Make. Affirm. Support. Journey [Back] to Uganda 2019
November / December Ornament Designs
“If we want to make meaning, we need to make art. As long as we’re creating, we’re making meaning.” – Brené Brown
I’ve set a journey in motion that’s nearly a decade in the making, and I need your support. But first, the back story …
Uganda
Almost 9 years ago I made hundreds of necklaces in the shape of Africa. I sold those necklaces at the salon I worked at, at a fundraiser, and out of my car at school. I brought them to Uganda and gave them to the teachers I taught with and many of the Ugandan students and children that I met along the way. I think making them helped me connect deeper to my passion to teach in Uganda, as if stamping the clay made my intentions clear.
Affirmations
I have been searching for a reason to make things out of clay again—the pasta machine I use to roll clay perched at eye level in the closet. I wanted what I made to mean something. The idea for these affirmation ornaments came from the journey—my journey to a more wholehearted life. The reminder I needed the last 4 years to: keep growing, accept the light and the dark, find joy, practice gratitude, and own my gifts.
I make them in my little kitchen, often with my husband by my side rolling the clay. I bake them in my oven and I spread them onto my kitchen table to carefully paint and glaze each one.
Home. Made. This time the creating is like a meditation. The methodical sound of the roller, trimming each shape, and the rocking motion my body makes as I put the pressure on each stamp. They are a way for me to reduce my anxiety—a way to cope with the tight feeling in my chest I get sometimes when I’m worried, as well as challenge the perfectionist narrative that pops up in my mind as I inspect them for flaws when they are finished.
They are perfectly imperfect and hold some of my most important values. They make a great ornament - for your tree, your office, or your nightstand. Use them as gift tags or tuck them in a card as a reminder for a friend.
Ornament purchases support my journey back to Uganda in summer 2019.
This time to work with as many women as girls as possible—to learn about how they practice their values and teach them more about wholehearted living. To “continue to lead and participate in a global conversation about vulnerability, courage, shame, and worthiness,” what I’ve learned in my work as a Daring Way Facilitator.
How You Can Help
My goal is to sell 500 of these affirmation ornaments. I would be honored and grateful if you would share this link with anyone who digs the beauty of affirmations and support for a great cause. You can purchase the ornaments here!
If buying things online isn’t your jam but you’d still like to support my journey please visit this page: https://www.gofundme.com/manage/daring-way-in-uganda
I am so grateful for your support.