it's not all crocheted toilet roll covers...
when you know how to craft, you have a real life skill. sure, when most people think of crafts it is the crocheted toilet rolls shaped like doll dresses (with the actual doll !) and other things our grandmothers had around their home. but it goes so much further than that. my grandmother taught me that creativity extends beyond the scarf and bread dough flowers - it is a talent, a useful one. over the last few months, i have been able to share that talent to help others. painting/creating scenery for play productions, creating costumes, and other things for the school, i have discovered being creative is a logistics thing sometimes. last year the school cut out big circular shapes, painted them and glued them to a paper backdrop that was adhered to the wall. that was the scenery for their play. it took them days and days. this year i stepped in, taught them about the use of garment racks for movable scenery and created 13 3'x6' panels in one afterschool session with the use of large carwash sponges and some marbled black/white paint. posters designed and printed by the teacher (publisher software and the schools poster sized printer) will be matted and sandwiched to create "windows" on the wall for a change of scene from the forest to the castle. the teachers were amazed that i was able to get all the painting done in about an hour. as a craft designer, we learn to come up with the simplest, most efficient method to create an illusion, a certain look. many times we are limited in supplies, cost, time, or skill level of our target audience. we adapt our designs and supplies to meet our needs. i am just thrilled to be able to put it all to use outside of the craft world.
i can't tell you how many phone calls/emails i get asking for "craft/creative" advice....from home decor to halloween costumes, i try my hardest to help people create successful results. many times, they are surprised by what they are able to make with a little guidance and sometimes the results surprise even me. i was floored by the davy jones mask one friend created after i suggested she use panty hose/paint to fashion lightweight yet sturdy tentacles. angelica stenciled her kitchen table in a burst of energy - the end result was fantastic! imagination is a gift, not only to those who possess it but for us to give to others. when you share your knowledge and experience, you are passing the light for it to grow. just as we learned at the knee of our grandmothers, mothers, and teachers - we teach others, adding in our own experience and discoveries. we aren't just crafters, we are creative engineers!
how have you encouraged creativity in your life? how have you shared your gifts? look for opportunities to pass on the light...
