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February 11, 2020
Calling Creativity Glorifying Gospel Inspiration Joy Obedience Praise

Crying rocks

Our raison d'être Artists, crafters, writers, and appreciators of the arts know that nothing is created without some purpose. The purpose may seem insignificant, but it's there, as a thing's reason for existence. Our Presbyterian friends, among others, are familiar with the Westminster Shorter Catechism, a series of questions and answers that teach truths from the Scripture. The very first question is, "What is the chief end of man?" In other words, what's our grand purpose—why are we here? The answer: "Man’s chief end is to glorify...

by Stephen Rountree
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New Song sculpture by Stephen Rountree
January 7, 2020
Art Calling Creativity Faith Gospel Inspiration Psalms Scripture

A new song

A new year. A new decade. 100 years ago, our nation was entering what became known as the "Roaring Twenties." It was a time of economic and cultural growth and prosperity. As we ease into the 2020s, I'm wondering if these will be the "Roaring Twenties" for me creatively and spiritually. Will I see new growth in those areas of my life this year? I'd like to. Maybe you would, too. A vision for 2020 Lately, I've been meditating on Psalm 96. It's short—just 13 verses—but it's packed with big ideas...

by Stephen Rountree
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Wood and wire sculpture
December 31, 2019
Art Creativity Inspiration Joy Life Scripture

Walking on water in 2020?

What do you want to do or become in 2020? For those who like to set goals, the new year inevitably brings with it the talk of resolutions. Some folks aim to lose weight, eat better, or get in shape. Others will strive to read more, or start—or finish—that book they want to write. You're reading Inspiring Handmade (thank you!), so perhaps you have a creative project in mind. Will 2020 be the year you try a new type of art? Or take what you've learned in the...

by Stephen Rountree
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November 19, 2019
Art Behind the Scenes Creativity Faith Inspiration Lessons from nature Life Sculpture Where we come from

Art that connects with The Creator

Kristi Nash Harrison says she's an attention deficit artist. "I jump from one thing to the next," she told me when I caught up with her this week as she was preparing for what's become known as "the most anticipated little craft show in Mechanicsville." That would be The Three Whine Oh’s and Friends Holiday Open House at my Inspiring Handmade partner in art, Patti Jones' home and studio: 8352 Devil's Den Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, in Battlefield Green. This year (the show's 17th) the fun begins...

by Stephen Rountree
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Photo of Ruby and Will Price holding the toddler Stephen around 1968 or '69 in Pearisburg, Va.
November 5, 2019
Art Creativity Faith Family Inspiration Life Where we come from

Remembering a wise & creative grandmother

Handmade doll furniture by Ruby Price My Grandma Ruby would have been 112 today. Born in 1907, she passed away just weeks before our first child was born in 2004. I've shared a little about her here, where I discussed the handmade furniture she created from scraps of wood for my mother to use with her dolls. In honor of Ruby Cox Price Johnston today, I want to share some of what I wrote for her memorial service 15 years ago. When I remember Grandma, I remember sweet iced tea....

by Stephen Rountree
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photo of Patti Jones on her family's farm with the black walnut tree
October 7, 2019
Art Behind the Scenes Creativity Family Inspiration Life Where we come from

The old black walnut tree

I recently traveled back home to visit my mom for a few days on the family farm in Wythe County, Virginia. I love that farm, which has been in my family for so many generations. The living monument that has stood guard over the farm all these years is a huge black walnut tree. In its younger days, it served as a property marker. In recent years, the graceful old tree has offered a place to hold countless family picnics. And to every generation, the tree has offered...

by Patti Jones
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Photo of a hand-woven pine needle basket that Emmaline gifted to Patti.
August 5, 2019
baskets Creativity Inspiration Joy Life

A precious gift

Recently I was given a very precious gift. My dear friend, Mrs. Emmaline Davis, gifted me with a handmade pine needle basket given to her many, many years ago. Knowing that I make pine needle baskets, she knew I would appreciate the workmanship and love that went into making that little treasure. It is so delicately constructed with just single needles and thread! I was so touched. I love Mrs. Emmaline and cherish her friendship, and I know this is a special basket that she has given...

by Patti Jones
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Photo of a hand-woven pine needle basket that Emmaline gifted to Patti.
August 5, 2019
baskets Creativity Inspiration Joy Life

A precious gift

Recently I was given a very precious gift. My dear friend, Mrs. Emmaline Davis, gifted me with a handmade pine needle basket given to her many, many years ago. Knowing that I make pine needle baskets, she knew I would appreciate the workmanship and love that went into making that little treasure. It is so delicately constructed with just single needles and thread! I was so touched. I love Mrs. Emmaline and cherish her friendship, and I know this is a special basket that she has given...

by Patti Jones
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The first set of WirePeople is the Childhood Memories collection
February 4, 2019
Art Creativity Inspiration Joy Life Sculpture

Wire People sculptures recall childhood, celebrate life’s singular moments

Do you fight the tendency to overdo it? Many of us do! We over-eat, over-work, over-drink, over-stare-at-our-phones. Whatever it is, if one is good, two must be better! And we live in a consumer culture that has grown to glorify getting more and more stuff. So much so that now one of the most popular shows on television is all about getting rid of your things. Sometimes, as the cliché goes, less really is more. That has proven to be true for me as I've been exploring wire sculpture...

by Patti Jones
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One of the "In Christ" sculptures set on an old oak log.
March 29, 2017
Art Creativity Faith Gospel Obedience

The extraordinary from the ordinary

Do you consider yourself creative? Do you find pleasure in making things? Maybe you spend free hours practicing a certain craft. Perhaps you paint, or draw, or design things. Or maybe you're someone who says, "I'm not very creative," because you don't do any of those things. Creativity, however, is not only about making fine art or amazing crafts. It's a built-in quality of our humanity and can be found wherever the spark of human touch has been added to even the simplest things or places. To begin...

by Stephen Rountree