Sahail AshrafThe Joy of Creating
December 18th 2006 10:21
Let me be the first to let you know that I am not the art/craft type. I can’t draw rabbits (well not ones that anyone would recognize as actually being a rabbit). I lose patience with sewing – after spending an hour trying to get the needle threaded with my frayed piece of cotton. I am more successful at sticking my fingers together with glue than I am at sticking mosaics onto a terracotta pot. But I have to admit I’m really enjoying doing art and craft activities with my daughter. I’ve had just as much fun as her making collages, drawing with crayons and whipping up a batch of playdough (yes, I’ve actually made my own!)
This led me to wonder why I’m enjoying doing these activities when I hated art at school, when I failed textiles miserably and when no one would eat my lovingly made scones. I dropped any artistic endeavors at the first opportunity. Even my own family laughed at my drawing of a koala – did it really matter that the eyes were sketched inside the koala’s ears? Well, yes, I guess in retrospect it did look a little weird. But I could never get perspective sorted out. What I pictured in my mind came out quite differently on the page.
But here I am, with regular, daily art and craft activities prepared with vigorous enthusiasm. I’m seeing opportunities everywhere: that bark would be great stuck on a page; Glitter on pinecones will be lovely for Christmas; we’ll take those shells home and make necklaces out of them. Who would have thought it? Least of all me. So this is what I came up with ….
My reasons why art and craft with a toddler is great:
1. I get in touch with my inner child (the results demonstrate this is true)
2. There is no pressure to perform (if I stuff up who will know?)
3. My daughter actually recognizes what my stick figure animals are
4. I am more advanced than someone else in the room (if only very slightly)
5. I decide what we’ll make and decide what it is when it’s made
6. It’s great doing something creative just for fun
This led me to wonder why I’m enjoying doing these activities when I hated art at school, when I failed textiles miserably and when no one would eat my lovingly made scones. I dropped any artistic endeavors at the first opportunity. Even my own family laughed at my drawing of a koala – did it really matter that the eyes were sketched inside the koala’s ears? Well, yes, I guess in retrospect it did look a little weird. But I could never get perspective sorted out. What I pictured in my mind came out quite differently on the page.
But here I am, with regular, daily art and craft activities prepared with vigorous enthusiasm. I’m seeing opportunities everywhere: that bark would be great stuck on a page; Glitter on pinecones will be lovely for Christmas; we’ll take those shells home and make necklaces out of them. Who would have thought it? Least of all me. So this is what I came up with ….
My reasons why art and craft with a toddler is great:
1. I get in touch with my inner child (the results demonstrate this is true)
2. There is no pressure to perform (if I stuff up who will know?)
3. My daughter actually recognizes what my stick figure animals are
5. I decide what we’ll make and decide what it is when it’s made
6. It’s great doing something creative just for fun
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Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
But the kiddies don't care and so neither do I. Well maybe i care a little. I'm so hopeless. I know when things are really bad because my five year old give me encouragement.
Well done for making it a daily event. Good on you.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Sandi
I think that its a good way to get your creative juices flowing without the fear of judgement. I know that once my family decided to make handmade Christmas ornaments, and mine were laughed at.
Comment by Candice
I had to laugh at your 'craft' item list. I've started to collect those things like egg cartons without having a clue what I'll actually do with them.
I'm taking advantage of my daughter not knowing if what I make is any good while I can - maybe I've got another year or so if I'm lucky! I can picture my daughter correcting my drawings already.
I was thrilled when I drew a teddy bear and she said 'ted, ted.' I really don't know how she guessed because it looked - well nothing like a teddy.
Comment by Candice
Thanks for dropping by. I love your noodle lion story. I'm not really looking forward to the day I get feedback on my 'beautiful' creations from my daughter.
I'm glad my daughter loves my imperfect handiwork - with imperfect being an understatement. I made my daughter a first birthday cake - it was the ugliest cake you've ever seen. It was lopsided, the icing was running of the sides and every attempt I made to improve it just made matters worse. At least it tasted okay!
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Oh yes, the joys of craft. My seven year old daughter has been able to draw better than me for a couple of years now. Actually, when we draw together, people can't tell which animal I drew and which one was hers.
At least my colouring-in is neater than hers!!!
A.H.
Comment by Candice
I had a good chuckle at your post. That will be me for sure. In fact, I think I'll be lucky if I get through the toddler years without her drawings being better than mine!