Beneath the Rowan Tree... For Wonder Full People
BTRT was a surprise.
That is... I never meant to start a business.
As the mother of a 2 year old, I was committed to sharing a wonder full childhood with my daughter~ for our family this meant avoiding commercialism, providing natural toys and nature experiences, and allowing our child to grow up slowly in a small town in Northern Ontario.
I started making clothing and toys for our daughter when I was unable to find these items to fit our family values and lifestyle in our own area. And given my tendency to really commit to the things I love~ I just couldn't stop... we were on to something that is GOOD for children that had been forgotten by so many... open ended, imaginative play, natural and simple childhood.... and I wanted to share it!
(This is where I should share that I am also an ordained minister (20 years), currently taking a break to homeschool and make stuff, and so I *might* have a natural (or professional) inclination to share good news ...ideas and resources that lend themselves to whole and grounded living.)
In the past 9 years I have grown into my own skin as an artist and artisan, even as I have grown into motherhood in all of its fullness. (And I am even starting to feel, at 42, like I might be a teeny tiny bit of a grownup once in a while).
What an amazing journey... to find within one's self, deep wells of possibility awaiting creative expression! I highly recommend it!
So it is that BTRT is the means for our family to share our commitment to the value of children and childhood. More than any product, our purpose is what drives the business... and more than ever, I am a believer in the power of play to open up worlds of wonder for our children~ much needed in an age where imagination, art and the questing soul are given so little regard.
Our toys are made with wool, silk and wood. Natural, renewable resources that will last for generations, and if not... they easily return to the earth. ♥
They are made by my hands .
Always.
And they are always COLOURFUL (spelled the Canadian way!).
Everything is made in our home, amidst the general chaos of daily life which includes homeschooling, dogs, the arrivals and departures of my truck driver husband, my ministry and lots and lots of craft supplies, music, colour and joy.
{{And I am so grateful to my husband for his support, and to our delightful and amazing daughter, Rowan, who started it all}}
