My Kid's Art - A New Flickr Group and a Contest

Well, if you have been checking my blog, you will notice that I post my 4 year old son Kyle's latest art project on my side bar. He loves seeing his artwork on the computer so much that it inspired me to create a new flickr group just for kid's art called My Kid's Art.


The group is for showing off your kid's artwork. The group is like an online refrigerator where you can share your kids' artistry with the world! They will get a kick out of seeing it on the computer and will love all the comments receive (don't forget to comment on other artists too!). The art is by kids 18 and under and can be in any medium. You do not have to have kids to join the group, your can also share the art of your nieces, nephews, children you babysit, your students, brothers and sisters, grandkids and just about any kid who's art you want to brag on.

There will also be a weekly theme and kid's projects so you can encourage your kids to create something each week. Come by, check it out and join in the fun!

We already have over 100 members, so to start the group off right I have decided to do a contest. I think part of the fun of kid's art is trying to figure out just what it is they made. Their views are so different from our own that sometimes it is difficult to know what they created. How many times have you looked at one of their pictures and said, " That is a great house, only to be told it is a tree?" Take a look at Kyle's clay creation in this post and leave a comment telling me what it is. Everyone who guesses correctly will be put into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to my Etsy shop. You have until midnight (EST) Friday, September 21, 2007 to get your comment in. Only one guess per person please! I won't post the comments until after the contest!


Create a little art with your kids everyday!

Inspiring and Being Inspired byYoung Artists

I received the best convo (like Etsy e-mail) a little while ago from Kathy of Roz Petalz Studio.etsy.com (a fellow PCAGOE Member). She told me "My 5 year old saw some of your work, here on Etsy & has decided to make her own! She has been working on "sculptures" using rubber stamps, clay & paint. Some are really pretty! Just thought you'd like to know you've inspired a young mind. " Here are some pics of Hannah's wonderful creations:
























I don't think there is any better feeling than knowing that you have inspired a young artist to create. I love it when my son is inspired to create something after seeing what I make. What is even better is that he always adds his own touch to it and makes something completely amazing. (Hey, I 'm his Mom, I can't help but brag! That's him and my niece pictured below painting away. The finished piece is under Kyle's Kreations on my sidebar.)

Another great thing about kids is that they can inspire us right back. Their bold use of color and shape, and their vivid imaginations can remind us to not put limits on our creativity. Kids create for the sake of creating and not necessarily for the end result, which is something I think we lose when we start to sell our art and become focused on whether or not it will sell. The process itself becomes less important. Kids also aren't afraid to try something new and we, as adults, shouldn't be either. So if you are looking for some inspiration, spend a little time with a kid or kids (depending on your tolerance level!). Try to see the world through their eyes, notice all the small things we don't always see as adults, enjoy the process of creating and you may be surprised by what you are inspired to create!

A special thanks to Kathy and Hannah for sharing!

Bittersweet

Mother's Day can be a rather strange holiday for me. My mother passed away when I was 5, so the loss weighs heavy on that day. For many years we just acted like the day didn't exist, but now that I have my own kids, I can't really pretend anymore. Luckily, I have been able to create some wonderful memories on Mother's Day, so while I acknowledge the loss, I can now celebrate being a mother myself.

Here is one memory that was made this Mother's Day that I will cherish. I was in bed and my 4 year, Kyle, came in and told me it was time to get up. I asked if i could just sleep a little bit longer. He quickly said "Oh yeah, it's Mother's Day, so you stay in bed because I am going to make you something and I will wake you up when I am done." He ran out of the room, and less than 2 minutes later, he was calling me to get up, so I could get his clay out so he could make what he wanted to make me. So much for sleeping in. Here is what he made me:












They are reversible and I helped with the bail and the ribbon, but he did all the stamping and painting (Can you tell I am proud). It was definitely worth waking up for. I also got a palm plant, tulips, 2 wonderful cards and $100 gift card to spend on clothes (not art supplies). Mother's Day will always be bittersweet for me, but each year the sweet gets sweeter and the bitter gets a little less bitter.