November 19th, 2009
Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, OR by ahp_ibanez
While I try to take a minute each day to count my blessings, the hustle and bustle of life as a mother of three can all too easily put self-reflection on the back burner. That’s one of the many reasons why I love Thanksgiving. This holiday brings a special opportunity for me to express gratitude to others and teach my kids of the importance of being thankful as well. Whenever possible, I try to make learning an engaging and fun experience for my kids. And so, an easy, nature-inspired project comes to mind when I think of showing appreciation. I like to call it the thankful tree.
While hiking in Oregon this past weekend with my kids, we hunted for fall leaves and a beautiful, unique branch to serve as our thankful tree. Hunting for the most unique branch we could find was half the fun! Back at home, I gathered leftover cardstock, twine and waxed cord that I had laying around. Using our fall leaves, we traced and cut unique leaf shapes out of the paper. On each leaf, I had my kids write one thing that they were grateful for. Their answers both surprised and delighted me! Using a hole-punch, we punched holes in each of our “thankful” leaves. With colorful waxed ribbon and twine, we attached each leaf to the boughs of the branch. I also added the fall leaves we collected for a burst of vibrant fall colors.
Once finished, I place our decorative display on a tabletop by my front door entryway. Not only is our thankful tree beautiful enough to show off to the guests that I’ll be having over for during the holidays, but now each time we come and go, we are reminded of the bounty of blessings in our lives.
Tags: A Soolip Wedding, Crafts, fall leaves, family, Gratitude Tree, hiking, hole punch, leaves, Oregon., ribbon, Soolip, Thanksgiving, twine, Wanda Wen
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November 11th, 2009
The Gift
Stumbled upon these two rocks …… one – quiet, round, at peace, alone, and the other – open and ready to receive. Beauty is in all things.
Tags: art of gift wrapping, beauty, gift topper, gift wrap, Gift Wrapping, Mother Nature, Nature, peace, rocks, Soolip, wanda, Wanda Wen
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October 20th, 2009
Nature's Inspiration
The holidays are upon us and I naturally start thinking of gift wrapping. I have forever been inspired by nature. Somehow, a touch of Mother Nature is all it takes for one to feel centered and at peace inside. I encourage you to scour your immediate environment for uncommon wrapping materials – your closets, your kitchen cabinets, your stashes of fabric, your garden, your office supply room at work. In this photo, I have used a green bark paper for the bottom gift, and a tea-stained piece of cheesecloth surrounds to gift at top. A sprig from a peppercorn tree graces the top secured by multiple wraps of a skinny gold twine (available at beading or sewing shops). Take a walk around your neighborhood and you are bound to find a great assortment of nature’s treasures.
For all you gift wrap lovers, stay tuned for my first book, The Art of Gift Wrapping, debuting April 2010, published and distributed by PotterCraft/Random House. This book is a visually stunning and tantalizing, inspiring, resourceful how-to on the art of gift wrapping. The photography was done by my dear friend Jules Bianchi, www.julesbianchi.com, and who also is available to shoot cool family portraits!
I welcome you to visit me at www.soolip.com and www.soolip.blogspot.com.
And remember ……. live each day with beauty and inspiration.
Tags: bark paper, bead, beading, cheesecloth, fabric, gift topper, gift wrap, Gift Wrapping, gifts, holiday, holidays, Jules Bianchi, materials, Mother Nature, Nature, paper, peace, peppercorn, PotterCraft, Random House, Soolip, Soolip Blog, soul, The Art of Gift Wrapping, twine, Wanda Wen
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October 11th, 2009
I wanted to share this photo I took on a recent nature hike with my kids in Jacksonville, Oregon. I stopped dead in my tracks when I caught sight of this tree and its peeling bark that so simulated paper. Mother Nature produces such stunning beauty, doesn’t she?
Tags: art of gift wrapping, bark, hike, I wanted to share this photo of peeling bark of a tree I stumble upon during a beautiful nature walk with my kids in Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Mother Nature, Nature, Oregon., paper, peeling bark, Soolip, tree, wanda, Wanda Wen, zen
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September 25th, 2009
I am testing my new blog. Feel like I’m getting a new set of legs, or learning how to ride a bicycle. I’m excited to share what I am drawn to with you all. I am inspired by nature and and life. At Soolip (www.soolip.com), my company, our motto is to live with each day with beauty and inspiration. We strive to add subtle beauty and the intimate details of life. Whether it be your home, your workplace, a party or an event, paying attention to the simple details is what transforms an ordinary environment or event into one that is extraordinary, heartfelt and inspired.
I am grateful to have met Mothering guru, Peggy O’Mara in February 2009 at the service of the late Christine Maggiore, an amazing powerful spirit. In my last conversation with Peggy, we were commiserating on life as a woman entrepreneur, and business life in these difficult economic times. We realized that we each needed a Board of Directors. So, she voted me into hers, and I voted her into mine. This was maybe 4 months ago. We still yet have to get together formally for our first board meeting. When we do, I know that it will be another pivotal moment in my life; its so grown-up.
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© 2009 Mothering Magazine