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Spark

John J. Ratey’s book Spark already has me hooked in chapter one with the science of exercise and the brain. So interesting.
As he lays out the theory on what has been discovered around exercise and the way it can enhance thinking, I got a visual of CReATE STUDIO and how the creating kids do is so physical. It’s hands-on for sure, but more.
Among the work tables at the studio kids rarely stay put. They are always on the move, seeking materials and assembling things. If they are with friends they are like slow moving whirling dervishes, twirling around the studio, together.
Hm. There must be something to this movement that I hadn’t figured. Based on the book, exercise sparks the brain to think, to learn, but is the mind one step ahead of that concept already?
When given the space to move and create, does the creator move to create or create to move? Somehow there is a correlation in what I see day to day. Movement. Moving and making are one.
I am going to keep an eye on this. Until now, I thought kids kept moving from table to table looking for a clean space to work but now, I think they are moving to create. It seems much bigger a concept.

P.S. Have you ever noticed how kids dance when they eat? It must all be part of the same deal for our human bodies- move! Does this concept interest you? Check out John J. Ratey’s book, Spark to learn more about the power of movement and our brains.

Its a trap!

Watch out Leprechauns! The trap makers are out in full force. That’s good because we lots of interesting materials to use when you come in to make yours!

Drop in this weekend and create a fantastic trap your Leprechaun won’t believe!

Pencils?

This month as we spotlight Wood we think from our non profit’s (C.O.Y.C.) perspective we think about wood on campuses.

You might ask what would wood be doing on school campuses? Well, how about pencils that have been used so much they are too short to sharpen or write with. They can become a campus material that’s great for reuse as part of a science project or maker contraption. Kids are so smart, they’ll come up with awesome creations we are sure.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Here I stand with Cindy Williams of Girls Club Strong and posters for this day made by the Girls Club girls during yesterday’s class. It was inspiring to see them share their voices for community, sisterhood and equality.

Starts with a spark.

In today’s Girls Club class at CReATE the girls learned about women in history who sparked change, then made International Women’s Day posters keeping their visions for the future in mind.
Tomorrow, March 8th is International Women’s Day.

It’s a…

It’s a skywriter! The young creator stated as he flew it around the studio exclaiming that it could write.
This is why I started the studio. Whether we know it or not we need to tune into our fantastic imaginations and explore the things we have on hand to create what flows from our expressiveness.

I get to do this!

Where has the time gone?
Back in 2008 a flash sparked across my mind that as I reflect now, was like a window to the future- I saw the studio before it was a physical place. I think it was just waiting to be.
Getting started back then I am so glad I kept taking the next indicated steps. It has been scary, hard, easy, complicated, fun and funky, sometimes all at once over these 9 years which has more to do with getting into business and less to do with following my inspiration. The journey so far has taught me a few key things that are resounding and true.
1. All children are smart.
2. Our planet needs us to be more thoughtful about what we use and how we reuse it.
3. We can do anything we put our minds to.
4. Everyone is creative.
I get to watch these truths unfold all the time. I get to be part of peoples moments and experiences and I have mine right along with them. People have said over the years, You must love your job. They are right. I do. I have grown to, deeply.
I opened the door to my garage as CReATE STUDIO on Friday, March 6th 2009 for an open-house and an open-ended studio with work tables and bins of materials. Guests had an invitation to explore and create their way. I marveled as they did. The following Tuesday, the garage door opened officially for business 3 days a week. It has been an organic process.
A lot has happened over the years as CReATE has grown and developed . Thank you so much for being a part of this creative endeavor. I din’t know this back then but I know it now, I made it just for you.

Inspired…

I Love what the ladies made last night at our Pinspired Night. Each project, though they appear similar to the ideas I chose for the night, were created with each person’s unique creative touch. That’s what I love about this night and the fabulous people who attend it each month.

Tinker.

Sometimes we just need time to tinker with our creativity, exploring ideas to fill ourselves up so we can show up to all the stuff of life.
Come tinker with us tomorrow night. Join our Pinsipired Night with 5 insiring ideas and the materials to make them from 7-10pm. Call us at 818-575-9566 to join in.

Dreamers.

Dreaming big at today’s Girls Club Class at CReATE and what better way than making Dream Catchers complete with dreams!