Inspiration

As a kid I remember going through a phase where I made purses and all items you might find in a purse completely out of construction paper, glue and staples. Looking back I really went all out: lipstick, checkbooks, coins, coin purses, etc. I vaguely remember using a lot of staples, which I think is pretty funny. The more feminine side of me was shining through but I was still industrious about it! "Please, apply my beautiful pretend lipstick. But be careful of that tiny piece of metal sticking out of it."

That brings me to one of my favorite finds of the day...yesterday...The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule. I stumbled upon her blog, SouleMama, when looking at Small Magazine, which I found on the awesome blog, Oh Happy Day. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it!) :)

I love Amanda's goals/views/philosophies about the creative family and I hope to be able to implement them in my own family as we grow and mature.

In The Creative Family you'll learn how to:

• Have more fun with fewer toys
• Create unique works of art to display, share, and give
• Share the tradition of handmade crafts
• Explore the wonders of nature with your children
• Make every holiday handmade
• Connect as a family through everyday celebrations

Here in Manhattan parents spend tons of money on simple art classes for little kids. For example, if I wanted to (and I don't) sign Isabella up for an hour long creative class at Kidville it would cost about $750 for 17 weeks; that's $44 per class for a 15 month old! It is completely absurd. Even if I could afford it, I wouldn't want to get sucked into thinking that's what my child needs (or deserves) in order to be creative.

I want to encourage and value simple creativity in my Isabella (and future kiddos). I think right now I'm on a bit of a personal journey trying to discover, create, or accept a more creative me. I've been so inspired by others creativity and I really, really want to create.