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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Simply Sentimental Giveaway - Pumpkin greeting cards for Fall!

Summer is over and there is no need to be sad about it. Just look at these happy little pumpkins and their happy little message. How nice would it be to give one of these fun greeting cards to someone special?

You can win them! It's easy! Just visit Simply Sentimental, then, come back here and leave a comment telling us all about your favorite item from her shop.

Sydnei makes these babies by hand so each one is as unique as the person you'll give it to. Enter to win until September 16th. Just remember to leave an email address so you can be contacted to receive your prize. Oh, I almost forgot. The winner will also receive some free advertising for your blog or online shop at the Simply Sentimental Blog. Enter away!


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Featured Mom - Katy of Sweetgrass Prints

Today's featured Mom is Katy Nash of Sweetgrass Prints. Her passion is paper and she makes some really fun stuff like the recipe cards shown. Take a read through her interview and see how this creative mama works through ramping her hobby up to the next level.

H: How long have you been doing what you do?

K: I have been creating cards for as long as I can remember but it wasn't until a few months ago that my husband finally gave me a big push and told me I should sell them.

H: What do you like to create?

K: I love to create cards and paper goods. I love deep bold colors like pinks and chocolates. My shop is full of personalized cards. Anyone can buy a box of generic cards in a store, but when it has your name or monogram on it in your favourite color combo, it is truly yours.

H: How did you get started? Are you finding success?

K: Over the past few years I have been creating a portfolio of cards with the intention to sell them but I never got the nerve up to get out there. Finally I did, and to my surprise I had a local boutique purchase some for sale. I guess this gave me the extra confidence to create more and open an etsy shop.

I am finding success. I try not to let the roller coaster ride get to me. One day I am so thrilled with a custom order and then days go by with no bites at all. I have to put this in perspective for myself. If it takes off and I make some cash then it's a bonus.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

K: I was, and I had a lot more time to devote to it. I wish I had that sort of time now.

H: Have your methods changed?

J: I started with paper on paper designs and now I have moved to all digital designs. Adobe Illustrator is my best friend and I learn something new on it every day.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

J: I make it a priority. It is something I do for me to keep sane. My family knows that this is something I love to do and they respect that.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

J: My son is 4 and he loves art projects. He likes to draw and paint. We will see where that goes in the future. My daughter is only 8 months.

H: What have you learned after having kids in relation to your arts?

J: That I don't only want to be known as a "mom."

I think it is too easy to forget all the things that meant so much to you before you had kids. There is still time, although limited, in the day to do things that make you and only you happy. You'd be surprised how good that time will make you feel. When there is a happy mom in the house then everyone is happy!

Check out Katy's shop at http://sweetgrassprints.etsy.com or send her an email at katy@sweetgrassprints.com

She is always adding new items so check back often. Also, Katy is offering free shipping to Maternal Spark readers - just enter coupon code SGPMS08 in the note to seller field. (offer not valid on vintage or desk accessories).

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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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Feature Mom - Cindy Watson

My name is Cindy. I’m a mother and a writer.

It took me a long time to be able to admit to the latter without feeling like I was pulling the wool over someone’s eyes – to say it and truly mean it. Telling people you’re a writer can be a scary thing, especially if you’re unpublished. It’s like you’re admitting a dirty little secret. Until you have a book on your name with it, it can feel as though you aren’t truly a writer. I was a journalist for a number of years and continue to write some freelance, so I’ve had articles in print. But having a book published would mean so much more.

I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember. When I was in the fourth grade, I attended a Young Author’s Conference with my bound, laminated and fully illustrated tale of love and betrayal in hand. (My mom was my publisher.) While other kids were outside playing, I was curled up on my bed with either a book or a binder of loose leaf paper, writing away. When my grandparents wanted to get rid of their ancient typewriter, I volunteered to take it. I used it to type out manuscripts and I still do to this day.

As I got older it became harder to find the time to write. I never seemed to follow the sacred rule of writers: ABC. Apply Butt to Chair. I would think about writing, but never get down to it. Or I would start something and then get busy and forget about it. If I’m being honest, most of the time I just wasn’t motivated.

Then in May 2007, my daughter was born. With that, my passion was reignited.

I’ll admit I still don’t write as often as I’d like or should, but it really hit me that this was the one thing I truly loved to do. I want my daughter to follow her dreams and do whatever makes her happy, but she needs to see it to live it herself. So, every day during her nap time, I sit in front of the computer and get some writing done. Some days it’s five pages, some days it’s only a few paragraphs, but the point is I’m doing it. I know the ideas in my head are not going to write themselves, so I can’t look for time to do it – I need to make the time to do it.

Documenting my daughter’s life is another thing I’m passionate about. I began to create albums with photos, journaling my thoughts and ideas. This has now become a business venture, as I recently signed on to be an Independent Consultant for Creative Memories. Now I can help other people tell their stories, and watch that passion spread. (Visit my page at https://www.mycmsite.com/sites/cwatson to find out more.)

My daughter’s birth triggered something else – an introduction to children’s books. I read to my daughter a lot, and I began to make up my own stories and rhymes for her. So far I’ve completed two picture/board book manuscripts that are looking for a home.

The other thing my daughter has taught me: to accept what life dishes out and know it will all work out in the end. Even if my stories never get published, I know I created them and that my beautiful little girl was the inspiration.

For more about me, or to contact me, please visit my blog at http://www.cindywatson.blogspot.com/

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Thanks Cindy! I'm so happy to have your insight here. I was also reluctant to label myself as a writer. Sometimes it still feels like I'm just pretending to be one. I can't wait to see what the ABC rule produces for you - If it's anything like what I've seen so far, I'm sure you'll know success.

H