Try Saying These Two Phrases…
My mom and dad could probably win awards for their unusual DIY creations.
The secret to their immense creativity lies in two simple phrases.
Mom's phrase is "oh, I can make that..."
In my family, we know when we hear those words, we are likely to receive a made-from-scratch, completely vegan, no-cheese lemon blueberry vanilla cheesecake, with a gluten free date and nut crust. Or maybe my daughters will receive a handmade steam-punk-pirate costume, complete with an eye patch and lace trimmed pirate hat, cloak, and medallion.
Bella—Halloween, 2016
My mom makes her own sofa covers, curtains, hand beaded and wire shaped jewelry. One year she made her own artificial Christmas tree (because the ones in the store were too wide and too boring). She found a small tree trunk from her yard, and hot-glued decor she purchased in one of those end of season sales. Trust me, it is pretty incredible to look at. Mom makes lots of other stuff too.
Not everything she makes comes out amazing, but she doesn't let that hold her back.
Dad's phrase is "hmm... let me see what I can come up with..."
That phrase is usually preceded by a question from me that goes something like this: "Hey dad, could you make a 1 foot deep shadow box frame to hold a paper scroll that moves by a hand crank?"
Yup, he made that—it's called a cranky.
My dad loves working with wood. He has made numerous wood carved images, his own hand-carved bow and arrow set (and several more for other family members), and he solo-built a one car garage. But I think the most interesting DIY item he made was a portable camping bed.
One year my mom declared that she would not spend another summer sleeping in a tent on the cold rocky ground. So dad grabbed some 2"x4"'s and an air mattress, and in one day he built a bed that could be taken apart and packed away into our Dodge hatchback. We had a few more years of tent camping with that invention before our summer vacations upgraded to small cabins. ⛺️
So though my parents would never call themselves "artists," they know and appreciate the value of creativity. They happily encourage me to be creative and always support my creative hobbies—and my sometimes crazy ideas. My parents are very practical working class people—but when I decided that I wanted to study fine art in college, they did not discourage my dream.
But I know that many people do not have any support for their creative dreams.
Were you pushed away from your creative passions because you didn't have anyone who believed in you?
Were you told that if you tried to pursue art, music, drama, or some other creative pursuit, that you would have to eat stale crackers for the rest of your life?
Were you told that you could only be creative IF you were an artist, musician, actor, or poet?
I want to change this unhealthy attitude towards your creativity and your sense of purpose.
I guess I want to be your Art-Mom. 🤗
It is my mission to help you feel supported in your creative pursuits and inspired ideas. I believe that when we learn to identify what brings us joy and meaning, AND when we say no to shiny objects, distractions, and things that drain our energy, we can live with a better sense of purpose.
Creatively Yours,
~Angie
