Gratitude in the Workshop — Finding Joy in Handmade and Faithful Creativity
Day 1 · Gratitude in the Workshop
Created to Create
The first snow slipped in quietly last night—soft flakes swirling past the window while the wood stove kept its gentle hum all through the night. By early morning the world outside was gray and still, yet inside my little studio corner the air felt alive: coffee brewing, candles flickering, and the happy anticipation of my little friends arriving, all giggles over the new dusting of snow.
My studio is a work in progress—a pleasant one—slowly becoming what I need in this season. The table is scattered with pretty piles: fall ribbons, Christmas tags, stamps, and snippets of paper waiting for inspiration. Nothing is perfect, yet everything feels right. There’s no rush here—only rhythm, gratitude, and the joy of being allowed to create.
I’ve always believed that we were made to make. Born to create.
“So God created mankind in his own image.” — Genesis 1:27
If we’re made in the image of our Creator, then creativity is part of our very design. Whether it’s shaping clay, stamping paper, or simmering a pot of broth, we echo His handiwork every time we form something new from what He’s given.
We are created to create.
At Steel Roots Market, gratitude shows up in small ways—a whispered “thank You” when an order comes through, a quiet prayer when a new idea clicks, a sigh of contentment when the wood crackles and the diffuser releases its cozy coffee-spice scent.
Gratitude isn’t something I schedule; it’s stitched into the process itself. I practice it daily—often, and all day long.
Grace in the Everyday
Outside, the snow keeps falling while a pot of turkey bone broth simmers on the stove. The scent of garlic — fresh from this year’s harvest — mingles with herbs and vegetables, filling the house with warmth and comfort.
Homesteading has a way of teaching patience and appreciation: stretching one turkey into several meals, turning scraps into nourishing broth, planting cloves to harvest again next year.
Just as we tend the garden, we tend creativity—slowly, faithfully, season after season.
The house is far from picture-perfect, but it’s beautifully lived-in.
My breezeway—half filled with the workings of this creative business—is lined with bins of supplies, inventory and stacks of new surfaces waiting to be packaged and shipped. It’s a space in constant motion, humming with ideas and possibility.
I’ve learned that creativity doesn’t require a spotless space; it thrives in the midst of real life. Each piece I prepare, every pile ready to be packed, tells a story of meaning in motion—of hands busy creating beauty to send out into the world.
And when the overwhelm begins to creep in, I pause and whisper a simple prayer of thanks.
Thank You, Lord, for this work.
Thank You for providing this beautiful, creative path.
Creative Guide: Autumn Blessings Projects
When gratitude fills your heart, it naturally spills out through your hands. Here are a few favorite ways to turn thankfulness into something tangible this season.
1 · Chalkboard Blessings Board
Use the IOD Autumn Blessings stamp with erasable white ink to create a reusable blessings board.
Try it on any chalkboard surface — the 10-inch double-sided rounds, framed rectangles, or even a vintage windowpane or crock.
Test a small spot first, then stamp gently using a brayer or pad. Wipe clean when you’re ready to design again.
(Tip: The erasable ink works beautifully on darker colors like hunter green or black stoneware.)
2 · Hand-Stamped Gratitude Cards
Cut a stack of simple cardstock note cards and stamp autumn motifs — leaves, acorns, pumpkins. Write short notes of thanks and mail them to friends or neighbors. Small kindnesses multiply joy.
If you’d like, join me in a tiny challenge this month: send at least one handmade note of gratitude.
3 · Upcycled Fabric Ribbons
Tear old linens or sheets into narrow strips. Stamp words or motifs along the edge and tie them around gifts, jars, or bouquets.
It’s a sweet way to give new life to old fabric — and to wrap love around what you give.
(Optional colored-ink tip: If you still have the retired IOD ink set, mix custom hues for a playful look.)
Creative Reflection Challenge
Before you clean your brushes or wipe off your stamp, take a quiet moment.
Prompt: Where do you see gratitude growing in your home or your hands this season?
Jot your thoughts in a notebook or use the Creative & Cottage Planner printable.
Write three blessings, a creative idea you’re thankful for, or someone you’d like to encourage.
Gratitude grows when we pause to name it.
Rooted in Grace and Creativity
Even in the busy hum of preparation, gratitude keeps us grounded. It reminds us that handmade beauty, humble work, and faith-filled hearts still matter.
So light a candle, pour a cup of coffee, pull your craft supplies close, and make something that tells your own gratitude story.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says,
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
From My Hands to Yours
If these ideas spark your imagination, you’ll find the same IOD Autumn Blessings stamp, erasable inks, chalkboard surfaces, and other creative tools in my shop at Steel Roots Market.
Every order this week includes a free blank ornament surface with any purchase of IOD moulds, stamps, transfers, or paint inlays — a small token of thanks from my hands to yours. There’s even a special bundle available if you’d like to grab them together at a little discount.
May your workshop, however small or imperfect, be filled with warmth, grace, and creativity.
Rooted in grace, charm, and creativity.
— Carrie
