Sunday, August 14, 2022

Children + Art = Happiness

 I am filled up - with joy, with serenity, with hope.

I spent a day with 2 adorable, bright, sweet children, in my sewing room.  They are brother and sister, 4 and 7.  By the end of our time, my studio would have made a neatnik shudder.  But it made me so simply happy.


(Now, just in case you're wondering, I DID have them help me clean up at the end of the day - the teacher and mother in me couldn't have them leave their mess behind - what kind of life lesson would that be?)

But oh, the joyous mess!  There were no rules - scissors were used, glue was covering a paper plate and also little hands and a floor that was easily washable.  Fabric scraps were shared with abandonment - why do I need to keep this 5" square pristine and unused?  Why?

YES - dump out that can of buttons!  Use whatever ones you want to glue onto that fabric!  These are not for decoration, you know.  Why save a can of vintage buttons?  WHY?  Make art please.

He said, "I want to make a snake."  I said, "well, draw it out and let's get going."  He drew and designed, I sewed.  He stuffed it.  Together we made a snake:

Everything was beautiful.  Every single piece of precious artwork they created.  Nurturing a child's inner artist is a vital part of their growth.  Just as important as teaching them manners, and social skills, and life skills.

And at the end of my day, my pins were all organized - well, SOME sort of organization is going on here:




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