well-crafted

October 1st

Working on something special today and enjoying some sweet memories.

From Grandpa, to Grandson

My Dad makes knives. For years he has meticulously crafted these beautiful objects, mostly for fun and sometimes for profit. Kirk is the proud owner of one, as are other family members and family friends.

And now Will has his very own knife. It was a gift made especially for him on his 8th birthday last month. By special request and made to fit his smaller hands. From Grandpa to Grandson. To say Will was thrilled to receive it would be an understatement. He is very proud and enjoys telling people all about it. “My Grandpa made this knife for me. Get it? He didn’t buy it, he made it!”

I made reference in a recent post, to working on a special project with my Dad. It was this sheath, or scabbard (not sure what the difference is). Participating in this part of the gift made it that much more meaningful. And it was a blast! I learned a lot about leather working (and thus added to my ever-growing list of ‘things I want to make and do’, specifically this. But I digress!). More photos of the process and the finished but un-dyed product here.

I have been feeling really grateful to have this work of art in our home and will cherish it for many years to come. It really is a family treasure.

A note about safety: Will is never allowed to use the knife without close and proper adult supervision and we continue to teach him about about the correct way to use it. The knife is kept in a safe and secret place in mine and Kirk’s room so we always know when it’s out.

A final note: if you are interested in having a knife for yourself or someone you love, my Dad does take custom orders. We are working on getting a Big Cartel site up and running for him, but in the meantime you can let me know and I will put you in touch with him.

Update: you can see more knives here.

And now she is 5!

Happy Birthday, Dad

Thanks, Dad, for teaching me to love art, put family first, get tough when the going does the same, and to always believe in my dreams.

I can’t remember where this was taken, but it’s probably about 15 years old and one of my favorites of my Dad and me together. (And I think I made that dress I am wearing).

Another Year

I bid my favorite six-year old farewell today. In his place is now a seven-year old. They have a lot in common, but the seven-year old is a bit taller, has a thinner face, a few more missing teeth and is ever so slightly more thoughtful and serious. (Despite the burping contest held with his friends over pizza Saturday night).

I feel short of words for this occasion. But I think the following scenes capture the weekend well…

New skateboard. New tricks.

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Licking the bowl clean. Like flies on s*@t, as Kirk says.

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Hangin’ with his crew.

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Making a wish.

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New books! Including his own dictionary.

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Freezer paper stencil T-shirts.

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Oh Will, how we love your sensitive and tender ways, your infectious laughter, your insightful little brain, your curiosity, creativity and sense of humor. But most of all, we love your kind heart and we thank you for it.

Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday, Mom

Working in her studio, circa 1984.

Hand-made birthday

For Lauren’s birthday I had some fun making stuff. Instead of a birthday dress, I made her a skirt and sweater set. The sweater is the simple and lovely Girl’s Cap-Sleeve Spring Top from Soulful Hues. What a cute and easy design! This particular version was my third attempt (more on this later) and I finally nailed the gauge with Hap’i yarn, a really beautiful cotton from the Mirasol Project. Such gorgeous yarn and a wonderful cause. Learn more here.

Lauren’s main gift this year was a Götz doll named Jessica so the next logical step was a matching outfit for her. It was pretty easy to figure out the math for the smaller size of the sweater, knit with another Marisol yarn, T’ika. So soft and easy to work with. The little coordinating skirt is slightly too short but oh so cute.

And last—but by no means least—is the traditional Birthday Dress made for my daughter by my mom. A beautifully crafted heirloom Lauren loves and I will always treasure.

Four Years

Lauren celebrated quite a bit last week. Monday was the Big Day. I served her favorite meal, noodles with red sauce. Woo-hoo! She requested a “regular” cake (basic yellow) with strawberry frosting, which was a breeze with fresh jam on hand. Since this girl loves anything and everything fancy, I set the table with my grandmother’s china and let both kids drink out of some little wine glasses from the same collection. Will made place cards for us. So cute.

Each day following, many of her sentences began with “Since it’s a special occasion, can I…?” Or, when it was time to leave the swimming pool one evening and she didn’t want to; “This is supposed to be a happy birthday!!!”

I cannot believe she has been with us for 4 years. I love the way her eyes get watery when she laughs. How silly she can be, particularly when she does the goofy face and dance to “cheer me up” when I get grumpy. She’s an affectionate girl who loves all things glamorous, and all things snuggly. A girl who sits elegantly cross-legged—in her booster seat, with a thumb in her mouth. A girl who loves garden slugs and the hair salon game on Barbie.com. A girl who often wonders aloud how God makes things—it usually involves tape and/or a trip to Target.

Saturday she partied with her friends and ran around squealing “My birthday party, my birthday party. I’m so happy!”

And we are happy too. So happy to have you in our family.

Our dear, sweet , 4-year-old girl.