?ÄúCreativity is intelligence having fun.?Äù ~ Albert Einstein
Creativity has been defined as having the ability to produce original and unusual ideas or to make something new or imaginative. It occurred to us that there are a number of truly creative people in our area. Whether that creativity takes the form of a handmade quilt, a sketch, woodworking or artistry in the kitchen, it?Äôs all worthwhile and enriches the lives of not just the artists, but also those around them.
Struggling to find an activity that would fuel your imagination? Try some of these great resources and let the fun begin. For those of you interested in quilting, check out ?ÄúGet Started Quilting: The Complete Beginner Guide,?Äù by Jessica Alexandrakis. All you need are basic sewing skills and some initiative. If you?Äôre looking for some advice, stop in at the library on Tuesday or Thursday when Sandy is working. She?Äôs quite the quilter and is always happy to talk quilting.
Ever thought of trying your hand at painting or drawing? Check out ?ÄúDrawing for the Absolute Beginner: A Clear & Easy Guide to Successful Drawing,?Äù by Mark Willenbrink, or ?ÄúFearless Watercolor for Beginners: Adventurous Painting Techniques to Get You Started,?Äù by Sandrine Pelissier. If you?Äôd prefer a bit of company, try ?ÄúCAT?Äù (Creating Art Together.) The group meets every Wednesday morning from 9 a.m.?Äì12 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church in New London. The cost is only $10 a year. You bring your own supplies and can work in watercolors, oils, pastel, fabric, or whatever you?Äôre interested in. Watercolor paper is for sale at the church, but the group purchases supplies from Cheap Joe?Äôs if they have enough of an order to get free shipping.
For more information you can stop in the library and talk to Pat Schlangen on Tuesday, or Janice Sheets on Friday.
Woodworking is a hobby shared by many in our area. Give it a try, and before you know it, you?Äôll have a wonderful piece to enhance your home. Pick up ?ÄúWoodworking: Woodworking Projects and Plans for Beginners,?Äù by Jeff Wood at the library and get started. Need a few tools? We?Äôre pretty sure you can find everything you?Äôll need at Eden Valley Lumber, including helpful advice from Wayne Folwarski.
We can?Äôt forget kitchen artistry. The best part is that the family can always eat the mistakes! Try ?ÄúEat Fresh Foods: Awesome Recipes for Teen Chefs,?Äù by Rozanne Gold. Giving teens a chance to create something in the kitchen could mean the end of picky eaters.
If you?Äôre lucky enough to hang out with children, remember that art activities are the building blocks of child development. Not only do these activities help with motor skills, they strengthen problem-
solving and critical-thinking skills. Looking for something to try? Borrow ?ÄúArt Lab for Kids,?Äù by Susan Schwake, and let the fun begin. And never forget, making mistakes is how we all learn.
Let this month be the month you make a mess, discover a new talent and create a memory. Until next time, we?Äôll see you at the library