Echo Park Craft Fair

Last weekend I was given the opportunity to put together a workshop table for kids at the Echo Park Craft Fair. I loved the challenge of coming up with a project that would be engaging for ages ranging from 2-10 and maybe even a few older kids. It also needed to be flawlessly beautiful to match the incredible talent from the artisans selling at the fair.

I always believe if you start with beautiful materials the chances are the outcome will also be gorgeous. Relishing in the idea of gathering families around to make artworks we created two projects in honor of Mother's Day, a bold, colorful painted fabric banner and a small token of love with a message spool.

The fabric watercolor paintings gave the kids an opportunity to investigate painting in a process oriented way. Using droppers and q-tips instead of paint brushes gave them a new way to explore the familiarity of paint. 

 To be able to make something for the one who cares for us,  for the one we rely on and love so much can be very powerful. These message spools are a great example of repurposing and transforming the ordinary to something precious. I know I cherish the ones my children have made for me over the years.  Just using twine, a wooden thread spool that might otherwise be discarded, paper, buttons and beads makes these secret messages.

  Jillian, one of my incredible teachers is always so respectful and playful with the children. Along with Sheryl Cancellieri, who is the brilliant mind behind Eastside Handmade, an artisan fair in Highland Park, we were overjoyed to have been able to create with so many families.

Thank you to all who stopped by to create with us.