Painting Pottery

You would think that I have all the time in the world to get crafty since I'm not working, doing any housework, or cooking. But, I really haven't done much of anything expect sleep, lounge on the sofa, and play with my son. Thankfully, after a month and a half of chemotherapy, a round of antibiotics, and a blood transfusion, I'm starting to have some energy and I'm getting the urge to make some gifts! My mom is a gifted paper artist and she has also been going a little crazy (though she won't admit it) without her craft and sewing studio. She takes care of my son, Ari, all day and then sleeps on a little twin bed in his playroom. Sure, she paints and colors with him and we've both been enjoying playing with homemade playdough, but she has no space or time to herself.

So, I set up a date day just for me and my mom to go to a local paint-your-own-pottery shop to give some time together and to use materials and make a mess without having to worry about clean up. We had so much fun! I made a pencil holder for Kandyce's kids art table (sshh! Don't tell) and my mom made a platter. I'll post a picture of the pencil holder once I finish the other part of the gift--I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I think the best lesson from this day is that I don't have to come up with the most original, totally homemade gift to enjoy myself and feel rejuvenated. My mom and I had a lot of time to talk, help each other, and admire each other's work. I was reminded of my old preschool teacher motto: process, not product. I'm looking forward to trying to make a little quilt next week with my mom's help, but I have to say that I would go back to this pottery ship. I think I would even go alone. It was very meditative and satisfying in an unexpected way.

Kandyce--I am aware that the pencil holder may not make it long on your art table. I made it knowing it will be enjoyed, but may also break and that's fine too:)