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:
