A Heritage of Creativity

There are not many things that make me happier than being crafty and creative. There is just something about being able to take things that are plain, industrial, or old and turn them into something fabulous! I also love taking a variety of papers or fabrics and combining patterns that contrast and compliment to create something for your eyes to feast on.

Through the years as I have learned how to and enjoyed creating many things I have decided that it must be somewhat genetic. Of course, this is not scientifically proven (that I know of), but I certainly come from what I consider a heritage of creativity. My mom is extremely creative and talented and often doesn't give herself enough credit for her abilities. I often go seeking out her opinion or help when I'm stuck on a project and don't know how to keep going or what to do next. If I keep going back another generation I find my Mamaw and all of her talents and abilities as well.

Some of my favorite memories are of staying at my Mamaw and Papaw's house with my cousins during the summer. This gave me a front row seat for watching Mamaw's creativity in the back bedroom at the sewing machine, in the kitchen, or in the living room where she crochet many a pot holder and wash rag. We also spent lots of time putting together puzzles - I think that constitutes creativity!

I was convinced that my Mamaw could make anything when it came to the sewing machine. Dresses, shorts, shirts, pajamas, quilts, barbie clothes, pound puppies, cabbage patch dolls and my most favorite clown doll (which everyone thinks is creepy except my cousins who have their own clown dolls!) are a few of Mamaw's creations. I look around my parents' home and now my home and I see so many things that I cherish that at some point were touched by her hands.

I have tried over the years to ask her questions about things that she has made and to let her know how much I value the time and energy she put into such wonderful heirlooms. I hope she knows that she has always inspired me to not only create beautiful things, but to do it well. Mamaw's projects were as near to perfection as I have ever seen. She certainly has always paid attention to details. That's a pretty high standard to live up to, but I find myself being a perfectionist in this area of my life (as many of you know, I am not a perfectionist in any OTHER area of my life!). I guess I just want to make her proud - which I know she is. That fills my heart with joy!

I guess I'm pretty sentimental about these very special reminders of love from my Mamaw and I hope I never let myself forget that. Recently I was working on a quilt that I want to give to her and I stitched a big part of it wrong. As I was ripping out the seems I kept thinking, "All of these seams were sewn AND RIPPED OUT with love!" I'm certain she would have given that a big chuckle. Goodness knows, she has torn out many a seam over the years in an effort to express her love through something handmade. I am so glad I now have the desire to continue in this "heritage of creativity."

All of this thinking about creativity makes me think of the one and only Creator. What a heritage we have in that. We are all creations, formed in the image of God. No mistakes, no ripped out seams, just perfectly constructed beings formed with love by our heavenly Father. The Bible says that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Ps. 139:14). What an amazing work of art we all are. Praise God that he loves us that much.

So each time I use a crocheted pot holder, or curl up in my t-shirt quilt, or look at that crazy clown doll I will not only think of my Mamaw, but also of the Creator who made me in his image and gave me the ability to be creative.

Well, the sewing machine is calling my name and I think there is a bottle of mod podge around here somewhere . . . I just can't escape this craziness and I love every minute of it!

So go for it . . . grab some scissors or yarn or fabric and make something fun and unique - just like you!