My home office tour + a giveaway

'Tis the season for decorating, shopping local and cozy, cozy spaces. J and I have been talking about how we would decorate our front room/home office (which we refer to as the library because I am a child of the '90s who dreamed of a Belle-like bookcase latter, so sue me) for months and months.

It has been a topic of conversation since we moved into our new home. Well, friend, I'm proud to tell you that the library is complete and a very, very special artist gave it the finishing touch.

Working on the weaving of my dreams

I was so beyond honored to work with Sarah Harste to develop a custom weaving for our entryway. I wanted something warm and friendly that felt like it captured the heart of our home. She. Freakin'. Delivered. During the process (which you might also get the chance to experience if you keep reading, wink wink), I shared inspiration and color swatches with Sarah while she sent me some examples of the different styles we could explore.

Once we were on the same page, she shot me a photo of all the different yarns she recommended, I had the chance to provide feedback so she could create an updated color palette—and we were off! I completely put the process in Sarah's hands (I mean, she's brilliant, so how could you not?) and she created something that is truly me in a weaving. I'm so proud that this piece is the first thing our friends see when they enter our home. To me, the more shoes at the front door the better—and I'm so glad those shoes rest under Sarah's art.

I had to chance to chat with Sarah and, fair warning, this may speak to your soul.

Fox & Bloom: How did you become a fiber artist?

Sarah Harste: I taught myself to weave almost four years ago. It was basically the most dreamy day I think I've ever had: I had a snow day from work and I had purchased a frame loom online a few weeks earlier, and I decided to dedicate the entire day to figuring out this whole weaving thing. Six blissful hours slipped by and before I knew it, I had this wonky weaving in my hands that I was sure was going to unravel at any moment. I had never done anything in my life that was so absorbing, therapeutic and creatively satisfying. I was hooked.

F&B: What do you love about creating custom pieces?

SH: My favorite part of creating custom pieces is knowing you have a story to tell. When I create a piece based on my mood or instinct, I'm only telling my story—but when I create a custom piece, I'm telling the story of the person I'm creating it for. So many times my customers will share really heartfelt anecdotes about the space in which their piece will hang, or the person they're gifting it to, or what this piece means to them and their family. I'm honored when people trust me as an artist to tell that story.

F&B: What is the most rewarding part of the process? 

SH: Knowing that this is a piece that they'll see every day! I believe that our homes are sacred spaces that shape so much of our attitude and outlook every day. It brings me so much joy to know that this piece will live beside an individual or family and be a background fixture in their lives.

F&B: What do you love about being part of the local business community?

SH: That people honestly do want to support people in their communities. I think now more than ever, people want to see the entrepreneurs and creatives in their community succeed, and they understand that the only way that will happen is by showing up for them with their wallets and with their support. I love that my customers become my friends that I get to see over and over again at events, and we catch up on each other's lives. It's more than an exchange of goods—it's a relationship.

F&B: Why do you believe people should shop local this holiday season?

SH: Because shopping local means that your gift is two-fold: you're showing your loved one that you care with a heartfelt gift and you're giving the gift of supporting a person pursuing the thing they feel called to do. When you purchase something from a small business, you're saying you want to live in a world where individuals can make a living doing what they love—where individual creativity matters more than a mass-produced trendy product.

F&B: How can people better support local businesses?

SH: If there's a local business that you follow online that brings you joy or inspires you on a regular basis, support them with your wallet. Not just with likes or supportive comments. Too many times, businesses that people love go out of business because people love the idea of them, but don't take that extra step to actually shop with them. If you've never shopped locally for your holiday gifts, make a commitment to buy two gifts locally this year. And then next year, do three. Start small and make intentional steps. And don't forget to put your favorite local shops on your Christmas list for your friends and family to shop—that's the fun part!

Win your own custom weaving

If you can believe it, Sarah wants to give one of you your own custom weaving! Yes, you read that right! That’s a 16” wide by up to 34” long piece, just like mine.

To enter:

• Follow @daniella.siebert and @sarahharste on Instagram

• Tag a buddy in a comment.

That's it! Each person you tag counts as one entry, so feel free to enter multiple times!

Giveaway will close at 11:59PM EST on Tuesday, November 20; the winner will be selected and notified on Wednesday, November 21.

Good luck!