[page from Lotta Jansdotter's book, Lotta Prints]
Sometimes I think that the only difference between kid-craft and more "artistic" endeavors is the finely honed execution of skills over time. In fact, I'm quite sure that it is. The work of several artists comes to mind, perhaps none more-so than Lotta Jansdotter.
I do not personally know Lotta, or have any affiliation with her, so I do hope (should she happen across this page) that this remark is taken as the sincere compliment as it is intended, and that my great appreciation and wonder over her work is clear. Her childhood story of having fashioned an embroidery project of her own design -- that one simple act -- created within her a life-long love of the tactile arts and design. It is both moving and inspiring.
Lotta's book, Lotta Prints, How to Print with Anything from Potatoes to Linoleum has been on and off my bookshelf a lot over the last few months. In it's visually-soothing pages I find comfort and promise.
One of the more simple techniques in the book is potato prints, a common primary art class project elevated through subtle design and process. We tried it today as a family.
From age three to ... well ... much older, we each enjoyed this in our own ways, making gift wrap and tags for the holidays. Some of us used cookie cutters to form shapes and others free-hand cut our own. We worked with water-based acrylics and had the best time.
Of course you do not need the book, or probably any instruction at all to go about making potato stamps of your own, but wouldn't it be nicer to enjoy the lovely visuals and ideas?
I thought so.
Here. For you! Happy Holidays.
Don't worry that you didn't get me anything in return, because you have. This blog space that we come to, whether you are on the writing or reading end of things, is a very motivating and supportive community. For that I am thankful and blessed.
Kindly leave a comment on this post before 9 pm (EST) Sunday night (12/7) and I will randomly select a recipient for the hand-printed, wrapped copy of Lotta's lovely book -- not my copy -- I wouldn't want to part with that. This is a brand new book just for you.
----------
Also, I've shared today's December daily page, here.
