'masterpiece'

sleeping in + sunshine + no plans + a little organising + creativity = a relaxing weekend

After almost a week of single parenting, it was great to have some time to reorganise our spaces and bring out some fresh materials.

Well, you know how one thing always leads to another. 

While I was delving into the craft cupboard I decided to tackle the overflowing pile of Doots' preschool artwork from last year. Copious and prolific - and beautiful too - but this pile has been stuffed in there like too much of a good thing for too long.

Three piles emerged - one for keeping, treasured and safe in Doots' portfolio - one for the recycling bin (so hard to do, but so necessary) - and one for transforming into a 'masterpiece' (Doots' description, not mine).

 I'd seen a post here. A big canvas. Many little squares. Snippets of a year's work of art. A year in the creative life of a child.

 As we sorted, snipped, arranged and pasted, we talked about her experiences last year. A much loved teacher, the cozy environment, a special friend and lots of exploration through art - her sweet 3-4 year old memories came flooding back.

Truth be told, I did most of the sorting, snipping and pasting. But the finger painting, easel painting, chalk, dye wash and pastels are all hers.

We talked about making the art - the pieces she remembered doing, the ones she didn't. We talked about the different processes and materials. 

 It occurred to me that Doots was very lucky to have had the opportunity to attend this very special little place. One morning a week, one teacher, six children, masses of art work.

It is a masterpiece, it's on the wall, it makes me smile and I love it.