How often do you feel tired in a project or group?
Without even trying, we all get tired or settled in routines and find a comfortable role in a group setting. We often need something to booster us out and awaken us to the creative ideas and excitement around us once again.
I have found that small, hands on, creative warm ups can do just that. A creative prompt can be just what is needed to switch the brain from autopilot and release the ability to play. As John Cleese says, “the most creative people have this childlike facility to play.”
Here’s a quick activity where you can encourage play before your next team meeting or group setting. While it is a pretty non-intimidating activity, it also reinforces we all have a different perspective-and that is what makes a beautiful, well-balanced team!
The first step is to glue a bottle cap to another solid surface. We used scrap wood, but you could use paper, cardboard, or a number of other surfaces.
Next, we asked our group to see what that circle could be. I didn’t want to give too many examples, because I really wanted to get their perspective on how they saw that circle. My example was to use the bottle cap as an “o” in the word “pop”.
It was so fun to encourage the artists to just start drawing. This wood slice creation did not have to live in their homes as long as they do. We used paint markers, but you could use pens, sharpies, crayola markers or a number of other writing utensils as well!
Every artist saw something different in that bottle cap. Even those that saw it as an “o” as well, saw it in a different word. Those that saw it as part of a flower, saw a different type or color of flower.
We all have different experiences and outlooks on the world. This quick little activity demonstrated that belief. We then attached all the individual projects together on one big piece of wood. I love how it shows us all coming together to make something beautiful. The collaborative piece can then hang somewhere for everyone to see and be reminded that we have something to offer as individuals that is vital to the bigger picture.
If you want to see this idea in a video form, please check out our video on our YouTube channel, Spoonful of imagination.
Give this project a try and let us know how it goes! Share on social media with #spoonfulofimagination.
It’s that time of year. We are thinking about school and getting back into routines. The long nights of summer are quickly coming to an end.
In most large home improvement stores (like Home Depot and Lowes), they sell painters paper. This paper is intended for laying on the ground while you paint to protect your carpet or other flooring. The large rolls are really thick paper. That roll can be hard to work with. There is usually a shorter roll next to the big rolls that is around $2.00. This is the stuff! The paper is not as thick, so it wraps well and stays in place with any tape.
The bonus is how the shorter roll is so much easier to work with than regular sized wrapping paper! I love it. So often when you use regular wrapping paper on a smaller gift, you don’t need half of what you cut off. I know for me, I then wrap it back around the tube or just throw it away. This shorter roll is the perfect size for those smaller gifts. There is also no need to worry if you have the right wrapping paper for special occasions, because this paper can be used for anything.
I buy twine or rope at the Dollar Tree (in the utility section) to wrap around my gifts. It keeps the cost low and that stuff can be used for other projects as well. One of my favorite things about this kind of wrapping paper is the way you can dress it up. Let your kids color on the paper, save money on a card and just write on the paper, leave messages, or stick in your business card or another little goody (like a print). You can embellish as much and as far as your imagination can stretch!
If you have ordered something from 
If you have been following along, you know we just moved from Georgia to Indiana at the end of last year. We have been busily making 
As soon as they were hung, the boys wanted to pose with their heroes, 
As I sat watching their joy, I thought about how we are creating this space together. They are loving it as much as me. Although I wouldn’t choose it all (like the loathed posters), I am happy that they are happy with it.
4. Go with your gut. There are times I have questioned myself. I have thought that it might seem weird or that’s not how its done in magazines, if I go with my first instinct. That moment that I hesitate is usually the point I regret. I wanted two accents walls in this room (the 
5. One more thing that I always keep in mind when creating a space, is that paint is cheap. Don’t beat yourself up over it. In the scheme of room design elements, paint is one of the cheapest to buy. I do paint samples most of the time, so I can see what the color looks like dried and in different lighting throughout the day. When it comes down to it though, I just start getting color on those walls. I can always change it, but the hardest part is just getting started.
I still want to hang some of their art and a few signs I made them, but I am holding off until we get the bunk bed built. That’s the last big thing for this room. I can’t wait to get their mattresses off the floor, but they don’t seem to mind. They will miss these moments once their beds are lofted in the air.
