Artist, author, and mother of two Lena Corwin has long been admired for her effortless blend of artful living and down-to-earth practicality (for proof: check out her swoon-worthy home profile from 2018). With her recently released book, Cloth: 100 Artists—Contemporary & Heritage Techniques, she continues to inspire us with her thoughtful eye and appreciation for beautiful, useful, hand-crafted things—including the work of dozens of textile artists across North America.

To celebrate her third book, we asked Lena to share her current Mother Essentials list of the items—and practices—she’s reaching for these days. What she shares is an inspired mix of cool, practical, and affordable favorites that perfectly reflect her grounded yet elevated taste. From paraffin-free candles and vintage-inspired flatware to the jeans she swears by and the art that fills her home, each pick feels like an extension of her creative, intentional world. Enjoy!

CLOTH. “This is my latest book, published in April. In it I profile 100 contemporary North American artists working with textiles. This book is the definition of a ‘labor of love’ for me.” CLOTH: 100 Artists—Contemporary & Heritage Techniques, $27.95, Bookshop.

Kid Peace Towel. “My passion for textiles includes terry towels, and I have been making these beach & bath towels (woven in North Carolina) for a decade now, as a side project that donates regularly to longstanding peace organizations.” Kid Peace Towel, $32, Peace Towel.

Aloha Bay Coconut Wax Candles. “I buy these paraffin-free candles for myself and for gifts.” Taper Candles, $11, Aloha Bay.

Sabre Bistrot Flatware. “I bought this set last year—my first time buying grown-up, matching flatware.” Bistrot Flatware, $93.50, Sabre.

Nike Training App + Cast Iron Dumbbells. “I started strength training with friends, with the goal to build some muscle as I age (everyone’s doing it). This app is free!” Nike Training Club App via Nike. Cast Hex Dumbbell, $25.99, Dick’s Sporting Goods.

B12 Vitamins. “I found out recently, through a blood test with my MD, that I am B-12 deficient, which is common for vegetarians and pescaterians. I started taking B-12 and it has helped tremendously with the fatigue I was dealing with for years.” Solgar B12 500 MCG, $8.49, iHerb.

Jansport Backpack in Basic Brown. “I’m a life-long Jansport fan.” Big Student Backpack, $55, Jansport.

Samet Andre Dress. “My wonderfully talented friend Ilana Kohn launched a new brand, Samet, after her eponymous brand closed last year.” Andre Dress, $235, Samet.

Recycled Gardening Trug Sets. “I have tubs and baskets all over my house, inside and out.” Gardening Trug Set in Moss Green Metallic, $32, Garden Heir.

King Arthur Gluten Free Flour. “My friend Jessica Battilana creates cookbooks (and co-hosts a podcast) for King Arthur, the oldest flour company in the United States. They have increased gluten-free options in recent years.” Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, $7.95, King Arthur Baking Company.

Posca Markets. “My son Abe and I love these. They’re so juicy and vibrant.” uni POSCA Water-Based Paint Markers, $24.99, uni.

Levi’s 501 ‘90s Ankle Jeans. “No explanation needed!” Levi’s 501 ’90s Ankle Jeans in Shout-Out Stone, Medium Wash, $98, Levi’s.

L.L. Bean Totes. “I love ‘Bean Bags’…new and vintage.” Boat & Tote Open-Top, $32.95, L.L. Bean.

Art by Friends. “My home is filled with art by friends, and I recently added two by Christopher David Ryan.” ChristopherDavidRyan.com

SFMOMA Membership. “This was a gift from my mom last December, and I have loved being a member.” SFMOMA Membership, $130, SFMOMA.

Salvation Army. “Browsing here is one of my favorite pastimes, especially when I feel stuck or grumpy.” SalvationArmy.org

Tech Deck Fingerboard. “My kids love these; they’re great for travel fidgeting for tween boys.” Spin Master Tech Deck 96Mm Fingerboards, $4.99, The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company.

East Fork Pottery Bowl. “Last year East Fork was affected by Hurricane Helene’s flooding and mudslides, and to offer support I placed an order for bowls that I use daily.” Ice Cream Bowl in Heron, $28, East Fork Pottery.

Hard Cider. “Like ones from Redfield in Oakland. I enjoy sampling ciders since they are naturally gluten-free.” Zofinger Kellerei Yuzuhama 750ml, $26.50, Redfield Cider.

KasMaria Cap. “Kassandra Lao Pietri has such great taste and I love her small-batch clothing and accessories.” Liberty Floral Long-Bill Cap, $115, KasMaria.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features with Hello!Lucky’s sister duo, doula and author Latham Thomas, Carla Wingett of Idlewild Floral, on Andrea Faulkner Williams of Tubby Todd, Hana Getachew of Bole Road Textiles, artist & author Carissa Potter Carlson, actress & activist Hilary Swank, the co-founders of Hearth Display, author and organizer Aida Mariam Davis, design consultant Joyce Lee, self-care advocate Rachel Garahan, DJ Va$htie Kola, designer Rebecca Minkoff, VEERT founder Julia Lang, cookbook author Jenné Claiborne, Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled, model, writer, and activist Cameron Russell, author Nasozi Kakembo, kid-lit talent Bo Lu, artist Suzy Ultman, and Super Smalls founder Maria Duenas Jacob.