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Creating

12/31/2013

7 Comments

 
Picture
As part of my holiday shopping, I had the pleasure one frosty morning of visiting the home of a local artisan who makes handcrafted soaps. Ellen lives at the end of a long, winding driveway at the top of what seems like a small mountain, surrounded by natural beauty. As I stepped into her home, I was immediately rewarded with a mixture of the spicy, sweet, and calming scents that I have come to love in her soaps. Ellen spent time with me, getting to know me on a more personal level to figure out what I might like, as she introduced me to new scents and products. She talked about the herbs and spices she uses – avocado oil, peppermint, clove bud, cinnamon leaf, lavender, rosemary – to create the special scents. As I wandered through the display I noticed so much attention to detail. There were silver wrappings with special bows, packages of soaps whose scents paired well together, small testing pots, and new products I had never seen before, all aimed at making people feel good.

            As I shopped I asked Ellen about her business, how she got started, and where she purchased her ingredients. Ellen rewarded my curiosity by inviting me into her workshop for a special tour where she explained the whole process.  She showed me her the large mixing bowls, trays, storage vats for ingredients, and special cutting machine. When I asked about how she learned to make soap, she replied that she had done a lot of reading, talked with other soap makers, and belonged to an online community where ideas were shared. She had perfected many of her products through trial and error, revising ingredients as ideas came to her for creating special scents. As she talked, I could sense the pride she felt in what she created and the love that went into every step of the process.

            The hour I spent with Ellen was so rewarding, and I couldn’t help but make comparisons to writing workshop and how we hope students view what they craft as well as the importance of the process – purpose, a sense of audience, revision when things don’t come out quite right, hard work, collaboration.  In writing workshop, our students are our Ellens, the artisans who create with love and pride. 


7 Comments
Tammy and Clare link
12/30/2013 08:53:39 pm

We love that you took the time to ask and listen to Ellen. So often we are all in such a rush that we don't stop to notice, ask and listen. This does have such powerful connections to our work in classrooms. Thank you --Happy New Year!
Clare

Reply
Rose
12/31/2013 04:15:17 am

Thanks Clare and Tammy. Happy New Year to you, too!

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Bonnie K link
12/30/2013 08:55:08 pm

What a wonderful story to connect back to teaching. I get it and agree. Perfect slice for a read on the last day of 2013.
THanks,
Bonnie

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Gigi McAllister link
12/30/2013 09:08:58 pm

I am sure Ellen was thrilled that you asked her about her craft. It is important to ask our students questions using a tone of genuine interest as you did with Ellen. Then they can really open up. Thanks for sharing your experience.

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Stacey link
12/30/2013 10:59:06 pm

What a sensory experience you created by describing her shop, Rose. I can smell it and see it!

Love the connection to writing workshop. You're spot-on with the comparison.

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Tara link
12/30/2013 11:22:46 pm

I loved "visiting" Ellen's workshop with you...and I loved the way you circled back to the workshops in our classrooms. Perfect. Happy New Year, Rose!

Reply
Jaana
12/31/2013 12:03:26 am

Great story to remind us all to focus and celebrate the process of creating! Happy New Year!

Reply



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