Julia Cameron recommends not only writing 3 uncensored pages a day to get ideas for projects, but she suggests taking an artist's holiday. I did this yesterday, going to Barnes and Noble for my art quilt magazine, where I also found in the creative "kit" section, a Storyteller doll with a book of 20 tales retold by Mary Packard for Metro Books.
I fell hard for Storyteller dolls on a trip to the Southwest. Loving libraries, books and children, I had to have one. I had already bought some oven-bake Della Robbia Clay for myself or to use with the grandchildren. One can roll a ball of clay and push in the middle to make a bowl, pinch the sides and turn it over for a base, add a head with an open mouth for singing or talking, arms and legs, and little children from rolled tubes of clay made into stick figures, attached by scratching/dampening the areas of connection, drying, cooking and painting. The Singer or Storyteller can be a grandparent, animal or whimsical creature. There should be at least 3 or 4 children attached. I am eager to try this project with Hannah and Erika. Many images and the history of these clay pieces can be found on-line. (click for close-up)
P.S. I forgot to say that the grandchildren love to hear "REAL" and "REAL SCARY" family stories. Packard's book has many Hopi quotations:"Hold fast to the words of your ancestors."
This is a good opportunity to gather those stories.
What a good craft project to try with the granddaughters! And a great find at B and N. I browsed in that section last night but ours didn't have this kit. I, too, have seen the "real" works of art in New Mexico and Arizona and love them. My friends the Dyers also own several of these. Can't wait for you to try this with H and E!
ReplyDeleteI'll be watching for your posting after doing this with Hannah & Erika. What a treat for them!
ReplyDeleteI think I would use more malleable old fashioned modeling clay with young children, even Model Magic, as well as dig out large and small gingerbread men cookie cutters to get a comfortable start.
ReplyDeleteI think I may be able to do this with my own grandsons. Thanks. And I, too, wait to see you working with your grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired, too - will check at B & N when we go to LR this week-end. Wonderful ideas, Linda - as always.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm heading for B&N as well--grandson summer time!
ReplyDeleteErika and I used Model Magic this morning...worked so well...sticks together nicely and air dries. The same colors are available in Prang and Das as well. Erika's Storyteller was a snowman with readers all over.
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