Sweetgrass Baskets

We got our first sweetgrass basket for a wedding gift. We knew it was a pretty basket, but we didn't understand the tradition and history of a sweetgrass basket. The baskets are a Gullah tradition.



West African slaves began weaving these baskets from bulrush which is a strong but supple marshgrass. The original purpose was to winnow rice from chaff on plantations.




Many people display these beautiful works of art in their homes. If you'd like to have a sweetgrass basket for yourself, they can be found at the Charleston City Market and many of the gift stores in South Carolina. There are many roadside stands where artisans sell baskets.

Details Part Two

Last week I shared about Philip Simmons creating over five hundred wrought iron pieces in Charleston, South Carolina.


Philip Simmons was born on June 9. 1912 and became an apprentice blacksmith at the age of twelve. He learned the trade from a man who was the grandson of slaves and had himself learned the skill from his family. He spent seventy-eight years working as a blacksmith. He died in 2009 at the age of ninety-seven. He knew the meaning of hard work, and Charleston is better for his work ethic.

Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters..."

It's In the Details

Are you a detail person? Do you want everything in your home to look perfect? Cute knickknacks? Are they season appropriate? Do you have decorations for every holiday? You might be a detail person.

On a recent trip to Charleston, SC, I noticed so many extra touches homeowners made to their houses that made them pop. Ironwork doors and gates caught my attention. I did a little research on the wrought iron pieces on display throughout Charleston and discovered a man by the name of Philip Simmons is responsible for over five hundred of these amazing pieces.

Today I'd like to share a few with you. I spotted these while walking around Charleston. They are not all by Philip Simmons, but I thought they were pretty.

Walking in Charleston

In the two weeks I've been living in South Carolina, I've mostly unpacked and gotten organized. I'm not completely settled yet, but Tim had a conference in Charleston, SC and I tagged along.

We arrived early in the afternoon and grabbed lunch before walking from our hotel to The Battery. It is a seawall at the southern tip of Charleston. At this point the Ashley River meets the Cooper River. The streets are full of antebellum homes. Tim and I enjoy studying the architecture of the homes and imagine the history. We often dream of what it'd be like to live in different cities and towns, but now that I've moved I don't plan to move again. (I know, never say never.)

Today, I'd like to share a few of the pictures I took during my walks.



The pineapple fountain is beautiful. And the way palm trees are planted among other trees is amazing.

I think Charleston is a great place to visit if you enjoy history, beautiful homes, delicious food, and great scenery.

If you've been to Charleston, do you have a favorite place to visit?