Meaningful Giving

I spent the first of May in the company of very lovely and gifted women. It was another one of our Meet & Makes, which is something I always look forward to. These get togethers are different everytime (sometimes we end up not making anything at all and eat our hearts out instead!) but it always is a good time.

We held this last one at Kendo Creative. Of course I was excited to be hosting our little summer party! I even did a bit of decorating, sprucing up the space with some artwork, table top plants and macrame wall hangings.

The ever lovely Fhel even prepared a simple craft activity for all. She gave us a pretty picture frames and had us print photos using an Instax printer which we used to make summer themed collages. We happily did this in between sips of coffee, snack bites and stories about what’s been going on in our respective lives. Why just chat when you can craft and catch up, am I right? Fhel has become so good in organizing activities that bring people together. I just love the warmth she never fails to contributes to the group.

And then my favorite part — the CRAFT SWAP! We don’t always get to do this because it takes a lot of work and we’re all very busy women. But this time, we really pushed for it to happen. And I’m so glad we did cause I really saw just how much everyone has improved in their craft and have become more creative. It also really reflects what each of us our passionate about — just like Mia and her current love for plants, Kim and her advancement into silversmithing, Kate and Auds in their ever growing skill in making all natural bath and body essentials — It’s a beautiful thing to witness and I am always amazed by what they are able to make and do.

Kate gave us bottled candles and lip balm — both homemade and natural. Audrey brought a variety of her creations which we chose from like salt soaks, soothing balms, lip tint and soaps — also all made by hand using only natural ingredients. They all smell so so good!

Kim, repurposing scrap brass pieces, created for us these very charming rings — each of them unique and full of character.

Mia wowed us all and, quite frankly, brought the house down with her wood and macrame plant hangers, which she designed and made herself with some help from a carpenter. She gave them out accompanied by instructions on basic air plant care.

I also had my chance to share my current fondness for embroidery. I had been wanting to work on an embroidery project but didn’t really have the chance to get started until this swap came up. So I was happy to finally work on it. I made embroidered pins in various designs — hamsa, plants and coffee — themes I knew they like and enjoy.

It honestly felt like Christmas! Gift giving and merry making in May! It felt like a celebration and indeed it was. It was a celebration of our work, our passions, our growth, our individuality and our sisterhood.

I came out of that room feeling so built up and happy. Nobody gave a pep talk or even particularly said a word of inspiration. We were just a bunch of ladies hanging out for breakfast. But the mere company of these women was and has always been a breath of fresh air. I think it’s because everyone came to give of themselves, to give things that meant something. And when you give, with delight, with meaning, you receive more joy back.

Thanks again, Mia, Fhel, Auds, Kim and Kate for your generosity and friendship! Keep making and pouring yourself out to your crafts. You are all inspiring women. Til the next Meet & Make!