Erstellenhaus comes from the German words for “create” and “house.” My ancestry is a mixed bag of European immigrants, but the culture I associate with the most is German. My great-grandparents, John (Johan) and Clara Sabel, came to the US in the early 1900’s and settled in Louisville, Kentucky. They became proud American citizens, but continued to speak German at home and follow many of their cultural traditions. My mom grew up spending lots of time with her “grossmama,” learning to cook, force food upon loved ones, live frugally, and speak her mind. In honor of Grossmama–a prolific crocheter, knitter, needlepointer, mother (6 kids) and cook–and the long line of DIY crafty families she helped create, I am proud to share my continuing adventures here on Erstellenhaus.