When you don't know how to be creative

Recently, I went to this amazing art space in Pontiac, MI with my one of my dearest, Gerri.  I had every craft supply at my disposal, and had absolutely ZERO crafting mojo within me.  One reason, was that I wanted to chat and catch up with my friend, and some times I have to get deep into "the zone" to start a new creation.

I walked over, took this sunshine sign off that wall, and started to copy the illustration.  It was a wonderful exercise, as it allowed me to relax, chat, and create. 

Another dear friend, Kat K, had spoken to me months ago about doing a "study" on art techniques.  In that same conversation, she used one of my favorite quotes: "I am allowing myself to suck right now".

Being an artist isn't always about making great things, it is about not forcing things.  I highly encourage taking another piece of art/craft that someone else has made, and copy it, to learn from it.
(Don't sell, steal or pass off as your own, mind you, but use it as a study:) 

Christmas 2014

Tate's trip to the MI Capitol

Christmas Cookies for the Bakesale

Happy Messes

Blessing Bag Supplies

Blessing Bags for the Homeless

A special gift from Aunt Carol

An outfit from Claudia (that she didn't take off for 3 days.)

Receiving an iTunes gift card

Buttershots and Hot Cocoa

That damn elf

Homemade St. Andrews Banana Bread (named after our church in London)

3 baby Jesuses

Relaxing with Daddy on Christmas morning

Ending the week in a hotel, in Iowa, with a sick little one.  

The Quiet of the Season

During this time of year, I fight doing too much, as most do.  But I really burrow in with intention, because when I was a child, I would ALWAYS get sick at Christmas.  It was too much for me.  My eldest child is a lot like I am, and he made one request for Christmas break: "I don't want to go anywhere."

I plan to live in the little family bubble, and emerge when we are all ready.  Last night, it was a Saturday night, and we went to the library, loaded up on books.  We came home (it was about 6:30p), snuggled under blankets and read.  It was silent.

Give yourself permission for the quiet this year, if that is what you seek.  Happy Holidays and thanks for reading!

Advent Calendar 2014

Every year, we do a Advent Calendar of activities.  

I also will include a few small little gifts, and printables of kids mazes, puzzles, activities. They are very excited to open packet #1 after school today!  Do you do an advent calendar?  What do you include?  I am always looking for new ideas:) 

Labels+Scrapbook Cardstock

Washi Tape+Paper Bags+Cards