School vacation officially started this week. For a mother, summer comes as a mixed blessing. No longer do children need to be dragged out of bed; no homework assistance is required, no late night runs for poster board or red t-shirts are necessary. HOWEVER, now there are people home while I'm trying to work - people who require constant feeding and entertaining. (Well, it seems that way!) Every year it gets easier and easier, though. One summer someone is tall enough to reach the bread in the pantry, the next year mature enough to use the toaster. Before too long I expect them to be making ME breakfast!
Fortunately, both of my children are interested in art. (Wait. They all are, aren't they?) Spending time in the studio together is pleasurable for the most part, if hard on the paint brushes. This past week, I created a monster... well, actually two. I made a little stuffed critter and I taught my daughter Courtney how to sew. My floor is now strewn with bits of fabric and thread. Empty bobbins mingle with scattered buttons and stuffing is trailing over the table's edge. I surveyed the damage and announced, "You've got to clean up the mess you've made of my studio." She paused her stitching and asked, "Don't you mean OUR studio?" I think I'm going to have to invest in another chair.
The monster madness started with a photo in the May/June 09 Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine. On page 32, Diana Trout's article showcased some adorable stuffed critters made from painted and stitched canvas. The critters were both simple and imaginative - the perfect project for a creative ten-year-old. While I sat around searching for themes and inspiration, Courtney started sewing. I've made one critter, the "flower monster" above. Courtney has made half a dozen. I'm either going to have to come up with a new project, or get her an Etsy store. Below are a few of my favorites.
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