I think it's a lovely idea! I don't know what faith you embrace but I'm sure there are rituals and text you can search out to suit your personal requirements. It might be nice to have guests bring something small to contribute like an offering. Maybe compost contributions. And they can take home something growing in a wee pot. Maybe it could be a naming celebration where you name the shed "Pat." ;)

It isn't crazy. It will be a special place and deserves a special beginning. Call it a blessing if you'd like, just enjoy the space and the peace you will enjoy within its walls.
Jo

Not crazy at all jude.

When I was growing up the priest used to come and bless your house when you moved in.

A different practice(or maybe not) is very common here. It's called smudging. There are many native american descendants in this area and it's often done when a new house or building is erected, or even if you move into a new apartment. I don't know the details but I believe it just represents a cleansing of the dwelling. They use a sage or sweetgrass wand.

When we finally get our remodel/addition done, I would like to have both ceremonies done. I have native american ancestors, but not close enough to know first hand all the meanings of the ritual.

I love that you are using reclaimed windows, and a friends mothers glass, too cool!

Our house is the old "home place" where my FIL was born and raised. It's old, log and we are trying to make it fit our world.

Di

Eileen, I belong to the Christian church and blessing is usually reserved for people, who are blessed in whatever way, every day we are blessed, if you know what I mean. Of course in the south, as has been discussed before, someone is always saying, "bless her heart".

Jo, that was a nice thought, thank you.

Di, I love that you are living in your in-laws old house. I used to think one day we'd have a log house but it was not meant to be, so maybe this is the answer to a dream on a hugely smaller scale.

I do have 3 St. Fiacre's in various places so maybe the yard is already blessed. I just think this is a fun idea and spring would be a good time to do it and I'll have all winter to think and plan.

I just remembered something else.Thirty something years ago we built a large workshop on our property and several friends came and worked on getting the roof on. The ladies prepared or contributed food in celebration and when the last beam was placed, I believe this is correct, a small evergreen or at least an evergreen branch was placed at the top. This is called topping out in this area and I believe has Scandinavian origin. Afterwards we had a really good meal to celebrate.

I love it...It's a great idea and not crazy at all. When you do this, remember to take pictures so we can all share vicariously. Maybe you could have different people sign a piece of paper with a ''blessing'' and glue it in somewhere as a permanent record.

Great idea, Claire! I think I'll save the entire thread and make notes before I actually start planning the"event".

I think it is a terrific idea! I have been to several blessings over the years, from the Blessing of the Bikes in NH to the Blessing of the Hounds in PA to the Blessing of a Home etc. And that you are using reclaimed items is just awesome - definitely have your shed blessed!

Alexa

One really interesting idea which is gaining popularity here is "Feng Shui"

From the internet:

""Feng Shui (also known as "geomancy") is an ancient Chinese art used to promote such things as health, happiness and prosperity. The words literally mean 'wind' and 'water'.
Feng Shui, also called the Chinese Art of Placement, is a technique that is thousands of years old for bringing balance to one's home, business and the land that surrounds them. It looks at many areas of one's life (health, wealth, family, relationships, career, friends, fame, children, and knowledge) to determine blockages within the home or business, that might cause some type of problem, and then at the different types of "cures" that can be used to alleviate the problem. The methods for analyzing a space and the "cures" to correct the problems can vary from esoteric modalities used for centuries to technological solutions of our current timeline. Both must blend in harmony to created balance in one's life.-----"

It is completely non-religious, so it will not create conflict with your other ideas.

dcarch

Feng-Shui has nothing to do with a ceremony but rather it's a system of arranging a space to be most esthetic and pleasant way according to a set of Chinese principals.

I think the "blessing" ceremony and subsequent party sounds wonderful.
I once went to a "greenhouse warming"....cocktails served in the greenhouse which connected to the diningroom as an extension. Lovely party, lovely idea but the heating bills were out of sight and they tore it down.
I hope your potting shed has a longer life and is well blessed.
Linda C