It's a Powerful Thing • by Betz White

I feel fortunate to have grown up in a crafty, “We could make that” kind of household. My mother sewed much of our clothing when my brothers and I were young, from polo shirts to swim suits. My father gardened, caned chairs, and even made the whole family down jackets one winter. Many evenings my brothers and I gathered around the kitchen table with my mother making crafts from macramé to papier mâché. And I always viewed my family’s “making” as resourceful, clever, and fun. Even then I knew how special it was to be able to make things for others and myself. It was almost like having a super power.

In middle school, I found that my “super power” served me well. I convinced my American History teacher that making a quilt like they did in colonial days was a much more valid history project than writing a paper. Science Fair projects were always a challenge, but where my research was lacking, I made up for it with bold, colorful presentations. Even my high school prom dress was a refashion of one of my mother’s ‘50s ball gowns, not because I had to but because I could ... and it totally suited me. Now I am the mother of two funny, sweet, creative boys. Each time they come into my studio to make something with me, it feels like a great honor. I know that I am passing my super powers on to them. Because being able to make something yourself, whether it is a stuffed toy or a piñata or a peanut butter sandwich, is a powerful thing. Creating is the power to change, to inspire, to provide, and to live.

To learn more about Betz White, visit betzwhite.com, blog.betzwhite.com, or betzwhite.etsy.com.

Comments

[Heather]

I can totally relate Betz. I also grew up with a mother, grandmother and other family members who were all creative. I learned how to sew my own clothes and between my mother and I we made almost all of my high school formal dresses. I always thought it was fun! I can also totally relate to making up for knowledge and interest in science and or math by creating great presentations.

[daisy janie]

Well said, Betz! It is very powerful to be able to make and do creative things without thinking twice about it. The world of possibility opens up so much wider in every facet of life! Someday, your boys will be thanking you for passing on your super powers to them!

[Sheila]

I grew up in the same environment as you-- mostly, I'm sure, so the paycheck could go farther. As a result, I knew what to do when I started a family-- I stayed home and raised my four children with homemade clothes, halloween costumes, meals, and also instilled in them the creative spirit. They are all adults now and I went to visit them for Christmas and what did I find at all their houses-- each house had a sewing machine out and in use (even my daughter-in-law!)-- it made me want to cry-- that I've passed along creativity to another generation. :o)

[shona cole]

How lovely your upbringing sounds! How lucky for your boys. I am trying to do the same with my kids, it is nice to hear such positive words from a 'graduate' of such a family.