I see my job as a mother like being an artist. That's not to say I don't need other outlets for my creativity as well. I gravitate towards working with my hands, like knitting, gardening, sewing, cooking, and playing music. But I also crave the process of creating with other people and I find that I miss the theater world and the bonds I made there…
But that is a post for another day. Now my focus is on ways to foster the love of creation in my daughter. One of my favorite bloggers, Amanda Blake Soule of Soulemama, published this wonderful book called The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections and it has turned out to be a nifty little reference for me. She talks about providing good quality tools for your children and finding artistic inspiration everywhere. And she suggests so many hands-on projects and activities that are simple and fun and inspiring! We’ve indulged in several of them, from the birthday crown and celebration garland to art-on-the-go bags and a clothesline display.
So, in celebration of all things creative and as a special thank you to our readers, we’re offering a giveaway (our very first!) of Amanda’s book. To enter, please leave a comment telling us how you support your own creative process or how you encourage it in your children by Sunday, Apr. 11 at 8 pm. We’ll randomly select a winner and post it on Monday morning. And then I’ll send you a copy of the book! I think you’ll love it – we do!
9 comments:
I am so excited about this. This looks like so much fun!
I think a really good way to inspire creativity and imagination in children is to read to them. I know to some people this may not seem like working on a creative process but the world of books is an amazing, open, creative world. I think it can inspire children to believe anything is possible and there is nothing stopping them from achieving. I love especially that it gives them an appreciation for reading, and encourages language development among a million other things. I also strongly believe in one on one time no matter how many kids you have. I think that can be some of the most creative times when they know you are listening and can share with you their ideas about the world and have you facilitate their understanding. It can be times where you work on different projects together and bond while learning about colors, shapes, how things grow, how things move, etc.
Sorry this is so long. I love this thought.
I find that I have lots of time on my hands, and to fill that I make things. I usually end up gifting most of the things I make. Lots of love goes into my little projects.
I don't have children of my own, but I talk with my sister, mom, sisters-in-law, nieces and friends about their projects, and sometimes even get together with friends to work on projects. We share lots of ideas and even ask each other for suggestions sometimes. We have a good time and feel closer through the process of creating.
I would love this book since I'm not very creative myself! I do encourage coloring, painting, drawing on a white/black board, playing with play dough, etc. I've also started using a flannel board to tell some of my stories. I try to pull out the guitar or play songs on the piano with my kids and one of our favorite activities is to just turn on some music and dance together! And really, I get a lot of my ideas from copying you, Mamma Q! It's nice to have creative friends since I'm lacking in that department!
I loved reading to my children, teaching them how to quilt, sew, cook, and create a clean home. To me the ultimate expression of love for my family was creating delicious meals in a serene, well-ordered home. It didn't always go the way I planned, but that was the goal. I homeschooled my children and lots of neighbor children, too.
Now that I am grandma, I send cards made with my nature drawings at various times. I send them little parties in the mail with books, homemade blankets and jammies, and cookies packed with ballons as packing material. When they get old enough, I plan to have cousin's camp complete with crafts and such.
I am finally pregnant with my first child after 3 years of trying and doing IVF. I am thrilled. Art and creativity are a big part of mine and my husbands lives. He is an artist. I want art and creativity in my home and around my child. I also love books. This book seems like a winner. Thanks.
Candace
A day isn't quite complete without a little bit of creativity in it! This book looks great. Thanks ladies! (Elaine...I'm just about ready to put your napkins in the mail...I'll email you when I do!) Happy Spring!
Hi,
I'm a friend of Ginger's who peeks in your gentle blog from time to time. As for helping my kids be creative, I try to have lots of art supplies handy. At back to school time, there are great sales on markers, colored pencils, water colors etc. I find adding new supplies to the art drawer every month or so makes my kids excited to create something. I love open ended projects. Give them sequins, glue, pipe cleaners, felt and markers and see what wonders they come up with.
my son is 6 months old and is very aware of his surroundings... so i love to take walks with him and point to plants, trees, kids playing and anything that catches his eye.
Take your child on overnight camping/hiking trips, age appropriate. They learn about nature, geography, responsibility, independence, exercise, confidence in themselves, cooking, sharing, etc.
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