Grace Bonney's Blog

With his collection of toy trucks, five-year-old Coban Lebold loves to help his mom Jessica McDonald update their 1905 Cape Cod-style home in Morgantown, WV. “More than anything, I like to transform or improve the looks of something,” Jessica says. “Last spring we transplanted a rhododendron by moving it to the backyard in his Tonka, and this winter he even helped me rewire a lamp (by pulling the cord through the other side of the pole).” When she first found their house in an established section of town called First Ward (right down the street from what Coban calls “the pirate park”), Jessica knew it had a lot of potential, but nearly cried when she saw the dated paneling and ceiling tiles on the second floor. Refreshing the finishes with the help of her family — including her doting parents — allowed Jennifer to tackle dozens of projects. “I even did the insides of closets,” she shares. “You know it’s bad when that’s the project you’re excited to tackle.”

Creating a home from scratch can be intimidatingly expensive, but Jessica has moved through the process slowly and waited for the right pieces to surface before pulling out her checkbook. Her renovation and decoration dollars have been spent on practical things that she and Coban will use long-term, not just whatever they want at the moment. “I like a mix of old and new, with clean modern lines, and lots of color,” Jessica notes. “I want the house to be neat and look great, but I also want the space to be easy and livable. I’ve really tried to make it fun and comfortable.” To tackle the inevitable parenting problem of living with kids’ items strewn about, Jessica devised a smart solution — the closed-in sunroom functions as Coban’s playroom, giving him plenty of space in which to play with his toys while Jessica has her own fun staging the areas nearby. “Though I might be able to see the stuff, it’s not actually in the living room. That makes such a difference.” —Annie

Photography by Jessica McDonald

A few weeks ago, a book arrived in the mail that totally made my day: The Love and Lemons Cookbook: An Apple-to-Zucchini Celebration of Impromptu Cooking. Blogger, cook and author Jeanine Donofrio’s blog, Love and Lemons, is a wealth of delicious, veggie-forward recipes and her cookbook is truly a love song to clean, healthy eating. And since I was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, I’ve felt a real disconnect from the food community, as so much of it feels off-limits to me now. But when I opened Jeanine’s book, I felt like I could eat everything. There were so many bright colors, fresh veggies and options for people who are eating low-sugar and low-carb dishes like I am.

The book is broken up by vegetable (I love being able to flip to whatever section matches my current vegetable drawer contents) and each section has a great range of ideas, from breakfast, lunch and dinner to sides and treats. Today we’re sharing one of my favorite recipes — Brussels Sprout Wraps. If you’re like me and love a good wrap, this is a great (low-carb, gluten-free) alternative to traditional corn, wheat or flour tortillas. Bonus? This recipe is naturally vegan, too! Read on to check out Jeanine’s recipe below and click here to check out her book online! xo, grace

Why Jeanine loves this recipe: I love this recipe because it makes you think of the brussels sprout leaves in a totally new way, because for this recipe you don’t want to just get a box of sprouts, you want the whole stalk. The larger leaves at the top of the stalk are the ones that are SO perfect for lettuce wraps. The flavor is milder than other dark leafy greens (like collards), but they’re sturdier than lettuce greens so you don’t make a mess. I filled these with rice noodles, baked tofu, and crispy carrot ribbons. I also used almond butter instead of peanut butter for the nut sauce, which makes for a great substitution. Of course, if you can’t find a brussels sprout stalk, feel free to use Bibb lettuce or napa cabbage leaves. And if you don’t have almond butter, any nut butter will do. Enjoy!

Photography by Jack Mathews

Brussels Sprout Wraps with Almond Sauce
Serves 4

Ingredients

– 7 ounces (200 g) extra-firm tofu
– Coconut oil, for drizzling
– Tamari, for drizzling
– 4 ounces (125 g) pad thai or vermicelli rice noodles
– 8 brussels sprout leaves from the stalks or lettuce cups
– 1 carrot, peeled into ribbons
– ¼ cup (60 mL) sliced almonds
– 1 recipe peanut sauce (see below), substituting almond butter for peanut butter
– Lime slices
– Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 1 serrano pepper, sliced (optional)
– Sriracha (optional)

Tip: Look for brussels sprouts that are still attached to their stalk and use the greens to make these wraps. If you can’t find one, use Bibb or butter lettuce instead.

Peanut Sauce:

-3 tablespoons (45 mL) natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
-1 tablespoon (15 mL) toasted sesame oil
-1½ teaspoons (7 mL) soy sauce or tamari
-1 teaspoon (5 mL) freshly grated ginger
-1 garlic clove, minced
-1 teaspoon (5 mL) sriracha
-3 tablespoons (45 mL) water (less for a dipping sauce, more if using as a dressing over noodles or salad)

In a small bowl, stir to combine.

Directions

Slice the tofu into 1-inch (2.5-cm)-thick planks. Pat dry, then drizzle with coconut oil, tamari, and pinches of salt and pepper.

Add a drizzle of coconut oil to a small skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the tofu until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and slice into thin strips.

Prepare the rice noodles according to the instructions on the package.

Assemble the wraps on the brussels sprout leaves with the tofu, noodles, carrots, and almonds. Serve with the sauce, lime slices, and serrano slices and sriracha, if using.

Reprinted from The Love & Lemons Cookbook by arrangement with Avery Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © 2016, Jeanine Donofrio

About Jeanine: Jeanine Donofrio is the creator of the popular food blog Love & Lemons. The blog was named Saveur’s Best Cooking Blog in 2014, and has been featured in Redbook, Food52, Refinery29, Self, FoodandWine.com, and many more. Jeanine loves bright flavors, which is why she often finishes her dishes with a big squeeze of lemon. She and her husband, Jack, cook and photograph from their home in Austin, Texas.

When taking the jump from employed with benefits to full-time freelancing, you always hear that there will be some long nights and work on the weekends. Creating a work/life balance is hard enough when your creative business is your 9-to-5, but it seems almost impossible when it has to be worked around your day job. Lisa Wong Jackson has a full plate — she has a full-time position as a senior graphic designer, she is married, she is the mother of two boys, and she is the founder of a successful stationery and design business out of Berkeley, CA called Good on Paper. Her schedule is booked.

Today Lisa shares her best advice for those wanting to keep their day jobs while moonlighting after-hours. From knowing when to say “no” to projects, to crunching the numbers, to finding time for family and rest, Lisa’s authentic and learn-as-you-go attitude is inspiring. Click through to read her story and glean from her experience as a successful moonlighter. –Lauren

Product photography by Lisa Wong Jackson
Portrait photography by Sarah Hebenstreit

Why did you decide to start your own business, versus work for someone else?

I’m a senior designer at a large architecture and engineering firm three days a week, which is my “day” job.  I started Good on Paper as a freelance design business so that I could take on more creative projects. In addition to design projects, I also have a line of stationery. When I got married in 2005, I designed our wedding invitations, and for the favors I designed a set of note cards for each guest. I received a lot of compliments, and my friends and family encouraged me to start my own line of stationery. I initially started out with a line of about a dozen cards, selling them at small craft shows. I eventually made it to the National Stationery Show in New York, where I was able to meet many of of the designers I admire and also made some amazing friends.

Can you remember when you first learned about your field of work? How did you discover what it was, and how did you know it was what you wanted to do?

I was fairly creative growing up, but I didn’t think I would end up with a career in a creative field. I have a passion for the environment as well. I majored in Conservation and Resource Studies at Cal and minored in Business Administration (which I thought was the practical thing to do). I ended up interning at an environmental consulting company in their Marketing and Business Development Department, working there through college and after graduation. I found myself really interested in graphic design, which led me to the graphic design certificate program at UC Berkeley Extension. I loved every aspect of it and knew it was something I wanted to do for a living. 

What was the best piece of business advice you were given when you were starting off?

Hire a bookkeeper so you can focus on your work and not have to worry about crunching numbers all the time. I’m so grateful that one of my closest friends does my bookkeeping — it has helped me tremendously, not just for my business, but for my sanity!

What was the most difficult part of starting your business?

Managing the day-to-day operations was difficult at first, until I got a bookkeeper. Nowadays, juggling various obligations is a constant challenge: Designing for individual clients, designing for Tiny Prints/Shutterfly/Wedding Paper Divas, blogging, contributing to the Oh Happy Day blog, and the hardest job of all, parenting. The hardest part is deciding what projects NOT to take on, and being [okay] with that. 

Can you name the biggest lesson you’ve learned in running a business?

Sometimes you just have to say “no” and turn projects down even if you think it’s “worth it.” I tend to say “yes” to a lot of projects, and more often than not, it ends up stressing me out. With everything else I have to juggle — my two kids, their school, activity schedules, work, keeping up with housework — I could and should say “no” more often than I do.

Can you name a moment of failure in your business experiences that you learned from or that helped you improve your business or the way you work?

Luckily, I haven’t had any catastrophic business failures, but I do recognize that I periodically take on too many projects and end up working super late, which isn’t good for anyone — me, my kids, my husband, or my clients. I’m now trying to be more mindful about how much I take on and what I can let go, and that’s helped a lot.

If you were magically given three more hours per day, what would you do with them?

Oh wow, what a luxury! I would split that up and sleep in until 8, spend an extra hour with my kids and husband, and make some more time for exercise or just plain relaxing and catching up with magazine reading. 

What has been the biggest sacrifice you’ve made in starting your business?

Probably sleep! When I only had my other job, I would work the typical 9-to-5 day. When I started Good on Paper, that meant working at nights and weekends to get things done. Then two kids came along, which meant working when the kids were asleep. As tired as I am, one of my favorite parts of the day is just relaxing and watching a show with my husband after I’m done with my work for the night. Note: this only happens about 2-3 times a week.

Can you name your greatest success (or something you’re most proud of) in your business experiences?

This might sound cheesy, but my greatest success is when a client is really happy about the work I’ve designed for them and sends me a sweet note.

What business books/resources (if any) would you recommend to someone starting a creative business of their own?

Not just saying this because I heart Design*Sponge, but this Life & Business column is such a great resource for anyone looking to see what it takes to start a creative business. I’d also recommend listening to Jennifer Snyder’s weekly interview series called Creating Your Own Path. Another book I’d recommend is Craft, Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco. 

Has failing at something or quitting ever led to success for you? Walk us through that.

I started my stationery line about 10 years ago, and I’ve been in the process of closing up the wholesale and online stationery shop. (You can currently find clearance-level deals on all stationery in my online shop). While I wouldn’t call it quitting, I just realized that it takes too much time and money to design, print, package, market, and ship stationery products. Phasing out this part of my business has allowed me to devote more of my time working on custom design for clients, designing custom party invitations, and blogging.  

In your opinion, what are the top three things someone should consider before starting their own business?

1. Be ready to sacrifice personal time — owning your own business means working more than a typical 9-to-5 day. (But hopefully you will find it more rewarding!)

2. Financial stability can be a challenge — freelancing often means unsteady paychecks, especially in the beginning. (It’s okay to keep your day job if you can find a good balance).

3. Connect with people in your industry.

What’s the first app, website or thing you open/do in the morning?

I check my email first and delete all the junk, then I like to scan Instagram (my fave!).  

What’s the hardest thing about being your own boss that isn’t obvious?

Knowing when to stop working. At my other job, my schedule is fairly structured and I rarely ever take work home. As my own boss, however, sometimes I feel like I’m working all hours of the day and into the night. I really have to be mindful about turning work off.

I first discovered Katie Marble through the hashtag #thehappynow, which she manages alongside Elise Cahill (whom we featured earlier this year). Together, they are The Happy Hunters, a best-friend duo from California who are always hot on the trail of fun and sun.

But more than a photographer/editor/DIYer/stylist/writer, Katie is a wife and dog-mom to an Australian Shepherd named Karl. After a childhood spent moving (that’s 14 times), Katie now calls Corona, CA home, but her desire for adventure and new experiences still remains. Similar to how her childlike sense of wonder allows her to be fearful, so too does her home help her through some of life’s more challenging curveballs — from creative burnout to her late mother’s battle with cancer. From the comfort of her bright and cozy living room, today Katie’s sharing more about her home, how it got her through some tough times, and what to do when you don’t see eye-to-eye with someone. –Sabrina

Tell us about yourself.

Hey! Where to begin… I was born in Charlotte, NC and since then, I have moved 14 times (many across the country) and I have finally landed in Corona, CA where I now reside with my husband Ryley and Australian Shepherd, Karl. Moving so often was never hard for me. I loved the changes. There was always somewhere new to see and new people to meet. I definitely see how that aspect of my childhood fostered a need to seek new experiences in life.

I am a co-blogger with Elise Cahill for The Happy Hunters blog, and I also work in social media advertising as a photographer. While my childlike, adventurous spirit affects my work as a photographer, I also credit my uncle and mother. From an early age, my uncle used his knowledge in “showbiz” to prep me and challenge me for the work I knew I wanted, but didn’t know how to obtain. He was the first to really foster my creative eye, and is still one of my biggest cheerleaders today. The inspiration drawn from my mother is something that will stay with me always. Her southern grace and time spent in pageants and modeling always awed me. Looking at her photos and work has inspired me to create and leave behind that kind of beauty in the world. Her passing from cancer last year has only intensified that desire in me.

What does home and this space mean to you? Describe it.

Our home was built in 1912 and might actually be the size of a shoebox. However, it is so sweet to me. It came at a time in my life when I was preoccupied with my mother’s cancer and younger siblings. I remember at one point thinking I couldn’t possibly put one more thing on my plate and that we should just walk away. But it became a place I could escape to, a place where I could breathe. I swear the air was sweeter in our home.

My efforts were still split in too many directions… but I was able to add just a few items that made our house a home. A mirror my grandmother had picked from a vintage sale, a rug from my East Coast travels, and a bench my mom picked up at a garage sale and had saved for when I had a home of my own. For months, boxes went unpacked and I was completely content. Having a space of peace was all I needed.

What makes it so comfortable (physically and personally)?

Cultivating our home has been an ongoing project. It happens on off-days and is absolute therapy for me. From working in the yard, to painting walls, to bringing home a found treasure — when days are crazy or sad, my home is where beauty can happen. I can still create. I can still be inspired. From that comes huge amounts of comfort.

A quote by William Morris (inspiring textile designer) has also helped to define the comfort of my home: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” This awoke the essentialist in me, and I have learned to let go of the clutter and unnecessary in my home.

What makes you uncomfortable? What is your biggest fear?

Disneyland closing forever.

Have you ever thrown caution to the wind and departed from your comfort zone? What happened as a result?

I love to try new things. When I’m working on projects I’m up for anything. However, when it comes to me personally and my house… I definitely have a comfort zone. BUT, I found a rug at a thrift store over the summer with tons of bright pink and yellow and I have kiiiiiiiiiind of been loving it in my office.

How’s that for throwing caution to the wind?!

What would you do if you had a day, a week and a month all to yourself?

If I had a day to myself I would grab a mocha and thrift the day away. If I had a week to myself, I would paint every wall of my house and work in the yard. If I had a month to myself, I would love to stay in an unfamiliar city and just live there for a month and see everything there is to see!

What have you learned as an adult that you wish you knew when you were younger?

That people generally want you to succeed. Growing up, I wasn’t confident enough to ask for help and often felt I had to figure things out on my own. As an adult, it’s been so refreshing to have people excited to speak into my life and my profession and want to see me thrive.

How do you unplug, recharge and unwind?

I am recharged by those I feel closest to. Meeting up for coffee at a favorite spot, conversations while cuddling on the couch, discovering a new antique store, or working on side projects with dear friends… those things bring new life and inspiration to almost every aspect of my life.

And not to state the obvious here, but Pinterest and Instagram are just endless sources of eye candy. DUH.

Have you ever experienced burnout? How do you get back on your feet and stay inspired?

For me, feeling burnt out is when I hit a creative wall. I have felt it with people, a photo, while styling… in every way. With my co-blogger Elise, there have been a handful of times when we both hit a wall or just don’t see artistically eye-to-eye. In those moments we have learned to step back and evaluate, and to ALWAYS put our relationship first. In many ways, when we put our friendship first, we inspire and feed off each other — which usually fixes whatever problem was before us.

When I feel like I am fighting to make a shot work during a photo shoot, that is a pretty good indicator that I am burnt out! Learning to not fight the shot and walk away allows me to quickly refocus and sometimes see things differently than before.

What do you think the world could use less of, and more of?

The world could use more mochas and less tomatoes, in my mind!

What’s one question you wish you had the answer to?

Will all the projects in my house ever be finished?

It is serendipitous and wholly enriching that late last year, as I began writing about contemporary Indian design for Design*Sponge, I was on the cusp of launching Napeansea — my own Indian-inspired home and lifestyle brand with my talented textile designer mother.

Napeansea is a small but growing collection of homeware and lifestyle accessories that pays homage to the multi-faceted city of Bombay, the gateway that fuses India and the West. Our brand aims to be a fresh and elegant interpretation of India’s rich craftwork, combining traditional techniques like bandhani, hand block-printing, and embroidery for a new audience.

The collection comprises of patterned homeware, poetic garments finished with creative details, and an ever-evolving curation of one-off curios sourced from around India.

This business venture of ours has been over a decade in the works. With a long career in the design industry, I have worked as a stylist on shoots surrounded by sublime products, a journalist reporting on every collection that appeared on the market, and consulted as a trend forecaster advising brands on their next move. My mother Reena, a talented textile designer trained in India, had spent many years at the helm of our family business as a supplier of leather and sheepskin to many UK fashion and home brands with a wealth of artisan connections in India.

So a year ago, we decided it was time to combine our skills.

People ask us what it’s like to work so closely with family, and we’ll admit that some days it’s tough! But the benefits outweigh any conflicts. My mother has the strength of being a business woman with creative sensibilities, and I have knowledge of the online arena and a foothold in the design industry. We debate a lot, but 9 out of 10 times we ultimately arrive at the same conclusion.

My side of the partnership encompasses branding, running our online store, social media and design input. Mumbai — our inspiration — is my mother’s city, and the designs come from her nostalgia of the vibrant past combined with our experiences together. Our story spans decades and lifetimes, because a family business isn’t just a sudden pop-up vision —  for us, it’s layers of rich history and a long held dream coming to fruition. So I’ll begin with my mother Reena in Bombay in the 70s… —Rohini

Husband and wife duo, Dana and John Shultz are the team behind the wildly successful blog, The Minimalist Baker. With the idea that cooking shouldn’t be complicated, they create recipes with 10 ingredients or less, that can be made in one pot, and take 30 minutes or less to prepare. Their mostly plant-based and gluten-free recipe collection is not only tasty, but actually good for you! I’m no stranger to their blog, and last year I made their Vegan Funfetti Cupcakes recipe. My husband and I kept saying that we couldn’t believe the cupcakes had no dairy ingredients but were still light, fluffy and full of flavor!

Today, Dana and John are sharing their Almond Joy Bites recipe. Get your chocolatey-coconut fix with these bite-sized treats that are made with whole and fresh ingredients like coconut, almonds, dark chocolate and a little maple syrup for sweetness and depth. The Minimalist Baker’s recipes are easy to create, utilize nutrient-dense foods and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time. It’s a win-win! –Emerald

Photography by Dana Shultz

Almond Joy Bites

Yields 20 bites
Vegan/ Gluten-Free
Total cooking time: 26 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups (240g) unsweetened shredded coconut
2 Tbsp (30ml) maple syrup
1⁄4 tsp pure vanilla extract
20 roasted unsalted almonds or raw almonds (see note*)
3⁄4 cup (90g) vegan dark chocolate, chopped
optional: Pinch of sea salt, for topping

Instructions

1. Add the coconut to the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend, scraping down the sides as needed, until a paste forms. The texture should feel like a dough when squeezed between your fingers. It may be necessary to encourage it along by scraping down the sides as it is blending.

2. Add the maple syrup and vanilla. Mix again until just incorporated.

3. Using a tablespoon, scoop out 1 Tbsp amounts and pack with your hands to achieve half-moon shapes. Then use a finger to scoop it out of the tablespoon. Re-form into a small disc if it loses shape.

4. Lay the bites down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue until all of the coconut is used, about 20 bites.

5. Press one almond gently down into each of the bites, being careful not to create too much of a crack or seam. Set aside.

6. Melt the chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments. Then rest one coconut bite on a fork and hold it over the bowl. Use a spoon to drizzle chocolate over the top. Set back on the parchment paper and continue until all of the bites are coated. Sprinkle the tops with a bit of salt for flavor contrast (optional).

7. Pop the bites into the refrigerator or freezer to set for 8–10 minutes. Then pick up and, using a spoon, coat/paint the underside of the bites with the remaining melted chocolate.

8. Place back on the parchment paper and repeat until all of the bites are coated. Pop back in freezer to set for another 10 minutes.

9. Peel away from the parchment paper and transfer to a serving platter. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Leftovers will keep covered at room temperature for 3–4 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

*NOTE: If the almonds are raw, roast them on a rimmed baking sheet in a 350 degree F (176 C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly browned.

About Dana and John: The Minimalist Baker’s new cookbook Everyday Cooking, will be released on April 26th and contains 101 plant-based and mostly gluten-free recipes. Learn how to cook your everyday favorites with easy recipes and wholesome ingredients. You can also connect with Dana and John on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

While standing in the courtyard of a triplex in Beverly Hills, CA, hairstylist Christina Meneses and her close friend gazed upon neglected gym equipment. Multiple giant plastic mats cooked in the sun, each one strewn about willy-nilly. A shadow of trepidation crossed her friend’s face. “You’re sure you want to do this, right?” he asked. Not missing a beat, Christina nodded, convinced she’d made the right choice when signing the lease. Her gall in that moment didn’t come as a surprise. Christina has always been a big-picture type of person, so seeing past the less-than-ideal courtyard to the fantastic apartment beyond came naturally.

Coved ceilings, giant windows and built-in cabinetry are just a few of the beautiful elements the Spanish-style, two-bedroom home boasts. Since moving in, Christina has used these architectural details as inspiration, covering sofas in Moroccan-inspired pillows and adorning walls with vintage finds. Throwback treasures are so popular with Christina, in fact, they’ve influenced the entire house’s color scheme. Keeping her furniture and walls in a neutral hue means many accessories can be easily swapped out when inspiration sparks.

With the inside on its way to becoming the relaxing space she’d always dreamed of, Christina refocused on that terrible courtyard. She knew the simple act of getting the gym equipment out of there would make a world of a difference, and boy, was she was right. All she had to do after that was layer in plants and some cozy throw pillows, and voila! Bohemian relaxation zone achieved. It’s here that she often unwinds with friends, a glass of wine in one hand while the other scratches her pup Diego’s ears. Gifts from friends — and pieces she’s snuck out of the neighbors’ trash cans — have, in my opinion, turned what was once the property’s eyesore into its most beautiful asset. And it’s all thanks to Christina and her keen eye for design. Click through to see the rest of her pretty work, and enjoy! —Garrett

Photography courtesy of Jacob Gaitan

I don’t know if I’ve ever fallen as hard — or as quickly — for an artist’s work as I did with photographer Nadine Ijewere. Nadine’s mother and father were Jamaican and Nigerian, but Nadine always struggled to feel as connected to her roots as she wanted, because she was raised in London. In an interview with I-D, she said she, “remembers being jealous of friends who were more connected to their traditions.” So Nadine studied at the London College of Fashion and focused on fashion photography, which led her to create incredibly lush and expertly styled shoots that explored different world cultures through identity and fashion.

Her series “The Misrepresentation of Representation” explores “beauty” and the way it’s affected, and in some ways defined, by culture. She also set out to create a stunning series of portraits that use flowers to explore cultural diversity and “the relationship between identifying oneself and the meaning of beauty.” I could look at these photos and examine their intricate details for hours. There is so much said in each woman’s face and there’s such a rich history told in the set-styling as well. If you haven’t checked out Nadine’s work before, please stop everything and go check out her website and Instagram feed now. I promise you’ll be glad you did. xo, grace

Artist: Nadine Ijewere
About: Nadine is a London-based fashion and portrait photographer. She graduated from London College of Fashion with a BA in Fashion Photography.
More: You can follow Nadine on Instagram, check out her website and read her interviews in I-D, Lazy Oaf and Indie Magazine.

All photography (c) Nadine Ijewere. Images via NadineIjewere.com

During my holidays as a child, I would travel to a small village called Santiniketan on the outskirts of Calcutta, where my grandparents had an idyllic holiday home (bouganvillia, vegetable patches, paddy fields and meandering cows abounded). The town was established by iconic Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore and built around his ideals of learning through nature. Santiniketan now thrives with a literary past, bohemian allure and lauded craft community.  

Each trip to Santiniketan, I eagerly looked forward to the Poush Mela, a huge fair which marked the harvest season by celebrating folk traditions, including the town’s many cottage industries specializing in folk craft. Businesses who could afford it would have covered stalls, but I was always drawn to the smallest rural crafters who exhibited their wares simply on the ground.

I recall a strong visual of the Mela from my childlike view — an expanse of blue sky, blanket after blanket of clay wares dotted with brick red terracotta figures, earthy glazed vessels, tiny tactile stoneware sculptures and the red earth underneath that they were made from. For me, there is something that is so inherently raw and linked to the land with Indian pottery, something in its weight, tactility and texture that compares to no other — perhaps we all feel that way when we possess something that is made from the same soil as us? Here I share 10 Indian Ceramic brands —Rohini

My favorite thing about Instagram is how it brings people from different backgrounds together to celebrate storytelling. That’s what Instagram feeds really are, right? They’re sets of squares that capture the story of how you’re feeling and what you’re liking at any given moment. When taken one square at a time, they seem fleeting, but if you look back through your last year’s worth (or more) of posts, you’ll quickly realize your page tells a much larger narrative than you imagined.

My generation started telling our stories through Instagram in our mid 20s, but nowadays, children of all ages are beginning to use the platform. The 10 kiddos we’ve rounded up for you today are just a sampling of Instagram’s many inspiring and creative youngsters. Through their feeds — and with the help of their parents — each tells their own unique story, and each one had me grinning as I scrolled through their photos. Enjoy! —Garrett