Made a few strawberry pincushions last week while sitting in the car waiting to pick up kids from school. They're in my Etsy shop now. The one with the vintage earring "blossom" sold. But there's another one and a kit. I've come to the conclusion that making something a few times is fine, making something more than a few times usually bores me to tears. Kits are a great idea-- there will be more of those in the future. I think creativity kits for kids sounds like a really great idea, haven't seen too many of those that are anything wonderful.
Anyways, today I have half a day to get busy and creative. I'm going to crank out some new business cards, and get my brain cranking on a licensing plan that's been brewing along time... I'd tell you more, but I've heard there are some pirates in these here internet waters;) I'll let you know when something comes of my big ideas.
For the past few months I've been spending Tuesday and Thursday afternoons caring for my Mom. As I mentioned awhile back, my Mom is suffering from a rarer form of dementia. She's in hospice care at home right now, but probably not for too much longer. Nursing home options are being evaluated. It's been a very tough and long couple of years for our family, especially for my Dad who is her caregiver.
My saving grace these past few months has come in the way of some very wise email advice from an artist blog friend. She told me not to lose myself in all this; my Mom wouldn't want that. (She's right). And she told me to take along a basket of craftiness when I'm with my Mom. I will tell you, I'm never now without a basket of simple things to work on. (Simple and repetitive seems to = meditative).
Yesterdays' basket held wool teddy bear baby gifts to handsew and aqua dishcloths to crochet for Ainsleys' '50s blue kitchen. I didn't get time to work on any of those projects, but I knew there was a basket of calm waiting for me if I really needed it... maybe tonight while Jesse practices before his baseball game I'll get to my basket.
Lots of love,
Kelly
Those are the cutest things I have ever seen. Love.
Posted by: CherryTreeLane | May 27, 2009 at 05:30 PM
Oh, I am thinking of you Kelly..and caring for your Mom
Love that you can work on crafty projects and share with us in blogland...
Love the strawberries!
at first glance I thought you were picking real strawberries:)
Prayers and hugs coming your way,
Take Care,
KayEllen
Posted by: kayellen | May 27, 2009 at 10:30 PM
what wonderful advice from your blog friend. hugs and prayers to you, your mom and your dad. it has to be very hard for all of you. just know that i am thinking of you. love ya!!
Posted by: Traci | May 28, 2009 at 06:23 AM
O.K. The strawberrys are so cute!! Can't wait to et mine. I wish I was crafty :( You will have to post pictures of Ainsleys kitchen. Sounds really neat!! Have a great night:)
Posted by: Elma Riedstra | May 28, 2009 at 05:43 PM
What beautiful strawberries, and a great idea to take your supplies with you. Your Mom would definately want you to pursue this wonderful talent you have been blessed with.
Posted by: Jeni Carlson | May 28, 2009 at 11:50 PM
So many things to say....LOVE the strawberries! How cute are those? Would look sweet (ha! punny) in a clear jar, all piled in. And yep, doing something over and over does indeed drive me to tears as well. And excellent advice from your blog friend. When Mom was in hospital I took stitching too. Kept my hands busy, but still enabled me to talk and keep up with what ever was going on. You hang in there, my thoughts are with ya.
-c
yapping cat
Posted by: Cindy | May 29, 2009 at 04:06 PM
Lovin' those strawberries!!The best to your family...keep working on your wonderful craft.That's what your Mom would want!
Jocelyn
Posted by: the painted fern | May 29, 2009 at 04:31 PM
Love the basket ID and the advice. Good luck to you and your family. That's a tuff road.
Posted by: Cindy Geilmann | May 29, 2009 at 07:25 PM
Dear Kelly........my heart goes out to you. My Mum was very sick last year and I spent soooo much time at the hospital with her. I take something with me EVERYWHERE I go....just a small project. Finally, since I CARRIED all the stuff every, single day I started using my luggage carry-on with wheels and zipped along with my "bag of goodies"....it worked like a charm. Who cares if everyone thought I was moving in!
Blessings,
Spencer
PS....I'm so sorry about your Mom. Do take some time to take good care of yourself.....
Posted by: Spencer | May 30, 2009 at 10:41 AM