Introducing the The Little Craft Shack

One of the last things I wanted to do for this little craft shack was to make a sign.

I wanted to get a little fancy and did this.....

 

 

                                                     and this...

 

 

But, then I thought... you know what...this is someone Else's design,

I'm just piecing it together.

I want to be original so badly, but it's not easy.

Many of us are exposed to the same things,

and most of the stores we go to promote products that create a trend,

and sometimes we even see someones' creation and we like it,

and then try to re-create it.  

 

It has been said that...."Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"....

 

Let's just say, it's really hard to come up with a unique and different ideas,

 that aren't influenced by something that already is.

 

That being said and trying to be as original as possible... I made this....

 

I like chalkboard.

It is simple.

It reminds me of my favorite series, "Little House on the Prairie".

 

I know that chalkboard is a trendy thing right now but, I love it!

I love that it is reusable and will never go out of style.

I went to Michaels Craft, using my 40% coupon to be thrifty, and purchased this roll of self adhesive chalkboard material.

Love that it is also removable. {:)}

I used a bowl to trace a circle and then just free handed the words.

It is not fancy, but neither am I,  and neither is my Little Craft Shack. {well, there was a time when I was much fancier, but I prefer this simple life more.}

 

 

I am giddy that something I envisioned is real and true and whole.

These walls were made alive again.

I believe if they had a voice, they would sing and laugh and chat.

I know that when I am in this Little Craft Shack, I feel like doing all those things too.

My hope is for my Littles to feel that way too. I want them to have a place to explore their inner creativity and share their talents.

We try to re-use as much as possible. Egg cartons, jars, cans, newspaper, plastic lids & bowls, clear plastic boxes that were used for berries and cereal boxes are all great craft supplies.

My mister added electricity and Wa La  we have light. 

 

{above}This shelf hosts a basket of party supplies and the head of a sunflower that Gigi grew last summer, and a glass jar with fairy items, such as grass and clovers. A beloved fellow artist, suggested using old cereal boxes flattened out as a canvases. They are thick and the paint doesn't seep through like on paper. So this is perfect for little ones and doesn't cost a thing. I also like using them as mats under other projects.

Scrap booking supplies for collages and other creations are on this graduating metal file folder and large pages of Construction paper and oversized coloring books lay on the shelf waiting to be had!

The scraps from a matting store are fun to use as canvases too. A local mom and pop business, put out thier discarded pieces for those interested. {yes!!}

Strawberry baskets full of rocks to paint or to make a pet out of.

Above their workspace are boxes of supplies, glue, pens, pencils, tape, stickers, envelopes, embossing, and such.Ready to be used and easy to put away and store for later.

This is a  little space for Em.

This is where she can make a much bigger mess than in the house.

She loves playdoh, school glue, and paint and this is the best place for her to do that. 

Stamps can be quite messy and it is hard to find washable ink pads. So for those that take 2 days to come off of her skin, she can use them here.

She can't quite grasp them sturdy enough for a clear picture most of the time, but she sure does love them and she sure does try.

 She loves that she can sit like a big girl and create next to her big sister.

Encourage, Praise, & Recognize was a popular saying back in my work days.

I made these little cards as a reminder that we need to do these things more often.

This little hutch was saved from our mud room in the little farm house. The glass cabinet doors were taken off and the shelves were just left open and exposed. It was going to be tossed out, and I thought crafts immediately.

The supplies are somewhat organized....

learning that MESS is a much loved word, like LOVE.

Another light in this corner.

 

 Interested in a night craft? Why, Yes...did you have to ask??

I love the color of  all these things.

I think they are all calling out..."use me!", "take me!" "Make something already!!"

These little letters, made by Gigi say it all.

 

 {CREATE}  

 

All things are delightful when we create.

 

 

This is Gigi's corner. 

 

The fact that it is already messy helps her to be more creative {:)}.

I love that she will create for hours without anyone around to keep her company, just her thoughts, imagination and spirit. 

 

She is completely comfortable with herself, in a way that has taken me years to figure out.

 

I am so happy for her gifts & talents.

 

 I learn so much from her and all my children.

 

It is my most deepest desire to help my Littles find their passions and make a way for them to express themselves. I wished I had a space like this when I was young...all that energy would have been truly absorbed within walls like these.

My heart is full and I feel so blessed. Thank you for letting me share with you.

I am thankful for my Littles.

I am thankful for My Mister, who works hard so we can play.

I am thankful for all that I have. 

And even more grateful when I get things that I don't need.

SO ,I am doubly thankful for this Little shed, that has become "The Little Craft Shack", and though it is not a need, it is definately a want, and  it sure makes my life feel magical, special and happy. And I think that is necessary. {:)}

 

Go make something....pretty please, I know you'll be glad you did. {:)]

from me to you w love, M