The Impact of Childhood Crafting

So lest you think that sewing and crafting with your children does not impact them, let me reassure you otherwise.

I am visiting my parent’s house and I have always appreciated the fact that my mom still proudly displays all of the hand-crafted items that I made her when I was younger. They are hung up all over the house. From the white hankerchief with lace around the edge and the embroidered "Mom" in my favorite colored thread to the cross-stitched wall-hanging that is more like a small pillow to the small fabric purses that hold treasures—my mom’s insistence for this tradition inspires me and reminds me to more prominently display and comment on my own children’s hard work.

Through my mom’s displays I feel not only her love but a sense of belonging in this home that I’ve never really lived in. The items facilitate memories of many types and there of course is a story behind each one. My kids even think that it’s cool to have my childhood work on the walls.

I hope that they feel as I do when they see their beaded necklaces hanging from my bedside lamp, their tiny, hand-stitched quilt folded carefully in my drawer and their hand-made cards stashed in a very important box on a very important shelf (when they are not on the mantel).

Nothing says "I love you and I am proud of you" more.