This site has been a long time in the making.  It was dreamed up by Joe several years ago, when it became too clear to ignore any longer: we had a habit of making things.  And we weren’t picky about what it was we were making.  Dessert, bags, scarves, cereal, cards, photographs, invitations, planters, graham crackers.  If it was something that could be done with our own two hands, we didn’t see why it shouldn’t be.  So we kept making, building, eating and gifting things, all the while discussing this site and what we could do with it.  It always seemed like an insurmountable project, which is funny coming from two people that felt it was perfectly reasonable to attempt installing their own wood floors, regardless of their inexperience.

For me, it finally boiled down to this: everything starts somewhere.  We could dream and worry forever without ever just diving in and giving it a real shot.  So here we are.  My first post on the first day of the year.  Once you know me better you’ll realize that it was no coincidence.  I have an affinity (some people would say problem) for organization and tidiness.  It seemed neat and orderly to begin this way.

Joe and Em’s is all about creating a handmade life.  As I make New Year’s Resolultions, I’m also making lists of things that I hope this space will play host to this year.  This includes food, crafts, and home projects.  All the things I spend hours thinking about and planning.  So here they are:

Things to Cook/Bake:

• Alfredo Sauce
• Snickerdoodles (I’ve made them before, I’m hoping to make actual cookies and not flat crisps.  I’m on a quest for 3D cookies!)
• Vanilla
• Scones
• Frozen Yogurt
• Mint Chocolate Chip Icecream
• Yogurt
• Fried Chicken
• Creme Fraiche (I don’t even know what this is, so I’ll also have to figure out how to use it.)
• Coconut Hot Chocolate
• Italian Ice
• Coconut Butter
• Cheese

To Craft:

• eReader Sleeve
• Mini Quilt
• Screen Printing
• Knit Cowl
• Button Jewelry
• Fabric Flowers

House Projects:

• Creating a craft closet (where there was once a holy mess of stuff)
• Creating a studio space (where there was once a garage…and another holy mess of stuff)

I’m sure there will be other things as I am constantly accosted by inspiration, but for now, these are the things noted on my 2012 agenda.  I hope that you will come along for the journey.  I wish you a bright and beautiful New Year!