewing shop in our local town where my sister worked as saleswoman and technician. The idea of spearheading such an endeavor was offered to me by my father and I believe that deep down at the heart of the idea was his desire to provide for his young adult daughters, searching for their niches in life with interests in the world of art and sewing. It was a leap of faith, for my skills were few and knowledge of the embroidery world quite basic. The business slowly took off and we found ourselves successfully growing in a world of company logos, bridal projects, and monograms. As a Catholic homeschooling family with a large Catholic network of friends, requests for religious items and designs became greater than what we could provide. Thus, while still retaining our work for businesses and monogram-lovers in our local community, we began to build a Catholic business to provide for the request of religious embroidery across the world. Before we knew it - Catholic Embroidery was born!

How do you come up with new designs and ideas?

 

It didn't take long to realize that the world of Catholic embroidery was almost non-existent to the average embroidery artist. True, beautiful, religious embroidered designs that reflected Holy Mother Church and ageless devotions could be found in abundance on antique vestments and in little cloisters. But to the modern world, so full of creativity and with every ounce of technology at our finger-tips, such designs were scarce. After much prayer and discernment, we began creating and copyrighting exclusive designs with the help of contract artists that also shared in the desire to reproduce the beauty of our Faith through the medium of embroidery. Most of our designs are inspired from personal devotion of our family or other fellow Catholics and customers, others are inspired from antique pieces of European convents and traditions, and nearly all are created in the spirit of various styles of art throughout the ages.

Is your business a family endeavor? How do combine your work and your family life?

Our business is definitely a family endeavor! As our business has grown - so has the workload! I am very happy to have the assistance of my two sisters as seamstresses, both of whom assemble our altar linens, book covers, and rosary cases from scratch. With Dad as "Boss", Mom as "Crisis Department" (because let's face it! every business has those crisis moments, right?) and five other siblings in the family, we are never lacking in hands for trade-show help, hearts for guidence and suggestions, eyes for late-night paperwork, feet for running business-errands along with the family food-shop, and prayers for the ultimate in spiritual support. Product Pricing Movie Nights are not an uncommon event in our house!

 

Is this contemplative work for you? 

The location of our business' workshop in the basement of our home is not the only contributer toward a quiet contemplative work-style. Most often, the projects at hand dictate the spirit of the day. When working on linens that will hold the hands of a priest on his ordination, we are united to the priesthood and the mothers of priests who will one day hold the same linen on their hands when they depart this life and are presented before God. When a baptismal request is put to action, the life of new little soul is at the forefront of our minds. In creating new products and anticipating others' devotions and hunger for beauty, we travel through the lives of the saints and the history of the Church through art. The list goes on!

How does your work minister to others?

It is no secret that the human soul longs for beautiful things and reacts to them in an uplifting gesture toward heaven. It is our desire to provide beautiful embroidery designs and useful products that bring the splendor and devotion of Holy Mother Church to individuals, homes and schools around the world, thereby undergirding society and the home with visual reminders of our Faith and the path toward Christ.  By applying such designs to useful products, we hope to make those visuals a part of everyday life - whether carried in a pocket, laid on a couch, worn in the kitchen, and toted about town. These items become little missives that ultimately share the beauty of the Church with the world. Positive feedback toward this end from happy customers has only invigorated our ministry further! The crowning moment that justified this cause came only weeks ago, when I received an order for a rosary case from a 7 year old girl. Her mother told me that when she saw her parents open a package containing rosary cases ordered from our company, she ran to her piggy-bank, emptied it's contents in her mother's lap, and demanded to know if it was enough money to buy her own. 

 

Can you suggest ideas for Mother's Day? How about graduation gifts?

Yes! Our Mother's Crown Handkerchief would be the perfect thing for Mother's Day! This handkerchief showcases Cardinal Mindzenty's famous quote, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." Our new Embroidered Doilies are treasures for the mom who wants to add a touch of Catholicity to her home decor or home altar. Graduations are most-often celebrated in our shop with our Maid of France Handkerchief, directing the future with St. Joan of Arc's words, "I am not afraid; I was born to do this."  And what graduate wouldn't like to be sent off to college with a new Pillowcase or Rosary Case of heavenly protection and inspiration?

Do you do custom embroidery?

Customization is our specialty. Thanks to the nature of our small business status, we are able to create custom projects for customers and make their dreams and ideas realities. Our digitization services (converting an image to stitches) allows us to turn our customers' images and logos into embroidery patterns, ready for application on their items or products we find from our suppliers to suit their needs. As I type, our shop is filled with a variety of custom projects in the works, including a First Communion dress, baptismal gown, scapulars for a religious order, and church items, not to mention the custom requests we regularly fill for "tweaks" of our own product line. To avoid the overwhelming aspect of "all those flavors to choose from!" I often tell customers that we can be as "customized" as they desire!

 

What's the product you are most excited about in your shop right now?

Right now, I am super excited to share our Mother's Crown Handkerchief. Many of our products involve mothers - some are inspired by my own mother, others were encouraged by friends and customers who are mothers, and nearly all are loved and used daily by mothers and their families. I wanted to create a tribute to that love and devotion comprised in "rocking the cradle" and its impact in ruling the heart of the world and society. With many thanks, of course, to the Blessed Mother who never ceases rocking the cradle of the world.

A set of 2 Mother's Crown Handkerchiefs  are offered for the Giveaway. Visit the blog, website, and Facebook page for  Catholic Embroidery:

www.catholicembroidery.com

www.facebook.com/CatholicEmbroidery

www.catholicembroidery.blogspot.com

 Tells us what you find that strikes your fancy. If you leave a comment below, you will be entered once for giveaway. If you mosey over and "like" the Facebook page for the first time, leave a message there, too, and you will be entered twice. Come back here next week for the announcement of the winner.

Meet Julie from ModJules (and a Giveaway)

Julie is a local-to-me artist who designs unique jewelry for craft shows and an Etsy shop called ModJules. Mod Jules specializes in jewelry and gifts that speak to you. Julie says she loves finding and designing images and sayings that fit individual personalities. Her handmade jewelry incorporates a variety of techniques and materials, including upcycled game pieces (scrabble tiles, mah jong tiles), hand-stamped metal, rubber stamping with inks, embossed and riveted metal, and digital collages.

If you are looking for jewelry featuring Les Miserables, Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Doctor Who, Jane Austen, Dr. Seuss, the Hunger Games, English Grammar and more, this is the place! She's absolutely open to new ideas--just let her know if there's a subject for which you need jewelry!

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

My love of words, basic graphic design, scrapbooking & stamping have all combined into my jewelry style! I have a very liberal arts background; I was an English major and eventually got a graduate certificate in Linguistics. At one point, I was looking into doing web graphics as a job change and took some basic classes in web design and graphic software. When I had kids, my interest in scrapbooking took off and then I eventually got into stamping as a creative outlet. About four years ago, I tried making pendants with initials on them out of little travel checkers for my daughter’s birthday party goodie bags (I’d seen an idea online). I thought that was kind of fun and started experimenting with paper, stamping, different games pieces and resin. People started asking to buy what I was making and before long, I had myself a small business.

  

How do you come up with new designs and ideas for your jewelry?

Although my etsy store mostly has my scrabble tile pendant designs, I’m always trying new techniques and experimenting. At my craft shows, you’ll see I’m really all over the place with wire-wrapping, other game pieces and embossed, riveted, and stamped metal jewelry--rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. I just come across some new product or technique online and have to try it! As far as my scrabble tile designs are concerned, I take inspiration mostly from popular culture such as TV shows, movies, books, and music that interest me.

 

  

How do you combine your work and your family life?

I’m lucky in that part of my work can be done on the computer around my family (4 kids ranging in age from 10 to 2); I’m not writing the great American novel so I don’t need complete concentration! My jewelry is also made in stages so I can disappear into the craft room for an hour during nap time or at night or on the weekends when my husband can take over. I don’t have a schedule; I just make the time when I have an order. During the holiday craft season, my family tries to come visit me at my shows. It’s become a family tradition that when the show is in some quaint area, we go exploring nearby afterwards and get dinner (subsequently spending what I just made! lol). Also, my kids have their own craft area and it’s fun for me to see them trying to make their own things and be little entrepreneurs; I’ve made pendants from dominoes my son has colored and my daughter makes barrettes to sell at my shows.

 

Is this contemplative work for you? Do you listen to music as you create? Favorite creative soundtrack?

It’s contemplative in the sense that I NEED it to stay sane, lol. I mostly listen to the radio when I’m working—usually a pop rock station with dancey music I can bop along to.

  

Can you suggest ideas for Mother's Day? How about graduation gifts?

I do have a few mother-themed scrabble tiles; I also make custom stamped metal pendants with kids’ names on them that are popular. For graduation gifts, I make stamped metal pendants with a name and birthstone or (and this is true for moms too), if the person has any particular interest, they might enjoy a pendant with a saying that relates to them personally—maybe they love rescue dogs, want to be an English major, play Minecraft , plan on attending UVA or are a Downton Abbey fan! I can take any picture or graphic and make a custom pendant too.

 

What's the product you are most excited about in your shop right now?

Usually I’d say whatever I designed last but one series of designs I really love are my Jane Austen scrabble tile pendants. I absolutely love her books and I had so much fun choosing the quotes, finding the graphic elements and putting them all together. I had a happy accident where I’d inked the sides of the tile to get an antique look and after the resin hardened, it reacted with the ink and created this really cool unique swirled look—almost batik—so every pendant is different!

 

~*~*~*~Giveaway Details and a Special Offer~*~*~*~

Poke around Julie's store and come back and tell us which item you like best. You'll be entered to win any one scrabble tile pendant in the etsy store and a chain or cord of the winner’s choice (value is $16.50 with shipping).

 

For the special, you can take 10% off a minimum purchase of $8 with the code FOSS10  good through May 5. Think spring gift giving:-).

The winner is 

Wanda, who said...

They are all awesome, but this is my favorite...http://www.etsy.com/listing/126312147/dr-seuss-grandmother-of-all-things?ref=shop_home_active

My 4th grandchild is on the way and I am loving taking care of the precious souls!

Thanks for the opportunity to enter!

Winner, winner! Chicken Dinner!

Not really. But the winners of the Jacob's Toy Box Giveaway and the Hedgeapple Farm Giveaway are announced in the original posts. Just click those hyperlinks.

Hello from Hedgeapple Farm {giveaway}

I spent a few moments this week getting to know Lorraine of hedgapple farm and fiber studio. Please let me introduce you.

How did hedgeapple farm come to be?

.
hedgeapple farm came to be when I wanted to raise grass fed lamb for my family and friends. Eventually we had enough lamb to sell at the Des Moines Farmer Market.  Last year, hedgeapple fiber studio was born to separate the lamb from the fiber part of the business.

. 

Is yours a family business?

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We are a family run business, we all pitch in to help from my teenage boys helping with feeding and harvesting hay, to my husband who tags and gives the shots, to the young girls who help with making our dryer balls and packaging orders.

.

How do combine your work and your family life?
.
Combining my work and family life is always a struggle.  We also homeschool and I work part time at our local library.  As long as I keep my priorities straight-- God, family, work-- then everything works out.  I do have to keep reminding myself of that, especially lately.  Lambing season is here and will end sometime in late April.

What inspires you?
.
I enjoy making one of kind yarns or felted items from the wool of our own or locally raised sheep.  Nothing goes to waste here and I enjoy supporting local farms at the same time.  Also I get to use the creative side of me.

What's the product you are most excited about in your shop right now?
.
Right now my favorite item in my shops are my needle felted sheep.  I can't keep them in stock!

~*~*~*~*~

Lorraine has graciously offered to give away one set of felted dryer balls OR a felted sheep.

Dryer balls are super cool. Natural colored dryer balls are made from the wool of the sheep raised at  Hedgeapple Farm. The dryer balls weigh approx. 2 ounces and are solid wool that have been washed and dried twice, using a natural detergent, to create a sold wool ball. Wool dryer balls eliminate the need for dryer sheets and they last for years! They also reduce the drying time by up to 20% and reduce static cling. Lorraine recommends using 3 dryer balls and up to 9 for very large or heavy dryer loads like towels and jeans. The giveaway is for a package of 3 dryer balls

And the felted sheep? Well, pretty much too cute for words. 

Visit hedgeapple fiber studio and poke around a bit. Tell us what you saw there. Comments will be entered to win and the winner will be announced here next Saturday.

The winner is 

Kim F.  who said...

So much beautiful yarn...makes me want to learn how to knit! I'm intrigued by those dryer balls. I stopped using dryer sheets because I couldn't stand the overpowering smell.

Let's Open Jacob's Toy Box {{and a Giveaway}}

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

The beginning of Jacob's Toy Box is a result of a huge heartache. Last summer, I began this business after the birth of my stillborn son, Jacob, at 32 weeks gestation. This cross had been preceded by a miscarriage and before that another stillborn at 27 weeks. All this occurred within a 2 year period. God has blessed me, though, with six living children and a wonderful husband of almost twenty years. My children range in age from 17 to 6.

With each of my children, I have made a special blanket while expecting. The same was true with Jacob. I finished his blanket earlier in the pregnancy and needed something else to keep my hands busy, so I made him a stuffed animal. After his death, I was grieving something terrible.  It was so hard for me to fathom why God would give me this cross again. My faith is what carried me through this time along with my wonderful husband and church community. I know that I may never understand why God has given me this cross to carry, but He has a reason, and I must trust Him.

I am the type of person who must keep her hands busy. I didn't know what to do—I had planned to have my hands busy taking care of a newborn. (Everything had looked fine with Jacob's pregnancy. When he was born, he looked absolutely perfect. The doctor is unsure of the cause of his death. With my previous stillborn, she had Trisomy 18.)

Anyway, my children were the first to suggest that I start making stuffed animals like the one I had for Jacob and begin to sell them. I began,and then decided to try my hand at rag dolls. This lead me into making Roman Catholic religious rag dolls. Back in high school, I had a teacher who encouraged me to be a writer. (Thank you Mrs. Howard wherever you are—you were my sophmore English teacher at Marin Catholic High School, Kentfield, California. ) Since then, I had thought about it, but never pursued it. With the dolls, I thought it would be fun to write stories for them. So, it seems that one idea leads to another, which leads to still more ideas for my business. Within the next couple of weeks, I will be publishing three more stories—one about Rachel, one about Sally, and one about Maggie.

The love I would have showered on my children in heaven goes into the dolls I make.
        Recently I started a blog on my website: Snuggle time is storytime.

On this blog, I share different picture books to share with your children. Most of the books I review are available at the library.

How do combine your work and your family life?

The sewing and writing part of this business is easy for me to juggle with my family. We homeschool and my oldest is a senior and my youngest is in kindergarten. In the afternoons when the children are busy finishing up school or doing other projects , I do the sewing. Then, in the evenings during family time I do the hand sewing of the hair on the dolls or the hand sewing necessary for the stuffed animals. My husband usually reads out loud to the children chapter books after the family rosary. This is when I will sit down to do the hand sewing. Or, if we watch a movie together, I usually will be hand sewing then also.

The hard part for me to juggle is the computer stuff-- keeping track of taxesf, updating my website, etc. Mostly this is difficult because this is the least fun part for me. A new year's resolution that I am doing pretty well keeping up with is to just do it daily and not put it all in a drawer and figure it out every month or two.

What's the product you are most excited about in your shop right now?

I would say I am most excited about the religious dolls. There really aren't too many Catholic dolls available for children to play with. There are some beautiful ones that are quite expensive available on several websites, but I love the fact that my dolls are soft, cuddly, and not so expensive that you don't want to give them to a three year old. What better way to foster religious vocations in children then having a doll like this to play with? My personal favorite of the three religious dolls is Brother Hubert. My two youngest boys have Father Martin and Brother Hubert. They are often played with. One thing they enjoy doing is draping a sheet over a card table, and making a “church”. Their stuffed animals are the parishioners. Father Martin says Mass.

Prize for the giveaway:
Your choice of one of the following rag dolls: (Value $25)
Brother Hubert
Sister Marie
Father Martin
Rachel
Sally
Maggie

How to win:
*Like my facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/JacobsToyBox
and/or
*comment on one of my blog posts with the answer to the following question: What is your favorite storybook?
http://www.jacobstoybox.com/blog-snuggle-time-is-story-time.html

Then, come back here and leave a comment in order to be eligible to win. Winner will be announced next Saturday (March 30) at the bottom of this post.

The winner is 

gretchen who said...

Beautiful dolls. Thank you for sharing :) I commented on your blog and liked your facebook page.

 

Tell Your Story with Silver and Charms {{& a Giveaway}}

Happy weekend! Please allow me to introduce you to Tricia Jennings, who helps women create wearable, personal art with Origami Owl.

Origami Owl is a unique way to tell a story with a lovely locket. Tricia has me thinking Easter basket treasures for teen and tweens. These lockets can be personalized to touch a woman's (or a girl's) heart and capture for her any special occasion or sentiment.

Pictured above is a wonderful example of how a locket can be a window into a woman's world, celebrating the life of a new baby girl. As her family grows and interests expand, her locket's design possibilities can also expand by switching out charms for a new set of charms that can then be moved back and forth as desired, all at an affordable price point.

The mission of Origami Owl  is very clear:

To be a force for good;

To love, inspire, and motivate

women of all ages to raech the dreams and empowere them to make

a difference in the lives of others

When you wander into Tricia's online shop, you will be guided through the artistic process to create a unqigue, meaningful locket that will tell your story exactly how you choose to express it.  If you get stuck or you need alittle extra inspiration, Tricia is happy to help you choose the lockets, charms, tags, and dangles that best reflect your heart. .

You will have the opportunity to shop,  host an Online, Catalog, or In-real-life party,  or join the Itty Bitty Pretties Team as a Designer-in-Waiting. 



The Origami Owl party model of creating personalized high quality costume jewelry - on the spot - is the first of its kind among social selling businesses. The home party becomes more than just a social gathering amidst a backdrop of a sale going on - the jewelry creation becomes the focal point of the party as each person begins to create her own locket design.



*****************************************
Specifically, Tricia can offer readers here a fun, social, jewelry buying experience with many affordable lockets and hundreds of charms from which to choose. 

Personalized service from Tricia is available if you would like lockets assembled, packaged as gifts, and shipped directly to the gift recipient.

And here's a wonderful feature dear to my heart: Expandable Mother/Grandmother Charm necklaces that  have space for the extra children that are welcomed into a family that is open to life (no need to 
go buy a new Mommy/Grandmother Necklace when new baby comes along, just add an affordable  $5 charm to existing locket)

Tricia also offers a discount on baby charms for 5th child and beyond and discount on Angel Babies to remember our babies  already in Heaven.

From now until the end of June, 10% of the proceeds of sales will go to the St. Bryce Foundation, a missionary outreach foundation by Colleen Mitchell and her husband. Great things have been happening through this ministry and we're all happy to have another opportunity to support them.

{{Giveaway}}

Click through to Tricia's site and take a look around. Come back here and report on our ideas and inspirations. You will be enteredt to win a $ 75 credit towards purchase of Origami Owl through Tricia.

 

The winner of the giveaway is Kristen! Kristen said...

Kristen said...

The first person I thought of when I was looking over the site, was a wife of a teacher at our children's school that was just diagnosed with Breast Cancer. We send our children to a small Catholic School and everyone is like family. It would be awesome for the kids to design a special necklace for her. I saw the awareness charm for breast cancer and hope and faith and thought of her. What a great idea for meaningful and personalized gifts!

 

Let's get to know the artist at St. Luke's Brush {and a giveaway}

Long time readers know that Sarah's favorite toys are her wooden saint dolls. The very first sponsors here were Garry and Amy from St. Luke's Brush. I don't think I even considered sponsorship until they suggested it. I'm so grateful to have them and I'm so inspired by their family's work. I'd love for you to hear a little more about them.

How long have you been in business and how did you find yourself making wooden saint dolls and Catholic toys?

Amy and I officially opened St. Luke's Brush on Etsy.com, September 18, 2010. I studied painting and graphic design in college and have worked as a designer most of my career. At the time we started St. Luke's Brush I did not really have an outlet for my work or a direction, certainly not one of any significance. I had had a bit of a career reversal the year leading up to it and the idea really took form in the midst of some dark times for us. Amy said something like "What if you painted these and put them out there? What's the worst that could happen?” When life kicks you down badly it’s harder to see God’s plan, but if you can glimpse it during those times, the fruit it bears is so much sweeter. The phrase has become cliché, but only because it’s so true, “God will never give you more than you can handle and always what you need.” It was about the time of opening the shop that I became interested in St. Padre Pio and I adopted something he said as my personal motto, “Pray, hope and don’t worry. “ And so I did.

Is it a family endeavor? Do your kids help?

St. Luke's Brush is totally a family endeavor, though the bulk of working tasks usually fall to me. I like to joke around with people that Amy is the brains of the operation, but maybe it would make more sense to say that she is the heart of it. She has great ideas and her organizational skills keep the wheels on the bus. She is the reason things get shipped to the right address and on time. My older boys Jack (13) and Sam (11) have both accompanied Amy to local homeschooling conferences. Emma (8) and Leo (3) have been my product testing and quality control form the beginning. Leo has run several durability tests on the dolls including high velocity impact and full water submersion. : -) I consider them all a part of it. They encourage and inspire me, visit me in my workshop and make sure I take a break from time to time. In so many ways St. Luke’s Brush is about them and not me.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by genuine acts of kindness and selflessness. I am moved by work (art and otherwise) that comes from the soul. When you look at them, you know with a certainty, God was acting through this person. Going to church is like a trip to the art museum for me. Where else can you go to find painting, sculpture, mosaic, metalwork and beautiful music? I agree with what the artist Kessie, of Simplicities of Life, said to the same question last month that this type of work can only be attributed to the Holy Spirit. I cannot take any credit. I am but an instrument and a dull one at that. In recent days I have been inspired by the humility of now Pope Emeritus Benedict the 16th. It is humility that allows us to see the big picture and the small place in history we inhabit. If I can find a way to make a small difference in the life of a child, what greater legacy could I ask for?

Can you share a customer story or two? Someone who was particularly blessed by the work of your hands?

I am so grateful to my customers and supporters. Without them there is no shop. There are so many stories and I have come into contact with so many wonderful people as a result of this endeavor. There have been some heart rending stories of some brave little children facing scary health crises. To know that something I made with my hands brought them even a moment of comfort in the storms of their life is worth more than any remuneration I could receive for my work. Some of my customers get more involved in the process and I love to receive input and guidance from them. A nine year old boy named Andrew, who saved up to purchase a St. Padre Pio doll. As he had a strong devotion to this saint no detail went unnoticed and at the time, my St. Padre Pio was not depicted holding a rosary. Andrew was very dismayed as St. Pio offered the rosary several times a day and would very rarely have been without one. The mother wondered if she sent it back, would I add it. Rather than hassle with that, I sent him a new one and his comment made me laugh out loud. "Mommy now he can bi-locate!" But in all seriousness, his mother Debora said all I need to hear to know I am doing something worthwhile with my gift. "I thank your husband for creating something of value to my children to help them on their journey to heaven." If I could transform that into a mission statement, that would be it.

In the Foss family, we like to give these dolls as gifts in stockings and in Easter baskets. I'm always looking for new ideas and for someone to point out a special one to add to our collection. Spend a moment or two perusing the beautiful toys in Garry's shop and get back to me with what you see. Leave a comment and you will be entered to win a St. Veronica doll. Winner will be announced in this post next Saturday. But wait! There's more;-)

Garry is offering In the Heart of My Home readers a free painted egg for every purchase of $100 or more. 

The winner of this giveaway is Michelle! Michelle said...

Michelle said...

I love all of these dolls and sets.I would love to start getting them for my kids - ages 8 and under. I think it will be hard to choose which ones to start with. My three girls would love them, but I think even my 2 boys would play with them!

 

It's a BIG GIVEAWAY! 1 Bracelet--->1 Child--->1 Week of Food {a brand new twist on a favorite way to feed orphans}

What started as a traveling surfer's promise to a child in an orphanage in Bali Indonesia became an international movement.

Please don't forget about us!

It was the plea of an older child as the surfer was leaving for the airport after an extended stay.

"Don't worry; I won't," came the answer, steady and sure.

And he didn't. And he hasn't.

Please allow me to take a moment to re-acquaint you with the good folks at GIVE Bracelets, or to introduce you for the first time. I love this company, their beautiful bracelets, and their wide-open bigger-than-big hearts. Over time, I've gotten to know a little about the people behind the business.

Christy Halsell shared how it all got started:

"When I went to Bali on my honeymoon in 2003, I had no idea it would gradually become such a pull in our lives.  

"Okay, that’s a lie.  I had a sneaking suspicion.  Probably because my husband, Charlie, is a surfer and pulling him away from the waves in Bali is like pulling a child away from Disneyland.  Or pulling me away from chocolate, to give a very realistic analogy. 

"Though I knew Bali was close to Charlie’s heart, I was surprised to find his vision for this small island so intense."

Christy had married a man who had made a promise on his first visit to Bali. And it was a promise he meant to keep. If you ask Charlie, it is Christy who has made it possible for him to keep the promise in ways neither of them could have imagined when they began their life together.

“She is my constant,” Charlie shares,  “I’ve always been a dreamer with only half-follow ups at best. Christy doesn’t forget the goals we set together. On her first trip to Bali – our honeymoon – I told her about my idea of starting a business to provide for the basic needs of the children, and she said ‘Let’s go for it!’ That’s when things started taking off.”

Christy picks up the story, "In fact, we ended up back in Bali a few short years later.  We spent nine months learning how to live and do business in this other culture with our two small boys. As we worked, we hoped to begin fulfilling our goals of helping others in need."

 

Styles vary widely, as do price points. It's been nice to shop where there is something for everyone. 

" During that nine months, we went weekly to an orphanage Charlie had visited years before on missions trips. Our vision for this orphanage began to take shape and today, through a few different importing/exporting business ventures, and with the involvement of Charlie’s family, we are blessed to be running a company named Give Bracelets."

Give Bracelets is a sustainable movement to provide food for children in orphanages throughout Indonesia. The vision is simple: every bracelet purchased directly benefits kids in need. So no matter what type of bracelet you choose:friendship bracelets, charm bracelet, leather bracelet, beaded bracelet, cuff bracelets or any of the other great  bracelets, you’re really choosing to make a difference. 

The Foss family has now purchased a little bit of everything: friendship bracelets, charm bracelets, leather bracelets, beaded bracelets, cuff bracelets and silver bracelets. And we've been very, very pleased. ( The pictures here don't begin to do justice to the silver bracelets. If you have someone special in mind--a special someone gift to buy--do consider these. I was blown away when I opened the package to check ours out and they were very well-received. I know the recipients of these bracelets care that there's more to the story: With every bracelet you purchase, Give Jewelry provides one week of nutritious food (that's 21 meals!) for a child in need. I'm not the only happy bracelet- buyer.

But all is not roses and happy packages in the bracelet business. There are downtimes. After the flurry of gift giving in December and February, people aren't as likely to purchase bracelets. But children are still hungry. Here's where this innovative new idea comes in.

 

There are gift-giving moments in your near future. Bracelets tuck nicely into Easter baskets. They are lovely (and much appreciated teacher's gifts). Graduates dig them. Mothers appreciate them. And it's also not a bad idea to keep a gift or two (all nicley wrapped and rpesentable already) for those moments when you want to give impulsively. Why not start buying one at a time and taking the burden off the big buying spree at the end of the year?

Join the bracelet of the month club:

Bracelet of the Month:The current most popular GIVE bracelet (in the $25 to $35 range) delivered to your doorstep plus a week of food donated in YOUR name once a month!! How cool is that!? "The best part of wearing a bracelet by Give is the constant reminder it is of the difference I made in the life of a child. Each time I look at it on my wrist - I just feel good inside!" ~ quote from a Give customer For yourself or a gift! One-of-a-kind Bracelets→ Bali artisans create all bracelets by hand so no two pieces are identical. Joining the Bracelet of the Month Club will ensure that you always have a bracelet that is not only the latest style, but also truly one of a kind. Each bracelet also has an exclusive "Give Jewelry" charm with removable clasp so you can remove and re-attach the charm where you prefer. (Attach your charm in a visible place to let people know about the difference you made!) 1 BRACELET → 1 CHILD → 1 WEEK OF FOOD With every bracelet you purchase, Give Braclets provides one week of nutritious food (that's 21 meals!) for a child in need. Generosity looks good on you!  Give Bracelets: The most affordable and effective way to make a difference  for a child in need. Bracelet of the Month Club - How it works Your first bracelet will be shipped to you within one business day of joining the Bracelet of the Month Club. Through using Paypal's ultra-secure subscription service, either your Paypal account or the card of your choice will receive a $20 deduction once a month that will include: Give Jewelry's current Best Selling Bracelet (in the $25 to $35 range) Our Signature "Smile" Gift Packaging One Week of Nutritous Food (21 meals!!) donated in YOUR name FREE shipping and handling! The Priceless feeling you get when you KNOW you've made a difference To Join the Bracelet of the Month Club, simply click on the "Add to Bag" button here and then "continue to checkout" to complete the process.IMPORTANT: To join the bracelet of the month club using Paypal's subscription service - this must be your only purchase with this order. (to purchase individual bracelets, please do so in a separate order) The Bracelet of the Month Club - the easiest way to make a difference in the life of a child AND feel great year round!

{{GIVEAWAY}}

Thanks for sticking with me so far. :-) The folks at Give Bracelets will give one Bracelet of the Month membership to a reader of In the Heart of my Home. To be entered, 

Go to the site, pick your favorite bracelet, leave a comment with your favorite bracelet, link and a short description (using descriptive words like cuff bracelet, friendship bracelet, etc.)

To up your chances, you're invited to leave bonus comments: 

Subscribe to the Give Jewelry blog: www.thegiveteam.com
“Like” Give Jewelry on Facebook: www.facebook.com/givejewelry
Follow Give Jewelry on Twitter: www.twitter.com/GiveJewelryTeam
Subscribe to Give Jewelry YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/givejewelry
• Post about Give Jewelry on YOUR blog, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube: www.give-jewelry.com
• And if you post a picture of your Give bracelet on Instagram and let me know @heartofmyhome and hashtag #givebracelets, I'll count it twice!

Leave a comment for each “subscribe,” “follow,” or “like” or blog post you do!

Please help us spread the word about this wonderful organization! 

Everything above will GREATLY help the children at the orphanages GIVE supports by helping to get the word out about this easy, affordable way to Give.

 The winner will be posted in this post next Saturday. The winner of last week's giveaway is posted here. 

The winner is Heidi.

Heidi said...

Oooh...so hard to choose a favorite! But I quite like the tan cuff bracelet with mother of pearl and abalone center, 
http://givebracelets.com/cuff-bracelets-p-489.html
I love this idea of Bracelet of the Month--so perfect for unique birthday (and other types) of gifts for a wide variety of ages, throughout the year. Thanks for doing this!

Meet the Folks behind Simplicities of Life {and a Giveaway}

I had a little chat with Kessie, the artist who brings beautiful sacramentals to us from Simplicities of Life. Sit a spell and get to know her. You'll be blessed.

How long have you been in business and how did you find yourself making sacramentals and jewelry? 

We officially opened around August 2009. It all started when we wanted to give a unique gift to our in-home marriage prep couples. A friend in the community got us started with the gifts, then everyone wanted to start to purchase a family rosary or single rosary from us. With the help of the Holy Spirit---things have been busy ever since!

Is it a family endeavor?Do your kids help? 

When we first started it was just myself with an extra hand from Coby, my husband. As time went by, our oldest son helped very often. Then, most nights, Coby and I would work together in the studio. In the past year, Coby started the Diaconate program in our diocese. Needless to say, I "lost" his help:). I have currently hired 2 homeschool teenagers to come in, when needed and help string beads. On another day, I follow behind them, check the item and finish it with the crimps and medals.

This past Christmas season, was so much fun. I remember many days while our youngest was taking his nap and "everyone" was helping--from our hired help, our 12-, 9-, 6-, and 4-year-old, and my sweet godchild who was on break from school. Although it was crazy busy, it was a very blessed time. 

What inspires you?

 All of the credit goes to the Holy Spirit! People sometimes laugh when I say that and reply, "Well it's your hands putting it together and your eyes seeing the finished item--so give yourself credit." I do not and will not take the credit. The Holy Spirit is what guides my thoughts and creations while I am in my studio. Occasionally, when I am "stuck" on an item or trying to hard to create it, I will ask Our Lady to show me what kind of rosary or necklace she desires and it usually pops in my head. If I am able to be in my studio undisturbed and in prayer, as soon as one pattern is complete,  another one is there in my head waiting to be created.

Early on in the business, I remember sitting in my Holy Hour (not thinking of the business at all) and bead patterns started to appear in my head. I tried to ignore them, but they wouldn't go away. So I turned to the back of my journal, jotted them down and went back to my personal prayer time. This was the start of my confirmation that the Holy Spirit had a plan for our business.

Can you share a customer story? Someone who was particularly blessed by the work of your hands? 

One day we were at a conference and while the speaker was talking, my oldest son and I went sit on the side to rest. The manager of the building came up to us and asked us if we could remind him how to pray the rosary. After spending about a half hour together, we went our separate ways. As we were walking back to our booth, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to give a chaplet to the manager. When I found him just moments later, he was standing in the corner (his back was facing me, so he could not see me), using his fingers and whispering the prayers to  the rosary. He needed the chaplet! I tapped him on his shoulder and gave it to him. He was shocked, but so very thankful. He kept offering to pay me for it, but I tried to explain to him that wasn't the point and that it was clear to me that the Holy Spirit and Our Lady wanted him to have this tool for his journey.

 

  

This is just one story of very many. Our family is very blessed to have a business that is also a ministry. We are grateful that Our Lord and Our Lady allow us to meet so many children of God. We are extremely grateful that He allows us to help so many people on their journey. We look forward to what God has in store for us in the upcoming years:).

~ ~ ~

Giveaway: Kessie is offering a Sacred Heart chaplet for In the Heart of My Home readers. Just leave a comment below to be entered to win. If you have a story about a sacramental, share it and your name will be entered twice.

Do take some time to browse Simplicities of Life. These works of art make extraordinary additions to Easter baskets.

The winner is 

Mary Beth,  who said...

These rosaries are exquisite! I would love to have one to help me in my journey! I entered The Church last Easter, and it was a wonderful beginning to what was to be come the most difficult & heart-wrenching year of my life so far. My faith never wavered, but I feel like a baby bird who tentatively spread her wings, stepped out of the nest, and plummeted toward the ground without learning how to fly on the way down! I would very much like to develop the discipline and love of praying with a rosary, and one of these would certainly entice me to spend more time in prayer.

 

Mary Beth, please email me with you snail mail address and I'll forward all the details to Kessie!

Sponsor Love

I can't believe it's already February! There are a few sponsor spots available as we head into the spring. Since Febraury is a short month and I'm a bit behind in getting the word out, I'll extend a free month to new sponsors who commit to quarterly sponsorship by February 8. 

I love working with my sponsors to bring news of their businesses to my readers. My sponsors are men and women committed to integrating work and wholehearted parenting and sponsoring this blog gives them an opportunity to connect with likeminded readers.Readers benefit because they get to know some really great artists and writers and entrepeneurs. It's a win-win. If you have an Etsy shop or small business that you think might bless readers of  In the Heart of my Home, please consider becoming a sponsor.  Please contact me at intheheartofmyhome AT gmail DOT com for more information. Hurry! February is slipping away!

Shop for Bracelets and Feed Orphans {and be entered for the Big Giveaway}

Give: 1 bracelet --> 1 child -->1 week of food

What started as a traveling surfer's promise to a child in an orphanage in Bali Indonesia became an international movement.

Please don't forget about us!

It was the plea of an older child as the surfer was leaving for the airport after an extended stay.

"Don't worry; I won't," came the answer, steady and sure.

And he didn't. And he hasn't.

Please take a moment or two to get to know this organization:  please go read. These are amazing folks who are working so hard on behalf of orphans in Bali. 

We did a lot of shopping at GIVE Bracelets last  year. The motto at GIVE is One Bracelet-> One Child-> One Week of Food.  By the time we finished Christmas shopping, we'd fed thirteen children. Thirteen bracelets! I've now seen every style, from the simple friendship bracelets to an absolutely beautiful silver bracelet. I've shopped (and helped my kids shop) for people from 13 to 40-something. 

And then, we did it again this year. I can't tell you what we bought and where it's going because there are still gifts to give. What I can tell you is that as people receive these gifts, they're as excited as we are. The bracelets are lovely and the gift bag spells out the real gift: because of where it was purchased, the bracelet given feeds a child in Bali for a week.

 

Styles vary widely, as do price points. It's been nice to shop where there is something for everyone. 

 

Here's an update from Charlie on the latest at Give:

The latest news is from the orphanage Charlie visited last year on the island of Timor. This orphanage has 28 children all with different levels of mental and/or physical disabilities. All eight of the children that needed surgeries have gotten them! Six more needed surgeries because of birth defects and with the money Charlie left on this trip, along with the funds Give has been sending, they all have been able to get the needed surgeries! Charlie received a package recently with photos of each of the children before and after their surgeries. Each child had a brand new school uniform. They are each being fed well by the goats and chickens that they now have for milk and eggs and they are drinking freely from a new water well that has been dug!

This video beautifully captures the spirit of Give 

Remember to keep this amazing company in your constant prayers as their mission helps so many children. Also, keep Charlie's wife in your prayers as she's expecting in a few weeks.

Now, on to how you can help:  Give Bracelets offers a wide variety of bracelets in difference price ranges to meet your needs. Whether it be mothers, grandmothers, daughters, teachers, girlfriends, wives, aunts or sisters there is an appropriate bracelet for all of them. They offer silver, cuff, wrap and many other bracelets that are perfect for gifts! The best part about it is1 bracelet is 1 week of food for a child in need! 

AND THE GIVEAWAY

Give Bracelets has graciously offered $200 store credit to the winner of this giveaway. Winner to be announced Thursday evening. All you have to do is like Give Bracelets on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, or Subscribe on YouTube. If you don't do social media, just pass the link along to a friend or two;-). Then leave a comment below.   

The Giveaway winner is Marisa:-)

Giveaway Winners

I'm happy to announce the winners of the giveaways this month, To celebrate the Solemnity.

 

The good folks at St. Luke's Brush are offering this darling St. Kateri doll.

 

The winner of the Saint Kateri Doll is Sarah:

Sarah said...

If our new baby is a girl, she'll be Kateri, so I think I might pick her! But my God daughter is Zita, so I am thrilled to see her in the line up as well! Such beautiful dolls!

Congratulations Sarah, please send me an email so I can let the folks at St. Luke's Brush know where to send your beautiful stocking stuffer.

 

Sweet Ruth of Loreto Rosaries is offering a lovely set of earrings.

 

The winner of the Miraculous Medal Earrings is Suzanne:

Suzanne said...

Beautiful! I think I have found what my daughter is getting in her stocking, as soon as I can make up my mind :) The St. Anne necklace is particularly beautiful. Thanks for introducing us to this beautiful jewelery.

Congratulations Suzanne, please send me an email so I can let Ruth know where to send your earrings.

Best Stocking Stuffers Ever and a Giveaway

Wooden Saints Dolls have been officially declared the favorite and most enduring toy of the Foss family. Not a day goes by that they aren't incorporated into the world of play in our house. As a matter of fact, not long ago, Sarah corralled Patrick's buddy Kennedy to play with her. By the time she was finished with him, he could accurately identify by name all fifteen of the saints in our collection!

These toys are the best stocking stuffers ever!

You won't be sorry if you plan ahead right now and do a little shopping at St. Luke's Brush. Bonus: St. Luke's Brush is offering a special promo right now. For every $125 you spend on these great little stocking stuffers, you will get a St. Joseph doll absolutely free!

In honor of the recent canonization of St. Kateri, St. Luke's Brush is offering to give one doll to a reader here. To qualify for the giveaway, visit St. Luke's brush and tell us which dolls you'd like to stuff into a special stocking this year.

 

needle & thREAD

 

Well, hello there! Is it really Thursday already? I'm afraid I haven't any sewing to show you. I've been creating in my sewing space, but nary a stitch was sewn. I have, however learned a very important lesson.

If you find a fabric you love and you want to design a project around it, buy everything you need right away. Everything. Really. Even extra is a good idea. What I didn't know about the modern designer fabric sewing world is that a fabric might be available only for a season before the designer introduces the next thing and the first fades into oblivion.  Well, now, that is certainly an excellent reason for a stash. Having been well schooled in this fact, I now understand all those serious sewing ladies who have shelves crammed full of fabric. One must hoard, I think.

Remember last spring--early spring it was--when I asked you about a fabric to make an anniversary quilt? I decided upon California Girl. I ordered my fat quarters, but I left the borders and sashing and binding and backing fabric to wait for another payday. My initial thought was to embroider the centers of every log cabin block. I made three. Then I realized that I could do this or I could finish the quilt sometime this year. And then, we went to California for our anniversary. Not only that, we went to the very same places that inspired this fabric--the very same San Francisco Bay area where the designer lives. (Click. it's really cool.) Serendipitously, my choice all those months ago became even more perfect. I would cover our bed in California hues, keeping memories fresh forever. Happy, happy thought.

Last week, all aflutter with renewed zeal for this project, I consulted my notes and went to order the remaining fabric. I could find it no where. Actually, I found and ordered it at Fabric.com, planned everything around the whole 9 yards (literally) of backing fabric only to learn that they didn't really have the backing fabric. They have messed up every order I've ever made. No more from them. Ever.

Now, I had sashing and borders coming from elsewhere and no backing any where. I spent a ridiculous number of hours searching. In the end, it was the Fat Quarter Shop who came to my rescue. [Note: They are a blog sponsor. Also note: I am eternally grateful and would have told you this story any way.]. So, now I have a stash of adequate backing fabric (different from my original plan but still good) and I can sleep at night.

After my anniversary quilt fabric experience, I cast a wary eye at the fabric stashed for Mary Beth's quilt. I'd originally planned to make this quilt to throw over the back of the couch in the family room. Mike was not a fan. Mary Beth, however, loves this fabric. So, it was decided that we'd make her bed quilt from it. The problem? I bought enough fabric for a 64"X 64" square quilt. Standard double bed quilt size: 80" X 80". I have yet to solve this problem because--again--I'm learning that I should have over-stashed when it was hot. My plan is to get the whole thing cut and see how much fabric I have left. I'm open to suggestions. Actually, I'm begging for suggestions!

Finally, a new fabric:-). This time, I think I overbought from Leisl Gibson's new line, The Ladies Stitching Club. I was treated to gracious kindness by the proprietor of the Intrepid Thread who supplied me speedily. This fabric is intended for Fairy Tale Dresses--one in each colorway. Right now, I'm only at the sit and stare at it stage. I can't even bring myself to wash it. It's so lovely. I bought some of the border print. I haven't decided on it. Bows? Collars? I don't know. And... all the reading this week? The instructions inside those patterns--I'm reading and re-reading and working up the courage to begin. 

~~~~

Does autumn call you into your sewing space? Are you thinking flannel pjs or cozy quilts? Or are you embroidering? Pulling a needle with thread through lovely fabric to make life more beautiful somehow? Would you share with us just a single photo (or more) and a brief description of what you're up to? Will you tell us about what you're reading, also? Would you talk sewing and books with us? I'd love that so much.

Make sure the link you submit is to the URL of your blog post or your specific Flickr photo and not your main blog URL or Flickr Photostream. Please be sure and link to your current needle and thREAD post below in the comments, and not a needle and thREAD post from a previous week. If you don't have a blog, please post a photo to the needle & thREAD group at Flickr. 

       Include a link back to this post in your blog post or on your flickr photo page so that others who may want to join the needle and thREAD fun can find us! Feel free to grab a button here (in one of several colors) so that you can use the button to link:-)