CRAFTS

Linda Smith Gurganus

Back in January, when I first heard about Epiphany star words, I did an eye roll.  I dismissed the idea out of hand as silly.  

That is, until I received mine.  

My word was "Crafts".  

Crafts fits perfectly with what I have been doing in retirement.  It has become a ministry.

In 2021, I retired from teaching mathematics at UNCW.  I wanted to try my hand at something different, something that was creative.  I started, first for myself, then for family and friends.  Soon, however, I started branching out beyond just family and friends:  I wove about 70 coasters for Alderman School faculty and staff at the beginning of the school year.  I made several for Habitat for Humanity to give to new homeowners.  I donated some for local refugee families.  It was beginning to feel like a ministry. 

I began with simple patterns, but I soon joined several online groups, and from them, I learned more complicated weaving patterns.  I eventually learned to make my own weaving patterns on Microsoft Excel.  We share our patterns and pictures of our weaving, and many of us join forces each year to weave for food pantries and other nonprofits all over the US.  

In 2023, my work was featured in a book on people who weave on potholder looms.  In 2024, I began the slow process of creating my own book of patterns, which I hope to publish next year.  

I also began to incorporate my love of labyrinths in my weaving and pattern making.  I converted several popular round labyrinth patterns to square ones, from which I created weaving patterns for finger labyrinths.  I also created many labyrinth patterns from scratch.  I now have around 100 labyrinth weaving patterns, ranging from under 5 inches to a full 11-circuit Chartres Cathedral labyrinth.  One of my recent projects is based on the Cross labyrinth at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Southport.

Weaving potholders and finger labyrinths is something I can do quietly at home, any time of the day or night.  I love being in my own little world, creating objects of beauty that are also of practical use.   This supplies my need for a creative outlet and personal growth and fulfills a need to give to others.  Further potholder recipients have included the residents of Eden Village, refugees who come to stay at our new welcome house, the Tuesday Night Feeding Ministry, and families we serve at Christmas at the Cove.   I also enjoy teaching individuals and small groups to weave both potholders and finger labyrinths.  

There is no doubt in my mind that with this weaving craft, I have found my creative niche and my unique ministry.  The Epiphany star word I received helped to confirm it.