The Creative Process and Try, Try Again

Do you talk with children about ideas that didn't work? Children are fascinated when I share that I tried about forty other ways before figuring out the classic Forest Fairy Craft criss-cross thread. This little fairy was my learning process while creating the Valentine Fairy. I wanted hearts and hearts and hearts. And it worked for her hat, but the wings didn’t quite turn out how I had hoped they would look.

Children value hearing that everyone, even adults, need to try things that don't work in order to discover what does work. I enjoyed this version of her heart-shaped hat, which is in the book. Her wings, though, were a draft on the way to a design that I liked better. And I knew that sewing all the little seams wouldn't work in a classroom setting. Creating is learning.

I had many, many discussions with students about what we called “The Mind of a Maker.” After all, people who make things of all sorts face challenges, frustration, and inspiration. Children really enjoying discussing how everyone, even adults, keeps learning and growing. Sometimes the most valuable part of crafting isn't the craft after all ❤️