A few weeks ago I decided to paint a few rooms in the house. The girls helped and we played music while painting and had a marvellous time. Then I noticed our baseboards were terribly outdated, dirty and nicked, so I bought a book on architectural trimwork and taught myself finish carpentry. I used a power miter saw (boy, are those things fun!) and a coping saw for the first time, and installed new baseboards in three rooms of the house. Loving every bit of the work involved in the process, I now wonder whether I missed my calling as a finish carpenter. :) I couldn't stop there, so right now I'm putting my newly learned skills to use in constructing a trumeau mirror for the girls' room. I'm so excited about this project. I hope it turns out well. Woodworking is an incredibly rewarding art, and though I'm not carving statues or furniture (yet!), I can't help but contemplate the work and love of Saint Joseph for his own household while making something for mine.
Life is so good. It is rich with new things to learn and do at all times - good things which have the potential to benefit our families, our homes, our neighbors and ourselves. God has blessed us with His beautiful creation on earth, providing us abundant resources for enjoying the benefits of this life. And it doesn't have to stop there. Each and every newly learned skill performed in service, with love and gratitude, with eyes turned upward and arms outstretched as if, to say over and over, "Thank You, Father.....All for You, O Lord", can benefit us way beyond this life.
All I know is, with the wealth of goodness created for us, life should never be boring.
I haven't done any sewing in a while, but here's a little dress I made a couple months ago with the same fabric I used for sweet Karoline's outfit. It was my first fully-lined dress and Madeleine wears it to church every Sunday. :)
10 comments:
So glad homeschooling is going well for you!
That dress is gorgeous.
Pictures, we need pictures of your new hobby! ;-)
If your carpentry work is half as lovely as your sewing, your home is going to benefit immensely. I have a good friend who, with her husband, has taught herself to lay tile, build decks, install cabinetry, remodel bathrooms and on and on. Their work is meticulous. All self-taught. It certainly can be done and be very rewarding. Can't wait to hear what will be next.
I love you! My father bought me a miter saw for Christmas several years ago so I could replace the trim in our home. I'm quite proud of my clean white baseboards. How funny. I never thought I'd meet another mom who liked that stuff. And the dress is beautiful.
Your enthusiasm is so inspiring, Kristen! And that dress is gorgeous! Would you share what pattern you used? I have now completed a purse, nightgown, and top-and-skirt outfit for my daughter, and I never would have done it without all the inspiration I found here. I am going to try uploading some pictures to "Freshcut and Fabulous," as I don't have a blog.
Can't wait to see pictures of the woodwork!
I love that you are interested in so many things, Kristen. I did have to look up what a trumeau mirror is, though. Very pretty!
Thanks everyone. I'm hoping you'll all join me in learning new skills!
Amy, photos forthcoming!
Turtlemama, that's so neat. I've wanted to try tiling for years.
Jennifer, you OWN a power miter saw?? I borrowed mine from a neighbor, but I've been looking on craigslist the past couple days. :)Yes, this stuff is so fun. One afternoon I was hand-sawing casings at Home Depot with the girls in the shopping cart, when a lady shouted clear across the store, "You go girl!" and everyone there looked my way, giving me the thumbs up. It really was hilarious.
Jeannine, I'm so happy you're enjoying sewing, and I'm glad I could help. :) The pattern is Simplicity 4246. The only changes I made were to make it fully reversible (so instead of sewing the slip to the skirt, I sewed it inside-out to the bodice lining.) Do let me know when your pictures are up - I'd love to see them!
Teresa, I'm getting lots of questions about the mirror, so I'll add a link to the post.
Lovely post, as always. Just wanted to second the request for pictures of your other projects. I am BLOWN AWAY by that dress!
Wow. You just amaze me. You jump into these new projects with such joy and enthusiasm, and next thing we see, you are making these GORGEOUS items!
Shames me that I can't even work up the motivation to do the things around the house that would improve the look...
Guess I just need a swift kick and then off I'll go!
You're so amazing! Your sewing is so professional looking and stylish - I can't believe you only recently started. And carprentry! Wow! I feel proud when I use a hacksaw to cut a dowel! That mirror would be gorgeous for the girls.
Your posts are always inspirational, and remind of what is most important in this life! After reading about your forays into carpentry, I have a new, fresh perspective on the home improvement projects I will be tackling soon. My son, who is almost thirteen, and wants to paint his room blue. I have been putting off this project, but now, I look forward to completing it with my son!
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