Three Small Creative Rituals to Begin November: Rooted in Grace & Gratitude & Handmade living

Three Small Creative Rituals to Begin November: Rooted in Grace & Gratitude & Handmade living

 Three Small Creative Rituals to Begin November: Rooted in Grace, Gratitude, and Handmade Living

A Gentle Reset: Learning to Give Myself Grace

This weekend began with a very long to-do list — full of creative projects, tasks, and goals I wanted to accomplish. But Saturday morning, both my husband and I woke up not feeling well. What we thought was a cold turned out to be allergies, and it forced us to slow down. At first, I felt frustrated; there was so much I wanted to finish. Yet, in that pause, I realized that God was gently reminding me to rest.

Running a creative business while caring for our home, homesteading, and managing my full-time childcare work can feel like a balancing act. I often expect more of myself than one person can do. But that morning, instead of pushing through, I chose to rest and reset. 

Even in that slower rhythm, small things got done: I cleaned a shelf in my studio, began reorganizing my growing collection of molds, and packed away Halloween supplies to make room for the new season ahead. I may not have checked off my whole list, but I created space — both in my home and in my heart.

That’s what this month of gratitude and grace is about for me: learning to pause, reflect, and trust that the work will get done in its own time. It’s not about perfection — it’s about presence.          

            November always feels like a gentle turning — a season of gathering, preparing, and slowing the rhythm of life. The air is crisper, the evenings come sooner, and suddenly the candlelight feels more sacred. It’s a time when my hands long to create, my heart leans toward gratitude, and my home becomes the place I most want to be.

As the season shifts, I find myself craving ritual — not in the rigid sense, but in the quiet rhythms that make ordinary days feel intentional. These small creative rituals keep me rooted in grace, inspired to make, and mindful of what truly matters.


          Morning Moments of Gratitude and Journaling

Every morning, I light a candle before I open my journal. The simple act of lighting that flame reminds me that creativity begins with stillness — a moment to welcome God’s presence, to say thank you for another day, and to reflect before the noise begins.

My journal pages hold prayers, verses, ideas, and sometimes messy thoughts that I’m learning to surrender. Some mornings it’s just a few words; other days it’s a full page of gratitude. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s presence. These quiet, handwritten notes have become a way of living rooted in grace.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
— Unknown

       I love having a little journaling page by my morning coffee — a simple place to note what I’m thankful for, even if it’s just one sentence. 

    I’m working on creating a printable version of this practice to share soon, inspired by November’s cozy colors and calm moments.  Until then, any notebook or scrap of paper will do — just start. Gratitude grows when we write it down.


                           A Daily Act of Creativity

For me, creativity isn’t about big, elaborate projects — it’s about small moments of making that bring joy to the heart. A few minutes of watercoloring, fussy cutting pretty paper scraps, or planning the next page of a junk journal fills my soul with peace. Even tidying a small corner of the studio feels like a reset — a reminder that creativity lives in both our art and our everyday spaces.

This month, I’m reminding myself (and hopefully you too) that God created us to create. The desire to make something with our hands is not an indulgence; it’s an act of reflection and worship. Each handmade detail — whether it’s a paper tag, a stitched notebook, or a meal prepared for loved ones — becomes a tangible expression of love and gratitude.

“We were created by a Creator to be creative.”

      Later this month, I’ll be sharing a short video on how I’m weaving these creative rituals into my daily rhythm — from journaling and making, to slowing down and savoring home life.

    Be sure you’re subscribed to The Maker’s Table so you’ll be the first to know when it’s live. It’s going to be a soft, inspiring peek into how I make creativity part of my lifestyle in small, meaningful ways.   (Subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss it!)


           Creating a Cozy Home Corner for Inspiration

Our home is more than the walls around us — it’s where peace and creativity can flourish. I’ve been rearranging little nooks, lighting my favorite candles, diffusing essential oils, and adding soft touches that make my space feel nurturing.

Whether it’s a favorite chair with a blanket and a good book, a small tray of art supplies, or a corner table with a candle and journal, I believe every creative heart deserves a place to pause and dream.

This simple ritual — making home beautiful for yourself — is a gift of gratitude to the life you’ve been given. It’s where ideas are born and joy returns, even in the quiet moments.


        More Small Creative Acts for November

If you’re ready to begin your own gratitude-filled month, here are a few simple rituals to try:

  • Take an evening walk with your camera or phone — capture the fading light and golden leaves.

  • Write one small note of thanks each day to a friend, family member, or even yourself.

  • Listen to uplifting music or a podcast while you tidy or craft.

  • Keep a “joy basket” of scraps, ribbons, and papers to pull from when you have five spare minutes.

  • Create a gratitude tag or art card each week using your favorite supplies — collect them at the end of the month as reminders of blessings.

Each of these practices can become part of your rhythm — grounding you in grace and helping you rediscover how beautiful slow, intentional living can be.


        Rooted in Grace for the Season Ahead

As I move through November, I’m learning to let go of the rush and embrace the ordinary as sacred. The art of homemaking, journaling, crafting, and giving thanks are all connected — they remind me that joy doesn’t come from doing more, but from noticing what’s already here.

If you’re feeling inspired to start your own rituals this month, I invite you to:

  • Download the free November Gratitude Journal Page

  • Join me at The Maker’s Table for weekly creative notes and inspiration

  • Subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch my upcoming “Three Things I’m Starting This November” video

Let’s fill our homes, hearts, and hands with gratitude this season.
Let’s create spaces where peace and creativity grow side by side.

“To live rooted in grace is to recognize every small moment as a gift —
a quiet invitation to create, to rest, and to give thanks.”

 

✨ November Gratitude & Gathering Event

To celebrate this month of gratitude and creativity, I’m offering a few special thank-yous for my community:

  • 50% off the entire Halloween Collection — time to clear space for new holiday inspiration.

  • Free shipping on all orders of $75+.

  • Free Creative Surface Gift with any order of $100+ — a small handmade plaque you can turn into something uniquely yours.

Each surface is a simple, inspiring starting point — perfect for holiday crafting, gift-making, or just a slow afternoon of creative play.
It’s my way of saying thank you for supporting handmade creativity this season.

       Shop Steel Roots Market Today 

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Maker's Notes


🖌 Favorite supply this week: IOD Winter’s Song Transfer

🎨 Colors on my table: antique gold, soft pumpkin, linen white

📦 Tools: Pentart Heavy Body Gel + IOD Moulds

✨ Tiny win: Finished editing my Halloween project video!

Quick Tip

Quick Tip — Soft Vintage Edges

When layering printed papers or transfers, brush a thin coat of Pentart Heavy Body Gel over torn edges and let dry before sealing. It blends seams beautifully and leaves a smooth, aged finish.

In The Studio


Bits of paper, a stack of new transfers, and a cup of tea — the studio has been buzzing quietly while I prepare for new kits and videos. Small messes, big inspiration.

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