1 Great Project - 3 Reasons to Do It

I've recently corresponded with Creative Mom Jenna McCarthy, Author of The Parent Trip
She was telling me about how as a writer, she walks around with a notebook to capture all the funny things her kids say. She says her children are "pure fodder" for her writing endeavors. She then told me how she takes those notebooks and turns them into a special project that allows her to do three important things:

1) Use and encourage her creative mind.
2) Include her children in that creative process and
3) Encourage her children to read and enjoy stories.

Here's what to do:

As your kids say funny things write them down. I know that many of you are bloggers and chose to journal these silly snippets in a digital format - that works too and in fact, might be a nice way to keep everything all in one place for later use.

Once you have a nice collection of quotes, start transferring them into a small journal or scrapbook. Here is where you can include your kids. Ask them to doodle on the pages or decorate with stickers. You can also have them choose photographs of themselves to be included in the book. Don't forget to add a title that includes their name.

When it's done, you'll have a storybook that your kids will want you to read over and over again. What child doesn't like being the main character in a story?! Especially a main character who is funny, silly and smart too! You'll have loads of fun reliving memories and your child will feel special and loved in a whole new way. Plus, they will be learning without even knowing it. These books will help them to recognize their name in print, as well as the names of any siblings or other 'characters' in the book such as pets. Older kids will learn to see why you thought what they said was humorous and laugh at themselves too. What could be better?


Here are a few gems from Jenna's collection -

At the park:
Sophie (4 years): Mom, why is there a hole in this bench?
Me: Well, what is the bench made from?
Sophie: Wood!
Me: That’s right! And where do we get wood?
Sophie: Home Depot!

In bed at night, singing songs:
Sophie: “This old man, he played seven, he played seven up in heaven…” Mom, what’s heaven again?
Me: That’s where grandpa lives, with God and all of the other people who have died.

Sophie: God DIED?

I know you have a funny quote from your own little one in your mind right now don't you? Go on now, start their book you can always come back later.

About Jenna McCarthy's book:

The Parent Trip: From High Heels and Parties to Highchairs and Potties is a must-read for expecting and new moms. Packed with wit and wisdom, The Parent Trip is "smart, hilarious, incredibly useful and so honest it almost hurts,” says Peg Moline, Editor-in-Chief of Fit Pregnancy magazine, adding “Every pregnant woman should read this book."

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Featured Mom - Melody of Sew Melody

Today's featured mom has written her own post. She's done a fantastic job of discussing how creativity and motherhood go hand in hand. I hope you are touched by her words.

written by Melody of Sew Melody.

Motherhood demands that a woman have the eye of an artist so she might see through the chaos to the beauty that lies within the heart of her family.

I learned to sew when I was in my early 20’s and just had my 2^nd child. I wanted to make beautiful things for my children and couldn’t find exactly what I wanted at the mall. I began to fall in love with fabric. I bought yards of it before I even knew what to do with it! And that is what ultimately led me to make baby blankets.

I set out one day to make the softest blanket possible for a friend of mine who was expecting. I ended up with an amazing combination of satin and the softest minky. I was so eager to give it to her that I wrapped it up two months early and tracked her down at church.

Her baby boy died a day before he was due to be born. She laboured for hours in extreme physical and emotional pain. She delivered her stillborn baby, wrapped him in my blanket, and spent the next couple hours holding him and saying goodbye. Then they buried him in it. She told me how soft it was and how perfect it was for her beautiful baby.

Three babies have been buried in my blankies. Others have traveled to the hospital for surgeries and across the country on vacations with them. Envious cousins have demanded their own and adults have even purchased them for themselves. It is for those reasons that I find I cannot stop sewing. I can’t stay away from the fabric and the lives touched by it.

Being a mother has made me a more creative person that I was before. I have more purpose to my life and because of that I believe my creative spirit has greater capacity for joy and adventure. When I had my first baby, I was astounded by the transformation going on in my heart. I was no less astounded the day I had my 5th child.

Sewing time is my “down time”. It’s the time I get to spend with the fabrics I love to touch and transform. It revitalizes my weary spirit before I jump back into the ring!

The kids are naturally inquisitive and creative. As the older ones grow, I am constantly surprised by their instinctive attraction to beauty. They find it more easily in their innocence and are always trying to capture it in their art and play.

I love being a mother more than I love being an artist. In many ways, the two vocations are inseparable. Motherhood requires that a woman recognize the beauty among the dishes and laundry. It requires fruitfulness even after a sleepless night. It requires a reserve of passion to move forward through the tears and the long days. It is an adventure worth having!

You can find some of my work at www.sewmelody.etsy.com.

Recognizing your influences - Part 2 of 2

In my last post I wrote about recognizing our influences. Today, I'd like to discuss using this information now that we've revealed what it is.

There are two ways we can go here. We can embrace our influences and work towards incorporating them as much as we can while still maintaining our originality, or, we can shut them out and see where our mind wanders when it finds itself in unfamiliar territory.

So what does this mean really?

1) Embracing our influences.

How do we go about incorporating everything we love and still remain truthful to ourselves? The key is in our awareness. In order to include or exclude anything we must be aware of our inclinations and that is why my previous post was important. If you haven't done a little self study exercise go and do so.

Once we know why it is we do the things we do; we are free to pick and choose which techniques, which feelings, which voice to incorporate into any given project. Not only can we choose what we want to do openly, we will recognize when we are losing ourselves amongst our influences.

2) Shutting out our influences.

In the opposite direction we can attempt to abandon what we know and forge ahead into uncharted territory. This is going to be more difficult as our influences are so ingrained into us that they may even form the basis of our creativity. However, we can take drastic measures here. If we normally write in prose, we may switch to poetry. If we normally paint in oil, we can switch to sculpture. If we are comfortable in sewing, what would happen if we picked up a paper art? Changing mediums gives us a higher chance of leaving behind our influences and seeing our basic creative nature show through. Will we create a masterpiece? It's unlikely. We will though, get in touch with ourselves and how we work when our instincts are challenged. We will have fun and we will learn. Teaching ourselves how to be creative in a new way will help us to carry over those new techniques into our medium of choice. Like remapping our brains, we will be able to see things afresh and it may be the key to breaking out of a creative rut.

I hope you take some time for self reflection. Think about your influences and what they mean to you. Be aware of why you do the things you do and it will only elevate your art. All the best to you in your endeavors.

by H.E.Eigler of Maternal Spark

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Recognizing your influences - Part 1 of 2

Novelist and Blogger Charles Gramlich of Razored Zen (which I read religiously) has recently posted on how our influences can affect how we create. He writes

Being “unconscious” of one's sources has potential risks and potential benefits. On the risk side, it’s possible to stay so close to the original that you are simply writing pastiche. On the benefit side, being unconscious of influences allows a seamless mix and match of many influences into the blend that makes up true creativity.

It's got me thinking about how this carries over to other mediums besides the written word. Singer/Songwriters often speak about their influences and often those artists were the ones their parents listened to. I remember my Dad listening to Elvis, Alice Cooper and some other band with a song called "Chicken Train" on our 8 track stereo. And my mother had a large country music collection including Alabama, Kenny Rogers and Waylon Jennings. These influences have a large part in what I listen to today and I love that I can trace it all back to those memories.

We all know the rich history behind painters and the huge influence they had on visual artists. Many visual artists will rattle off their favorites -Mattise, Picasso, and Cezanne. If you look closely, you can see those influences in their work and they are happy to speak of them. Same goes for photographers.

What about scrapbookers, knitters and crocheters or sewers or jewelers? Where do they find their influences? I would imagine the mothers and grandmothers who taught them their craft had most of that influence when it comes to technique but what about style? Influence can come from many places. What has influenced you and how does that play out in your work? Take a moment to think back to your childhood. What was around you then? Who was around you then? What were your passions, your interests? It is important that we understand what influences us so that we can harness or ignore it - which is what I'll write about in part 2 of this series. Comment about your own work. I'd love to hear about who you see in your craft.

by H.E.Eigler of Maternal Spark

image via wikipedia

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Busy Moms know how to save time -10 ideas for what to do with it

You're smart. I know that. You've been reading time saving tips all over the place; heck there are entire sites dedicated to saving time.

You write a grocery list so you aren't wandering aimlessly around the store - time saved : 10 min.

You organize your home so you know exactly where stuff is when you need it - time saved searching for a pair of scissors: 3 min.

You cook meals in bulk and freeze for later - time saved upwards of 1/2 hour.


So, once you've saved all this time what are you doing with it? How do you make the most of those 3 or 10 minute chunks of time when it is easy to let them flitter away. Sometimes, your three year old will smear their pb&j all over the kitchen floor and then that time is used - it's unavoidable. But there are days, here and there, when everything is running smoothly and you've got 5 min to spare. How on earth can you use such a small amount of time towards your creative endeavors? Here are 10 things you can do in 10 min or less.

1) Write down three ideas for future projects - don't worry about fleshing them out. Just get them down on paper. Next time you go to get creative you won't be wondering what to do - that part will be done for you.

2) Do a Doodle. Sketching or doodling, even for those of us without a visual bone in our bodies, still loosens up the mind and allows for a connection between thought and action.

3) Read. Take 2 minutes to read your favorite crafty website or blog........ahem.

4) Set up. Go to your creative space and thread your sewing machine. Lay out your bead supplies. Cast on that first row of knit stitches. Then, when the kids are in bed you'll be all ready to dive in - and anticipating it too.

5) Shut off. Get comfy and close your eyes. Relax for once wont'cha! You never know what might come if you let your brain breathe.

6) Pack Jr. in the stroller and go for a walk around the block - longer if you have the time. Or even better, go along a river path or woodland walkway. Nature inspires many.

7) Review something you've completed in the past that you weren't quite happy with. Think about what you could do to make it better.

8) Start in - depending on what type of artist you are, 10 minutes might be long enough to actually DO something. Cut out some pattern pieces. Embroider that little butterfly motif. Ice your cupcakes.

9) Do some research. Writing a historical story? Find out what they would have cooked for a celebration in 1856. Need to know how to solder something - hit the Google. Five minutes of learning never did anyone harm.

10) Did I say 10? I meant 9, yeah 9 ideas for what to do with your saved time. My time is up. See you later!

written by H.E.Eigler of Maternal Spark dot com

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So what are you into?

I've been working on developing a weekly "Energizer" post. The idea being, I would post exercises or fun projects or ways to jump start your creative projects and you would get so inspired you would rush away to work into the wee hours and come out with a masterpiece. That's the idea anyhow. Then it occurred to me that it would be a whole lot easier if I knew what my readers enjoyed most. Are sewing tutorials going to fall on uninterested ears? Who cares about writing prompts? Punch your answer into the poll below and give me a little direction wont'cha? After all, this blog is for you.

Lock yourselves away - How the simple act of bathing is great for your creativity

You've heard me mention before that in order to capture your creativity it is important to take time out for yourself to think. Think about the project you're currently working on. Think about where you want to take it. What obstacles are you coming up against? What are you going to do to over come them? If you have something new floating in your mind, think about what options you have. How are you going to make this project different and unique?

If you're saying to me that you don't have time for all this thinking, that it's impossible to think with kids running rampant and eating three week old cheerios from behind the couch I'll say I agree. It is impossible to think creative thoughts, thoughts that can expand and grow and take you somewhere down your creative path with chaos happening. So here's what you do.

Lock yourself in the bathroom.

Of course you need to make sure the munchkins have adequate supervision, or are confined to their cages cribs for bedtime. A half an hour is all it takes to make this work. You owe it to yourself to find a half hour. It's not long.

Go into the bathroom, draw a bath, grab a notebook and pen and relax. Let you mind wander. Think about your creative works in progress and if inspiration strikes jot your thoughts down. Lock the door so hubby doesn't pop in, ignore the calls of 'hey Mom, mom, mom, mom, mom.' Don't worry if the phone rings, if it's important they will call back. Maybe you need some light music to mask the goings on beyond the door.

Does it sound luxurious? Well, let's make it even more so. Win one small, one medium, one large and one heart bath bomb from Beyond the Bomb!

Go to the Beyond the bomb site and have a browse, come back here and leave a comment telling us which specialty bomb you'd like to drop into your tub most. The draw runs from July 14th to July 28th and is open to US residents only. Between now and then I want you to take at least 1 time out for you bath! You deserve it!!

Oh and make sure you leave an email address so we can contact you if you're the winner!!

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15 Time Saving, Organization and Inspirational tips from my readers

During the Super Giveaway I asked my readers to comment with a creative tip in order to get an entry. There were a few gems in the group - here they are.

Organization

1) Use egg cartons for organizing craft supplies like buttons and beads.
2) Pour left over paint into pill bottles, label and store.


Time Savers

1) Keep the wrappers from your butter sticks in the fridge for quickly greasing a cookie sheet.
2) Set up your crock pot in the morning for a fuss free dinnertime (this is something I'm thinking of doing, any one with tips on crock potting is welcome to share!)
3) If you suffer from insomnia, get something done! Don't just watch tv.
4) When spraying your cooking pans with non-stick spray, place the pan on the door of your dishwasher. Any over spray will be cleaned during the next cleaning cycle. Geez, I think I'll start all my prep work on the door of the dishwasher!
5) Store any leftover broth in ice cube trays and freeze. They will be easily accessible next time you cook!

Inspiration

1) Look to nature for interesting patterns.
2) When making home made play dough - add Koolaid for color and scent.
3) Encourage your kids to make easy picture books with stickers.
4) Make bean or rice bags with left over fabric scraps.
5) If your kids are in sports, save all their jerseys and make a memory blanket they can take to university.
6) Save all those outgrown onesies and make a sweet memory quilt for yourself!
7) Save your plastic grocery bags, cut into 1" strips and crochet with them.
8) Carry your camera in your purse to capture inspirational moments or pieces of art in your travels throughout the day.

image from freefoto.com

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Featured Mom - Susan of Kiddlebug

Today's featured mom has been creating for 'as long as she remembers' and took her passions towards an online business in February of this year. Now she sells her whimsical children's items on Etsy.com.

H: Tell me about the items you make?

S: I make felt pillow covers for children’s rooms and little felt purses for kids in different shapes like ladybugs and cupcakes. The felt pieces on the pillow covers are appliquéd by hand and the purses are done completely by hand. I have a couple of items with finger puppets that go either with a purse or pillow. I sew appliqués for baby onesies out of wool felt and cotton. I embroider the wool felt onto a cotton fabric patch, lightly fuse it to the onesie and then sew it for extra durability. These things are found in my online store but for myself I also like to make cards, draw and paint, build things and sew for my home and kids.

H: Describe your creative process.

S: I try to get ideas anywhere I can. When an idea comes to me, I either write it down or sketch it out. When I have more time, I can do more sketches until I am happy with one. I usually think of colours as I am sketching or when I think of the image to begin with.

For the onesies, I go through the same process for the image, but then I scour through my fabrics or the local fabric shop for background options.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

S: I have always loved to be creative. Before I had kids, I drew and painted with watercolours a lot more. While I was in University, I taught art classes to kids at a community centre. When I was in middle school, we had to choose art or band. I chose band, but I used to do pictures for the art teacher and she would post them on her wall. A bit geeky….yes.

H: Have your methods changed?

S: My methods have changed because I didn’t know how to embroider until recently and I had not worked with felt very much either. After I had kids, I wanted to make things that were “kid related”.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

S: It is easy and hard all at the same time. There are periods of time where my logical and practical mind takes over and pushes the creative mind to the side. All I can think about are the things that need to be done around the home and such. I have to consciously push all that out of the way to make room for creativity. Playing with my kids and seeing things through their eyes certainly helps.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

S: Both my kids like to draw and do crafts. We both work at the dining room table, but their art tends to take over the space quite often.

H: What have you learned after having your kids? (in relation to your art)

S: I have learned the importance of making time to do the things that you love. When I was single I took that time for granted, but now that it is harder to come by it has become more important to me.

H: What do you feel makes you successful and are you finding success?

S: In my work, I feel successful when I get a sale, if someone compliments my work or when I complete a piece that I love.

In life, I already feel successful because I have a wonderful family and a great group of friends. What more could you ask for?

Visit Susan's Etsy shop at – www.kiddlebug.etsy.com And she Blogs too – "Thoughts from a Crafty Mom can be found here www.kiddlebug.blogspot.com

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Easy crafts and tips from the blogosphere

I found Kidzarama a while ago and loved it so much I added the blog to my Google Reader instantly. She's just done a cute re-design and posts about a variety of mom related things. Now she has a link up to a unique craft tutorial for the fall (and you know it will be here in no time!)

Word Grrls is a sweet little respite for us writer gals out there. She offers fun writing prompts that are perfect for keeping the creativity alive. I bet most of them could be done in 500 words or less. Just the right length to complete during nap time. Check out her site and get inspired.

Looking for a hoard of easy crafting ideas? Check out Craft Stylish where you'll find ideas for every level of crafter. Many of them can be completed in one sitting too, such as these wrapped bangles (shown - image from Craftstylish.com) or these necktie chokers. There is also a bit of social networking going on as you can share pics of your items and comment on others.
Happy surfing!

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Why all this need to be perfect? A creative tip

I don't know if I've told you or not but my boss has approved (on a trial basis) that I work from home one day a week. Wednesdays. They set me up with a very nice laptop and all the needed software etc. Today is my first go at being a WAHM. Seriously, it's tough. Little H is not happy that my attentions are drawn to a shiny glowing box on the table so she's decided to rev up the shenanigans in order to draw my attention her way. She's trashed the house, I haven't eaten and I have to pee really, really bad. But I'm freaking excited to have the opportunity to make a go of this.

In the interests of sanity, I jumped on here for a sec after Little H went to nap land to write a quick post and center myself a bit. This brings us to our topic. Who cares that you don't have time to be perfect? Create something, as freaky as it may be, and be satisfied that you encouraged your brain to work in a creative manner. Get the ideas out, then the next time you go to make another use what you learned from your last quicky to make your attempt better.

If you are a painter - let the paint dry and go over it during your next session. If you are a writer - edit later. If you use beads, take apart some of your past attempts and tweak the design just a tad.

I'm sure you'll be pleased at actually making an attempt towards creativity instead of just hoping to do it someday once the kids have grown a bit.

Ok, gotta run I've got some work waiting!! (and I still have to pee!)

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What about the unfinished ones?

Every artist has them. The project you started last year, worked on for a week and then tossed aside like an unworthy piece of garbage. Mine is a cross stitch piece featuring zoo animals and a spot to embroider the new babies name. I started it in the last trimester of my pregnancy when I was feeling too stupid to manage writing, or even reading a book - man those hormones do weird things to a woman's brain during pregnancy!

I got about 25% of it done and then little H arrived. One year later, it hasn't been touched. I don't even really know where it is....I think it's in my office somewhere but I went to snap a pic to share here and couldn't find it. I really want to finish it. Or maybe it's the idea of finishing it that I like. The truth is, cross stitch has never been a passion for me, I enjoy it, but when time is limited I choose to spend it on something else.

What projects do you have lying around that don't have a hope in hell of being finished? How long have they been abandoned? This post is to remind you that they are there - stashed in your closets and to encourage you to think about them. Do you want to finish that knitting pattern? That painting? That polymer clay poodle??? If you do, dig it out and get back at it! If you don't, put it out of it's misery. Toss it out and make room for something else. Just make sure that something else is something you want to finish.

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