It’s good for our soul to create with our hands.
The Crafter’s Box, a monthly subscription for those who love to make, included this card in the May delivery. I agree. I believe making things connects each of us in a deeper way and elevates the world.
The May Crafter’s Box project captivated me with its lush embroidery thread and hand-crafted linen bag. My roots, from childhood, include needlework. So, with the resonance clear, I signed on.
In general, my practice is to take beadwork with me when I travel. Little bags of tiny projects help me count the miles on a roadtrip. When I return I finalize my pieces as needed: polish, mount, add design elements.
My husband drives, I bead and we listen to a book on tape. Here’s a before and after from a recent 2,000-mile outing to Missouri to celebrate my Mother’s 90th birthday.
©2018, Mary Ellen Merrigan, Coletta Merrigan, Photo by KD Photography
This bag of related beads
Morphed into a few lanyards…
©2018, Mary Ellen Merrigan, Lanyards
Some cabochons came together to include their bezels.
Others will be translated into pieces of a bead weaving or used as embellishment in another project.
©2018, Mary Ellen Merrigan, Beaded Swarowski Crystal
During my next trip I’ll work on floral embroidery – a linen utility bag and a knitted, embellished tank – the May Crafter’s Box project. Part of my authentic self loves handwork. My introduction to beads in 2007 launched my blog and newsletter, Soul Juice.
Soul Juice musings. Yes, it’s good for my soul to create with my hands. How will you honor your soul?