temporary creations

Of the many projects we (well mostly the other half of we) have added to our house, this wall is probably my favorite.  Some projects may have been more necessary (pipes in the basement, drywall, windows) but this wall was certainly the most fun.   It is a deep red wall that serves as a spot to write thoughts that inspire us, draw diagrams and doodles, make lists, and the likes.  When the girls are older, I could see such a wall providing backdrops to vignettes, spots to play ongoing games, etc. etc. etc.

We made chalk board paint by mixing our color of choice with tile grout, using this recipe.  (Note: now that our dear wall of temporary inspiration has been around for a couple of years, it is starting to want a new coat of paint, but I wonder if this mix, which includes glaze might last longer.) The key step seemed to be taking the time to lightly sand the wall for smoothness.

While there is plenty being designed and dreamed up in notebooks and on paper, sometimes it is nice to have this big wall to write ourselves the mantras and reminders that get us through the day.  Current mantra: say yes! as often as possible.  What is your mantra today?

art “class”

I tried the observational drawing also.

Then it was on to watercolors!

She needed reminders to rinse before changing color.

Thanks for making the apron, Mormor!

Papa and Amelia soon came to watch.  We talked, mixed colors, and enjoyed seeing how Riana filled her papers.  I don’t usually paint or draw on my own, but the simple act was surprisingly relaxing.  While there is nothing earth shattering or spectacular about what we did, I think we all found it quite enjoyable.  I’m glad that Riana saw the paint brushes and asked, because we don’t do these sorts of things nearly enough.  It was the perfect start to a rainy Sunday.  And then near bedtime: “Mama, how ’bout we do art class to-later” That’s her sweet two-and-a-half year old way of saying tomorrow, and I hope we can do this again on many tomorrows.