It just doesn’t feel like an office to Margaret Roach unless people are excitedly showing her things they just made by hand, and she is in turn showing those to an audience. The former editorial director of Martha Stewart Living left last year to pursue her own forms of creative self-expression from her Hudson Valley garden. Margaret quickly surrounded herself with artisans again by inventing The Sister Project, a network of blogs (sister blogs, if you will) that explores the many meanings of sisterhood, from genetic to soul to feminist (with the occasional geisha or nun).
Margaret’s radar is set to handmade, thanks to a crafty grandmother, whose mending basket and button box yielded snippets for Margaret’s couture dolls’ clothes, and who was a mad gardener, a madder collector (and a master of meringue, Margaret’s first cooking lesson, at age 9).
No wonder Martha made Margaret Living’s first garden editor, and later overseer of her internet site, magazines and books — and how familiar it was for Margaret to be where the power of the handmade article — sewn, grown, or cooked up — reigns. She has recreated that feeling by blogging from her 1870s Swedish kitchen table, especially in The Sister Project Galleries, a place she showcases exceptional talents to a growing sisterhood of visitors.
Her filter is always about the “S” word…and Etsy looks like one giant sisterhood to her:
When we started The Sister Project, my colleague “Sister” Paige (we TSP bloggers call one another sister) suggested the first gallery show be Elsa Mora. It was elsita’s older sister we had sensed in certain images, a sibling still living but lost in the tangle of schizophrenia. “She was my mentor,” says Elsita, but, “we had to deal with the possibility of her going away forever all the time.”
“Goodbye” Papercut Print by elsita, $25.
At TSP we always ask one fill-in-the-blank question: You know you’re a sister when…? “When you can’t discern if a memory happened to you or your sister,” replied painter Amanda Blake, a.k.a. thisisalliknow. “The entire idea of a sister — of someone you have a shared past with — speaks to my use of symbolism and superstition and the idea that everyone on the planet has a shared deeper past.”
Beth and Adeline Original Oil Painting by thisisalliknow, $2,200.
In Julianna Bright’s folkloric, fairy tale realm, images of sisterhood and kinship abound — though the ethereal women she paints are as likely to be paired up with a giant bird or a princely frog as another human. “The pictures I make have became a way to circle back to that wonder I felt as a child,” says Julianna, “that time before I was even able to read when I could fashion a whole universe in my mind around an illustration.” (Does her painting, “Le Mermaid,” evoke an undersea sisterhood perhaps?)
Le Mermaid Original Painting by juliannabright, $125.
Lindsey Carr, the Scotland-based Etsy seller LittleRobot, readily admits her sibling-hood of six came with responsibilities and heartache. “I think that the misfortunes are the things which bind you,” she says, but with this brighter punchline: “A story is nothing without someone to share it with.”
A Cage for Two Print by LittleRobot, $19.
Shelley Kommers (Etsy’s Oiseaux and OiseauxNoir) and her younger sister, Carrie, moved a lot as kids, and the stabilizing force of their connection seeps forth from her art. “What I remember most is the magic of our playtime and the inventiveness of the fantasy worlds we’d create,” she says. “A lot of that ‘make-believe’ quality shapes my artwork.”
Strawberry Park Print by OiseauxNoir, $18.
Our TSP definition of sisterhood even reaches across the species. Being a nature girl, I was riveted by Esty seller dailymammal, who aims to draw the Earth’s 5,000 mammals (at one per day, that’s 14 years!). Jennifer and her baby sister (like me and mine) have had some tough, silent times. “She’s still my sister, and that’s everything,” says Jennifer. “Same nature, same nurture, same nose.”
Giraffe Original Drawing by dailymammal, $50.
No Martha colleague showed me more delightful things than Laura Normandin, a.k.a wrenhandmade (well, maybe that’s not true… Marcie McGoldrick, a gifted ceramist and former Storque contributor, was also on my team). Back then, I felt more motherly toward them; these days it’s a peer, or sisterly, connection. Laura matches Grandma’s stitchery talent; her handmade doll would do Grandma proud, as would Laura’s gray felt doll coat (my doll’s was pink, with pearl buttons and a fox collar).
Handmade Doll by wrenhandmade, $90.
You can check out these Etsy artists’ full sister stories in The Sister Project Galleries. My own genetic sister, Marion, is a writer and longtime teacher of memoir writing, and part of The Sister Project as well.
Do you have sisters who influence your craft? Share in the comments below!
Shop the Art Category | This Handmade Life Posts | Artistic Endeavors Series
109 comments
Sign in to add your ownMorado says:
Awww I miss my sista so dearly!!! *sniff*
2 years ago
yaelfran says:
adorable sisters here!
2 years ago
aBreathofFrenchair says:
I talk to my sister almost every day. She lives across the country, but if feels as if we live next door. My sister, Odile, is one of my testers and she inspires me to create and to think outside the box!
2 years ago
jenniferladd says:
Very sweet! Sisters are definitely something to celebrate!
2 years ago
4TheSparrowsNest says:
An interesting perspective on the interconnectedness of creativity and craft. I don't have any biological sisters, but I do feel a kinship to my fellow crafters here on Etsy. :o)
2 years ago
jamieribisi says:
My twin sister & I do everything together, especially art! We just opened up an Artist Retreat in Maine :) http://sweetlandretreat.com
2 years ago
BlueShoeStudio says:
I am blessed to have a fabulous, wonderful natural sister, a handful of sisters-in-law, and I do count quite a few sisters in my sunny social circle. XOX girls!
2 years ago
Fairyfolk says:
I have always missed having a sister... the sisterly bond is such a special bond to have. All those of you who have sisters, you are so lucky, so cherish it. Blessings and magic.
2 years ago
shopgoodgrace says:
oh my goodness. what a neat project! (I'll bet the pace is a lot different than working for MSLiving - as much as I love the magazine... the Sister Project sounds like a lovely way to invest your time.) Thanks for sharing this with us.
2 years ago
whichgoose says:
My sister and I are on different coasts of the U.S. and write letters back and forth each week :) It's always fun to get some "real mail" from my big sis :)
2 years ago
ericawalker says:
my sister http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=46664 has been one of my biggest influences and mentors in my career as a jeweler. without her encouragement and support, i might be where i am today. not to mention she rocks, is crazy talented, is one of my very favorite people and my best friend!!! xoe
2 years ago
atomsatwork says:
I don't have a sister bond but being a sister to my younger brother is one of the most important roles I have in my life.
2 years ago
IcingOnTheCupcake says:
Very inspiring! My sister and I run our Etsy store together. It definitely helps having each others support and encouragement.
2 years ago
BululuStudio says:
wow! Love the article...congrats Margaret
2 years ago
beachhouseblues says:
I love the idea behind the blog. Friends can come and go but sistrs are in your life forever!
2 years ago
SaraSophie says:
I <<3 The Sister Project--so inspiring and definitely a daily read for me. My little Sister Elizabeth and I just opened our Etsy shop this week, its amazing what you can do when you have a little support:)
2 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
This is a wonderful article! I just found The Sister Project a few days ago and have it bookmarked to visit often.
2 years ago
thebestvintage says:
Love the artwork you picked for this blog!
2 years ago
ericabnyc says:
During an "Open Days" visit to Sister Margaret's garden, one of her fans grabbed my arm and said in her Julia Child-like voice "You are Margaret's friend? Do you knooooowwww how lucky you arrrrrrrrre?" Margaret made this city sister stop to smell the flowers and introduced me to all the glories of Etsy - how lucky am I?
2 years ago
ummashin says:
My sister/kindred spirit and the "sisterhood" on Etsy continue to surprise and inspire me moment by moment...what a wonderful article and project!
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
so special, thank you!
2 years ago
ArtsyPicks says:
I love this theme. My beloved natural sister is my very best friend, though we share so little in common we might never have been friends had we not been related. I am truly amazed at my recently discovered ability to bond with some new Etsy "sisters" who are participating at my blog, EtsyLounge. Last week, I booted up my computer ready to sit down for a 2 hour session writing that day's blog showcase, and discovered one of these blessed artist-friends had been inspired to write a blog for me....it was all ready to go, and all I had to do was paste it up and publish. I could have hugged her if my arms would reach all the way from Seattle to Pennsylvania. Andria http://etsylounge.blogspot.com
2 years ago
zeropumpkin says:
aww i miss my sis now.shes in australia..:D cool article
2 years ago
OhMyAmpersand says:
A special theme indeed. I wish we lived closer together. I miss my sister! Hugs and kisses to Daina from far away xoxo
2 years ago
ShesFancy says:
My sister and I fought nearly non-stop growing up. Now, as adults, we love spending time together. I can't imagine my life without her! Now I also have 5 step-sisters and 8 sisters-in-law. They've all enriched my life--I feel blessed to know them. Great article...thanks!
2 years ago
SteppingStones says:
Great project!!! I love my sisters.... All three of us are Etsy Gals!!!!
2 years ago
baconsquarefarm says:
You look so comfy sitting in that green chair in a garden setting, even tho I don't have a natural sister, I have many friends online who have now become my kindred sisters. I've met many of them face to face at mini gatherings in Ohio or when we travel doing Art shows they come see us, it's incredible the bond we share runs deep. WE visit daily on the net as well. Thanks for sharing your sister project Margaret.
2 years ago
Shandells says:
The more I get to know Margaret, the more my life is enriched. Making new sisters every day.
2 years ago
LaLah says:
I LOVE MY SISTER!!! MY best friend!
2 years ago
SouthwestFlower says:
What a touching venture. I share a similiar feeling with a best friend and it is as if we have never lived without one another. Finishing thoughts and mending broken hearts, laughing and being totally silly thats what my sister does for me. thank you
2 years ago
lavenderrabbit says:
What an awesome venture. Love the sisterly love!
2 years ago
SewnNatural says:
fabulous piece! thank you
2 years ago
ovgilliesdesigns says:
Great article! I wish I had a sister, but these days I seem to have lots of 'sisters' in Jetteam & McEtsy team - Etsy is wonderful in promoting a community/familial feel!
2 years ago
paramountvintage says:
wonderful article!
2 years ago
RockPaperSilver says:
Go Sisterhood...both genetic and "artificial" sisters ROCK! ;) It is great to be a part of such a loving, supportive community of fantastically talented artists!
2 years ago
StudioCherie says:
Enjoyed the article and the selections. My sister and I had a little Martha Stewart show-down last Christmas, and I must admit she beat me with her darling felted sweater lamb.
2 years ago
yaelfran says:
Here are my sisters!!!! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24779832
2 years ago
spacejam says:
great article!!
2 years ago
littletank says:
I'm the oldest of 7, 6 girls and 1 brother :) He's right i the middle!
2 years ago
jbeaudet says:
I love this quote:“She’s still my sister, and that’s everything,†says Jennifer. “Same nature, same nurture, same nose.†My sister means the world to me. I can't imagine life without her. I just wish I could see her more often; I miss her! This is a great project! I can't wait to hear more!
2 years ago
TheCottageCheese says:
What a special blog! My sister and I have had our rough patches, but our relationship is growing much closer all the time, and I miss her terribly. It's tough being 1000 miles away from her.
2 years ago
postroadvintage says:
Hooray to sisters! I have six and love them all!!
2 years ago
SnippetsofTime says:
Two sisters -- one the youngest, the other the oldest -- operate our beloved Etsy shop. We also teach classes from our handwork studio together. We give all the credit to our Mom. We lost her seven years ago, but we know she -- and handmade -- lives on through us. Thanks for highlighting sisterhood.
2 years ago
elsita says:
How wonderful! Thank you so much for featuring The Sister Project here on Etsy! Margaret Roach is one of the most inspiring women out there in the world. She has a gift for seeing those special things that connect us all as women. Her colleague Paige is also on the list of special people. All my best to both os them. I was so honored when they first contacted me. After our first phone conversation regarding my sister Ileana I felt inspired to share the whole personal story with other women through my blog. I had thought about doing so for about a year, but our phone conversation just gave me the last push to do it, here is the link in case you would like to read it: http://elsita.typepad.com/elsita/a-story-of-tough-love/ Since then, I have found several online sisters that had similar experiences and being in touch with them has been an amazing experience. And as Margaret said, Etsy is like one giant sisterhood. It is amazing how this site has changed the lives of so many women (and men :) around the world. My dream is that one day Etsy can also happen in Cuba where so many of my friends are struggling right now. It might take time but I am sure that it is going to happen at some point. Thank you The Sister Project! Thank you Etsy! With love, Elsita :)
2 years ago
workingforpeanuts says:
Thanks for introducing so many interesting people. Great theme!
2 years ago
MyJunkyTrunk says:
God bless our sisters! I love the idea of the Sister Project! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27255727
2 years ago
breadandroses says:
Perfectly beautiful. And Margaret is good name!
2 years ago
Itsawrapp says:
Thank you so much for The Sister Project. I would be homeless if it were not for my sister. I am almost 60 and looking for 2 years for a job. When I worked I of course paid my sister rent, but for 2 years now, it has been hit and miss. She tells me, we are family, you would do the same for me. I would too. It was the lack of funds that has always spurred me to create. This time, I used scraps of muslin and an old towel. For years both my sister and I had horrific zits on our crotch, from excessive sweating, never knowing it was something called Hyperhydrosis. But I started experimenting with the muslin, cut on the bias, and a hook and eye and I made a Wrapp. It wraps around the crotch of ones underwear and when it gets wet, I change it out for a clean dry one. I gave some to my sister for a woman she works with who also suffers from this condition and she loves the Wrapps and she is finally off antibiotics! So far, it is into its 5th makeover and I think this one is the best so far. I have not had a huge painful zit for 6 months now. I also have a man wearing my Wrapps too. And when I finally start selling them, I am going to give my sweet sister some money. Because it seems no one wants to hire a 60 year old woman... Can't beat sisters! I thank my lucky stars I am not homeless, but it is only because I have a good sister. Denise
2 years ago
faithlandsman says:
My little sister and I (36 & 38) are the best of friends. I adore and admire her and she is the inspiration for a lot of my art. I also have my sisters in craft who I adore!!!
2 years ago
babook says:
I`m a listener and always like to listening the experience from other people .... About the life from them : )This my shop also hoping your listen of my things http://www.babook.etsy.com/ Thanks to see : )
2 years ago
babook says:
I thinks this it`s a beauty post and talk of the sister project !!
2 years ago
GimCarry says:
I have a sister, it is a very special feeling. I have fun & happy times miss When we were children. Difficult to describe. Is bound. It inspired me. And it will remain forever.I also have a brother.It is bound in a different But I love them both.
2 years ago
GimCarry says:
I have a sister and it is a very special feeling I have happy fun times miss When we were children. Difficult to describe. Is bound. It inspired me. And it will remain forever. And I have a brother. It is bound in a different But I love them both. Thank you for great The Sister Project(* v *) Toa
2 years ago
MeghanT says:
Touching. A great collaborative project to forge connections between women, and honor sisterhoods in all their forms.
2 years ago
JeannineRobertsRoyce says:
I can't begin to describe how my sister enriches my life. People even say we sound alike and have certain similar expressions... from being so connected for so long, I guess. We've been in business together, supported each other in raising our kids and enjoy the loudest out-of-control laughter and near happy hysteria I've ever experienced.
2 years ago
FrillyButts says:
I think I will go call my sister now...thanks
2 years ago
tigersanddragons says:
My sister was very supportive when I started making jewellery, and my best salesperson. We are always bouncing creative ideas off one another.
2 years ago
GabriellaFiabane says:
I always wanted a sister...
2 years ago
EJPcreations says:
So sweet! Wonderful article!
2 years ago
riricreations says:
Loved this article~with 3 brothers, I've had a couple special "adopted" sisters thru the years, one for 34 years now...couldn't live without them!
2 years ago
suzshan says:
I live 3000 miles away from my identical twin sister. I've made friends whom I consider sisters too, but it's different. Being a twin sister makes this sister bond even more tightly woven (we shared a womb). What a great way to celebrate the bonds we women have with our sisters.
2 years ago
californiablue says:
My sister is definitely my inspiration for being creative. She is a painter and art professional and has always looked at life through a creative lense. I love her very much and am very grateful for her wisdom.
2 years ago
AnastasiaSmith says:
I LOVE all of the artwork featured here! While I don't have a sister of my own, I'm always inspired by my creative blogging sisters (like Margaret!) Thank you, Etsy Storque, for giving us this little shout out!
2 years ago
bluerthanblue says:
My sister is everything to me and influences me in the best of ways. She's the most supportive person in my life and always watches out for me, even overseas. She will never leave me, and I will never leave her.
2 years ago
paigeo says:
It is so cool to be a digital sister to lovely Margaret (and Marion and Anastasia) but even cooler to see all the amazing comments here from the world o' Etsy, which is one of my favorite places to be: more inspiration and community here than just about any place real or virtual. Kudos to Margaret for a lovely post and gorgeous pics, and to Etsy for having the great sense to invite her along on the ride!
2 years ago
MyDearest says:
Sweet idea. I just had coffee with my sister. It's nice, as adults, to be as close as we are...having been born 9 years apart!
2 years ago
SeptemberStars says:
I have a sister on Etsy! Check out her illustrations at: TheVoicelessImage.etsy.com She helps me with my printing and gives me her input on my designs :)
2 years ago
MinceCo says:
dear all brothers AND sisters...***I'm having a cracker of a sale starting this weekend***details to be on site soon*** http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7050360
2 years ago
DogDayAfternoons says:
Love the idea and I love my (older) sister. She is one of my best friends. (And how nice to see my vintage sweet little sisters photo postcard on this page...)
2 years ago
OiseauxNoir says:
this is such a lovely article, Margaret! lovely and generous, just like you... thank you for your excellent writing and for your big heart.
2 years ago
TenderLetters says:
What a beautiful project. I love creating with my sister.
2 years ago
bayousalvage says:
great story. (i miss you molly & emily!!! best sisters on the planet!!!)
2 years ago
kaze0no0nemui says:
i love my sister! she rocks!!!
2 years ago
Iammie says:
Lovely!
2 years ago
thisisalliknow says:
the sister project is just wonderful, i'm honored to be a part of it. it's amazing how much of a world can be explored through the theme of sisterhood and the community margaret and all the other fabulous writers there are creating is absolutely great to watch grow.
2 years ago
VixVintage says:
Very nice, thank you.
2 years ago
1AEON says:
fascinated with twins: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28521438 :)
2 years ago
Scallyrags says:
very nice artcle
2 years ago
angeldogdesigns says:
hi margaret i used to work at martha tv and am now in grad school to become an art teacher wonderful article a lot of the chosen images remind me of a great artist named henry darger http://folkartmuseum.org/default.asp?id=1747
2 years ago
CottageGirlTea says:
Us girls have to stick together!
2 years ago
tldgrainwear says:
My sister can be really annoying sometimes...hehe! Cheers everybody!
2 years ago
OwlandMouse says:
Love these selections! So quirky and whimsical!
2 years ago
YanCetta says:
This is such a wonderful place, I have no siblings but to have a wonderful group of sisters to talk to and bounce ideas off of is lovely thing to have.
2 years ago
paperprayers says:
I love the sister project! I've come across it several times recently. My two sisters and I are best friends - we have the best time together - creating art that celebrates family, womanhood, and faith - and just having fun together - http://thingswithwingsartjournal.blogspot.com http://paperprayers.etsy.com http://greengirldesign.etsy.com
2 years ago
hmfromtheheart says:
What a great idea...having a site dedicated to sisters! My sisters mean a great deal to me!
2 years ago
OctoberMansion says:
What perfect timing to come across this project. I have two sisters and we have not been together since 1987. In January 2010 we will finally have a reunion. All three together! Sisters mean unconditional love. And we all need that.
2 years ago
BatiksbyRita says:
Lovely site! I have a sister and we have always been each other's best friend. We live oceans apart these days (Germany and Colorado), but get together once a year for a "sister vacation" - no husbands, no children, no grandkids", just the two of us. It's become a wonderful tradition; we finish each other's sentences, laugh at the same sights without having to explain what we think is so funny and if we are "treasure hunting" in stores, we invariably zero in on the same little gem. I can't imagine my life without my sister's support, even though it's long-distance.
2 years ago
GemsByJoy says:
Yes! My sisters definitely influence my craft. One also makes jewelry and has a shop on etsy (http://hiptomylu.etsy.com) She has been a role model for me and my shop. My other sister does beautiful collages. They are a source of inspiration to me:)
2 years ago