I wasn't sure what the appropriate time to reveal would be - because my back-tack situation was a bit outside the norm - but I guess now is as good a time as any. You see, my partner is the famously talented Alison, co-coordinator of back-tack itself. So, she already knew who she would be receiving from, and she had a few ideas up her sleeve! With no secrets between us from the outset, she suggested that I put together a kit of materials so that she could create an art bag of some kind for her son, Max. Alison was hoping to incorporate some of Max's artwork into the bag, perhaps as embroidery or applique. She also said that I should send some of Brynne's artwork and that she would also make a bag for Brynne! As you can imagine, I was thrilled with all of this. But, it sounded to me as if Alison was going to end up with all the work, and I was going to get all the good stuff!
So, I decided that I should make some items to go with Alison's concept. Using Brynne as my muse (getting into the mind of a 2 year old isn't necessarily *that* difficult!), I thought about what her creative process is like - experimentation, building, construction, embracing randomness, layering, multi-media, involving the whole self, using unconventional tools and found materials, etc. etc. All of this led to a theme in my head - one which I hope I haven't taken to the extreme in my projects - but we'll let Alison be the judge of that! The challenge for me was to create something to be used and enjoyed by a toddler, but something that could also be appreciated by an incredibly creative and sophisticated mom. I probably ended up with something leaning a bit more toward Max! I'm going to keep the final projects top secret until Alison receives them, but here are some sneak peeks that may reveal my not-so-subtle theme:
From the looks of things, Max (and Allison) is in for a grand time! Can't wait to see full reveal.
Posted by: amy | October 26, 2005 at 05:51 PM
I love the way you've described Brynne's--and other young children's--creative process. I should definitely try that! Love the back-tack goodies I've glimpsed so far, too...
Posted by: Anamaria | October 26, 2005 at 06:52 PM
Great job! I love the craft box.
Posted by: Rose | October 26, 2005 at 07:57 PM
Eeeeeeeeeeeeek!! Look at that box!!! My lord (I'll have to look at it now, because once Max gets a sight of it....) its gorgeous! And all that little stitching has me very intrigued! Ok. Enough exclamations, I'll just have to wait for the real thing to land :)
Posted by: Alison | October 26, 2005 at 08:28 PM
I love it!! you are so creative. i want to see what's inside!!
Posted by: Lisa | October 26, 2005 at 10:05 PM
I see robots---of all kinds--I recognize that fabric too!
Eagerly awaiting the drumroll....
Posted by: Snowbear | October 26, 2005 at 11:37 PM
Oh wow, I'm very intrigued! I can't wait to see the contents.
Posted by: beki | October 27, 2005 at 05:31 AM
oh, gorgeous already -- i can't wait!
Posted by: mrspilkington | October 27, 2005 at 08:06 AM
talk about a tease! kelly if you tell me that you did all the art on max's craft box yourself, i am going to faint! it is so awesome!
Posted by: hannah | October 27, 2005 at 08:14 AM
more more more! looks great. I can't wait to see it all!!
Posted by: hillary | October 27, 2005 at 10:17 AM
Ack! It looks amazing - I can't wit for the full reveal and it isn't even my surprise. :)
Posted by: Laurie | October 27, 2005 at 08:09 PM