Nothing has given me inspiration for creative pursuits like Edith Schaeffer’s book, The Hidden Art of Homemaking. She writes:
“I would define ‘hidden art’ as the art found in the ordinary areas of everyday life. Each person has, I believe, some talent which is unfulfilled in some hidden area of his being – a talent which would be expressed and developed.”
She draws our attention to the Creator God and then reminds us that we are created in the image of THE Creator.
Pursuing and appreciating creativity doesn’t have to be complicated. Art is everywhere and can be expressed in the simplest of ways – flowers plucked by a child, a beautiful sunset, something new and different for dinner.
Her book is inspiring because it doesn’t pigeonhole creative expression into a small box. It is broad enough that everyone can participate in their own unique way.
As a parent, I count it a privilege to foster and cultivate creativity in my children. This most often comes out in their play. I seek to affirm their individual strengths and projects that are obvious results of their unique personalities!
As a woman, wife and mother, I seek to express my creativity in my home and in my day to day interactions with those around me. The beauty of it all is that it will look different for me than anyone else.
I’m also learning to delight in and celebrate creative expression in others. Feeling inspiration without the need to compare, judge others or condemn myself. But instead delight in who God has made me to be and what he has called me to do.
With that in mind, here are some resources that I’ve found helpful, inspiring in my pursuit of creativity!
Books
The Hidden Art of Homemaking In this book, Edith Schaefer talks about how, as believers, we are called to be creative and artistic in our everyday endeavors as a reflection of the perfect Creator God whom we worship.
The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections
I've long been inspired by her blog, Soule Mama, and this book continues in that vein with practical tips and inspiration to create as a family!
I've long been inspired by her blog, Soule Mama, and this book continues in that vein with practical tips and inspiration to create as a family!
The Art Lesson by Tomie DePaola. This beautiful children’s picture book is engaging for kids and an excellent lesson to parents on allowing children to pursue creative expression without dictating the end-product.
Articles
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” ~ Pablo Picasso
This article details what we can learn from our kids about creativity!
What Is Creativity? An excellent article with descriptions of what it looks like to cultivate creativity for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and those in elementary school.
Blogs that inspire!
Crafty Crow A hodge podge collection of mommy creations, open-ended and fun finished product craft inspiration!
Design Mom All kinds of things design related. Although I'm not much of a designer, I appreciate it and it helps me with looking at my surroundings with an eye towards asthetics.
Dollar Store Crafts Fun organizational, decor and child craft ideas utilizing finds at your local dollar store!
Holy Experience Inspiration to bring outside beauty into my home and be purposeful in all that I do with an eye towards displaying beauty
Made by Joel This guy is a pure genius. I love his kid-focused creations.
Open-Ended Art for Young Children The beauty of open-ended art is that takes so much pressure off mom in regards to the finished product! I love the ideas given here! So simple and yet immensely satisfying.
