I have just finished reading 'the creative family' by Amanda Blake Soule. She is the author of the popular blog SouleMama, where she writes about and photographs her thrifting, crafting and parenting adventures. Amanda is one clever mum and has simplicity down to a fine art.
I really enjoyed reading her book. It stirred within me a desire to simplify, to create and to connect with my children on a more personal natural level. Along with my recent visits to The Organised Housewife I am feeling the need to de~clutter and to look at the items we have around our house in a more creative, imaginative and fun way. I have been clearing out rooms and trying to set up a better play and creative fun space for my cherubs.
I love how Amanda shares that many of us are feeling the need to bring a little more simple heartfelt, handmade presence into our lives. I find I am currently craving that need. I want to slow down and take in the moment more. To see the delight in my cherubs eyes when they learn a new skill and the wonderful chatter that comes when we are creating and learning.
After reading this book and pondering a little, I remembered that I used to hang up all of my kids art and school work and lately I have been so busy that I have not been showcasing them as much as I would like. I have been so busy trying to keep up with all of the events we have happening in our family that I have found I am missing out on enjoying and appreciating the creative expressions my children have been doing.
This book is a very simple read. The ideas presented are from her blog and if you have been a mother for several years you probably would have tried most of these already. I found it is not a book for more experienced mothers to get new ideas but more a book to inspire and remind you to slow down, appreciate what resources you have around you and to get back to basics in teaching and creating with your children.
I love the idea of encouraging imagination and nurturing family connections.
How do you go about it in your house?
I enjoy both blogs mentioned and have also felt the need to declutter lately. It's such a slow process but I am being as ruthless as I can.
ReplyDeleteWith creativity I just have everything on hand so when my children have the desire they can craft to their hearts content and will often work alongside me as I craft.
I would love to read that book. It sounds right up my alley. Shall have to look for it. Do you ever watch Every Body Loves Ray? I remember Debra having the kids art work in beautiful frames in their bedroom. I've always wanted to do that. Have plenty of artwork - must put it into action. Another beautiful post Naomi. You are one inspirational Mumma!
ReplyDeleteI love this book, and I have given it to several friends as gifts. Her other one, the Handmade Home is also a treasure trove of ideas.
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds great Naomi! I think you already know that I had six children and you know that it takes a lot of planning and organization to keep home running smoothly. I had the luxury of being a stay at home mom, and I taught art classes in my home to adults and children for extra money. They were painting classes, and of course my own children were also students. I think this was my favorite time. My husband and I also taught dance classes to children and adults, and along with bringing in extra money, it kept our own skills sharper too.lol! So to me, cultivating these skills in our children is very important to me. Some of my children had a natural talent and some struggled, but always found the things they could excell at. It's a real confidence builder I think.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at all the wonderful blogs that young moms can tap into now for help in teaching crafts to children.
I send you hugs and hope all is going great with your sweet family.
I found your blog through MMB and I took a look around and I love it! Thanks for the recommendation on the book. My little girl is little still, but I want her to create and imagine as best she can, so I will probably be looking into that book. :)
ReplyDeleteI have numerous sculptures, canvases, trinket boxes, paper flowers and other projects prominently displayed around the house. It tickles them to see their stuff on display.
ReplyDeletethanks so much for your comments and I love what you are doing in your families. I want to do so much more creating and learning and I find I can only do it when I am organised and prepared for the mess and chaos that sometimes comes with it.
ReplyDeleteI am working on my area all the time and I so love the idea of having it available 24/7 for the kids to create.
Naomi x
Gosh that book looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI love books that inspire us to make our lives more simple yet so much more richer.
Thanks for the post
Ah, Naomi, I've been the grateful recipient of her book from the lovely Sarah above and am looking forward to finally reading it. How you have found the time to read with 7 children is most impressive ☺.
ReplyDeleteI'm on a similar mission to declutter, reorganise and 'take control' of our possessions as well. Getting the pixies to abide to it is another matter! J x
I have this book and think it has some great ideas. Definitely worth reading for parents who want to encourage their children to think creatively (and who wouldn't want that?)
ReplyDeleteI have three children who are each creative in different ways. My daughter is particularly artistic, my older son into planning and maps, the youngest into building and mechanical designs. They all love to draw.
Craft materials and books of all kinds have always been easy for the children to access. We have a craft cupboard that they can all use and we read books about different people, places, ideas, cultures etc all the time.
I'm actually in the process of writing a book with an artist in Sydney how to encourage creativity in children and why it is important. :-)
I love her blog and I have been meaning to grap her book for ages, must do it.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely that others enjoyed this book too!
ReplyDeleteSusan how exciting that you are writing a book about being creative with an artist - I am sure it will be excellent. Happy to do a review when it comes out!
Kelly - go for it - you will enjoy it. Naomi x
That book looks great and can I just say, I absolutely love your blog layout. Its so relaxing and inspiring!!
ReplyDeleteAh! Yes.. I will have to get back to updating my kids' blogs. It's been too long...and too many excuses made. Time to crack the whip on myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder!! :D
After reading your post, I've just added Soulemama to my Reader and I am going to look up the book, too!
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy Soulemama's books, especially The Creative Family. Creativity is pretty much an everyday part of our family life as we are blessed to have the space for a little creative corner which we call the 'making table.' :)
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of a making table. My outdoor setting has kind of turned into a making table as it is currently covered in paint and chalk.
ReplyDeleteThanks for you lovely comments about my blog layout - I so love it too!
My daughter has her own little craft table in the corner of the dining room. It always features her latest project and is never clean!! Not that I'm complaining... This book would be perfect for our little household! It's on my ``must buy'' list!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has her own little craft table in the corner of the dining room. It always features her latest project and is never clean!! Not that I'm complaining... This book would be perfect for our little household! It's on my ``must buy'' list!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Naomi.
ReplyDeleteI am loving the look & sound of this book. Although I see myself as a fairly creative Mumma....I'm still always on the hunt for new ideas & a fresh take on something!
xo
Looks like a great book. Unfortunately, it would probably just remind me how non-creative I am. I am a reading parent. I wonder if I can write a book about that...
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