we *heart* craps

A couple of weeks ago when Lynn got home from work, Ella asked him, "Can we do a crap? Mom and me do craps all the time." He had an extremely puzzled look on his face. I knew exactly what she was trying to say, so I just smiled and waited to see how long it would take him to figure it out. When she started getting out her scissors, tape, paper, etc., Lynn understood she meant "crafts."

I'm making a big effort to nurture Ella's love of crafts. Mostly just giving her access to as many supplies as she can use--and it's a lot. We also do something crafty most days. Plus she makes the most darling crafts and art projects at preschool! Thanks, Ginny.

We also occasionally watch Martha Stewart On Demand together. Lynn laughs when he sees us. Ella usually comments after each segment, "That was a good one." or "Can we make that?" So funny. Her favorites are when Martha makes treats, of course. There was a flower shop owner on yesterday who created an arrangement. Ella picked out the flowers she liked the best. She wanted to go get flowers afterwards.

For quite awhile I've had a large basket in the pantry that was overflowing with art supplies. It was messy all the time, so I decided to make a little art cart for Ella. It's working beautifully and supplies are staying much neater. An added benefit I didn't realize in the beginning, is that the cart I already had has wheels. Ella wheels her cart from room to room (except when she's painting) and can be with me wherever I am. She loves that. These photos were taken while I was working in the office. Super simple idea, but we're loving it.

I never thought to use the top as a table. That was Ella's idea.

I labled the drawers: basic supplies, paper, patterned paper and stickers, miscellaneous (kits, etc.) and coloring books and crayons.

And yes, she can finally say "crafts".