Yearly Archives: 2019

Life is Messy

Monday, December 9, 2019
That’s what makes it so interesting.

Kids will say “this place is so messy” when they come to the studio for the first time. They don’t know what to make of the colorful paint splotches that don our studio. But, by the time they leave the studio I think they get it. Life is messy, it’s meant to be. Creating is often messy too . That is what makes doing it so much fun.

In our messy space everyone is free from any unconscious thoughts to keep order at all times. Kids can let mess happen and truly express themselves. That’s where the gold lies.

Messes aren’t perfect for every situation, not even at the studio. But our paint splattered tables, seating and floors give permission to let creativity flow freely. Next time you see a messy place, don’t knock it. A busy, messy life may be fully under way.

Messy Holiday Fun

Monday, December 2, 2019
Hands on making that’s all in fun.

We’re excited to be hosting a Super Holiday Slime Workshop series on Friday afternoons this month. We love to make slime in the spirit of science and exploration. It’s messy, it’s fun and it’s just the kid of hands-on making we know kids love too.

Participants age 6 and up can join us to make Clear Holiday Slime, Candy Cane Butter Slime and Gingerbread Slime to their hearts content. They can even make batches to give to friends for the holidays!
Get the full scoop and sign-up on our happenings page.
We’ll see you Friday!

So Thankful

Monday, November 25, 2019
Time to count my blessings.

I want to take a moment to be thankful for the opportunity to serve my community through creativity.
It was 10 years ago that I opened my garage door to invite my community into my dream of bringing art fun to everyone.

I am so happy that this vision resonated with people of all ages and for all this time. It is no small thing. I have so enjoyed watching kid and adult ideas come to life through their art making and it totally fills me up. I see the beauty of people through what they make. It reminds me how much goodness there is.

10 years back I invited friends and neighbors into my 400 square foot garage space and said, “make whatever you want with our array of recycled and crafty materials.” It is so wonderful that they said yes. Thank you so much!


Making Time.

Monday, November 18, 2019

I love to see kids and their adults spending quality time together.

The other day a mother and daughter came into the studio to work on a family heritage project, which added a rich layer to their connection. They spent their visit engaged with one another while they worked on their project, both happy as could be.

During our Messy Toddler class I caught this sweet moment between mother and son. They were enjoying such a quality moment as they worked on a paper project together. I was filled up as I saw them engaged with one another. This is what it’s all about I though.

Spending time with the people we love gets deposited into our “emotional bank accounts”, filling us up inside.

Today, make time for someone you love. Take a walk, build a creation or watch a funny movie together. Quality time is the richest currency we have.

Imagination

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Imagination needs no instruction.

We think a secret ingredient to the richness of a child’s life is imagination.
That’s where we come in. When kids are with us at the studio or on the road they get to connect with themselves. They are tapping into their own imaginings and ideas. It’s a wonderful process to watch infold.
We want to preserve that. In today’s busy techno world we encourage kids to plug into their imaginations in healthy ways and, there’s nothing like hands on creating for that!
As you plan your gift list this holiday season add one of our Eco Craft Kits! They are the perfect kit, like no other to get kids engaged in their own imaginations and they don’t need instructions for that.

Call us at 818-575-9566 to order yours today!

Art Heals

Saturday, November 2, 2019
Creating art is part of the conversation

I am so excited to take CReATE STUDIO on a road trip to CMATO next Sunday November 10th.
The Museum’s NEW instillation series theme “Empathy, Beneath The Surface” thoughtfully considers the one year anniversary of The Wolsey Fires and Borderline Shooting through art. The conversations are sure to be ongoing and bring people together through works that center on thought, connection and healing. After all, art heals.
We’ll be bring a family fun component that invites kids and their families into the Empathy conversation through a hands-on project exploration- making rustic dolls. Using rustic materials and fabrics kids can dress their doll characters with inspiration from artist, Simphiwe Ndzube, one of the seven featured artists whose work with second-hand clothing is woven into his work.
As part of this family event we are asking for donations of gently used clothing in partnership with CMATO to donation to local organizations in support of those in need. We look forward t sharing this creative Sunday with you.

Clothing donations can be brought to CReATE Studio this week and next and marked CMATO to distinguish them from our other donations.

Thanks for the memories

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Birthday parties are family memory keepsakes.

I came across this video made by my brother in law, Kevin Wildermuth a few years ago.
He shot it to help me showcase our birthday parties. Watching it today was such a sweet reminder of why we love to help families celebrate their special days.

During our parties we get to see kids connecting with one another, laughing together, creating like crazy and having the best time with family and friends every time. It’s wonderful to be swept up in the energy and joy of these celebrations as they organically unfold. I am reminded about the pleasures of life with kids.

This video was made in 2017 but Nate, the birthday boy still has the friends he is seen here with. This party became a shared memory for all the kids. It makes me so happy to know that all of those memories will last Nate’s lifetime.

Learn more about our birthday party packages and schedule your next celebration with us.

We’re On the Road Again.

Monday, October 21, 2019
We love to take creativity on the road and make connections as we go.

This coming weekend we head to Malibu and two community school campuses to be a part of their fall festivities with our creative reuse fun.

Join us for Halloween inspired crafting for little ones at Bluffs Park in Malibu on Friday, October 25th from 3-5:30pm. We’ll be making Pine Cone Pumpkins and more!

Connect with us Saturday, October 26th from 2-5pm at E.A.R.T.H.S Magnet School for their Halloween Carnival. We’ll be providing spooky crafting from small Amazon boxes. Cardboard boxes are a favorite reuse of ours.

On Sunday we would love to see you at Chaparral Elementary Schools Fall Festival in Calabasas where we’ll be creating festive treasures with Shredded Paper galore!

We love to be out in our community creating. The studio is open while we’re on the town.
We can’t wait to see you around!

Sewing is Skillful.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

It’s a foxy afternoon with a mother/daughter machine sewing session at the studio. We love to help families sew. Contact us to learn more at 818-575-9566

Kids do say the darndest things.

Sunday, October 13, 2019
Funny and inspiring things kids say.

I see why things kids say are viewed as darndest, they call it like they see it. Their astute natures continue to surprise me. Sure, they say things they over hear from adults or what adults tell them but they also say what is.

Five year old Sophia saying “If you keep making things, you’ll get more creative” was just the kind of thing I might find on a tea bag tag. I want to save it and hold it close. It’s truth for me and just the right message to share with kids and adults who don’t see themselves as creative. I say “Creativity is a Thinking Muscle in your brain”. Just like any other muscle, it strengthens when exercised. Sophia’s words hit the point home.
Let’s keep making things to strengthen that muscle.