Hello Friends!
Today I’d like to share some simple winter homemaking with you. The art of homemaking has been on my heart lately and with the slow season we’ve enjoyed this winter I’ve had some time to think about what it is you and I do each day in our homes, and the effect it has on others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG89POwMQMwThe “making” part of that word indicates something created. Have you even thought that you are a creator of a home? Through the simple, repetitive daily tasks you are creating beauty, peace, welcome, and security for family and friends. Practically speaking you can create beauty by arranging a simple bouquet of flowers in a lovely vase or, as I have here, an antique teapot. I’ve found that it is important to use your favorite things. Your “best” things. This teapot is probably over 100 years old and has a large crack in the bottom. Instead of setting it on a shelf to gather dust, every once in a while I use it as a vase. To protect the teapot the flowers are placed in a drinking glass, then slipped inside the teapot. These pinks and fuchsias against the soft blue look so pretty together.
The way we keep our homes sends a message to those who live there, and to those who come to visit. This got me thinking… What message am I sending? As homemakers, we have the unique opportunity to make members of our family feel loved. And sometimes it’s the simplest things that speak love. As simple as it sounds, I’ve been reminded that preparing yummy, hot food makes my man feel loved. This has renewed my desire to meal plan, pack him healthy lunches, and keep a well-stocked pantry.
What are some ways you can make your family members feel loved? Making an intentional, specific investment in others is one way I’ve found to send the message that I love them. One way I do this is by making a quilt designed for that person. The colors, the theme, and the quilt pattern are carefully chosen to match that person’s color preferences, season of life, or home style.
This quilt was designed for a baby boy and matches the nursery theme his Mama has chosen. Finding just the right fabrics, colors, and patterns is incredibly fun! Watching the quilt take shape from something imagined to a finished gift is a fascinating, satisfying process! What ways have you found to specifically invest in others?
Knowing the “why” behind what you do gives the best staying power”.
I hope your New Year is off to a wonderful start and you find time to create a home of love, peace, and welcome for your family & friends. Until next time,
Take care,
Rachel
