Welcome to Sam's Shelf!

Hi friend!

Welcome to Sam's Shelf, where motherhood and creativity unite!

I used to believe motherhood and creativity were opposing forces- that my mothering was in the way of my creative work, and my creative work was in the way of my mothering. 

But over the past six years, as I've brought four babies into the world while simultaneously pursuing a number of creative endeavors, I've realized motherhood inspires creativity, and likewise, creativity inspires motherhood. The more I lean into both of these roles, the more I see how much they sustain each other. Both motherhood and creativity have taught me to be brave, to relentlessly seek beauty and joy among the mundane, to notice the remarkable grace flooding my unremarkable life.

This balancing act is not always easy or effortless. On the contrary, creating while mothering requires intention, patience, discipline, and faith. I've been tempted to give up more than once, but something inside me- a force that could only be from God Himself- propels me to keep going. To read a sentence before I crawl into bed. To grab a needle with thread and stitch something, slowly. To paint and string beads and arrange flowers in a jar, to do whatever it takes to keep making beautiful things in a broken world.

So I Create Anyway.

Here you will find

• Gently Used Books and Handmade Gifts: Visit me at the Bedford Farmer's Market this season from 8am-12pm | May-October to shop from my extensive collection of gently used books and handmade gifts or shop anytime online.

 

• A Monthly Creative Class: Grab a friend and join me in person where I will teach you step-by-step some of my favorite crafts like hand embroidery and painted barn quilts.The creative classes I teach are designed to inspire and empower both seasoned creators and newcomers alike.

Being creative amongst motherhood is my dream and I'm so happy for the opportunity to share it with you and yours!