The Mischievous Mommy

"Sisters"

This watercolor collaboration began when Eve was two years old and was such an adventure for both of us! We were just beginning to explore how different colors mixing together create new ones when I decided to show Eve what can happen when you use a spray bottle. She was so enthralled at watching the colors spread and splatter that we took it another step. She began to blow the water around, first with her mouth then with a straw, to create different effects, leading to an explosive and colorful piece.

It really was quite magical to watch her exploring different techniques for the first time and how she decided to use them. The piece she ended up with was so unique and lovely I knew that whatever way we collaborated on it, I had to make sure to leave every bit of her work untouched.

This led to the creation of two Ballerina sisters who are caught up in the energy and movement of dance. The younger sister is mesmerized by her sister and looks on with complete adoration and wonderment.

Although at times it was difficult to work around Eve's painting, creating one piece that will flow out of two, it just seemed so obvious that it was meant to be two tutus. I can't begin to put into words just how much Eve is obsessed with dancing, tutus, ballerinas and all that jazz.

Whether you feel you are an artist or far from it, please do not ever forget the beauty of two minds combining in order for one creation to come into existence. The end product is never the ultimate goal but rather the journey in getting there, allow yourself to try it one day. 

Find someone younger or older and commit to exploring and creating an absolutely unique painting, song, drawing (you name it) by way of collaborating. There are endless ways to do so and you will discover so much about yourself, about them and not to mention the bond you create will last forever!

"Sisters" - A Collaboration with my Toddler

TIME LAPSE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTAqfBTat2o

O, Christmas Tree

To start this off I thought I would share a simple activity we did the other day in anticipation of the holiday season. What is fantastic about this, is that it encourages the child to create something out of nothing, providing them the opportunity to make choices about what THEY want. It is frustrating as a toddler when all of their choices seem to be already made for them that when you give them an opportunity to make choices they are ecstatic!O, and did I mention that it costs nothing? That's right, nothing. All you are doing is recycling old paper and catalogs instead of throwing them away! If your child really takes to this project you can do multiple, miniature ones and turn them into handmade Christmas cards.

• Large sheet of paper (depending on how big you want it to be)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Christmas catalogs or advertisements 
• Paint (optional)
• Paintbrushes (optional)