Debra VanDeventer, Author at Seams Like a Story

May 19, 2025May 18, 2025

Creativity or Skill? It Takes Both.

Last fall, I had the opportunity to visit Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It’s a breathtaking masterpiece of architecture the likes of which the world has never seen. A true work of art. So how does art come to life? Creativity to be sure. A flash of inspiration, a connection to your muse, a fearlessness to try something new and fresh. But there needs to be more. In reading Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit, I came across this quote:

If art is the bridge between what you see in your mind and what the world sees, then skill is how you build that bridge.

It’s interesting that Tharp uses the analogy of building a bridge. Besides creativity, Gaudi needed skills to make the outrageous ideas in his head come to life in the form architecture: knowledge of engineering, materials, drafting plans. When creativity and skill rub up against each other, magic happens.

I’m not an architect, but I thought about how this idea applies to my creative endeavors. When I begin a sewing project, my creative self picks out fabric and patterns, imagining how the finished garment will look and where I will wear it. Sometimes I will even go off the grid and modify a pattern or come up with a new one. But it takes skill to bring this garment to life. Basic sewing and construction skills certainly, but more than that. To take my sewing to the next level, I need to keep improving and learning new techniques.

My mother taught me to sew , and my foundational skills have served me well. But lately I haven’t been satisfied with my finished projects. I friend sent me a link to a video about perfecting the finishing details that take a garment from looking “homemade” to looking professional: interfacing, fabric choices, pre-washing, pressing techniques, different types of seams. Practicing, taking time to learn new things can get me to the next level.

Same with writing. It starts with creativity. A idea, an inspiration comes to my mind, the muse visits and I fly to the computer to capture the words. That’s the fun part. But I need skill to take it to the next level, revisions, editing, rewriting, then finally, publishing. As a self-published author I need to know or learn how to format a book, design a cover, and market creatively. According to Tharp:

In order to be creative you have to know how to prepare to be creative.

By that she means developing a habit of practice and skill building. Make a commitment to the art. Give it the time it needs to develop each day. Participate with other writers in writing groups and forums. Write a lot. Read a lot. It takes work.

So why? Why do it? Here’s a favorite quote from author Elizabeth Gilbert:

I thank creativity for allowing me to engage with it at all. Because it’s all pretty amazing–what we get to do.

That’s why.

the smiling author in front of her desk — Author at Work

Writer in progress: learning more about my craft, and myself, with each project. Check it out! You can find my books here!

Threads of Thought

Your turn. What creative endeavors do you enjoy? What skills do you have to support your creative work. Are there skills would you like to work on?

May 5, 2025May 4, 2025

Graduated

a blue napkin with the words "Congrats Grad!"

You may know me here as Debra VanDeventer, author, blogger, traveler, and sewist. But before all that, I was a teacher for 37 years. This week, I attended a ceremony at Manzanita Elementary in Tucson, where I spent my final three years as a teacher. The students I had as fourth graders are graduating from high school this year!

The entire elementary school body, students and teachers and former teachers lined the hallway to greet the graduates. While waiting for the bus from the high school, energetic staff members entertained their young students with showers of bubbles and upbeat music. These teachers looked incredibly young to me. I had to remind myself that I was 21 when I began teaching.

Eventually the blue capped and gowned graduates appeared and promenaded the hallway, high-fiving students and teachers as they made their way to the auditorium. I had a copy of my class picture from that year tried to see if I could recognize any of my students, but of course I could not. My fourth graders were young adults now. When we gathered in the auditorium and sang the school song, they remembered the words. I choked back tears.

the sign for Manzanita Elementary School in Tucson

At the reception in the library, I had a chance greet several of my students, and close up, I recognized them in a smile, or the eyes, or the spark of enthusiasm as they told of their plans for the future. We’d spent 180 days together in a classroom just down the hall. I was honored to have been a small part of their journey. Soon they’d be graduated: passing from one stage of experience to the next.

I miss it sometimes. Being a part of something bigger than myself, the energy, the excitement, the possibilities each new year brought . I did not take my position lightly, and my years as a teacher defined a major part of my life. Yet, it occurs to my that I’ve graduated as well. Like my former fourth graders, I’ve taken all the learning and experiences that have made up my life to this point and moved to the next stage.

You may know me here as Debra VanDeventer, author blogger, traveler, and sewist. But before that, I was honored and proud to be Mrs. VanDeventer, teacher.

The author blowing bubbles to celebrate her last day of teaching — My Last Day of Teaching

Threads of Thought

It’s that time of year. Do you have a graduate in your family this year?

What graduation memories do you have?

2 Books, Out of the Crayon Box: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and Life...and Until Italy: A traveler's memoir

To read more, you can find my books , OUT OF THE CRAYON BOX: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement and Life, and UNTIL ITLAY: A Traveler’s Memoir on my author’s page! Click here!

April 21, 2025April 21, 2025

Lessons From a Palo Verde Tree

Palo Verde trees line the street in my neighborhood.

In Arizona’s version of the Cherry Blossom explosion in Washington, DC, palo verde trees make a spectacular display along roadways, neighborhoods, and desert trails each spring. In my quest for joy one recent morning, I had only to go for a walk around my neighborhood. The golden glow was a boost to my spirit and after my morning cup of tea and contemplations, here’s what I learned:

Stand Proud

Arizona designated the palo verde as its State tree in 1954. At the time, the legislature did not distinguish between the different species of palo verde, but some sources claim the blue palo verde to be the official tree.

Bloom Where You Are Planted

LIfe in the desert is tough. Palo verde trees have evolved to survive in this harsh environment. They derive their name from the Spanish “geen stick” because they have green bark. This unique adaptation allows them to continue photosynthesis even when they shed their leaves after the rainy season to conserve water during extensive dry spells. They produce vibrant yellow flowers in clusters, followed by bean-like seed pods.

Provide Support

Palo verde trees often serve as nurse plants for young saguaro cacti, providing shade and protection. Saguaros can live to be over 100 years old and will eventually outlive their nurse, but they have a better chance of surviving with this support during their early years.

Beautiful individuals, Powerful together

I held a tiny blossom in my hand. It was perfectly formed and uniquely designed for it’s role in the life of the tree. Amazing in it’s own right. But joining with the thousands of blossoms on one tree, then millions of blossoms on the trees along the street, and then a desert full of palo verde blossoms, they form a breathtaking, beautiful, powerful impact.

Threads of Thought

Where are you finding joy these days? Seek it out, then tell about it. Together, we make a powerful impact.

I love to find stories and share them with you! Click here to find my books, OUT OF THE CRAYON BOX: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and Life, and UNTIL ITLAY : a Traveler’s Memoir.

April 7, 2025April 10, 2025

Making the Joan Woven Top Using Vintage Pillowcases

From Linen Closet to Wardrobe

Close up of an embroidered pillowcase design, purple blossom with yellow sprigs and a blue ribbon

Last month I published a post “Deb Speaks Out: Finding a way to live our lives as honest, respectful, loving people in the midst of chaos. I concluded the post by saying we can’t live without joy. We have to find it.

Consider this post #1 in a series of “Finding Joy.” This was truly a joyful find. When searching for an old sheet to use to try out a new pattern, I found a set of embroidered pillowcases my mother-in-law had made decades ago. I’d never used them, but now I thought it was a shame that they’d been hidden for so long. I wanted to celebrate the beautiful work and the woman who made them. I remembered hearing about someone who turned vintage linens into clothing. Could this work with my pattern?

Preparation

Before I cut the pillowcases apart, I drafted my pattern, the Joan Woven Top by Style Arc, onto tissue paper. I was excited to see there was just enough fabric in the pillow cases to construct this simple top. I noticed, however, one of the cases had yellowed. Doing a google search I discovered several ways to try to brighten vintage linens. I soaked the yellowed case in a weak solution of cool water and Oxy Clean, did a gentle hand scrubbing, and rinsed thoroughly. Then I put the case out on a towel in the Arizona sun for several hours. I repeated this process twice and was amazed at the final result. The two cases were now the same color. Using a rotary cutter, I cut off the edges and top of the pillowcases, leaving the lace edging intact, carefully pinned my pattern pieces, and cut.

Sewing and Adaptations

The Joan Woven Top is a simple, boxy top that features a deep-v neckline, dropped shoulders, and arm and hemline bands. The center front seam makes the v-neck facing go on easily, but it’s important to be precise. There is a YouTube video to lead you through this step if needed. To adapt this pattern to the pillowcase fabric, I needed to make a center back seam instead of cutting one back piece on the fold. I didn’t have quite enough fabric for the neck facing, so I substituted a piece of an old sheet in the same weight and color as the pillowcases. By leaving the lace edging on the pillowcases, I didn’t need to add the hem bands. This made the top a bit longer, but no hemming needed!

The Result

Ta daa! I’m happy with my new summer top! It was a great way to practice this new pattern, it didn’t cost me anything (other than the cost of the pattern that I’m already planning to use again), and best of all, it gave new life to the embroidery work my mother-in-law so lovingly made.

Who knew I’d find joy in my linen closet!

Threads of Thought

I can imagine this conversation when I wear my latest creation out to lunch :

“Say, are you wearing pillowcases?!”

“Why yes. Yes I am.” (hilarious!)

Find joy my friends!

If you are enjoying my blog, and want to read more, check out my books Out of the Crayon Box: Thoughts on Teaching, Retirement, and Life and Until Italy: a Traveler’s Memoir. Perfect reading for summer escapes or book club selections. Get you copies here!

March 24, 2025March 23, 2025

Tucson Festival of Books 2025

Q and A with Indie Author Debra VanDeventer

People walking through the Tucson Festival of Books

The 2025 Tucson Festival of Books 2025 is “in the books!” It was a beautiful weekend in Tucson drawing an estimated 130,000 visitors to the University of Arizona Campus for one of the largest book festivals in the nation. This was my third time at the festival, once as a visitor, and twice to showcase my books as part of the Indie Author’s Pavilion. Many of you, family, friends, people who follow me on fb, instagram, or my blog are curious about my experience. So, in a weird sort of way, I’ll be playing the part of the interviewer and the interviewee as I fill you in on some of the questions I’ve been asked.

How did you get to be one of the Indie authors presenting at the festival?

I submitted my self-published book (Until Italy: A Traveler’s Memoir) to the TFOB Indie Author’s Committee for review by the September 15 deadline. The guidelines state that to be considered the book had to have been published within the past 2 years. The book then went through a selection process and in December I received notice that my book had been accepted as one of the books to be featured in this year’s Indie Author’s Pavilion. I was thrilled to be given this opportunity to sign books and meet readers face to face!

What did you do to prepare for the event?

Because this was my second time to appear at the event, I was better prepared. I knew what to expect. Prior to the event, I posted regular updates on my social medial (fb, instagram) accounts. I ordered author’s copies of my books, bookmarks, and invested in a table runner with my author name and logo. The Indie tent is set up with tables and tablecloths, and allows for a small amount of display space. The table runner was a good idea because it packed well, helped my space stand out, didn’t blow down (like some larger table top displays do) and didn’t interfere with the authors on either side of me.

a table runner with the words Debra VanDeventer author

Were you successful? (This is a tricky question, but what most people want to know is did I sell any books?)

Yes! Enough to fund a European vacation? Well no, but enough to cover the cost of my registration fee and a nice dinner out. (or maybe lunch at the local sandwich shop, when you factor in cost of the promotional materials.) In all I sold 7 books at the festival and a few more online this week that might have been a result of the dozens of book marks I handed out with a QR code to my author’s page on the back. My books went home with a man from Italy (what will he think of Until Italy?), a couple that was heading to Italy in a few weeks, a fellow writer from my local writers forum, an author who knew me from facebook, an author who had written a book and was interested in self-publishing, and two retired teachers. But here’s the real payoff:

Writing, putting thoughts to paper, is a solitary act, but to be a writer you need a community. This means being there for writers, learning from those who have more experience, encouraging emerging writers, participating in critique groups and writing organizations, buying and reading books, attending workshops, and yes, celebrating reading and writing. At the Festival of Books, I truly experienced this. Friends and family came to cheer me on, and I met new people, fellow published authors, who had come from all over the country. We shared tips and celebrated each other’s successes.

Participating in TFOB gave me the opportunity to send my words out “gloriously traveling to all sorts of places” (SARK) and touching the hearts, minds and imaginations of other people….this, this is why I write. This is what success means to me.

the author standing in front of her book display at the Tucson Festival of Books

What’s next?

Another book is in the works. I don’t want to give too much away, but it is centered around my experience with the 52-Hike challenge Ed and I completed last year. Lots of nature writing, adventure and introspection along the way. This work is taking me places I hadn’t expected, and I’m curious to see where I end up. I hope to have the rough draft completed by summer, then edits, more edits, more edits, into the hands of my editor and beta readers, cover design, formatting…there’s lots for an Indie author to do, but I have a great support team, and I love the creative process. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be back at Tucson Festival of Books someday! Watch this space!

Threads of Thought

Be part of the literary community! Celebrate reading and writing! Support local authors and local bookstores. Buy indie authors books and leave a review. Write your own stories or books. Be a part of the 2026 Tucson Festival of Books! http://www.tucsonfestivalofbooks.org

Missed the festival, but would still like a copy? Easy enough! Click here.