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By Deborah Watson
Usually being creative means "thinking outside the box." With this tool, I want to encourage you to think inside the box! The 'Creativity Box', that is.
Have you ever felt the desire to do something creative, but then discovered that you didn't have the raw materials or tools to do what you wanted? If so, then you need to make a Creativity Box! The need for such a box became apparent to me when my oldest started school. I soon discovered that Kindergarten "homework" usually meant at least one art project a week. At that time, I was "creativity challenged" and found that I didn't have the supplies to make even the simplest collage. What to do?
What I did was start a 'Creativity Box' - a box that is chock-full of miscellaneous art project supplies just for those occasions when you're feeling creative and need materials to work with. I found that a banker's box works well for me, and fits nicely into one of my cupboards. You may choose to make your box one of those flat under-bed storage boxes, or a stacked box on wheels. Choose something big enough to fill up with lots of goodies, but that will fit conveniently into a nook in your house. If it's not convenient, you won't use it!
Filling the box for the first time involved a trip to a local craft shop and a trip to the grocery store. At the craft shop I purchased such items as felt squares, assorted small beads, a bag of brightly colored feathers, some white glue, some glue sticks, a package of doll hair (!), and a package of multi-colored construction paper. At the grocery store my purchases included several bags of macaroni - all with different shapes, a package of small paper doilies, and packages of paper muffin cups - all different colors.
Once at home, I neatly stored the different items in various sizes of ziplock plastic bags. These bags work great because you can easily see what's in the bag, they're easy to arrange in the box, and they're simple to open and close securely. Secure closing is important if you don't want all your beads mixed in with your macaroni. Trust me, I know.
Once the box was started, I found myself looking around my house for items to include. The next time I cleaned out a closet, all the clothes that weren't in good enough shape to go to friends or charity were cut up into smaller pieces and those pieces went straight into the box! When a local business sent us some small sponges as advertisement - straight into the box (for sponge painting!). Instead of throwing out old magazines, I "recycle" them by putting them into the box! I've been able to find some good box additions at yard sales, too. My best buy was a large container of miscellaneous buttons for $1.00. I picked up some tiny seashells and beach rocks on my last visit to the beach. Over time, I noticed that I was becoming more aware of the creative potential of items I'd never really looked at before. A side benefit!
Now, whenever the time comes, I'm ready to make a collage, decorate a journal, or supply my children with project materials. You can be ready, too, if you just keep your eyes open and "think inside the box!"
Do you have a Creativity Box? If so, let us know what kinds of things it holds and how you keep it filled and ready! You can e-mail your comments or tips to: webmaster@creativityforlife.com
Welcome to the place where you can finally get to work on your dream!
HowMuchJoy.com
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