Sharing What We Have and Having a Blast Doing It!

One Important Note Before We Begin...two of our very own Thursday Sweet Treaters are in the Artisian Challenge this week. Please vote for Jodi Horgan's gorgeous Black and White Pendant!!! http://blockheadradiolive.com/jewelry. And Tiffany Pop's Heartfelt Grey Recycled Sweater Skirt and Warmer Set. http://blockheadradiolive.com/cba






Countless art programs, especially those for children and teens, talk about the importance of art in a young person’s life and often list benefits for participants that range from building social and problem-solving skills to increasing self-esteem, public speaking skills and more. These skills are not only essential to our development, they are also vital to our overall lives. So why is it that when there are city or state education cuts, the “arts” are the first to be sacrificed to the budget gods? And why is it that these skills are so deeply valued when we are young but as we step into adulthood we are not always encouraged to make a living in the arts?

I believe that this is a crucial time in our collective history. It’s true that the recession has brought about some tough changes and tough times for many on a global scale, yet I believe we have a unique opportunity as artists, crafters, and handmade wonders to create positive change right now on every level from affecting change in education to helping add more handmade shops and less corporate giants to the much needed restructuring of the economic landscape. It’s clear that many still don’t fully understand the importance of art and the act of creation in life therefore we need to get our art and ourselves out there further and make it known that opportunities are limitless.

With this idea in mind, I am starting a new project that I would LOVE for you to be a part of. We have all been asked to “give back” or “pay it forward”. Well, I’m going to ask you to do both and have a blast doing it together!

There is a 2nd grade class here in NYC that would love to be a part of the magic of Thursday Sweet Treat. These energetic, creative little folks would love to share their creations. Aren’t we just like them? Wouldn’t it be nice to celebrate and encourage these future artists, these creative “outside of the box thinkers” to embrace art while developing a skill set they will have for a long time to come?

In an effort to expand their artistic horizons and their view of the world, I have spoken with their teacher who is thrilled to do a project with the Thursday Sweet Treat. Here is what I need from you:

1. Theme - I would like us all to come together and create one theme for these children to work on. Early next week, I will set up a forum discussion where we will be able to brainstorm and decide on a fun theme.

2. Information - I will give all the teachers and students a small booklet of info about the artists providing the theme. The information should include:

- A small bio – 1-2 lines about your business
- The Best thing you’ve ever made (what was one product you just loved creating)
- The first thing you’ve ever made (your earliest childhood creating memory)
- Fun advice for the future (something you’d love the children to remember when they create)


Then I will present it to the class, the teacher and other teachers who might be interested along with information about the type of art each participant creates and explain what they are to do. Their timeframe will be longer than ours but once they have completed their work, I will gather it and hold a “Thursday Sweet Treat” for them at which time I will ask you to give them feedback.

I think this is a tremendous way for all of us to come together and give something to children who need it. Believe me when I say that they would be completely overwhelmed to receive feedback from real artists all over the world. Did I mention that the children will have a surprise for you as well?

This is just the beginning of projects of this sort. The more I speak with people of varying ages who are affiliated with various institutions, the more people want to play. We have the ability to be inspired and to inspire others - that’s a gift. Inspiration is hope and that hope allows us to bring new things - things that have never existed before - to life and who knows whose life we can change with what we create. Who knows what we can inspire others to create that will change our lives!

As art, crafting and the handmade movement grow, we need to help those all around us to find a place for art in their lives. You are all so amazing! You share your talent each and every week and I think it’s time to extend that gift to others in a unique, new way.

What you do, the work that you do…it changes things for the better. Let’s share that!

Are you with me?