Wednesday Gratitude

Like most of us, I am ever so grateful for my wonderful family, our good health, and our home, a cottage in a historic neighborhood. But when I heard about Heidi’s Wednesday Gratitude at Heart and Home, I challenged myself to think of something not so easily defined. We all have so much to be grateful for, but what means the most, really?

  
Our living rooms chairs were a warehouse sale find, recovered with remnant bin fabric, a thrift store bedskirt, and hand-me-down fringe.

 

Aside from the normal things that one would claim, one thing makes me grateful on a daily basis, brings joy to my life continually, and is a true blessing to me. I’m grateful for my creativity!

  
Asparagus, lemons, and clipped boxwood became a quick arrangement mere minutes before a big photo shoot.

 

I have always loved to create things, and been crafting and sewing since I was a young girl. I worked hard to develop my ability, and was never more thankful for my gift than when it came time to decorate our home. I made my wedding dress, have sewn every home decorative item we own, and many of our holiday decorations, from placemats to tree ornaments. It’s also a joy to be able to create any costume, party dress, and special outfit for our daughter. Most of the gifts I give are handmade, and certainly one of a kind.

  
Vintage quilt heart sachets, holiday 2009.

 

It’s a blessing to have the ability to see items through rose-colored glasses. Many of the things that decorate our home were ugly-duckling castoffs that I could see had the potential to become lovely swans!

  
Our playhouse/potting shed was built from reclaimed and repurposed materials, and is a haven when the weather is nice.

 

It saddens me to hear someone say “I’m just not creative.” I truly believe that creativity resides in each of us, in some form or another. I would love for everyone to experience the joy and feeling of accomplishment that I have while decorating and creating. Even baking and decorating cookies with your kids can be a creative outlet!

  
This simple but lovely dinner was put together quickly after a long day in the garden, leaving time for family relaxation.

 

If this blog can inspire just one person to challenge their creativity, believe in themselves, and complete a project that they thought they couldn’t do, then it’s all worth it to me! If you feel that you’re not creative, please consider re-thinking your abilities. Email me, or any other blogger that you find on this list, and we’ll happily offer the support that you need!

  
This wall display was created with the mismatched, leftover plates that were hanging around.

 

Here’s to creativity… And thank you Heidi, for hosting! I loved what you said about celebrating our gratitude each week.

 

Love to all, Andrea

 

Comments

[Kim]

Your creativity most certainly is a blessing...not just for you, but for us who are inspired by your creations!

[Kelee Katillac]

HI!

I love your creative expression here--the slipcover, potting shed and plates are wonderful! Thanks for sharing them!

Design & Believe!

love, kelee

[Yoli ~ Apron Senorita]

Andrea, I am so glad we met, thanks to Heidi. You are sweetly blessed with such a creative spirit. Your home is beautiful.

Yoli :)

[Pat]

Oh my, you are really creative...and talented. I absolutely love that chair!! I so wish you were near me...I'd love to recover an antique sofa. The potting shed is so enticing ~ love the wicker settee. I'm grateful today that I found your blog.

xoxo
Pat

[Jill Allison Bryan]

I totally agree with you! We are all creative beings. When we tap into our creativity by any means (setting a beautiful table, creating a collage, cooking, doodling...) we experience our inner beauty - our unique spirit - our true self. As a creativity coach it is truly an honor and delight to help people reclaim that part of themselves through compassionate support and small steps. Sometimes, all we need is someone to remind us of what we knew in childhood so well (and maybe hold our hand again for just a little while)! Thanks for the great reminder to us all today!

[Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio & The Comforts of Home]

I love the chair you recreated in the first post! Amazing! And your potting shed is something I have always wanted.
Hugs,
Penny

[Brenda Kula]

I am TOTALLY drooling over that shed! Where have I been that I haven't seen you post that before? Be still my heart for that wonderful spot and those gorgeous little hearts. You are truly creative. My husband, poor man, is a doctor, but says he doesn't have a creative bone in his body. That's okay. He makes the money and I do the creative part!
Brenda