Follow-up crafts in Muskoka

In the depths of winter, many are enjoying the indoors, sitting by the fire and reading for pleasure. After spending my teaching career reading to keep up on the latest research and trends, I am happy to have more free time.

Many Muskoka artisans are creating stock, like cards,  others are working to inspire us newbies, or preparing for the summer markets and practicing their art. I must admit, as a teacher, that my art lessons were fun. There were no put-downs. We understood, especially in the arts, that one and all bring talents and experiences. Kids who excelled in MADD (Music/Art/Dance/Drama!) did not necessarily shine during Math, History or Language Arts.

I loathed art that looked all the same. I encouraged kids to be creative and normally presented a set of materials and had the kids dig in. They were 'marked' on fulfilling the expectations, not on their talents or abilities.

That said, I have been inspired by professional, artistic bloggers. I had planned on sending out Christmas Cards. I am a bit late! I couldn't get motivated.

Since I went on anti-depressants, I moved, changed jobs, developed insomnia, Dad's brain tumour came back, and became full-time caregiver, then Mom died... well, we don't talk about mental health issues, but I wrote about it in my book!  I was profoundly affected by it! Now, I have trouble drawing a straight line.

That said, I knew that so many in Muskoka have created photo cards and sell them in local stores. I knew I could do that. I prepared...

• bought some card stock paper.
• Double-sided tape to attach the photos.
  
• Found lovely Sharpies in various colours.
  
• Printed photos
• Found a cloth to wipe down the photos securely
• Attached them to the card stock
  
• Wrote a verse 

 Thank you, all my crafty bloggers, who inspired me! The photo is the pileated woodpecker who continues to visit. A nice bright red touch of its head, on a snow-covered pine tree. (The one that fell over in the storm!)