Each of us has three gifts we can share: Time, Talent, and Treasure. Today we talk with Sue Dow, of In the Loft, about the ways in which she uses her gifts to make a difference.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another,
as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
1 Peter 4:10
F&F: Welcome! Tell me a little bit about you.
Sue Dow at In The Loft: Hi – thank you to Jen for asking me to join you all here! My name is Sue Dow. I live in southern New Hampshire with my husband and our 3 teens. We also have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. I have been home schooling for 20 years. I enjoy taking walks, gardening, photography, drawing, painting and creating.
F&F: What kind of work do you do? Is there an area that you feel you’ve been gifted in and called to share?
Sue Dow at In The Loft: I have a beautiful loft studio where I create wood figures that are used in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd programs around the world. This program was created by Sofia Cavalletti. (Information about this program can be found at Www.cgsusa.org). My figures are also used by families to help celebrate the feasts and seasons of the liturgical year. I design the patterns, transfer them onto wood, then I cut, sand and paint each individual figure. I paint with acrylics but use them watered down and slightly transparent for a soft look that lets the wood grain through.
F&F: How did you get started?
Sue Dow at In The Loft: Several years ago, I participated in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training program and began making items for the Level I atrium at our parish. I found this work so satisfying and enjoyable that I began to wonder if I could sell my items. Working at home would fit into our homeschool life style perfectly, I had a studio, and the supplemental income would help….and so, In The Loft opened for business!
F&F: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Sue Dow at In The Loft: My inspiration comes from a love of my faith and a desire to share this with my children, grandchildren and others. My art is heavily influenced by my love of Russian icons, details in nature and the soft, transparent look of watercolor.
F&F: What role does your faith play in both your work and everyday life?
Sue Dow at In The Loft: My faith is woven into all I do. Living the liturgical year gives us a wonderful rhythm as a family. It is the foundation of our days, where I get my strength and the grace to do the next right thing. I am so grateful that I am able to work at something I love and in some small way, use the talent God gave me to help families and parishes teach children about the faith.
F&F: How do you get (and stay) involved with your local and online community?
Sue Dow at In The Loft: My parish CGS program is strong and has now grown to include Levels I-III. I have participated in more CGS training and help with coordinating and making materials. I have joined in several online Giveaways as a way to support others in their faith journey and I keep in touch with customers on Instagram with daily postings on what’s happening In The Loft!
F&F: Where do you like to play (aka: what social media is your favorite place to be?)
Sue Dow at In The Loft: Instagram….my favorite! I use this to promote my shop by taking “today’s work” photos. Occasionally I post photos of family activities. You can find me at:
- Store on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/soodow
- On Instagram @soodow
- On Facebook as: In The Loft
- On Pinterest as: In The Loft and sdow
F&F: Do you have a favorite figure or set?
Sue Dow at In The Loft: Perhaps because we have just finished the Advent Season and I have painted quite a few….I think my favorite this season is Mary and Joseph’s Journey to Bethlehem!
Just for fun…this post links up at some of these great Catholic and quilt sites.