Re-Explore Your Passion to Create

Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES, THE CRAFT CLOSET

Several months ago, I read an article about Amanda Peat in Cookie Magazine. She made the comment, “When you’re able to identify your passions, then your child will be able to identify hers.” In my head, her comment translated into “when we keep up our hobbies, it shows our children that hobbies are important.”

Like many moms, I could not recall what it is I used to enjoy doing. There is a pile of unread books on my bookshelf waiting to be read. I realized that when we pull out the art supplies, I tend to stand nearby supervising, but never get involved with my own project. When we turn on the music to dance, I dance for a little while then, busy myself with cleaning while the kids are preoccupied. Cooking has become a chore with the baby crying the whole time at my feet and the older two getting into things or starting fights every five minutes.

Back in June, I took a trip to see my family who live half a world away. I was chatting with my youngest sister about this very topic. She and I share a familiar trait that the house must be clean before we can proceed with any arts and crafts project. Silly isn’t it? Creativity swiftly comes and flutters away. By the time we are finished cleaning and pull out the sewing machine or all the art supplies, we are tired or the inspiration has vanished. My sister was adamant about having a place to put the scrap booking supplies and the sewing machine. A place where the creative projects and material can be left out waiting for her return, allowing her to pick up where she left off.

Some ways that I have been able to incorporate my creative needs in with those of three young children, is I started leaving a book or two in the car for the days we take a drive or are out running errands. (Stephen is driving of course). I also have a couple books in the kitchen I peruse while I eat my breakfast or for later in the day when I steal away to the back patio while the children are napping.

I have a small desk in my bedroom that houses my sewing machine and a small cabinet for all my supplies. I found a basket to store the projects I want to work on and any ideas I have for future crafts.
The children’s art supplies are in a cabinet downstairs in the kitchen. I love walking into the room and seeing them creating. Even Everett, who is one, is passionate about his drawing. Their favorite masterpieces are displayed throughout the kitchen taped to cabinet doors and on the walls. Their eyes light up every time they spot a favorite picture they created.

Mason and Adelin get a real kick when I sit down with them to work on a drawing or painting. Knowing they will want to do what I am doing, I try to come up with an idea that is similar to what I am working on. While I knit, they use their yarn needles and a square of plastic canvas or make crochet chains. If I want to scrapbook, I give the kids their own stickers, scissors and paper. If I am cooking, they grab their aprons to help out.

I can’t believe I allowed myself to miss out on all of the fun. It certainly takes patience, but I am learning to laugh it off. The most important thing is the TV is off and we are together exploring through creating.

Technorati Tags: activities for kids, amanda pete, art projects, cookie magazine, creative family, hobbies, mommy time, organization

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Natural Treasures in Our Art Box

Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES, THE CRAFT CLOSET

When Stephen and I need a break after a long week, we load the kids in the car and get out of town. Usually, it is to his mom’s house in a more rural area. While we were in the country visiting Stephen’s parents, the kids and I took a walk in search of fun items to add to our growing art collection and Holiday Tree. Walking around their backyard, we collected yellow and red golden leaves, green berries, sticks and small pinecones. The children were delighted with each treasure they picked up.

I was reminded of a friend of mine. Her daughter age two at the time loved collecting “her treasures”. Everything from garbage to natural elements was lovingly tucked in under her pillow for safe keeping. Occasionally, her mom would have to go through the stash to clean out the pieces of actual garbage.

Technorati Tags: activities for kids, collecting treasures, creating memoriess, creative play, nature, nature in art

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Exploring Sounds Create your own Sound Wall

Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES, THE CRAFT CLOSET

Today we made a sound wall. I am sure our neighbors are going to love us for it. My friend has been reading a book called Creative Families, by Amanda Blake Soule. One of the pages that caught friend’s attention and thought my kids would love was an idea called the sound wall. Interested, I took my daughter down to the local Goodwill in search of wonderful sounds. I was shocked at the sparse selection. In other cities I have lived, the thrift stores are overloaded with all things tin and aluminum. For now our simple collection was enough to compel the children to let loose and, most of all, have fun.

Technorati Tags: amanda blake soule, crafts for kids, Crative Families, exploring sounds, Sound Wall

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