The Rainbow Craft...or Not

Source: handsonaswegrow.com via Vineeta on Pinterest

My claim to fame. And, a false claim to fame since I didn't even create it. I have had 297 repins, aaaaand, it's not even mine. Sad.

And of all things to be famous for, a Rainbow Craft. Geez.

Just so you know, I actually finally DID do this with the girls, not only were they snacking on the Fruit Loops while crafting, they got bored 5 minutes in & were onto something else.

Before becoming a Mommy, & even the 1st few years, & perhaps a spurt here & there, I excitedly come up with or find an arts/crafts project to do with the girls. Usually holiday related. It was much easier with just the 1st & now that she's 6, it can actually be super fun to do stuff with her. But now, with the 3 year old spitfire, doing a craft is pure torture. I have to admit, it really is.

I am really trying to have a good attitude these days especially with the winter blues I am cursed with, but seriously? Glitter everywhere, glue on the table, things being stuck on the craft that make no sense...I know I know - horrible attitude. Especially coming from a so-called "artist" I should be comfortable with the mess, the nonsense expression of her creativity she chooses to explore. I have let go on eyes, noses, & mouths being distributed around faces more as constellations in the sky. I actually have one of her masterpieces she had not included marker drawings, but the actual marker caps collaged into the mixed media piece I had showed off on my cork board where I  display the kids creations.

I bring out the play-doh, have a whole crate dedicated to play-do accessories, shape-cutters, a cake decoration contraption I have yet to understand how to use. After 1/2 hr. of making a complete mess, inspired sculpting, they are onto something else, & I am onto 1/2 hr of cleanup, play-doh that was once pink is now a multi-colored ball I can't understand why anyone would want to play with again. Play-doh stuck in microscopic holes and crevices I need specialized "dried up Play-doh tweezers" to get out of there.

Then, there is painting. O. M. G. As a so-called artist, like I said, I so should be promoting this & celebrating it in our house. I did even set up a painting studio for the kids in the garage as the children also LOVE to paint. But again, I am guilt-ridden with NOT painting with them because of the unbearable anxiety I get from paint EVERYWHERE, furniture, carpet, clothes....I'm just at the end of my rope I think. Seriously. The end. I'm ready for them to be 25.

BUT, I will admit, I HAVE actually done a fair amount of arts/crafts with the girls. I'm making myself out to be way worse than I am as usual. I just have slowed down a bit, & am feeling super guilty. As a matter of fact, am stalling on doing a Valentine's Day craft right now with the little one. Quite frankly though, she is happy with the iPad, I with the computer. Is that so bad?