One of the legacies of growing up in a pen-and-paper world is that I take handwritten notes on the books I find enriching. If I'm particularly inspired, I might copy my notes again into a different format. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have been riveted by Stephen and Andrea Levine's "Who Dies: An Investigation of Conscious Living and … Continue reading Craft: Taking notes
crafts
Craft: Decorating quotes
One of my favorite things is finding a quote that harmonizes with my thinking, and taking time to be with it. That often means decorating it somehow, so that I wind up spending several minutes, hours, or days with it, and then having it in our space. Here are a few examples. Two are pen/pencil … Continue reading Craft: Decorating quotes
Craft: On the best self
From my last post, you will know that I'm working on these certain ideals of selfhood. I decided to find images for each ideal and capture them both on film and around the house, as points of reminder. Here they are: And then I strung all of the words together and got a bit carried … Continue reading Craft: On the best self
Game/Craft: Beading Tray
Provides ceaseless entertainment. Children of all ages find it. Often this is a great warm-up for a playdate and future creativity. Alliances get made; negotiations happen; comfort is established while all focus is on the tray. (It always surprised me how much mileage we got out of this accidental concept. One day I just put out … Continue reading Game/Craft: Beading Tray
Craft: Basic Animal Costumes
Called “basic” for a reason, these are sweetened clothes. A hoodie-set or an old turtleneck transformed with a bit of fabric. Simple to make, easy to wash, gentle on the pocket-book, and transformative for the imagination. Ingredients: Hooded sweatsuit or fleece set (top and pants) or matching long t-shirt and pants in an appropriate backdrop … Continue reading Craft: Basic Animal Costumes
Craft: Magic Tray
This white tray was worth its weight in gold. Its morning project created the motivation needed to hop out of bed (and not nurse)! Sort of like Crafty Santa each morning. Ingredients: A large tray, preferably white or a solid color to offset the project... plus basics near the tray everyday: Colored pens or pencils Pencil … Continue reading Craft: Magic Tray
Craft: Love Pocket
The love pocket partly because it tangibly represents “where I end and she begins.” Letting go to say goodbye for camp or daycare or preschool, a note or photo in a special pocket reminds your sweetheart of you in your absence. Especially helpful for dresses or outfits without pockets, this pocket attaches to anything (with … Continue reading Craft: Love Pocket
Craft: Baby Books
This very basic scrapbook idea turned into an A-Z adventure, and ultimately, this book. Although the whole scrapbooking industry can assist, determine its role according to your sense of design, creativity, budget, and the amount of time you want to dedicate. (I admit—mine got a bit out-of-hand.) Ingredients: 4” 3-ring-binder, ideally with triangle shaped sheet … Continue reading Craft: Baby Books
Where I End & She Begins 