Hello and welcome....
I often find my self thinking about the difference between what was considered to be normal when I was a child compared to what has has become the norm for children today.
For example I now realize how fortunate I was to have a family who made many things and who quite naturally passed these skills on to me .
My mother taught me the traditional crafts of knitting crotchet, sewing and cooking. My grandmother took me out for long walks collecting lavender to make into lavender bags and collected fruit to make into jam and often made me home made ice cream as a treat.
Meanwhile my father always preferred to re use things and rarely threw anything away. He often made toys for us including a set of wooden table skittles and my own mini replica of our house. This might seem quite a idyllic way of living, however this seems to have been relatively normal for many people at this time.
When my own son (now in his 20s ) came along I found that it was useful and natural for me to use these skills. If I needed something I made it and when finances were stretched I exchanged my skills of being able to face paint or provide creative activities as a substitute for a present.
As time went on I naturally found myself drawn to working in community development based roles where my creative approach to working has enabled me to engage with a people who come from a wide variety of backgrounds, ages and environments.
During this time my experience and personal confidence has developed further and has taught me that everyone has the ability to be creative even when they themselves may believe otherwise . In my experience all it it takes is the right opportunity and environment to make a difference.
Jacqueline Rolls B.a. Artist and creative individual
