It’s time for another Global Writing Challenge prompt. Our current membership consists of MK’s Adventures in Style, Deb’s World, Suzy Turner, Rosie Amber, Within a World of My Own, and me. Sue has decided to take a break from blogging for a bit. I know she has been blogging for a long time, but she’s ready for a change. I chose this month’s theme. I love the Global Writing Challenge because it’s always fun to see what others come up with…the responses rarely repeat. On top of the wonderfully different opinions and thoughts, the writing itself is wonderful! I hope you’ll visit all of these blogs because you are going to be amazed at, not only the diversity of ideas, but the stories of each person. There’s also a link party at the end of this post!
As always, a little history…
I think the first time I thought I wasn’t creative was in first grade. I have mentioned this before, but my school didn’t have Kindergarten until I was in second grade. One of the boys in my class had gone to Kindergarten because his mom taught at a different school. He would draw these amazing trees, and I was sure it was because he’d gone to Kindergarten. To this day, I draw trees the way he did! Now, I’m going to sound really old. In my day (yeah, and I walked five miles uphill to school both ways), the classroom teacher taught art. Actually, we just did little crafty projects, usually tied to the holiday or some theme. As long as I had a “pattern,” I could usually come up with something relatively close to what the teacher wanted. I didn’t have to take Art classes in high school so I was cool with that. In college, though, I had to take two art classes for teachers. This wasn’t art history; it was actually putting brush to canvas, hands into clay, throwing on the wheel, and carving out a design on a Styrofoam tray in order to make a “woodcut.”
Creativity defined?
It took me years, nay, decades to figure out I am very creative. Creativity isn’t something that can be quantified by the way you draw trees or the bowl you throw on a wheel. It’s an amorphous, intangible thing that ebbs and flows over the years. With some people, creativity is definitely art, pure and simple. But, let’s consider Leonardo da Vinci. He was an artist, a sculptor, an architect. He designed helicopters and other flying machines. He used anatomy (actually dissected human bodies) in order to more accurately draw and sculpt those bodies. He studied botany and integrated that into his art. Da Vinci even used geometry, giving us Vitruvian Man, an illustration of his study of ideal human proportions. So, creativity can take many forms. You can read a lot about Leo here. But, this is my story.
Early creativity…
When I was about eight or nine, Mom started teaching my older sister and me how to embroider. We started on little scraps, but before long, we were embroidering pillowcases. I don’t think it was for anything as mundane as a hope chest because I’m pretty sure we actually used them. I embroidered for years, but I only have one surviving pillowcase. Later, I used those embroidery skills to do lots and lots of counted cross stitch. I made several samplers, but I don’t think I have a single one. I gave them to my kids. I do have a “Welcome” picture I cross stitched. And, just like with knitting, I have a whole section of my craft closet devoted to counted cross stitch WIPS. I even embroidered a tee shirt for a Style Imitating Art challenge.
Needle arts…
During my senior year, I took a class on needle arts, and I crocheted an afghan. Now, remember, I graduated in the 70s so that afghan is avocado green, cream, and gold! Again, my youngest has it! I had only the rudimentary knowledge of knitting until about 10 years ago when an octogenarian at our church started a little knitting group. Then, I began knitting in earnest. I learned how to do different cast ons and bind offs. I also discovered my Norwegian boyfriends during Covid and learned how to do colorwork. I still have lots of those little patches that need to be blocked and made into something. I have only actually finished knitting one sweater. I have several on the needles. But, I have no idea where I am in the pattern so it will take some time to figure it out. I did crochet a cardigan. I also crocheted a hexagon cardigan, but I didn’t like the yarn so I frogged it. I have plans to crochet a granny square cardigan. Oh, let’s talk granny squares. During Covid, I crocheted about 132 squares. Eventually, I finished that “afghan” which is as big as a queen sized bed. Bet you can’t guess who has it? Speaking of that child, he asked me to knit him a hat based on the one Kevin wore in “Home Alone.” Dunzo! Then, he asked for mittens with a flap. Well, those got knitted, but I ended up with two of the same hand. Because of that flap (you open it so your fingers are exposed), they can’t be worn on either hand. I also knit him a beautiful balaclava.
A little more…
For many years, I made hats and donated them. Then, I had all this left over yarn. So, I turned them into what I call scrapghans. I just start with what is really a scarf pattern and go until it’s reached afghan size. My kids tell me they don’t need any more afghans. Oh, wait! I also made my youngest a pizza afghan! I’ve made him crocheted puffs to sit on the floor (he wants some more of those). I still have lots of yarn and need to get busy with it. Oh, I forgot to mention, I was knitting and crocheting so much that I gave myself carpal tunnel and had have to have surgery!
What else…
I’ve also realized my creativity doesn’t end at my fingers. I have played an integral role in re-imagining two kitchens, cladding all of our windows (at our last house) in Craftsman style trim, and designing a rather nifty powder room. Some of you may remember my bathroom remodel that I did almost all by myself. You can find it here. Next up is doing something with moulding in our living room because it really needs the Marsha touch! We will be doing something with flooring in the kitchen and the primary bedroom, too. I know Nigel will have to be in the supervisor position these days, but I’m a pretty good craftsman. I’m also a pretty doggone good painter with chalk paint as well as decorating my home. Nigel made that box, and I painted and distressed it as well as the jars inside it.
Clothing…
Now, let’s talk creativity when it comes to getting dressed. You know what? Let’s not. I think my posts over the years can testify to that. I’ve been cleaning up the old blog, deleting extraneous photos and reducing the storage I’ve used. And, I have to say even I am amazed at how my style has evolved. I’ve got to admit I am much more creative when it comes to getting dressed these days!
What others are saying…
Suzy “ writes about discovering her creative side — and realising it’s been there all along! From writing and blogging to exploring new hobbies and projects, Suzy shares how creativity shows up in unexpected ways in her life.”
Sally “discusses how judgment and comparison can be the enemies of creativity.”
Debbie “wonders at times if she has a creative bone in her body. She looks at different ways we can be creative and discovers something about herself in the process.”
Rosie “tells us about creativity in her English cottage garden.”
Mary Katherine is still on hiatus, catching up with old friends, and vacationing.
And, now, it’s your turn!
If you’d like to link up your posts about kindness, you may link up here or at any of the other blogs!
Hi Marsha, it’s great to be back with you all for the Tell Us About linkup. You are so creative and wow all that knitting, cross stitch, embroidery and crochet work, what glorious items you’ve produced over the years. I knitted a little but not for many years. Making one jumper for my boyfriend who then became my husband and is a tall string bean was enough for me!
I’ve always admired your creative fashion and style and your decorating and ‘building skills’ are very accomplished. You’ve also managed to become a docent another creative spring to your bow!
Thanks for the insight into your creativity, it was great to read!
Debbie from debs-world.com
Thanks so much, Debbie! I’m so glad you’re back though I’m sure it’s a little bittersweet. I just remembered as I was reading your comment that I tried to make my little sister a sweater for Christmas one year. It literally had one arm about three feet long and the other only about eight or nine inches! It looked like “what not to knit!” I love getting dressed and playing with different textures and prints. Now that I’m at the art museum, I can let that creativity fly! I was so afraid they would say we had to wear all black or something like that! I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
You are super creative! Can’t imagine you’re doubted that. My grandmother used to knit me sweaters, back in the day. I loved those. But she was a alcoholic and often there was something not quite good about the sweaters. Back then I hated that, now I wished I still had those.
Awww, thanks, Nancy! I really didn’t see myself as creative for decades because I thought that meant being able to draw or paint well. Now, I realize that I poured my creativity into my teaching. Once I retired, I poured it into so many other things. These days, I don’t find as much time to knit, and I miss it. I wish you still had those sweaters, too. It’s hard, though, when you’re in the moment.
You most definitely are a creative Marsha. So clever with your knitting and embroidery skills, to say nothing of your home decorating. You are selling yourself short as you are a creative dresser.
I have never been a knitter or sewer but regard gardening as a creative endeavor and dressing of course.
Thank you so much, Jill! It has taken me decades to realize I am creative. I love figuring out new ways to wear things. I am sure my mom would highly disapprove of some of the things I wear. We never mixed patterns! She would have made us change immediately…a different time, for sure! Your garden is glorious and definitely shows your creative side as does your dressing. You are one of my style icons!
Hi and oh wow, you are so very creative and it isn’t it interesting how life, the universe and often times, our schooling, reduces our idea that all children are creative and need to have that side nurtured. Let’s say I never thought of myself as ‘artistic’ and/or creative, but used to be far more creative with my hands than now, as I used to bake, make clothes, knit, very well I have to say, and I don’t do any of that now, but hey I write more, and that is my version of creativity.
Your knitting and crocheting and home decorating, all of this is amazing and then again, look at you, it’s all come together with you being a docent. Well done you!
Thank you so much, Penny! You know, that’s a conversation I had with my son’s second grade teacher. I also taught in the same building at the time. She said it was such a shame that public school “teaches” the creativity right out of kids. I think that’s probably even more true today in the States than ever. It’s not that teachers want to squash creativity; it’s that they have so much information to cover as it’s on tests for which they are held accountable. And, if you, yourself, aren’t creative in a certain arena, it’s difficult to foster that kind of creativity in another. I didn’t know you knitted, Penny. But, your writing is definitely a creative outlet.
I really do love to knit and crochet. The home decor is just a byproduct of wanting to be surrounded by things I love. Oh, and yes, I love being a docent and getting to see all that beautiful art regularly!
I love all the colourful knitting and crochet work. Your family is very lucky to be recipients of it all.
Thanks, Rosie! I wish I could have found a photo of the pizza afghan! It was a lot of fun to create, especially the toppings! The only thing I haven’t done that was requested was one of those huge yarn afghans you knit with your arms or PVC pipe! That was just not for me!
Your fiber arts are fabulous! I think EVERYONE has some form of creativity but most people think they aren’t creative because they only think of painting and drawing.
Thanks, Joanne! Yes, exactly…that was definitely me! I only thought I was creative if I could paint or draw. How wrong I was!
You are creative Marsha! I am always impressed with your SIA posts.
I can also relate to looking back at blog photos – oh my goodness, I CRINGE when I look back. Frankly it is no wonder my blog is not more successful because really??? Yikes. It’s been a good self exploration journey to find my style and understand fit!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you, Kellyann! I really love doing the SIA challenges because it forces me to look at my clothing differently, and I usually learn about a new to me artist. Your blog was one of the first I followed though it took me years to comment! I think you have definitely changed your style over the years, but we all do, don’t we? I know mine has changed drastically just since I started. I think I will probably look back at the blog in four more years and think, “What in the world?” Or, maybe not…who knows!
There’s creativity in so many things, but like Joanne said there are a lot of people who think it’ss limited to a few things.
I found this quote: “It’s almost as if the definition of creativity is as elusive as creative moments themselves.” It’s true, when I looked up the definition it was all over the place.
Very simply, the word comes from the Latin “creare” and means the ability to create something which can be material or immaterial, so I really think we all are creative in some way, some less, some more, sometimes or often
lt always helps to be encouraged in seeing that – something I didn’t experience much at home because I seemed to be too impatient for any crafts, so I too was absolutely sure I would never be creative because I only concentrated on the things I couldn’t do.
You are creative, Marsha, and it’s a good thing that you realized it.
Thank you so much, Cat! I love that that definition is so vague! Creativity can be just about anything, right? I think I was just like you…I only concentrated on what I couldn’t do…like drawing trees! You are so creative…your beaded jewelry and clothing is amazing!
We treasure all the blankets, scarves, and hats you have knitted/crocheted (I’m sorry, I don’t know the difference!) for us! And I saved all the dresses and sweaters you made for Olivia that she has outgrown for her potential future children to wear from Great Grammy Banks (obviously, that’s a LONG way away!). 🙂
Aww, thanks, Steph! I think most of the hats Liv has are crocheted! Oh, I love that you’ve still got those dresses! I was truly in my sewing era then! Great Grammy Banks sounds good to me…eventually!
I also believe creativity can be taught in the aspect that the more we do, the more info we have and can think of these things.
I love all of your yarn projects….I have a bunch of UFO that one of these days I hope to finish.
XOXO
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! Well, I would have to agree with you about that because I had to be taught how to knit and embroider. But, it was up to me to take it farther. I have a couple of UFOs because I’ve torn many apart because I have no idea where I had stopped! So, now I’ve got lots of wool. I just need to sit down and knit again!
This really does show that creativity comes in a variety of forms, Marsha! Your embroidery work is beautiful and your knitting work and designing! Thanks for sharing your creative journey with us.
Thanks, Lisa! It took me decades to realize creativity isn’t just drawing on paper! I really do love to create with my hands, but I haven’t been doing any lately. I need to get back to it!
Crikey, Marsha! You really are AMAZING…all that knitting and crocheting and cross stitching lol! I’m amazed and super impressed! I really wish we lived close to each other so I could learn with you!! I bought myself a granny square crocheted cardigan from Vinted last year but haven’t worn it very much because it’s one of those things that can only be worn on certain heat/cold levels lol! And it’s either too warm or too cold!!
That t-shirt you did for the SIA challenge is absolutely FAB by the way!
Huge hugs
Suzy xx
Aww, thanks, Suzy! I would try to teach you how to knit or crochet, but I don’t seem to be a good teacher. I’ve tried to teach others, but they don’t seem to pick up on it very well. There’s a beautiful granny square sweater on Garnet Hill’s website, but it’s $328!! It’s handmade which makes me wonder how much the artisan made to create it. I am pretty sure I can make one. It’s the picking colors out that always stops me! Oh, that embroidery was based on a crewel piece I embroidered in high school! I still have it.
You are one of the most creative people I know, Marsha. Wow. I guess we all second-guess ourselves, often based on early childhood experiences. There are so many different ways to express creativity. I love the ones you’ve shared with us here.
Thank you so much, Christie! That is a huge compliment…I just always equated creativity with being able to draw. And, that’s just plain silly…it took me decades to learn that!
My goodness, Marsha, give you some fiber and you create gorgeous works of art! It was interesting to hear how far back your experiences with thread and needle go. I hope that the recipients of your wonderful creations are appreciative of these gifts.
Aww, thanks, Sally! I remember learning to embroider literally sitting at my mom’s knee. Friday nights were for embroidering. I also remember learning how to make French knots and was so thrilled the first time they really stuck!
Oh my goodness you are so talented! I am so envious of your embroidery skills! That shirt is beautiful!
Thank you, Laura! I should have mentioned this was actually based on a piece of crewel I’d done in high school. I love to embroider and need to do more of it.
I love that you covered creativity in personal style. It’s funny how people think only of art or it has to be good. Creativity is often the start of medical or scientific advancement. It’s often discovery and it’s in humans so regularly we discount most of it.
Lovely post and the embroidery is beautiful!
Thank you, Lydia! I have to admit that’s how I always thought of creativity. I hadn’t ever thought about it’s connection to medicine and science. You are so right about that. I forgot to mention that my embroidery was based upon a piece of crewel embroidery I’d done for my needle arts class in high school.
Sooo fun seeing a fraction of the gorgeous projects you’ve worked on. And the referenced afghan can be seen from our window when you drive up! It’s such a cheery welcome.
Thanks, Edi! Ah…which afghan? The 70s one or the granny square…either way, they are very cheery! I am going to crochet you an afghan one of these days…you just need to let me know the colors!