Fun, Fun, FUN!

 Some things are MORE FUN than others. 

Here's something FUN I've been working on. . . thought I'd share it with you. 

Click on the Photo to view details: I designed this @ Zazzle

This is not working for me, more complicated than I can handle right now. 

So, I'd better quit before I mess up something. 

Dishtowel Angel

Here is a great way to spruce up an ordinary gift and make it extra special. Instead of simply wrapping dishtowels and pot holders make them into pretty kitchen decorations. The recipient can then use them as decorations or take them apart and use them for their original purpose, washing dishes.

What you'll need:

1 dishtowel

1 washcloth

1 Pot holder

Ribbon

Directions:

1. Fold the dishtowel lengthwise into a fan, then fold the strip in half. Tie it off 2 or 3 inches from fold with ribbon, to make the head. Set this aside.

2. Fold the washcloth into a fan for the arms. Set this aside.

3. Now Fanfold the potholder with the loop on the top for the wings.

4. Place the washcloth on top of the potholder and tie in the center with a ribbon. Lay this (unit) on the table with the potholder down and the washcloth facing up.

5. Lay dishtowel on top of potholder and washcloth.

6. Bring the arms (washcloth) around front and tie together 1 inch from ends, for the hands.

For more: How-to Photos and directions can be found at Family Corner.com.

Grafitti: Beautiful Destruction

Grafitti is vandalism, it is the playful defacing or trashing public property or of someone’s personal property.

Graffiti, spelled differently here, is described by some sources as wall writings.

Grafitti occurs when playful but misguided youngsters spray-paint drawings, slogans or other such markings on the sides of buildings, fences, sidewalks, in public restrooms, etc.

Make no mistake, graffiti is against the law. I know that, I understand it, and I agree that is the way it should be.

Okay, okay, enough of that.

I snapped this photo (above) as we rode by a passing train. Note the graffiti painted on the side. My first thought was to capture the moment. I did that. I whipped out my camera and snapped this shot.

My second thought was…WOW, that’s an amazing piece of artwork. It’s beautiful! There is so much detail, I marvel at the beauty.

Finally I thought, how sad. Someone has broken the law by defacing public property. It is also sad because this is a really amazing piece of art work.

Grafitti might be illegal, but it is awesome art at the same time. I only wish that all those with such talents could and/or would use those talents in a more productive way.

If only there were an outlet for that creativity and wasted talent, society would be better served.  

What are your thoughts on graffiti? Do you see any beauty in the pieces? What are your suggestions for utilizing those artistic talents?

Transform Your Ordinary Into Phenomenal

Girlfriends & Goodies Dessert Table For Two 

Photo © 2012 by It's So Pastiche!

~     ~     ~

Feeling a bit drained?  Has the heat gotten to you? Does the hustle and bustle of daily routines have you running on fumes? Are you sick-and-tired of being  sick-and-tired?  Have I got a treat for you!

Jordyn, over at It's So Pastiche! transforms an ordinary day or situation into the phenomenal. Whether it’s a birthday or simply lunch or dinner with a friend, you’ll be amazed at beauty and creativity Jordyn adds your event. An occasion designed, planned, and executed by It’s So Pastiche! will change the way you think about so-called ordinary gatherings from now on.

For an event that will have you smiling for days and memories you’ll cherish a lifetime, contact Jordyn@ It’s So Pastiche!. You’ll be glad you did.

Redemption

I have stood the test of time.  

Once I lived a life of beauty,

sunrises excited me, sunsets comforted me.

Each morning I rose to greet a new day,

with outstretched arms reaching for heaven,

giving thanks to God for my magnificence.

   I have survived through season after season.

Hence, ravages of weather brand every inch of my being,

neglect hastened my demise,

ignorance imprisons me.

Yet I stand, with outstretched arms reaching for heaven,

giving thanks to God for my endurance.

Still I stand, though forgotten abused and forlorn

waiting to once again greet the sunrise,

to slumber peacefully in the sunset,

to serve a purpose other than despair,

with outstretched arms reaching for heaven,

giving thanks to God for my redemption.  

© 2012 – Leona G Shankle

Encouraging Creativity

Jace's Introduction-2-Art-Jun-1-2011

Who encourages creativity in children? As grandparents, we can encourage a child’s creativity – if we value creativity. All children are born with creative potential but, it has to be nurtured. They need to be encouraged as they play and explore their world. This is how they develop the confidence to attempt new and creative projects.

Children should not be discouraged and critiqued all the time. Constant supervision squashes a child’s imagination, spontaneity and self-confidence. So, let them explore and play freely, you’ll be amazed at how creative they’ll become.

Introduction-to-Art-2-Jun-24-2011

We should encourage creativity in children because a creative mind is a happy mind. Later, creativity is useful in leaders, business, and in many other professions.

Art-by-Jace-Dec-05-2011

How can we encourage creativity? As grandparents, we must introduce children to things that spark imagination. The number one and best way to encourage creativity is to keep materials on hand and within the child’s reach, that they can experiment with.

Crayons, markers, drawing pads, and boxes of all sizes and shapes are good starters for children of all ages. Give a child a box and some crayons, you’ll be amazed at what they produce.

Give a child access to crayons and your clothes dryer becomes a "work of art"!

Jace the "Artist-at-Work"-Dec-23-2011

What is your favorite way to encourage creativity in children?