What Creativity is All About

The warming spring weather with it's thunderstorms and humidity bring to my mind summertime memories of my childhood.  I spent most days outside, playing with my friends, either swinging on a tire from the tree, swimming in the neighbor's pool, or playing in the shade of the trees.  If it was too hot, we would be in the air conditioning...playing board games, reading books,  or watching game shows on TV.  But one of my most vivid summer memories involves a craft.

I learned to crochet rather young.  I don't remember exactly at what age, but my first experience with the hook came when my mom wanted to learn how to make a poncho and decided she could best learn from a friend at church who would take her step by step through the process.  For some reason my grandmother came along as well, and there we sat in Mrs. Schaeffer's house, crocheting.  Well, I didn't know what I was doing, but Mrs. Schaeffer gave me a little blue plastic hook and some leftover blue yarn and taught me how to crochet.  Little did she know that afternoon that I would be telling my friends about that day more than 4 decades later!

I practiced a lot on that piece.  I actually became quite good with the hook, gradually learning a couple of stitches and patterns.  One memory I have is of sitting outside in the summer, my dolls at my side, crocheting.  I crocheted a few gifts that year, a makeup case and a belt.  The case was a bit crooked and lacked a lining and a closure, but it did have a nice fold over flap (I am laughing as I type this!).  The belt...well...it was a strip of crocheted fabric.  No buckle.  Silly kid I was, thinking that was a good gift, but it was the thought that counted and I was thinking of my dear sister the whole time I made it.

Hopefully I have improved many times over since those days.  I go on crocheting binges here and there throughout the year.  Sometimes I am bored.  Sometimes I am not sure what I want to make.  Sometimes I get involved with other projects and do not have the time or energy to start with the hook. But inevitably I come back to crochet because it is so ingrained in me.

Crocheting is a skill I learned early on and have honed over the years and I will continue to crochet throughout my life.  It is part of me. I know my personality shows in my creations, for better or worse.  And isn't that what creativity is all about?

Do you have a craft that you have been doing since early on?  A childhood memory, or something you just keep coming back to?  I would love to hear your stories.  Please share!!!
 

HURRY!

Mother's Day is THIS Sunday!  So hurry on over to TheOddSparrow.com where I have listed all of my bedside organizers (under the Tuesday Treasures catgory) and get yours for a LOW price and you will receive a free linen spray with your fully loaded organizer!  Order TODAY so it will get to mom in time...and get an extra for yourself because you deserve it!!!

Mother's Day is this Sunday!

Today I received my package with items that were left from the Nashville Show.  This means that FINALLY...after all of this time...I can begin to put more of my handcrafted items onto The Odd Sparrow!  WHEW!  I took the pictures, weighed and measured the items today, already.  So as soon as I can edit the photos and get the information onto the site, you will be able to make your purchases!  I will be working tirelessly tonight and tomorrow to make sure that happens.  Please keep in mind that the organizers are designed to go with you, whether from one room to the next or on a trip, they are completely portable.  Moms everywhere will appreciate that!

If you would like to purchase for Mother's Day, you will have to purchase quickly.  Once I receive your order, I will gladly wrap it for you and mail it directly to your mom, so just indicate if you would like that in your order.  I can upgrade the shipping (at extra cost to you), so it will get there faster as well, so please also indicate that with your order. PLEASE NOTE that your bedside organizers will be fully stocked with notepad, pen, emery board and tissues, and some even include a little box of mints.  But as a BONUS I will also include a free Lavender Linen Spray made by Francie of The Scented Cottage as well as another free gift.  Your mom will get all of the bells and whistles that she deserves!  I am adding quilted, reversible laptop bags and two other quilted, reversible totes to the site so be sure to check those out as well.

In the meantime, I started another organizer.  I have a bit more hand work to do on this one, but it will also be ready shortly.

The Odd Sparrow participates each Tuesday in Tuesday Treasures themed shopping.  Please check each week for our themed specials at 20% off.  Each Friday is Free Shipping Friday for those who purchase $50 or more from The Odd Sparrow and use coupon code FRIDAY at checkout.  Additionally, there is always a Daily Deal at The Odd Sparrow where you will find one featured item daily with a low, low price.  Grab 'em while they're hot!

Ponderings...

"Remember that time is money."


Guess I better start spending more time with the gas station attendant.

Ponderings...

"Aim Low, Reach Your Goals, Avoid Disappointment."


How NOT to be successful...