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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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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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cartoon of a traveling snowman
December 17, 2019
Advent Art Joy Life Salvation Scripture

What would you give for true joy?

This week is the third in the season of Advent. My last two posts have looked at the hope and peace of Advent. This week, the theme is joy and I’m sharing another Christmas card from my archives. I did this one in 2006, before there was TSA Precheck. If you travel by air at all, it’s a safe bet you don’t associate airport security with joy. But at least you don't have to remove your eyes and nose. Yet. When we think of that original Christmas journey...

by Stephen Rountree
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image of "Shining as the Sun" sculpture
October 29, 2019
Art Hymns Inspiration Joy New works in progress Sculpture

Shining as the Sun

It's finished! Back in September, I shared a new work in progress. You can read that post here. I'm pleased to say that I've finished the piece, Shining as the Sun. As I wrote last month, this is the first in a series of sculptures inspired by the verses of "Amazing Grace," the beloved 1779 hymn by John Newton. However, I'm starting at the end because I've always loved the imagery of what we know as the last verse of the hymn: "When we’ve been there ten thousand years,...

by Stephen Rountree
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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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Image of Dandelions for Mom, a sculpture in wire and cut paper on driftwood.
May 10, 2019
Family Joy Life Sculpture Uncategorized

Dandelions for Mom

Our moms have sacrificed for us, believed in us, and loved us unconditionally. When we were little, we tried to return that love as best we could with small hands offering small gifts from big hearts full from a mother's love. That's the inspiration for Patti's sculpture, "Dandelions for Mom." Patti says, "I wish I had a dollar for every dandelion I gave my mom. I would be a very rich lady! What is it about a dandelion that a child cannot walk by it without picking...

by Stephen Rountree
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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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February 5, 2017
Art Calling Gospel Joy Obedience

New life

Several of these smaller sculpture/signs are under way at the moment. I like these pieces because they're a simple metaphor for the work God does in rescuing everyone who trusts in Christ to take the punishment for their sin. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross enables God's forgiveness and mercy toward those who trust in Him as Savior. Instead of tossing us aside, Jesus salvages us, reclaims us, and puts His word in our hearts. As pieces of unique original art, sculptures in the Salvaged Messengers series remind...

by Stephen Rountree