Mindful creations for the grieving crafter.
I learned to crochet and knit over twenty years ago. I crocheted gifts for family and friends, and personal items for myself. I have always found the act of crocheting to be meditative. I lost my mother suddenly in 2015 and turned to crochet for comfort, for something to do, and for meditation. I began to examine the healing aspects of needle arts, and after years of making, I finally had a purpose for my crochet.
My work has become about giving comfort and solace to those who grieve. I crochet prayer shawls, prayer squares, comfort blankets, and lovies (stuffed animals). This Etsy shop and my website of the same name are devoted to providing comfort to those who grieve, suffer, and walk a healing path.
I design some of the items, and many others are based on already existing patterns from other designers. A good pattern is a good pattern. I care more about sharing comfort than I do about receiving credit for a brilliant design. For the items I design, I pour myself into them in hopes that the thoughts, lovingkindness, and prayers I hold in my heart as I work translate to the item's benefactor.
In addition to crochet/knit items, I sell photographs (mostly beaches and the occasional forest) that I have taken on my journeys. Nature is healing and comforting, and when we can't get out into it ourselves, a photo is a good substitute until we can experience the outdoors firsthand.
My items are gifts of comfort for grief supporters to present to their friends and family members navigating difficult times. Sometimes it is hard to know what to say. A prayer shawl may convey everything you wish to communicate but can't in words. A calming picture may bring the quiet and stillness you want to give at a chaotic time.
Other items you'll find here (ornaments, doilies, book poetry, suncatchers, etc.) are crafted as memorial items that can help commemorate a life missed and be displayed as a daily (or seasonal) reminder of what that life meant and continues to mean to you.
My pieces are also meant as personal self-care gifts. We can give ourselves the gift of comfort as a self-care measure when we need more than we receive from outside sources. We must remember to take care of ourselves as well.
Thank you for visiting Contemplative Craft.
See more of my story at: www.wordpress.contemplativecraft.com
Sincerely,
Alexandra
