5 Tips Friday: Getting more creative projects FINISHED.

Most of the fun and enjoyment is found in the process when creating. There did come a point however, when I felt overwhelmed with too many unfinished projects and just wanted to see some finished.

I guess I could have just told myself: 'stop making excuses and just do it', like I have read in countless places, but that really wouldn't have been very helpful! Other tips I've read are: do less projects, take time from other things, insist on 'me' time, and more. BUT for me, um NO. I like to shoot for the stars, try new things, AND spend lots of time with Craig and the kids. 'Me' time just doesn't exist, and that's fine.

Instead, here is the top 5 secrets I have found for getting my creative projects finished:

1) Use the right, good quality tools. Better yet, use beautiful ones.

Using blunt scissors is just painful. Old needles are frustrating. And other items can delay a project getting finished because they just don't work very well. The right tools can see a project finished much sooner, not only because the project is easier, but also because the maker is much happier to continue with the project.

Using beautiful materials and tools can also be inspiring. Using lovely scissors, or a cute measuring tape can make going back to a project fun. It also makes it much easier to do Number 4.

2) Be tough on yourself about buying more supplies.

Oh aren't all the new things beautiful! Isn't it tempting to try something new and exciting! But you just can't buy all the time. Not if you want to get your current project or projects finished. Set a limit and stick to it. For example: no buying any more fabric until the two dresses I have cut out are finished.

3) Don't get up from a creative session at a part of the project you don't like.

If I leave a moment or two of sewing when I am up to putting gathered sleeves in, or having to rethread the bobbin and machine, or putting a zipper in, the likelihood that I will be enthusiastic about picking up my project to get a bit more done later is slim. I will put off returning to my sewing desk because these are not fun for me. I am much more likely to WANT to go back to finish a project if I am at the start of it, or have some easy bits I am up to, or close to the end.

ONE EXCEPTION!!!!
When it's all going wrong, and you start making lots of mistakes AND you are getting cranky: get up and have a break.

A few mistakes can snowball quickly into big mistakes when my head isn't clear. I make it a rule that when my project is not going well, I get up, have something to eat, get the washing in or play with the kids in the sunshine, or have a cuppa. Really anything to give my project some space. Usually when I go back to it later with a clear head I can easily see where I have gone wrong and how to fix the mistakes, without too much drama.

4) Don't put your project away.

As soon as I put a project in a box, or cupboard, I am realistically not going to pick it up again for a long while. The more effort it takes me to actually get back to a project, the more likely I am to put off picking it up. That's part of the reason why my sewing desk is in the lounge room. I think homes should reflect the people who live in them, rather than a simple display piece for occasional visitors and as a backdrop for Instagram photos. My projects are sitting on the desk and in an open wire basket under the desk, and I love it. I can pick something up to hand sew, while chatting to the kids as they eat their afternoon snacks. It fits with how we live AND I am able to finish off many projects without even noticing. The kids also benefit from seeing the process, from, planning, preparing, making and finishing.

5) Use idle time.

This has been one of my greatest discoveries since having more children. I discovered that there was lots of waiting, in-between times. Well, not LOTS, but some at least. These are times waiting at appointments or for after school activities with the kids, waiting for the kids to get their shoes on/brush teeth/get dressed/anything, and while they are eating snacks, doing their homework etc. They need a little verbal prompting at these times, but don't need my full undivided attention. I can sit sewing (especially hand sewing) or knitting while I'm chatting with them.

I often use idle time while waiting for shoes to be put on, checking Instagram, or Pinterest for upcoming party ideas. It makes me less cranky because I am always ready at least five minutes before anyone else (except Daisy, who gets their shoes out sometimes and tells them to hurry up).

As a bonus with homework, I can 'act' terribly busy with a stitch or two when I want them to push through and ATTEMPT a question that I know is within their grasp. It's a bit too easy to ask mummy and not try sometimes. I would even suggest to parents helping with homework to sit at the same table/close by doing something simple for this purpose. Cross words, colouring in, sketching etc are all good choices if you don't have a creative outlet you love. The phrase "just have a try while I finish this stitch/word/etc and I'll be with you in a minute" is a very important one, especially for children who lack the confidence to have a go.


What are your top tips for getting creative projects finished?

Jen.x

Home again.

The thud of the car door signals another day of work is over.

I breathe; catch my breath for the briefest of moments before turning the key in the ignition, as if deciding to shift my focus. But as I leave, sky still with the slightest tint of blue left, I turn over the events of the day in my mind. What did I do right? Wrong? What was left undone? What waits for me tomorrow? What thoughts must I hold onto, careful not to let go until later tonight when quiet and peace take over? I struggle to grasp the threads of thoughts moving endlessly behind my eyes, now so carefully focussed on the road before me, as school fades into the distance.

Concentrate.

Tomorrow will take of itself.

Memories from my day are relived again and slowly float away, out the windows that surround me, and beyond into the world that always feels so big as I drive through fields to hills and homes.

Home.

A flicker of anticipation moves into focus for a second.

I look to the trees so huge creating a tunnel for me to pass through. How long have they been here? I think about time passing. Today is so small. It's practically nothing at all. Did I make a difference? Could I have done more? The questions go unanswered as I instead see the sky changing.

Clouds that once seemed white slowly turn grey as the sky brightens for it's last beautiful display before darkness threatens to invade. It's funny how sometimes moments seem to pass quickly until I am paying attention, then time slows down and expands to allow for the experience.

The road twists and turns. I respond from memory, as the not-at-work not-at-home me feels free for the brief time I am neither. I relax and feel my body wanting desperately to rest. Sleep. Not do anything. My eyes struggle to stay focused as I reprimand myself for doing too much.

Concentrate.

Home is waiting. And all the precious people in it.

I smile. Home is closer now. I reach out in my thoughts to the evening and night ahead. The chaos. The noise. The questions. The food and homework and cleaning and reading and hugs and love.

My mind wanders. Day dreams and memories intertwine into rose coloured glasses that always find their way to me on my journey to them. I happily look through them. Reality in all it's harshness has no place here. There is no need to relive the difficult right at this moment as slumber seems too far away as it is. More challenges, invented or real, can wait until another day.

Tomorrow will take care of itself.

I feel myself take a sharp breath in as I see my city at a distance before me. That brief glimpse of it so far below shows me in an instant that I am almost there. The road descends quickly and turns sharply to reveal the ocean spread out as far as I can see.

Home.

I never fail to feel that word intensely as I see this magnificent sight. Today dark grey water greets me, with boats that seem like toys motionless on the horizon. Home.

The trees and the city and too many cars and roads fill the space in front of me as the ocean disappears from view. I feel myself beating tiredness down. No room for it now. Breathe. Get ready. The second part of my day is about to begin.

I turn into my street, and my heart reaches out into the almost dark ahead of me. I can feel I am nearly there: my arms can almost feel the hugs, my ears almost hear the words, and my eyes almost see the smiles.

I open the door to the same set of stairs that feel as though it has welcomed me forever.

The sound of little feet padding along the hall above suddenly quicken at the realisation that I am here.

I smile because I know the haste is all for me. I know it.

And that feeling is wrapped up in a million memories.

The smell of clean washing while children explore in the too long grass of the back yard jungle.

The nuzzling of a hungry newborn.

The smell of that tiny little bundle wanting nothing more than to be held.

The hesitant turn-away and then extra hug from a child unsure about the day ahead.

The sound of the words "me do it!" while waiting for the following tears of defeat, or smiles in triumph.

The silence that says so much as a toddler stops still for one moment in a rare hug, surrendering for a simple moment.

Quiet disappearing, causing instant nervousness on noticing.

The too-long hug that is instantly known to be a hard thing, too difficult to tell.

The smile that asks for help, or says thank you.

Tears with no sound uttered, that seem the saddest of all.

Sounds echo through my home to greet me. Unclear voices and more welcome me as if drawing me into my other world. The world where I just know so much.

Little footsteps turn all too quickly into the smiling face I knew would follow, and the word I have been waiting for on the long drive home finally makes it's way to me:

"Mummy!"

The outside world fades away as I close the door softly behind me. I am grateful to climb the stairs on the final part of my journey to my other me.

Home. Mummy. All the feelings and knowings that are rarely found in words in my world fall around me as I take off my shoes. I pick them up and smile. Time to be with the ones I love.

Tomorrow will take care of itself.

Jen.x

One slow Saturday with 5.

It's been a while since I posted some Saturday photos. I love to occasionally take notice and take photos of what is going on over a day, because I know I forget as the years pass. I can't quite remember exactly what I used to do when the first 3 were little as I don't have as many photos.

So here is today. I missed lots, but then I was cleaning and doing other necessary jobs part of the day too. All up I captured perhaps a quarter of the activities that went on.

Washing. Notice the hula hoop high in the tree? Don't ask.

A pattern cut out and sitting on top of the washing. Obviously more important than the washing;)

Someone busted getting too many extra biscuits! And note the baby gate is gone between the kitchen and dining room. No point having it when she can open the door to the study and make her way through to the kitchen.

Pokemon. Serious business.

My sewing:) My first attempt at putting elastic in the bobbin and sewing it in!

The view from my sewing desk. What a beautiful day!!!

The orchestra book (with CD). Daisy danced along.

So much riding with his new bike!

Craig took the kids (Lucy, Henry and Jack) on a bike ride before he had to leave.

Craig off to be interviewed at a Dad's conference. Questions on 'how to be a great dad'. I'm sure he nailed it. From there to afternoon shift at work.

Daisy laying on my bed for a nappy change before her nap. My bed was unmade, so still had the quilt I sleep under (that I made years ago) rather than our gorgeous new one (which is purely to make the room look nice).

Henry organised all his train equipment. This was a Lego table this morning. I can't keep up.

Quiet time for the kids: reading. And a movie.

Sylvanian animals are everywhere!

Because the table was already covered with activities, the study floor worked out much better apparently.

Waking up, still-sleepy girl. I completely love this bit.

Late lunch for Miss D.

She will do it herself, thank you very much! And Jack off on another ride.

Perfect afternoon.

They all helped to move more of the soil from where the garden bed used to be, to it's new home. Still a bit to go!

Muddy rollerblades. Were replaced with gumboots after encouragement.

More sewing.

Another present for Jack.

Fun with cousins.

Cockatoos flying overhead at dusk, as muddy children make their way inside for showers and dinner.

Pumpkin soup (well carrot, pumpkin, potato and sweet potato soup), which they all ate. Yay me! First time Lucy has chosen to eat pumpkin.

Right now, as I quickly add these photos and write a few sentences, they are playing 'what's the time Mr Wolf' to the bathroom to brush their teeth. Because just walking there would be far to boring and brushing-teeth-tip has been banned. As has hide-and-go-seek teeth brushing. BANNED.

Later: washing, work, clean up (oh so much!) and maybe some sewing and reading a magazine, while waiting for Craig to return (around midnight). There may be chocolate. And popcorn.

What was your Saturday like?

Jen.x

5 tips Friday: Making birthdays special. Simply.

Birthdays are special. They are. 

For kids it's all about the excitement, and yay, another year older. For grown ups, perhaps it is slightly different, with the occasional celebration focused on yay, survived another year.

There are so many different ways to celebrate, and with so many children, I think I have almost too many ideas. Today I'm looking at the simple things that really seem to be the most important.

Here are my top 5 tips:

1) Decide on a 'way of doing things'.

Make the way your family celebrates birthdays somewhat consistent. Rhythms can be important to children. It provides an element of predictability that can provide comfort. Yes, some children need this more than others, but most children love the knowing-what's-coming-next. Small surprises and occasional spontaneity are great, but having a general rhythm creates an excellent baseline. 

We have a big first birthday party, then a small party the year before preschool, a class party in Kinder, then parties every second year after that. The parties themselves are all different, but each child knows when it is their turn, and more importantly, when it is not. 

We open one present in the morning, then the rest in the afternoon, with a simple cake for afternoon tea. That is if the party is not on the actual birthday. Once school age, the child is allowed (if they want to) to bring small cakes or donuts to school for the class. We use the same cake plate for every cake and have done for as long as the kids remember. It's not so much the 'what' of what we do, but more that they can count on it, and love to look forward to having their turn, with a few little surprises special for them.

2) Make the card special.

I'm not sure when I started it, but in every birthday card I give to the kids, I write all about what they were like over the past year on the left hand flap of the card. I write down firsts, holidays, friends, likes, hobbies etc, all just in quick point form. I toyed with the idea of a letter, but many birthdays came at really rough times, when I had reflux babies to contend with, and quite frankly it is a miracle that I wrote down anything at all. Now I am so glad I found a few write-instead-of-sleep minutes late at night to do it. Each child can look back at the cards and find out what they were like at any age. Generally when they ask it is all a bit blurry for me now.

3) Don't shoot for the stars, unless you really do have a lot of disposable time.

Simple things done each year by a reasonably calm and happy parent have a greater impact, than magnificent events conducted by a parent that is too stressed or busy to sit down and talk with the birthday child. Focus on what can be accomplished really easily and well, and can repeated year to year if you wish. Make one thing wonderful and special if you do have a little bit of time to spare.

4) The night before their birthday: share their story.

The night before each child's birthday, in the dark at bedtime, I sit with the over excited, can't-sleep, child and I tell them a story. Not just any story: their baby story. I tell them about how excited I was. How BIG I was. What we did to prepare for their arrival. How excited other people were, and the special things they said. I tell them that I was so happy to be making a new family with them in it. I tell them (age appropriately) about their birth. I tell them about their first week. 

Lucy's frogs legs and how she loved to be bundled up tight. Isabel's calmness, how Jack couldn't stop smiling and her being my very first girl. Staring at Henry laying beside me, so happy to have another boy. Jack making me a mummy for the very first time, not knowing what to do, and his absolute tininess. 

They each lay there, eyes wide, not wanting my story to end. It is probably my favourite part of their birthday. And considering Jack came out twice last night to ask me to come and say good night, I am pretty sure they love it too.

5) Make them their cake.

I was definitely not awesome at this, but have become a little more able as the years have passed by. I have had LOTS of practice. Each year I make them a chosen cake, even if there is no party. It can be anything really. For the first few years I choose based on interests, then they delight in helping me, before finally showing me on Pinterest exactly what they want, with a couple of variances of course. Last year Isabel and I worked together which was lovely too.

It's annoying and time consuming, difficult, and definitely uses up a great deal of creative energy, BUT they love it. Jack still talks about regretting having a pre-made ice cream cake one year (which he demanded). They all love looking back on the photos. 

I think the reason they love it so much, even if the cake wasn't that great, is because it was made especially for them. I had to work hard and do something that was ONLY for them.

Bonus tip: only valid if the child has siblings

One of the most difficult things about birthdays when there are more than one child in the family is the attention seeking behaviour from the non-birthday children. I have an almost zero tolerance policy when it comes to this and the kids know it, and very much value it when it comes to their birthday. If I see one hint of negative oh-it's-not-about-me-!! behaviour from the other kids, they are sent instantly to their rooms (after a warning to make them aware they are doing it). Once the singing/unwrapping/cake cutting (what ever they interrupted) is over, I go and talk with the child waiting in their room. I completely understand that it is hard to learn that not everything can have them as a focus, and use it as a good teachable moment. We discuss how important it is to make the birthday child the focus on their special day, remembering how special they felt, and how it isn't all that long until it will be their turn again. I then help them brainstorm ways they can help make the birthday child feel special, rather than focusing on the fact that the moment is not about them. This seems to always help the child refocus and understand their part in celebrations for others, which is great practice for later life.

So this is how I make birthdays special in our family. How about you?

Jen.x