Fabric-covered binder clips. Everyone needs ‘em. And a pile of fabrics, a pile of Christmas-y crafty things from the 1980s, a pile of library books, and Mod Podge. But don’t use Mod Podge to cover binder clips. I did that and ended up with rusty stains all over the fabric. I then peeled off said fabric and tried again using double-sided tape. Worked like a charm. (I first saw this idea on How About Orange, though I definitely didn’t put as much work into it.)
Something I’m realizing about my blog is that unless I can arise at 6 in the AM, you’re typically not going to hear from me until sometime in the late afternoon. I so want to be prepared enough to reach my Dear Readers first thing in the morning, but…
I have to put a lot of my creative stuff on hold until naptime (2-ish). I try to snap some pictures early in the day if I can (and if the light is good). I want to find a balance. I always thought that I could incorporate my little ones into whatever creative project I was working on (like this lady or this lady). But lately it’s been too hard. Honestly, I just think they’re too young right now. I yearn for the day when Emily can knit right alongside me. Hope she wants to!
So…
While we’re on the subject of creativity + mommyhood, there’s this documentary that I’m dying to see called Who Does She Think She Is? Have you heard about it? Evan got a screener, so maybe tonight… And maybe I’ll glean some wisdom from it. If you have any, do tell.
November 12th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Those clips are great! They would make quilting so much more fun (or desk work, for that matter!)
November 13th, 2008 at 2:21 am
Interesting film. I’ve never heard of it but just watched the trailer. Sounds like something many of us can totally relate to. Please let me know what you think of it!
November 13th, 2008 at 10:06 am
i like your blog– are you on “twitter”
November 13th, 2008 at 10:28 am
It is tough to not think of your kids as a huge hindrance sometimes. I remember a time when I was just desperate to cook a good meal and Riley, at 18 months, was crawling all over me, crying to be held. I was pregnant too. So I sat in the floor of the kitchen crying and picking cilantro leaves off the stems. Then Riley started to help me, and it was sweet.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:52 am
I was just about to make fabric covered magnets so the magents on my fridge would all match instead of it all looking so chaotic. Want to do it together?
November 13th, 2008 at 11:52 am
I was just about to make fabric covered magnets so the magnets on my fridge would all match instead of it all looking so chaotic. Want to do it together?
November 14th, 2008 at 10:13 am
i LOVE your clips!
November 15th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Fantastic clips!
November 15th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Haha - I’m chucking at Amanda Weber’s comment… I can relate!
I just wanted to chime in and say I have been there, too. I AM there, for goodness sake! I think getting married so soon after college (the week after graduation!!) and having 4 babies in the next six years after our wedding was a recipe for discontentment in this area. It is almost blasphemy to say this I know because there are so many millions of women who would die for a child, but what I mean is that I know how hard it can be, on the other hand, to just wish for a few moments to myself. Eric is so gracious to give me “mornings off” every now and then and just take the kids to the library sometimes (I’m sure Evan is awesome about this!), so that helps. The problem is for the first thirty minutes I’m always running around the house like a frantic rabbit thinking, “QUICK! What do I do first?!!!!”
I listened to a woman speak on cd from a conference where she said the childbearing years were the years to put away your sewing machine and needles and carpe diem for motherhood’s duties and delights. Well, that statement haunts me several times a week during 2-4 pm as I look around and see hundreds of things I probably need to be doing but just want to run in a closet and make something!!! That desire to be creative is so strong in me, especially since I never really knew how to sew, knit, quilt, etc. until adulthood. It also makes me want to teach my kids stuff like this as they grow older. I, too, wish Lydia and Meredith will one day sit and knit, sew, and cook alongside me! Every time I try (she is almost 5), I see that it is still too early or she just has the perfectionist plague like I do. :)
Anyway, I’m rambling, but I certainly don’t feel like I am good at disciplining myself in this area so much yet, but I am learning and growing. I used to always think to myself at the sound of a cry, “Oh, just one more row,” or “Maybe I can press one more seam really quick…” and now I am learning more to put it down when duty calls and smile. It’s hard! I’ve read 2 awesome books that have helped me lately with this - 1) Homeschooling with a Gentle and Quiet Spirit, and 2) The Practice of the Presence of God.
You are a fantastic mommy, wife, and crafty lady!! I enjoy your blog so much! :) Tell E hello for me!
November 16th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I’m lucky that my 2yo can stay occupied if I give him art supplies or rotated-out toys but there are a lot of days he wants to be on my lap whenever I am sitting to do something. And he doesn’t sit still. My 10yo is just learning how to crochet and can’t get enough of it!
November 17th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
i love those clips! great idea.
November 19th, 2008 at 9:06 am
cute clips! I’ll have to add that documentary to my netflix queue