MotherWords

About the Project

MotherWords washcloths are used to scrub in, scrub off, or gently wipe away negative experiences of the day. They are a daily conversation with yourself, a love note, or encouragement for a child or friend. I’m interested in the question, what does it mean to wash your face, your body with these words? Over time they hold the stories of each person through the wear and tear developed.

This project began after countless trips to big box stores, looking at that all-too-familiar lines of home decor items with inspirational sayings that never seemed to fit my family’s experience. I decided to create my own, a functional, visual interpretation with the language of my family and community. I began with embroidering readymade washcloths to exhibit and give away. Each washcloth’s design and color palette reflects my household’s culture and lively energy. Font, color, and layout are handled with great care and attention. Now, the washcloths are made with sustainable materials like organic cotton and hemp.

A friend asked for a set to gift her daughter who was struggling in college and far from home. Her daughter washed her face every morning, reading the words while washing was like hearing her mother’s voice at the start of each day. This helped her cultivate a positive routine and outlook. The gift of this story motivated me to make more. 

Examples: te quiero so much | I love you so much; you have their smile; en eso together | in this together; we have everything we need; respida | breath; and con cuidado | be careful.