He put all those blocks into the box! Maybe baby-zilla is making a turn.

Yesterday was not one of those days. Ewan did not want to play. He wanted to be entertained. And I was at a bit of a loss.

So, I turned to Pinterest. Specifically my “with the kiddos” board. (oh, and if you want to follow me over there, there is a neat little button in my sidebar. see it?)

Five minutes later we had a jug filled with cut up pipe cleaners and a few magnets.

Ewan was thrilled.

And so was I.

Happy kiddo. Happy mama.

What have you done with the kiddos lately for fun? Any other tricks I should have up my sleeve?

My first reaction, always, has been to point the questioning customer in the direction of my 2T, 4T and 6T stacks. To me, in this life I am currently living, those are big people sizes.

The first time I did it, the customer gave a sideways glance and pointed to themselves. “I mean, big people,” he said shyly.

Oh….right. Big people. I’d forgotten about you.

It hadn’t ever, really, occurred to me that big people might like a truck or an elephant or a skyline on their shirt. But after receiving enough requests, I finally decided, who am I to say and jump in!

This week I’ll start listing some fabulous adult shirts (and other accessories) over in the shop. Including my very first adult-only design! Can I just say how much fun it is to start thinking about what truly big people, adult grown-up people, might like.

To celebrate I thought I’d host a little contest. Let’s see if one of you can guess what the new shirt is going to be.

The design has five different carved blocks, all coming together to form a whole. Each day this week, over on my Facebook page, I’ll post a picture of one of the blocks. First person to leave a comment correctly guessing what each image is, wins. (Oh, and no cheating, there are a few of you that I’ve talked to about this design please sit this one out)

I’ll send you whatever in-stock short-sleeve shirt that I have, big people or small people you can decide.

Sound like fun?

Here’s the first block:

Head on over to Facebook, like the page, and leave a comment with your first guess. Can’t wait to see what you all think!

There, I said it. Before you disagree, let’s talk this one through.

If we can’t necessarily agree about all adults being creative, perhaps we can start with the children. All children are creative, right?

From my current sample size of two and my years as a teacher I would say that yes. All children start out with a creative spirit.

Never have I noticed or tuned in as much as I have with my own small people though. I mean, seriously, Ewan’s creativity as a boy nearing age three, amazes me. He sets up the most elaborate playscapes and scenarios. Some based in reality, others purely imaginary. It’s extraordinary, really.

I mean, check this out:

Here we have a auto garage, mechanic, and a car (with a flat tire) up on blocks. And Ewan played with it for hours. Chatting, having conversations. It’s amazing, really, the amount of focus he can have.

So, if that’s where we start, it’s hard to imagine that that creativity just disappears. That creative kids turn into un-creative adults. Rather, I think that creativity continues to exist in each of us, but in some it just sits dormant, waiting for the opportunity to reemerge.

Right now, I am enjoying the re-emergence. The ideas. I feel like I am three. My mind bursting.

I think I am experiencing this burst in creativity, in part, because I am with these little ones full-time. When I am constantly surrounded by their joy and passion and imagination it it hard to not be inspired.

I also have the time, space, encouragement and support to not only have grand ideas but also act on them. Some may scoff. Time?! How?! Mama of two little ones?

Some days I’m not always sure that I do have the time. Some days it is hairy. But I do make making a priority. Creating comes a close second on the list, right after feeding my family.

And I think that’s just about right. I want to show these little ones that creativity needn’t go dormant as the responsibilities of adult life settle in. I want them to see me be passionate and excited, just like them.

How about you? Do you make creativity a priority? Do you think all adults are creative?

With two hands.

Some time.

And a handful of supplies.

At last weekend’s Urban Folk Circuit I was totally blown away by a few of my neighbors.

Seriously amazing terrariums by Alapash Terrariums. The only reason one didn’t follow me home is because of the two little people that currently live with me. Beautiful, breakable terrarium and babies just don’t seem to mix.

And then there was this extraordinary alphabet book by Amelia Kieras.

This one will be ours at some point because I can’t.stop.thinking.about.it. I can’t.

And then this jewelry by Muggy Tuesday. Crocheted. Seriously.

And if it wasn’t enough to be so inspired (er, tempted) while at shows, I am tempted everyday in my virtual space as well.

How cool is that Chicago print by albiedesigns?!

And this apron, by Spool + Sparrow,

In love.

And the thing is, I could go on and on (and on and on and on). People make amazing things. It’s awesome.

Pre dinner horsing around with the boys.

Often I find myself apologizing for staying in, especially when I’m around others.

But really, we often prefer to be home.

We read.

We play.

We bake.

We do puppet shows.

We make.

Truth is, we like it here and we have no shortage of things to do to keep us all happily occupied.

But sometimes you just have to get out.

After three straight at-home days we were ready for adventure. A train ride downtown fit the bill.

Riding the el packs a lot of punch. A good half hour or so of entertainment can be had for a mere $2.25.

Especially if you get the front window seat. Then you can eek out almost an hour. Or at least we can.

I’d seen the idea in a variety of places (oh, thank you, pinterest) and decided that this year was the year to give it a go.

Each day. One card. A sentence or two about the day. Same cards year after year. Simple. Easy.

I already do so much documenting. Here on the blog. Through the copious quantity of photos that I take. But something about this line-a-day perpetual journal is different. Something about it feels so much more real and concrete. More personal.

While this year is the least rewarding, I imagine that next year and in the years that follow adding to the journal will be such a treat. Getting a chance to not only document a short line about the day, but also having the chance, at a quick glance, to see what I had been doing in years past.

Right now it is just me and a small stack of index cards. I’d like to pretty it up soon, like they showed over on design sponge:

And, actually, I’d really like to get Ewan in on the daily journal action. I’m just not quite sure how to include him yet… Any ideas?

Sun. 50′s. Bike ride. January.

Two weeks into the year seems as good a time as any to start.

I’m so looking forward to it. In part because I want the chance to connect and chat with customers, but I’d also like to network and connect with the handmade/DIY community as well. It’d be nice to “talk shop” with some fellow crafters.

So, this weekend you’ll find me at the Handmade Market. I’ll be out next weekend, too.

I’ll be there with my usual stuff. Plus one new design, and you all get a sneak peek.

It’s about time this car-free lady had a bike design.

So yeah. If you’re in the area and looking for something to do on Saturday, stop by. It’d be fun to see you.