a dash of salt
I hope everyone had happy holidays. We were very busy there for a couple of weeks, so it’s been nice to have a little break. Ok - as promised, I’m posting photos of the salt dough ornament project. I haven’t made salt dough ornaments since I was a little kid, so it was fun to do with my own children.
Photo number one (I am only posting the ones I made) shows the ornaments after baking. Click here for the recipe. I used cookie cutters for the star and bird shapes and a knife for the other shapes. Then, I used a toothpick to make the designs and the holes for the wire.
This is a detail shot of the star ornament.
Finally, after they cooled, I painted them with acrylic craft paint and added the wire to hold everything together. I didn’t varnish them, although it’s recommended in order to make it last longer - I was in a hurry (as usual).
All in all, I am happy with the way they turned out - who knew that salt, flour and water could be so much fun?
Creativity Question: Do you ever get tired of being creative?
Sounds like a silly question, but in my opinion, creativity requires quite a lot of energy - mental energy included. And, as much as I love being in the middle of a creative project, sometimes I just have to take a break, get some fresh air, let the project sit for a while and recover some creative energy. This is especially true if I get “stuck” on a design project. Taking a break from trying too hard works nearly every time.
January 1st, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I love to write, but sometimes I put off starting a piece because it takes so much energy. It is a creative process for me, even though I write non-fiction, and it takes a lot of concentration and effort and care to express myself in a way that is clear, but stylish.
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Amy, thanks so much for the Christmas card. Just wanted to let you know that we’ve moved (again). This time to Texas! We’re super excited to be here.
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
First of all, I love your ornaments. I am definitely going to keep that in mind for next year. We always do ornaments for the kids, but next year we are going all homemade.
I actually think I need a break from non-creativity. It always seems that I am so busy that I just am too lazy to act on my creative projects.
I agree, being creative does take a lot of energy. I guess that is why I don’t do a lot. I find that I have used up all my energy. Then I will get bursts of creativity and do some fun things. It doesn’t always last to see them through though.
So I guess I have a question as well. How do you keep up your energy, or regain your energy?
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:52 pm
My energy comes and goes, too, really. I think it has a lot to do with being a mom. That was the whole point of the blog - to motivate myself to be a little more consistent at creativity than at avoiding it.
I consider myself the queen of unfinished projects. Trying to work on that little glitch.
Anyway - going outside and taking a break, doing something I enjoy (even if it’s expending creative energy), taking a little nap, quiet Sundays, and watching movies on weeknights with my husband, meaningless time-wasting internet searches (but not for *too* much time) - that’s how I rejuvenate. Art really makes me feel better too.
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Very cute ornaments. I love the dated family one. Did you bring that to the Ward Christmas party? I didn’t get a chance to look to closely at the tree. It was a great party though!
January 4th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Cathy - I did bring the bird one to the ward party. That’s why it took me so long to post about it - I kept forgetting to get it out of the closet - now I have to remember to take it back.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:17 am
My art becomes an obsession. Granted I have had time when it waxes and wanes, but that stems mostly from knowing I have all the big people stuff which I need to address- being a grown up gets in the way sometimes. Once I begin, it becomes a snowball effect and I want to try this and that, so I would say no- I never become tired of being creative, more frustrated because there are never enough hours in the day! The result is I have many, many….many- did I say many because I meant many…paintings that are waiting to be finished- a hand here a touch-up there, but I am off on the next one. Thanks for sending me your site link. It is wonderful to be in touch with other artist and I really enjoy your work- yes your ornaments are work too, an artists most valuable pieces do not always make it to a museum, but on the Christmas tree and in their children’s memories.
January 4th, 2008 at 8:25 am
I know - that’s part of the reason why I hesitate to fully get back into painting - I start painting and I forget to do things like eat and clean the house and completely lose track of time. With painting, I haven’t experienced the issue of needing a break with my paintings so much as with design. Of course I haven’t done much painting lately… but, I would imagine that if I get stuck on a painting I would have to take a break, too.
But, generally, with design, if I’m trying to solve a design problem and I just don’t seem to be coming up with a solution, I really just have to lay it aside for a while and let my subconscious work on it a bit.
I’m so glad you commented, Sam.
January 11th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
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