mother’s day – Crafted in Carhartt

Mother-Daughter Ironworkers, Carolina and Kat in Seattle

Carolina Taylor has been an Ironworker for the past 22 years.

That statement is loaded with accomplishment. In the 1990s, becoming an Ironworker as a woman was no easy feat. How did Carolina pave that road for herself?

It started with a road trip, an 18 hour quest up the West Coast from Los Angeles to Seattle. Carolina packed all of her belongings into her ’65 Galaxy with her daughter, Kat, as her copilot. She searched for a job that would provide for her and Kat—but all the “female” jobs like clerk typist, medical translator, or assistant tax accountant paid very little and offered no benefits.

A friend of Carolina’s who worked on highway construction suggested she check out a new program at Renton Technical College that offered good wages and benefits. She signed up immediately. After seeing The Space Needle as an example of what Ironworkers could do, Carolina realized her calling. She wanted to be one of “The Cowboys of the Sky.”

Mother Daughter Ironworkers, Carolina and Kat / Crafted in Carhartt

The beginning of Carolina’s career had its obstacles. Her car gave out, and she had to wake up early every morning to ride the bus to work, often rising several hours before her work day began so she could drop her daughter off at day care.

“On the job training began when I first stepped on the job site. It was mental and physical. All my senses were on high alert to make sure what tasks I did were done well and showed that I wanted to be there and that I belonged there.

As an apprentice, I was the only women in the gang… My arrival on the job site meant behavior change. (ie: taking down calendars with naked women, using different language, stepping out of comfort zones, etc…)

Did I work my fair share? Was I worth the trouble?

I remember the sticker on a hard hat that said, ‘I won’t work with someone who squats to piss!’

I walked tall and fearless, focused on learning to work safe and efficient to make it another day and provide for my daughter. I gave no one permission to break me or make me feel like I did not belong there.” -Carolina Taylor

With such a hardworking mom as her example, Kat grew up to be self-sufficient. Obstacles weren’t so daunting—she had living proof of what was possible watching her mom overcome her own hardships.

It wasn’t until after Kat attended her first orientation that she told her mother that she too wanted to be an Ironworker. Carolina felt a rush of colliding emotions when she heard the news.

“I know what it’s like out there. So many feelings…proud, excited for her. I know she is capable of working in the field in a safe manner, however as her mother, I had to prepare myself in the event she got hurt. Being in the same union eased the fact that even though I was not working in the field with her, my brothers in the field that did work with her would let me know how she was doing and would keep an eye on her.” -Carolina Taylor

The Taylor women have come full circle in their work and personal lives. Carolina, who began her career after seeing how the Space Needle was built, worked on the recent remodeling of the structure. Kat became a Jorneyman Ironworker in 2018 and is now herself a loving mother and a first time homeowner.

Ironworker Carolina Taylor’s Advice for Aspiring Tradespeople:

take good care of yourself
spend quality time with your family
continue making goals to achieve the next positions as a union member (ie: business agent, organizer, union president, apprenticeship instructor, coordinator)
be a dream-chaser, goal-reacher, and butt-kicker

Carolina has taken her own advice, advancing her career as she kept her goals in mind. In 2013, she was asked to be an apprenticeship instructor, teaching fundamental trade skills to pre-apprentices and 1st year apprentices. In 2015, she was named Tradeswoman of the Year by Washington Women In Trades. Right now, she teaches a welding class for TERO (Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance) for Yakama Nation in Toppenish.

On top of it all, Carolina still works in the field, building the city she lives in, tapping into her inner strength and original intention for being on the job site in the first place. It is still a thrill to see the transformation generated by her own two hands, working together with the crew she now sees as part of the family.

If Carloina’s sacrifices and strength remind you of your mom, share this story with her and thank her for everything she’s done.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today we’re saluting ranching mom, Mary Heffernan.

Life changed drastically for the Heffernan’s when they left Silicon Valley to run a farm in Northern California. Mary, Brian, and their 4 daughters also named Mary, now run this beautiful plot of land in Fort Jones, selling their meat locally and online across the nation.

“Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming to have so many animals in our care. There are no days off in ranching. When we first started doing this I was struggling to find time to get all the chores on the ranch done and still get to the household chores like laundry and cleaning AND cook a good dinner for my family every night. I was worried about having enough time for the girls too. But what I quickly learned was that they could step up to the plate and help with all of these chores and tasks – and we’d be spending all of our time working together as a result. It’s a lot of work around here, but it’s a pretty great life doing all of it together.” –Mary Heffernan

Now let me introduce you to the younger 4 Marys:

MaryFrances, or Francie, is the oldest at 9. She loves dogs, looking after all the animals, and reading books. MaryMarjorie, or Maisie, is 8 years old. You’ll often find her following her dad around the ranch, helping out in any way she can. MaryJane, or JJ, is a fashion-fashion-forward-6-year-old fireball. While sweet little MaryTeresa, also called Tessa or Tiny, is a perpetually happy 4-year-old with a giant smile on her face and typically a tiny animal tucked away in her arms.

I’ll leave you with a word of advice from Mary about being a mom:

“The more you expect from your children, the more capable they become. Letting them solve problems on their own and have some independence is the best gift you can give them.” –Mary Heffernan

Happy Mother’s Day!

Thank You, Mom

One day a year, entirely devoted to Mom doesn’t seem like enough, does it? Well hats off to you, Mom. You’re our original role model and our best friend. Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day BBQ Brunch

With Mother’s Day around the corner, it’s a great time to start planning your surprise for mom. We have a great idea for you this year—throw her a BBQ brunch. Gather all those she holds dear in the world, bring on the good food, and don’t let her lift a finger. After all the snuggles, love, and encouragement she’s given you over the years, wouldn’t it be great to honor Mom with a little more umph?

Take a look through our simple DIYs for your BBQ brunch that’ll blow Mom away. We used Carhartt Woodsman Beer to add some great flavor to our BBQ and we made a few chalkboard crafts to show Mom how much you care in a creative personal way.

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Mom, You’re the Best

Like some distorted wine analogy, I grow to appreciate my mom more an more as I age. Mothers are the selfless heroes, who all too often fly under the radar. They sacrifice their sanity, sleep, and sometimes even the last piece of cake— just for you. Mom’s are a million things packed into one: your first playmate, teacher, a soothing retreat, your biggest cheerleader, and your oldest friend.

My mom and I have always bonded over craft time. She was a great encouragement to me as I grew up. I was infamous for creating “art” messes around the house as I created and experimented. That must have required such patience on her part. Not everything I made was a masterpiece, far from it in fact. How could she have known that I would end up pursing this craftiness as a career? Perhaps I wouldn’t have made it this far if she hadn’t been so open to my creativity and inspiring with her own talents.

How did your mom play a role in who you are today? Really think about it and tell her. It’s a thankless job too much of the time. Get out there are show the moms some love!

DIY Faux Plaster Planters

Ever wonder why spackling comes in such big containers? Every time I move from one apartment to the next, I buy a new tub of it to cover nail holes in the wall, but I never even get close to using the whole thing. Well, I’ve come up with a way to put that entire tub to good use— just in time for Mother’s Day.
To make this Faux Plaster Planter for Mom, you’ll need: a tiny succulent, planting, soil, rocks, scissors, masking tape, spackling, recycled lid (like the tops from hair products or laundry detergent), and recycled cardboard pieces.
We’ll start by cutting out the top and bottom of the planter. The sizing on these cutouts can be flexible. Just make sure the flat part of your lid will fit into the larger shape.Now you need to cut out the edges of your planter. I started by labeling my base and top triangle with A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, and B3. The A is the top and the B is the base. The numbers indicate how the shapes will line up once the planter is constructed. Then I cut out trapezoids that fit the sides of the top and base.Using your lid, trace the circular part onto the top of your planter. Then cut out a hole. This is where you will insert the lid into the shape.Now tape the cardboard pieces together accordingly and slide the lid into place. Secure the lid with tape as well.Using the spackling, cover the cardboard. You can use a paint brush or a scrap piece of cardboard to do this.Once the spackling has dried, it’s time to plant your succulent. First put down a layer of soil, filling the lid half way. Then insert the succulent. Add more dirt if needed and secure with a top layer of rocks. Don’t forget to water it, and you’re done!

Nothing says I love you like a handmade gift, especially one that grows. If your mom happens to have a bit of a green thumb herself, here are a few more gift ideas:

The Original Role Model

This is a thank you to all the moms out there. Since the day we took our first step, we wanted to be more like you. They say that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, and it’s true. We follow you around like a shadow, copying your every move, and even your words. Mothers possess a strength unlike anyone else: tough and compassionate, protective and encouraging, capable and confident. Who wouldn’t want to be like you?

If you’re thankful for your mom and hope to be just like her, share this. Let her know she’s the original role model.

Master Frame Buildin’ Momma

Natalie worked as a bike messenger for 6 years as she went to grad school for architectural design. She wanted to combine her love of design, the world of cycling, and respect for the environment into a business and way of life. With its bike-friendly nature, Portland seemed like a great place to start Sweetpea Bicycles, owned and operated by Natalie and her husband, Austin. Out of a desire to help women experience the joy of cycling, she strives to make bikes that perfectly fit a woman’s body. As a mother of two, there’s no doubt her enthusiasm will be passed down to her children.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s a great time to take a step back and appreciate the ambitions and passions your own mom instilled in you. Don’t forget to tell Mom that you love and appreciate her.

Take a look at Natalie’s work wear here: Carhartt Women’s Minot Shirt, 1889 Slim Double-Front Denim Dungaree, & Short Sleeve Signature T-Shirt.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is just a few days away. Don’t forget to show Mom how much you love her.
Take a look at the Crafted in Carhartt gift guide. Get inspired!

DIY: Handmade Trivet

Still searching for the perfect gift for Mom? These handmade trivets are a great idea. You’ll need: 4 copper pipe corner fittings, a balsa wood rod that fits snuggly into the pipe coner, a small hand saw, yarn, and scissors. Start by cutting 4 equal pieces from the balsa wood rod. Pick the size according to how big you want the trivet to be. I made 3 concentric trivets so that they look good in a group. (sized around 3.5 square inches, 5 square inches, and 7 square inches) Then insert the wood pieces into the corner fittings in the shape of a square. Next wrap the wood in yarn, and you’re done! They can even hang on the wall as art when they’re not being used. Another great gift for Mom is the Carhartt Women’s Clarksburg Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt. It’s comfy and slightly fitted and a perfect Mother’s Day present.