Here we have the latest favorite spot to be in my house- the kitchen art table. It's always amazes me how such little things have such a big impact on our family life.
When Michael went to look at that table I found on craigslist, he called me to tell me it had a formica top. I said it obviously wouldn't work for a chess board, but he replied that it was a pretty nice table with two chairs for twenty dollars and we could probably find a use for it. I couldn't think of what we'd do with it but it was one of those times when saying, "Whatever you want to do, Dear," turns out to be a wonderful blessing.
So Michael brought home the table and that same evening as I was emailing back and forth with a dear friend she mentioned she was setting up an 'art table'. Just those two little words and I knew just what to do with the new table.
I put it right by the windows so we can paint by lovely sunlight. I added a 99 cent thrifted lamp for night time use, and Mary Rose said that's like painting by moonlight.
I've kept the supplies simple and uncluttered, just a cup with sharpies, pencils and brushes, watercolors, and a constant fresh supply of pre-cut ATC's ready to use. (artist trading cards are all the rage here right now, but that's a whole 'nother post) We have lots of other art supplies that live elsewhere and occasionally people bring other items to the table, but the basics are always there and ready to use. It's a pleasant, convenient spot to sit a spell and create some artwork, and having such a lovely spot and supplies always available is very inviting. The weather has been very hot here so we've been spending most of our time indoors and our little art table gets used numerous times a day by artists young and old. Thanks for the inspiration, Heather!
In other news, Josiah is hosting a Shakespeare themed ATC swap. We have been hooked on ATC's ever since the Marian swap in May, (and hooked on Shakespeare for a whole year now) and we've been having great fun making and trading cards. You can peek at our cards from our family Shakespeare swap, and leave Josiah a comment or drop him an email to join his swap. (While you're over there check out his post on categories of literary characters - he collaborated with Lydia, Anna and Mary Rose on the post and illustrations and it cracks me up every time I read it.)
Portia and the Prince of Morocco by Mary Rose
Oh what a great idea! A Formica top is perfect for an art table too. Me thinks I need to go thrift shopping. . .
Beautiful pictures btw.
Posted by: Michele Q. | July 28, 2010 at 09:37 AM
It's delightful and you can't even tell it's formica, it looks heavenly with those little girls hard at their work :) Such a great idea!
Posted by: Meredith | July 28, 2010 at 11:49 AM
Oh that looks so fun! I have been so burned out lately and heavily pregnant, that we have done squat lately. I think I might have to come up with an art day. I am also now sad that I was too lazy to take part in the Marian ATC swap too! lol... boy am I whiny! Anyway, you are inspiring me.. which is EXACTLY what I need right now!
Posted by: Amy Caroline | July 28, 2010 at 01:06 PM
Can I commission your children to paint some pictures for me??? They are so talented. Love your art station.
Posted by: Ellen | July 29, 2010 at 12:59 PM