Beautiful Things

The Why Make Beautiful Things Series:

So why make beautiful things?   Why should we take the time to decorate a home, to pursue and appreciate art of all kinds, to dress with meaning, to create well-designed media, to use our talents to make everything around us better, more beautiful?

You may have noticed this quote over in my blog sidebar.  It is way down at the bottom, but has been there for several years:

"Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. 

Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: 

in a certain sense, they are to make of it a work of art, a masterpiece." -St. John Paul II

I am not an artist in the strict definition. I do however feel the responsibility of creating a masterpiece with the life that God has given me, to both pursue and give beauty everyday.  It can manifest itself in many ways, but it is becoming increasingly more important in a world where beauty, true beauty, is under attack.  

We all are called to bear beauty.  Here are a few thoughts about what that beauty is and why it matters:

2019 Series:
Art & Wonder & Saint Dolls from Marcy of Marzipantz
Mirroring the Creator from Tricia of Providential Co.
Creating with the Holy Spirit from Rakhi of Rakstar Designs
Q&A with Shari of Catholic Paper Goods
Beauty that Points Beyond from Jessica of Telos Art
The Beautiful Giveaway

2018 Series:
Listen to the Creator Spirit from Kortnee of Studio Senn
Be Not Afraid from Lindsay of Just Love Prints
Cultivating Beauty in Home and Heart from Rosie of A Blog for My Mom
Remember to Be Still from Caroline of Be Still By Caroline
The Beautiful Giveaway

2016 Series:
Granny's Closet- lovely vintage jewelry that belonged to my grandma
Open Heart, Open Home- Guest post from Shirley on being a hostess & hospitality
Old Things New- Guest post from Betsy on why and how she restores heirloom linens
Life is Beautiful, Dress Accordingly- Guest post from Danielle & Morgan about dressing with intention
Decorating for Holidays and Holy Days- Guest post from Bonnie about decorating her home for the seasons
The Beautiful Giveaway

2015 Series:
Why Make Beautiful Things- My original post with seven reasons why making beautiful things matters
Granny's Closet- pictures of me wearing some of my Granny's vintage dresses
Love is the Beauty of the Soul- Guest post from Emily on hospitality, beauty, and home through the lens of being a military wife
Simple Beauty in a Picture- Guest post from Steph about the importance of printing and displaying family photos
God Cares About Skillful Design- Guest post from Kayla about the importance of good & thoughtful design in our work
The Beautiful Giveaway

"In things of beauty, he contemplated the One who is supremely beautiful, and, led by the footprints he found in creatures, he followed the Beloved everywhere." ~St. Bonaventure

"They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed." ~Psalm 34:5


Other Posts on Crafts and Creating:
Thoughts on Crafting:
Busy Hands
Dos and Don'ts for Preserving Your Family Photos
Why Your Handwriting Matters
Your Handwriting Matters- ebook and supply list
  
Catholic Peg Dolls
Saint Peg Dolls, Church, and Mass Set
Make Your Own Mini Mass Set
Nativity Set Peg Dolls
Passion and Resurrection Peg Doll Idea

Parties, Hostessing& Weddings
Gold Ruffle Banners
Emily's Broach Bouquet: Read about how we made my sister a sentimental broach bouquet for her wedding.

Katie Makes- Quick posts on what I've been making.
Katie Makes [1]-tote bags, Emma silhouettes, metal stamping, chalk art, Scripture doodling, and book page wreaths
Katie Makes [2]- a giveaway, cards, bridal shower banner, welcome painting, metal stamping, maps with hand lettering, and a pleated-skirt-to-pillow tutorial

Sewing:
Holy Family Hearts Embroidery Pattern
Repurposed fabric small purse
Pillow Covers
Aprons
Vintage Tablecloth to Aprons

Cards/Scrapbooking:
2011 Christmas Cards
2013 Christmas Cards
2014 Christmas Cards
Pictures of an O Antiphon book I made to use for reflection during Advent:
O Wisdom
O Adonai
O Flower of Jesse's Stem
O Key of David
O Radiant Dawn
O King of All Nations
O Emmanuel
Joy!