hobbyists hobbyist

It's either feast or famine here, folks. (Did you catch my use of alliteration? See, that five and a half years for an English degree was useful after all.) Today it is feast. A feast for your eyes. The new fabrics came in and they are...<sigh>...well, just look for yourself.

Aren't these cheerful? Don't they make you want to sing?? (And doesn't that one on the left look just a little like little red afros?)

These are all from Moda's Uptown collection which, I believe is still fairly new. I found them all at a significant discount at Hancock's of Paducah, my favorite spot for great fabrics at great prices. And they have everything. Request one of their catalogs and you'll see. Great weekend reading material for fabric lovers.

I have a few other fabrics I'll be using to make a special tote bag for a special someone. Those I will be keeping under wraps for just a little bit longer. Oh, but I still have more goodies to share!

These are from a decorated paper swap at art-e-zine, each one made by different artist. Gillian generously posted the papers from everyone involved with details on the techniques they used. So, if you always wanted to learn more about making your own painted/dyed/stamped/embellished papers, head on over here. You'll definitely want to poke around a bit. And make sure to check out the other swaps and exchanges here.

I don't actually have any work of my own to share today, but I do have some of my darling 4 yr. old daughter's latest creations, if you'll humor me. I'm constantly blown away by the stuff the kids come up with all on their own. It is so interesting to hear the story for each thing. Mostly, Maisey makes gifts for her friends.

Don't they look like little packages? (I know, more alliteration. This post is pure poetry--oops, there I go again. I just can't help myself.) This was a 3 day project. One day to fold just right and glue, a second day to paint the tops, and a third day to paint the bottoms. And here is a book she made this week. It folds into thirds and has another little book on each fold.

I have to be really careful not to ask my kids what it is that they've made when they show it off to me. They usually want to identify every flower, sun, person, etc. in a picture and that's great, but I also want them to be free to make something that doesn't look like anything "real" and without any particular use at all. I want them to realize that all art is not utilitarian or representative of something else. Sometimes it is just pretty colors, designs, folds for its own sake. Lately, when we make stuff together, Maisey has said, "I want to be an artist like you someday" or "I wish I could paint like that" but I try to help her see that she already is an artist! I truly believe that creativity is a natural part of who we were all created to be, but its also a part that we devalue as we get older and busier. I constantly remind her, because she often gets frustrated that she can't draw things like she thinks they should be, that all artists sometimes (even most of the time?) make things that they aren't happy with. Every drawing won't be a favorite, but that's okay because they are all valuable as a part of the creative process and develop your skills. A lesson a could certainly take to heart more often.

If you've read this far, bless you! I truly appreciate and value every single page hit and comment. You all make my day. And I'd like to get to know some of you better, so delurk already! Mmmmwaaaahh!

Comments

[patty van dorin]

OH MY, I love those fabrics. How much fun to do art with your children, I can only imagine what a great time that is.

[Jennifer]

Well hello! Have I been lurking? I know I've been stopping by pretty regularly, but I can't remember if I've commented before or not. But, in any case, hello! I am a great believer in the idea that whatever a person makes with her (or his) own hands IS her art -- that we are all artists, and that of COURSE all of our work is uniquely our own. My 9-year-old son is very comfortable in his own artist's skin and it's my goal that he always feel that way. Hurray for the beauty in what each of us can do.

[Felicia]

Yay for years of higher education :) Those fabrics are very pretty indeed. Can't wait to see what they become.

[Nicole S]

I think it's amazing that you're trying to teach your kids creative freedom. I never thought to say something like that when my girls get discouraged, I usually just point out the positives ("Oh honey, your horse does too look like a horse! See, that's the mane, and hoof..."). Very cool, thanks for helping us to become better art mommies. :-)