Creative Living — Stories and inspirations from everyday life — gardening, creativity, and small joys behind the stitches.
My Dieffenbachia’s Porch Adventure
This summer, I decided to see if my dieffenbachia would like being a porch plant — and it loves it!
This leafy beauty has been part of my home for more than 40 years. It’s always stayed inside, soaking up filtered sunlight from the stairway landing. But this year, I decided to give it a little outdoor adventure. The porch gets soft morning light and plenty of shade later in the day — a perfect test spot.
It’s thriving! The leaves are richer in color, the stems are stronger, and it looks happier than ever. After decades indoors, I think it’s enjoying the change of scenery and fresh air.
Gardening has become one of my favorite creative outlets — much like designing headwear. Since spending more time outdoors during Covid, I’ve found so much joy in nurturing plants and creating practical sunwear like our boonie and bucket hats. It all connects: comfort, care, and creativity, whether it’s through fabric or foliage.
This little experiment reminded me how growth happens when we step into something new — even after forty years.
Looking Ahead to Gardening Season
As my dieffenbachia enjoys its porch life, I’m slowly beginning my off-season making — preparing for next year’s gardening days and sunshine-filled adventures.
When spring rolls back around, our handcrafted boonie hats and bucket hats will once again be ready to join you outdoors. Each one is made here in Kansas City with comfort, fit, and everyday practicality in mind — perfect for gardening, porch lounging, or tending to your favorite plants.
Stay tuned — the next blooms (and hats) are already in the making.
About Creative Living
Creative Living is where I share some of the things that inspire and surround my headwear making — from Swedish weaving and hand embroidery to gardening and baking bread. Many of my customers tell me they wear their Rawls-Riley Creations headwear while baking or tending plants, and I do the same. These stories come from the same creative place — comfort, craftsmanship, and enjoying the process of making things that fit real life.
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Dieffenbachia enjoying its first summer on the porch
My 40+ year old dieffenbachia enjoying its first summer on the porch.