Paper and Cloth

Studio Happenings

Sometimes being in the studio stresses me out. When my kids run amuck, pulling bits and pieces from corners I never new existed makes my heart race. My little one loves paint, but it’s overwhelming to have it absolutely everywhere. It also drives me crazy that he still insists on eating it. Note to self: Take a breath.

At other times, being in the studio is peaceful and rewarding — especially when my oldest is quietly engrossed in a project. During these moments, I can relax and surprisingly accomplish something creative. Note to self: Slow down and take a breath.

I guess that’s how it goes — sometimes it’s crazy and sometimes it calm.

Our Black Swallowtail Emerges

Early, on a pleasantly mild and misty afternoon, one of our black swallowtail chrysalises emerged. Although we missed the actual “birth”, we arrived soon after and were left breathless. It was stunning to witness the butterfly stretch it’s wings and find it’s grounding. A peaceful energy was ever present.

We took turns gently holding this transformed, yet somehow new, and delicate life. After some time, we set it first in a bush and then in the dogwood tree where it hung upside down filling its wings with fluid. The last time we spotted our black swallowtail butterfly was that the evening.

Sadly, it looks as if the second swallowtail chrysalis will not emerge.

Cornstarch Paint

Oh, I have been so lacking on the creative front with my kids and myself. I practically tear the markers and crayons out of my youngest hands in order to spare the furniture and walls. And, I haven’t done an art project in months and months with my oldest. I’m feeling somewhat lame.

Making cornstarch paint on the stove was the last creative venture we had. When was this? I have no idea. All I know is that the paint is long, long gone.

Air Dry

Call me crazy, but I’ve hung a clothesline. To my surprise, hanging the laundry brings quiet moments to our family, morning, noon and night. Taking the laundry in has the same lulling effect on the wee folk too. There is something magical in the simplicity and physicality of doing household work the old fashioned way. During these times, my little ones are often calmer and more focused in play. As a result, I feel peaceful and present in my life.

Rag Rug Knitting Update

Wow, knitting with size 15 needles and cloth strips is a lot more work than I anticipated. Not only did my arms bulk up, but my fingers and wrists got quite a work out too. Again, let me repeat, knitting a rag rug is a very physical (and slow) process!

The new rug sits on the floor before the kitchen sink, providing much comfort visually and to my feet. My favorite parts are when fabrics comingle mid row. I only wish I started these transitions earlier — these moments occur later on, when I finally relaxed and became more improvisational. For the most part, I knit the rug log cabin style.

Our Banging Wall

Our banging wall is minimal, but does the job — when hit with a stick, our pots and pans make a cacophony that echoes throughout the quiet still we are normally accustomed to. The wall has been up for over a year, but it is used only on occasion. Of course, I am super excited during these times and am all ears.

The idea comes from The Creative Family.

Birthday Banner Love

Back in April, a friend asked if I would make a birthday banner for her family. After a brief pause, my answer was YES. It was my first custom order birthday banner and I was thrilled to have this opportunity! I was a little sad (because I loved it so), yet happy (because I got to share the love) when the time came to pass the banner along though.

In New Paltz

I have my heart set on providing our children with a Waldorf education, especially while they are young. And, with school rapidly approaching for my eldest, I had a bit of a reality check — we might have to move to make this happen. So, we got in high gear and trekked up to New Paltz to visit the area and the Mountain Laurel Waldorf School (for the second time). We enjoyed ourselves immensely, had amazing company, relaxed a bit, walked everyday and saw wildlife that we don’t see at home. I have to say; I think I'm smitten with New Paltz.

New Skills

With new art supplies at hand, plenty of stickers and newly found car-drawing skills at hand, Cooper set to work thanking everyone for coming to his birthday party. All that is needed is a bit of space (from his brother too) and my little, yet big, four year old is quietly and intently occupied for what feels to me like hours upon hours. The peace that comes with creating is magical for us all.

Studio Swap: Complete

The studio swap is complete (has been for a long time) — the threads are hung, the fabric is stacked and the supplies are organized. We’ve been using our new space everyday — the kids more so, but regardless, it’s proven to be a productive move. We have more space to work in tandem, more storage and more order. It’s a place we all gravitate to and one in which I wish I had more time to work in.