A Journey of Resilience, Creativity, and Love: From Captain to Craftsmanship

Introduction:

Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected curveballs our way, forcing us to adapt and explore new paths we never thought we’d venture down. My name is Craig, and this is the story of how a back injury changed my life and led me into the wonderful world of wreath making. Once a Captain of a Liftboat offshore, my life took a dramatic turn when I was hurt and had to undergo major back surgery. Little did I know that this unforeseen setback would open my eyes to a whole new world of creativity and community.

The Injury:

As a Captain, my days were filled with challenging tasks offshore, navigating the waters, and ensuring the safety of my crew. But one fateful day, fate had other plans. A serious back injury left me in excruciating pain, unable to continue with my duties. The pain was unbearable, and I faced the uncertainty of whether I could ever return to the job I loved.

The Turning Point:

During my recovery, I found myself confined to my home, restless and bored. It was then that my wife Melissa, in an attempt to distract me from the pain, introduced me to the art of making bows. To my surprise, I found myself intrigued by the process, but it was more than just the craft itself that captivated me.

Discovering the Wreath Making Community:

To my surprise, I found myself intrigued by the process, but it was more than just the craft itself that captivated me. Melissa encouraged me to watch wreath-making tutorials on Facebook, where I stumbled upon a vibrant community of wreath makers who were passionate about their craft. This newfound world was a revelation – a supportive community of artists sharing their knowledge and creativity, forming connections that transcended geographical boundaries. I was instantly drawn to their enthusiasm and camaraderie, and soon enough, I felt like I was part of something bigger than myself.

Learning from Others:

Watching various wreath makers on social media became my daily routine. I absorbed all the knowledge I could from different creators, picking up techniques, styles, and insights from their diverse perspectives. It was fascinating how people from all walks of life came together with a common passion, uniting in their love for wreath making. Making bows was meant to be fun, a stress reliever, and just an outlet. Through practice, failures, and perseverance, I began to find my own unique style. My bows didn’t have a name, nor were they any better than many others out there, but they were mine, and I loved them.

Finding My Style and Small Town Wreath Shop:

As I delved deeper into this art form, I discovered my own unique style began to emerge. I like to start with a 2.5-inch wired ribbon at the bottom and create a stunning “Blast-Off” style bow on top. My normal bows follow a simple yet effective pattern – one loop on each side using the 2.5-inch ribbon, followed by a 3, 2, 1 pattern on top using 1.5-inch wired ribbon, carefully pairing up complementary colors. This is why it’s called the “Blast-Off Bow” – reminiscent of a countdown.

With the encouragement of my wife and the support of the wreath-making community, I decided to share my journey and knowledge through our “With the Bickhams” YouTube channel. It’s a platform where we offer bow-making tutorials, share tips, and showcase the art of wreath making. Moreover, we started our very own “Small Town Wreath Shop” on social media, a place where we connect with fellow wreath enthusiasts and offer our creations to those who share our love for handmade wreaths.

Making Bows – A Fun and Fulfilling Journey:

Now that you’ve heard about my unexpected journey into the world of wreath making, let’s delve into the art of making bows – a process that has become my stress-reliever, creative outlet, and source of joy. Through practice, failures, and persistence, I’ve discovered my own unique bow-making style, and I want to share it with you all.

Remember, there’s no need to overcomplicate things. Your bows don’t have to have a fancy name or be better than anyone else’s. Enjoy the process, embrace the imperfections, and make each bow with love and enthusiasm.

Creating Your Bow:

To begin, determine the size of bow you want to create. Start with the measurement for the bottom color, then gradually shorten each color by about half an inch as you build up to the top. If you’re using a bow maker like the Pro Bow 4 in-1, make sure to keep the stack tight and straight. Now, comes the fun part – the pinch and twist! This is where your bow begins to take shape, and your creativity comes to life. Make sure to watch the Bow Tutorial video at the bottom of this blog post!

Securing Your Bow:

There are various ways to secure your bow, and you can choose what works best for you. Personally, I use 8-inch zip ties with a chenille stem slid under the zip tie before cinching it all the way down. This technique not only holds the bow together but also allows for easy attachment to your wreath or project.

Fluffing and Adding Ribbon Tails:

Once your bow is securely fastened, it’s time to bring it to life by fluffing it up! In our YouTube tutorial, which you can find on our “With the Bickhams” channel, we demonstrate how to expertly fluff your bows to achieve a fuller and more impressive appearance. Additionally, we show you how to add extra ribbon tails for that extra touch of elegance.

A New Outlook on Life:

The injury and the subsequent journey into wreath making changed my perspective on life. Things that once seemed so significant faded into the background, replaced by the joy of creativity and the connections I made with fellow crafters. I learned to appreciate the little things, finding beauty in the simplest of materials and the act of crafting something with love and care.

As my journey into the world of wreath making unfolded, it brought an unexpected and beautiful side effect – it strengthened the bond between my wife Melissa and me. While I initially ventured into bow making as a distraction from the pain of my back injury, little did I know that it would become a shared passion between us.

Collaborating in Creativity:

Melissa, always by my side, became my partner in this newfound endeavor. She not only introduced me to the art of bow making but also provided unwavering support and encouragement every step of the way. Together, we explored different styles, experimented with various materials, and shared in the excitement of every completed bow. As we created wreaths and bows side by side, our creative energies intertwined, and our love for the craft became an integral part of our marriage.

Teamwork and Communication:

The process of making bows required us to work together as a team. From selecting ribbon colors to perfecting the technique of fluffing the bows, we communicated, collaborated, and sometimes even playfully competed to create the most stunning pieces. We learned to appreciate each other’s strengths and supported one another through any challenges we encountered. In this shared journey of creativity, we discovered new depths in our partnership and grew stronger together.

Embracing Patience:

Crafting bows and wreaths demanded patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn from both successes and mistakes. As we navigated through the learning curve, we learned to be patient with ourselves and with each other. Instead of becoming frustrated with failures, we turned them into opportunities for growth and improvement. This newfound patience and understanding translated beyond our creative endeavors and into our everyday interactions, deepening our understanding and compassion for each other.

Quality Time and Connection:

In a fast-paced world, dedicating time to a shared hobby like wreath making provided us with valuable moments of connection and quality time. Away from the stresses of our individual responsibilities, we found solace and joy in the simple act of creating something beautiful together. Whether it was browsing for ribbon supplies, brainstorming new ideas, or participating in wreath-making workshops, our shared passion became a precious thread that bound us even closer.

Supporting Each Other’s Dreams:

Our journey into wreath making not only strengthened our connection but also opened our eyes to the importance of supporting each other’s dreams and passions. My transition from a Captain to a bow maker was met with Melissa’s unwavering encouragement and belief in my abilities. Likewise, I wholeheartedly supported her artistic pursuits and aspirations. This mutual support enriched our relationship, creating an environment where we both felt empowered to chase after our dreams.

Conclusion:

From being a Captain of a Liftboat offshore to discovering the world of wreath making, life’s unexpected turns have led me to a fulfilling and creative path. Making bows has become more than just a craft; it’s an expression of joy, a stress-reliever, and a way to connect with a wonderful community of fellow wreath makers.

If you’re interested in learning more, join us at our “Small Town Wreath Shop” and explore our supplies and creations at https://smalltownwreathshop.com/. Don’t forget to subscribe to our “With the Bickhams” YouTube channel, where we share bow-making tutorials and more.

Remember, bow-making is about finding your style and enjoying the journey. Embrace your creativity, and in no time, you’ll be crafting beautiful, fun bows for every occasion. Happy bow-making from Craig and Melissa Bickham at With the Bickhams and Small Town Wreath Shop!

Epilogue: A Heartfelt Journey

Through the trials of my injury and the journey of discovering wreath making, I learned that life’s unexpected turns can lead us to incredible places. From a challenging career on the sea to the comforting embrace of a wreath-making community, my heart and soul found solace in creativity and love. My once-injured back became a symbol of resilience, reminding me that even in pain, beauty and transformation can emerge.

The world of wreath making not only filled my life with joy and fulfillment but also strengthened the bond between Melissa and me. Our marriage blossomed as we supported each other’s dreams and shared in the excitement of crafting bows and wreaths. The love we poured into our creations reverberated beyond ribbons and ornaments, touching the hearts of those who encountered our work.

And so, our journey continues – a journey of resilience, creativity, and love. As we craft bows with care and create wreaths with passion, we hope to inspire others to embrace life’s unexpected twists and turns, and to find beauty and connection in the most unexpected places.

If you are reading this, we invite you to join us in our journey of creativity and love. From our Small Town Wreath Shop to the With the Bickhams YouTube channel, we extend our hands and hearts, welcoming you to a community that celebrates the beauty of imperfections and the joy of crafting something with love and care.

In this crazy life, may we all find the courage to embrace the unexpected, cherish the little things that bring joy, and connect with kindred spirits that light up our hearts. In the end, it is the love we share and the creativity we nurture that make life’s journey truly extraordinary.