support the arts, save money, & give awesome gifts

It is my husband's birthday today. He tells me that he is feeling especially happy, celebrated and special. We didn't buy him anything this year, and we didn't spend nearly what we would have at the mall, Costco, or T.J. Maxx, but we DID shower him with useful gifts that will remind him every day of how very much he is loved.

Confused?

We made Dad his gifts this year, and I want to recommend this route to all of you with loved ones who may be expecting gifts anytime in the near or distant future.

Now, I know that when people find out that I have done a craft or art projects with my kids, many of you say something like "well, sure, but YOU'RE an artist!" as if this gives my kids an unfair advantage. If you know me well, you know that if neither of us is in a rush, I will respond to your protest by arguing that you are an artist, too, and trying to persuade you to read Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" and/or to come to my studio to unlock some of your dormant creativity. But the most practical and expedient advice I can give to those of you who stubbornly resist these suggestions is this: hire an artist to coach your kids to arts and craft success!

Most artists are underemployed and underpaid, especially in this economy. 99% of the artists and/or art teachers you know would jump at the chance to earn some money by spending time being creative with a few children. This is because children have not forgotten that they are artists, and are consequently really fun people with whom to be creative. As Pablo Picasso famously said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist when we grow up."

So, for those of you who may have forgotten you are an artist, but love the idea of your kids making gifts to give to loved ones for birthdays, Christmas or Hannukah, take a moment and think of an artist you know at your children's school, church, or elsewhere in your community. You can engage an artist or art teacher to (1) come up with the gift idea, (2)procure the materials and (3) guide your kids through the project. You might arrange for your kids to visit the artist in his or her studio or invite them to a designated table (preferably with a nearby sink) in your home.

First of all, kids can make some truly amazing things. Whatever it looks like, every thing they make is uniquely an extension of their spirit, and a kind of time capsule of their development at that moment. Also, it's economical. The fees charged by artists for time and materials are generally less than what you would spend on an electronic gadget, which you know Dad prefers to pick out himself anyway.

My kids also have scores of teachers to whom we like to show our appreciation at the holidays. For teacher gifts, consider that everyday items can make a strong statement of appreciation when they are repackaged in a special, creative way. Again, a visit with an art teacher can help your kids express loads of affection and respect towards a great many teachers for very little dough. If you can't think up how yourself, or you don't want to bother buying a glue gun and other supplies you may never use again, an artist can come up with beautiful ways to make a special present out of an otherwise ordinary gift, such as cocoa, spiced coffee beans, candy, lotion, soap, bubble bath, lip balm, or even a gift card to the local mall.