He Loves Color!

I believe that all children are born artists!

I have never met a child that did not love to draw, color, paint and make things!

Children seem to have endless creative energy that can be seen in the games they play, the songs they sing and the stories they tell. I love to watch the face of a child as he creates his own version of a masterpiece! We may not even be able to identify the subject, but you can tell by the way his face shines when he looks at it, that he sees the perfect image in his mind's eye and he is pleased with his accomplishment!


Parents and caregivers can help to nurture and encourage this natural creativity and keep the artistic spark alive in every child!

Faith and The Artist!

I've been reading "Walking on Water; Reflections on Art and Faith" by Madeleine L'Engle. It is described as a collection of the author's meditations on the nature of art and its relation to faith.

L'Engle feels that talking about her art and talking about her Christian faith are one and the same.

"It means attempting to share the meaning of my life, what gives it, for me, its tragedy and its glory. It is what makes me respond to the death of an apple tree, the birth of a puppy, northern lights shaking the sky, by writing stories."

This is a remarkable and thought-provoking book that is best read a little at a time and reflected upon before moving on. It is an inspirational look at the creative process and how the artist's spiritual self shines through his or her creations!

This is a book I will be reading again!

A Mother's Day Reminder!

Don't forget Mom this Sunday! Here are some of my favorites from Etsy artisans that I think any Mom would love!







Big Love Sea Glass Locket
http://www.seafinddesigns.etsy.com/







Home Is Where My Mom Is
http://www.mudhutt.etsy.com/









Love Clutch
http://www.ikestaedt.etsy.com/

Mermaid Mother Print

http://www.joojoo.etsy.com/

Tuesday Trends: Choosing Artwork to Brighten Your Home!

Spring is here and that always brings out the desire to liven up our living spaces! Adding artwork to your home is a great way to bring in color and pattern. Art sets a tone in a room and can be a focal point in your room's design. Choosing the right artwork and the best place to display it can really bump up the appeal of your living space!There are a few trends in art this spring that are worth noting. Bold colors and patterns create a striking visual and draw the eye.














This painting, Tree Rings, by Focuslineart on Etsy has a great balance of color and pattern.



















The trend toward green living conserving our resources has increased the popularity of art with a focus on nature. Here is a Filigree Tree print by Meartdesign on Etsy. I love the delicate branches and tiny birds on the peaceful green background!


















Here is a beautiful original that combines the nature theme with a bold color palette and geometric designs by Edenfolwell on Etsy. It is painted on wood and I think it has a wonderful earthy feel with a contemporary twist!

Choosing artwork is a very personal endeavor. You will want to select pieces that you will enjoy looking at for a long time. Take some time to browse these and other Etsy artists to bring some color and pattern into your décor.

Today is Etsy Day!

April 24th is Etsy Day!

Have you ever visited Etsy? If not, you should check it out. Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade items of all kinds! It is a great place to shop and connect with artisans and crafters who love to create! If you love vintage, Etsy is the place to find lots of great retro and vintage treasures! Today is a great day to discover something beautiful and unique!

Buy Handmade!

Click Below to Visit Etsy

CottonColors Is Featured!

Artist Karen Fields has featured CottonColors as her Favorite Etsy Shop of the Day! Visit here to see the feature as well as Karen's bright, colorful artwork!

A Green Spring - My Treasury!

Where Did These Come From?

I sew. Ask anyone! Look at my Etsy shops. That's what I do. I make things out of fabric. So, what is that big pile of baby soft crocheted granny squares doing in my craft room? Well, just as most people have comfort foods they reach for in stressful times, I have my comfort crafts and crocheting is one of them. Sometimes, I just want to do something with my hands without really thinking about it. That's when I reach for my crochet hook and soft baby yarn and just start making small granny squares.

I am not discounting the creativity that goes into the beautiful and intricate items that many crochet artisans produce. I have crocheted items that require a lot of concentration and thought. But, my little granny squares don't take a lot of brain power for me and the baby soft yarn is comforting and sweet to work with after a long day.

Over the past year, I have picked it up again several times and now I have quite a collection of squares in pastel colors. I plan to start piecing them together soon and donate them somewhere, where they can be of use, and provide comfort for some little one that may need it.

What do you like to do when life is a little rough? Is there a craft or artistic activity that helps you deal with stress?

Family Traits!

My sister is a wonderfully talented knitter. This sweater is her latest creation. I think it is beautiful! I knit a little now and then, mostly small projects, like scarves. I don't have the patience for projects that take days and weeks to complete, but I admire those who do.

I wonder if creativity is hereditary. My mother never did much as far a fiber arts, but I remember various projects involving decoupage. Also, there is a set of acrylic paint-by-numbers pictures that my parents did together when they were newly married. It is obvious which one my mom painted, so precise and inside the lines. My dad's looks like he finished it in about five minutes, which he probably did, so he could get back to watching football!

I hope I am passing on a love of creating to my own kids. So far, I have not seen a lot of interest on their part, in making something with their own hands. But, if creativity is in the blood, they will find theirs eventually!