January 29, 2015

Artists raising artists

I have a lot of sweet memories with my kids from writing this book.


Sometimes during my hours-long sketching sessions my daughter would sit beside me and we would draw together. I never thought to take any pictures of it, but imagine she and I sitting in a bed or on a couch together, each with a book on her lap, a ream of printer paper and a mess of folders and pens between us. Each of us occasionally stops to admire what the other is doing and offer their encouragement. I didn't anticipate that, but it is so precious.

I also didn't anticipate that the kids would color in my cast-off drawings. It really thrilled me, and sometimes let me see them in a whole new light.




I like that my daughter got to see the messy, drawn out process of creating a book. Having her near me as I worked has certainly influenced her. She makes her own continuous line designs now!


And the other day she declared we should make a "Design book" together. We each did one page of the spreads.



This time in our life as a family is a precious one. I wonder how we will look back on it. Raising kids is a constant source of curiosity and wonder.

THANK you to everyone for the hearty congratulations on my new book! There is no way I can email you individually, each time I do a giveaway my email becomes unmanageable. But "Willit Neverend" (isn't that a great username?) was chosen by random.org to receive the signed book! Don't be sad if you didn't win, Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict just showed what she quilted using a design from the book. And she's hosting a giveaway of the book as well! So head on over and enter that one! See you all soon.

14 comments:

Nina Marie said...

my mother gave me dover coloring books - all free design oriented - when I was a kid and I would spend hours coloring. As I got older the patterns got more intricate. I used them all the way through college as a form of relaxing - its little wonder I became a quilter!! Keep up the good work Momma!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the prize! I'm really looking forward to it.

When my sister and I were young, we used to do intricate doodles (these days they would probably be called zentangles). My kids came across one of these old drawings that my sister had given to me, and immediately my 6 year old son began to imitate the patterns - and he was good! My daughter loves to write stories, my youngest son is a regular little Mr. Maker, and all of my kids love to draw. I feel a bit bad because, while they most likely picked up these things by watching me, and started with my encouragement, I'm not usually involved in their creativity unless they come to me to ask for help/advice/feedback. They also all want to sew, which I have helped them with a couple of times, but I honestly don't have the patience to regularly do sewing projects with three kids aged 5-8. I love that you have managed to have quality family time while working on such a big and important project.

Gene Black said...

I think seeing creativity as a natural part of life is a great advantage for children. It also helps that they learn that mistakes are made by even Mom (who, at this point, they think is perfect)

Jenny K. Lyon said...

Absolutely charming post!

Jenny K. Lyon said...

Absolutely charming post!

Angie in SoCal said...

Your words of wisdom so sweetly stated touch my heart. You are blessed.
I'm looking forward to my copy and using a motif of yours again.

Kathleen said...

Your drawings and your children's coloring in them would make pretty fabric prints!

Scorpie said...

Just a quick little note to let you know that both of my books arrived today. I have spent a little bit of time going through them and they are gorgeous. Love the illustrations and the pictures. Really anxious to get started.

Lara B. said...

Oh Christina, such precious little sweethearts. How fantastic that you have them designing right along with you. Brings back great memories for me!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

What a precious book your daughter made. That is a keeper, for sure!

wish2stitch said...

The design book you and your daughter made will be a lovely keep sake to show her when she is older.

bumblebee53 said...

Your kids are so blessed to have you for their artist mom! It's such a gift to them to show them the joys of the art making process! I love how they have colored your drawings, and that your oldest daughter is already doodling continuous line drawings! Too often, children are not encouraged to play and enjoy there artistic play leads - great job, mom. :)

Val's Quilting Studio said...

Congrats my friend Willit!!! YAHOO!!

*-* said...

Thank you for that post, you have inspired me to try free motion quilting once again.
Kay.

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