Mostly self-taught, she developed her own techniques for painting, needlework, felting, mixed media and a number of other crafts. Nothing like a baby for inspiration!Ĭharlotte Lyons designs and makes things. That includes all the moments that inspired something handmade. Our three daughters are grown now, but I so enjoy the sentimental rewind as I read Amanda's heartfelt words and observe the Soule family becoming. For me, mothering is absolutely the most defining, delightful and important adventure of my life. Visiting this lovely, special place is the way I often start my day. I am so honored to be invited as a guest blogger here. I live in Portland, Oregon with my husband, three daughters, and three cats and a lot of art supplies. You can see reviews of my books, read my interviews, and listen to podcasts on my press page. I have had the pleasure to write some sewing books, Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whole New Way to Sew (Potter Craft 2007), which is currently in its fourth printing, and Bend the Rules with Fabric: Fun Sewing Projects with Stencils, Stamps, Dye, Photo Transfers, Silk Screening, and More (Potter Craft 2009). I am up to no good on an almost daily basis over at my craft weblog, Angry Chicken. I write books, draw, paint, cook, sew, parent and homeschool 3 young children, try to do yoga more often than not, and am constantly using my creativity to both express myself and not take life too seriously. I even have a recipe in here, and as a young girl, I was so proud to have "Amy's Lemon Bars" make the cut.
This one is typed, and was bound at a local copy shop back in 1980, It's not slick at all, making it all the more charming. I really want to make a book like this for my family.
I have scanned a few pages, my grandmother, mother, and great-grandmother appear on these pages along with other family members. The maiden names as well, so it's easy to trace even farther back, making it a valuable piece of family lore. The recipe assortment is odd, much of it is not real appetizing, but it's an amazing history to have-how mothers in my family history have fed their families. I briefly blogged about this years ago, but never showed much from it. It has recipes from great aunts, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and now great-great grandmothers in it. One of my most treasured possessions I have is a family cookbook my aunt and mom put together in 1980 of family recipes. I have been inspired by the gifts they've shared, and I'm sure you will too. I'm so grateful to each of them for sharing their time with me, and their hearts and words in this space.
"Soulful Mothering" is a series of written words, photographs, craft projects and thoughts on mothering from some of my favorite ladies on the web. I am thrilled to share with you the series of guest posts appearing here in the coming weeks, as I take a little extra time to settle in and soak up my family and the new life among us.