Once Rowan starts using crayons for something other than an afternoon snack, I can’t wait to start downloading projects from this website, Made by Joel. I am totally inspired by Joel Henriques who makes tons of beautiful art and crafts accessible for kids. When I am working on an inspiring project, I feel great, and all is right with the world. I think crafting something is an invaluable way to spend time with your child or anyone for that matter. There are so many lessons learned from the simple practice of sitting down, concentrating and making something with your hands. Plus, it’s fun. 

I read this Wall Street Journal article, How to be Creative this weekend. It talks about creativity as a skill that can be learned and practiced, a concept that really resonated for me. It is definitely worth reading. Here is a little excerpt:

Creativity is not a trait that we inherit in our genes or a blessing bestowed by the angels. It’s a skill. Anyone can learn to be creative and to get better at it. New research is shedding light on what allows people to develop world-changing products and to solve the toughest problems. A surprisingly concrete set of lessons has emerged about what creativity is and how to spark it in ourselves and our work.