Tracing Fun

WAIT!! Don’t throw out that old calendar! Some young thing could use that for amazing inspiration! I absolutely adore these calendars from Snow and Graham – totally impractical in so many ways – nary a way to schedule a thing on them, but they are oh so beautiful to look at. I buy myself one every year just to be inspired by their beautiful designs. Also, Sandy can’t bring himself to buy me something that just doesn’t have much of a purpose. “You have a calendar on your computer right in front of you!” I know. I know. But, there is something about design and *paper* that soothes and coos to my creative being. Do you know what I mean? I saved this calendar in my office thinking the abstract shapes could stimulate some creative brainstorming for me. But, lo and behold, Allie got a hold of the calendar first.
Actually, she was driving me nuts in my studio one day (me trying to get some work done; she trying to get some mommy time). I pulled out the tracing paper and these calendar pages and she went to town making “cards” for her friends. I started by showing her what I would do.


First, place the card under the tracing paper and use colored pencils to “recreate” some of the shapes. My absolute favorite pencils are primsacolor pencils. Seriously, they make a difference, even for the kids’ creativity. They are just so smooth!

Next, color and embellish to your own liking from there.

I was amazed with her composition,

And detail–look at that little mama bird and her nest. What a beautiful extension on the exercise. I do hope Allie doesn’t lose this ability to creatively and openly spring from inspiration. As always, there is so much I can learn from her.

Every year I think, what can Snow & Graham do this year that could please me as much? I am amazed every year–just look at the images for the 2012 calendar. Ohh, I just love them (hint to all family member who read this blog: what a perfect little Christmas present for Anne–and Allie too!)

2012 Calendar Snow & Graham: www.snowandgraham.com Lots of good things on tap! I have a sports birthday party coming up for my middle guy, complete with sweatband invites. And, I have a sweet set of advent calendar gifts for my girly girl that would make great, fun stocking stuffers too.