It's impossible to explain creativity. It's like asking a bird, 'How do you fly?' You just do.
-Eric Jerome Dickey
I created this portfolio to visually showcase the variety of projects that I've created and worked on over the years while I have stayed home with my two beautiful children. These projects range from the very simple (replacing a handle on a worn market tote) to the overwhelming (two kitchen remodels!). I truly believe that creativity can be found in both the big projects and the small gestures we make in our day-to-day lives. I have done these things over the years because I have a genuine passion for making the everyday into something special. Even more than that, I love to write about these everyday discoveries and share them with others, as I have done via blogging over the years.
Although I have no formal training in interior design, styling, or photography, all three have become passions of mine. After earning my degree in English, I stayed home to raise my children. As I tried to enter the work force again this past year, I began to realize that these things that I thought had made me into an even harder worker/multi-tasker extraordinaire/budget master/ organizer/ and power house weren't seen as pluses for the corporate world. After almost a year of searching, I finally found an outlet for at least some of my creative energy by working for our local community college as a paid writing tutor.
But.
You see, the things that don't show up on any conventional resume are the things that make me the happiest.
I have taught creative classes in a shed that I made over in our backyard--Easter entertaining classes and small crafting sessions. I have taught myself how to knit, how to paint furniture (and small refrigerators when I couldn't afford the Smeg!) and flowers because I love flowers. I've dabbled in interior design--making over my own home and even having friends fly me out of state to makeover their spaces as well. I was the activity leader for our women's organization in church and planned large scale events and classes about a variety of topics--ranging from keeping a marriage healthy to developing creativity--and decorated with my team for them all. I've created and taught week long science and literature summer camps to girls aged 6-12. Before my children were born, I worked in a children's museum creating classes for preschool aged children.
I put myself on self-guided learning programs that I dub "schools" to learn about things that I'm interested in mastering. So far I've done "Pie School" and "Bread School." (Which bytheway should have probably led to "Workout More School" but I digress). I'm not happy unless I'm creating beautiful, inspiring things. And if they have to do with living a life with greater authenticity and purpose, well then you've really caught my interest.
I have done all of this on a limited single income family budget--AND on limited stay at home mom time. But you know what? I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. I believe that necessity--or maybe I'd might even call it limitations at times--is the spark that ignites true creativity. If you can do a lot with a little, imagine what you can do when you're given the chance to do more. I'm hoping the your team gives me the chance to prove that I can do just that.
Thanks for reading,
Jenn
p.s. Be sure not to miss the Work page, that's where all of my before and after projects are found!