The Art of Beatrix Potter

By Shirley Raye Redmond

The beloved children’s author and illustrator of such time honored classics as The Tale of Peter Rabbit, has often been portrayed as shy and withdrawn. They say she was sweet natured, but lonely, with no close friends. So she turned to animals for companionship, all the while hating her London home, which was ruled by her overbearing parents.

But the truth of the matter is that her parents were no more overbearing than any other Victorian parents of their day. Although Beatrix was not outgoing, she was quite close with her younger brother and her grandparents. It’s true she preferred the country to the city. Each summer her father rented a home in the country so the family could spend time outdoors, taking long walks and puttering in the garden.

Yes, she loved animals, but did you know that occasionally when her pets died, she boiled their carcasses in a pot to strip away the meat and gristle so she could study their bones and sketch them? By the time she was eighteen, she’d made up her mind to be a painter. Her parents were not pleased. However, when her brother Bertram, eventually began earning his living as an artist, Mr. and Mrs. Potter were proud and thrilled. Bertram tried to introduce his talented sister to important art critics, but they were not interested in her paintings.

Beatrix was in her mid-thirties when she started writing “picture letters” to children of her acquaintance. No one would publish those either. Few people know that Miss Potter self-published The Tale of Peter Rabbit, draining her savings account to pay for 250 copies. At 47, she married William Heelis, a shy country solicitor and got what she wanted at last—she had her character Pigling Bland say it: “I wish I could have a little garden and grow potatoes.”

And those art critics? They’d be surprised, no doubt, to see Beatrix’s collection of exquisite mushroom and other fungi paintings on display today in the British Museum.

Beatrix’s favorite story of the ones she’d written was The Tailor of Gloucester, inspired by entries she’d discovered in her grandmother’s journal about clothing and customs of the day. My favorite is Squirrel Nutkin.

Do you have a favorite Potter tale?
 

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An award-winning writer and frequent conference speaker, Shirley Raye Redmond is the author of three inspirational novels, PRUDENCE PURSUED, VIPER’S NEST, and AMANDA’S BEAU, as well as two dozen children’s books, including LEWIS & CLARK: A PRAIRIE DOG FOR THE PRESIDENT (Random House), which was a Children’s Book of the Month Club selection. Touch bases at shirleyrayeredmond.com or Facebook

Be Inspired! By Shirley Raye Redmond

So, today is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day. Who knew? Most dictionaries
define “art” as the various branches of creative activity—such as
painting, music, literature and dance. As we are created in the image of
God, it is no wonder that we enjoy being artistic, for our Heavenly Father
certainly is. Quilting, drawing, woodworking, candle-making, cross
stitching…there are so many ways to pursue one’s creative outlet.

We are wired to enjoy beauty too. God made us that way. Edith Schaeffer,
the wife of theologian Francis Shaeffer, once wrote: “If you have been
afraid that your love of beautiful flowers and the flickering flame of the
candle is somehow less spiritual than living in starkness and ugliness,
remember that He who created you to be creative gave you the things with
which to make beauty and the sensitivity to appreciate and respond to His
creation.”

I like to write novels and read books. I like to draw birds and bake pretty cookies. I also enjoy looking at images of people reading books. My friend Blanche thinks that’s odd, but it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling to see other people reading. I’m including a few artistic images of girls reading. Can you guess which illustration was painted by Pierre Renoir?
You’d be surprised how many photographs and paintings of people enjoying books you can find online.



Which one do you like best?

And what will you do today to inspire your heart with art?

Why Be Crafty? 5 Ways Arts, Crafts and DIY Enrich Your Life with Amber Schamel

One of my favorite things about the Stitches Thru Time blog is that it brings folks together that enjoy not only faith, books, and history, but also ARTS, CRAFTS, and DIY. Of course, since our inception three years ago, we've also picked up folks who aren't as interested in that particular aspect. So today, I thought I'd give a few thoughts as to why being 'crafty' is actually a great benefit.


5 Ways Arts, Crafts and DIY Enrich Your Life

1. Refresh
   No matter what our occupation, whether it be writing, accounting, nursing, homemaking or anything else, we all need a way to unwind and give our mind a break. Doing something crafty with your hands is a fulfilling and productive way to do that. As a bookkeeper, I sometimes have days so stressful that I just HAVE to find something else to do for a while. That's when a good chalkboard artwork is fantastic.
   
2. Stimulates Your Creativity
   Most jobs require some level of creativity, and let's admit it, writer's aren't the only ones who encounter a "block" at some point. As a marketing director and a writer, I sometimes run dry on my creative ideas. Taking a break to dabble in some other form of creative activity gets those juices flowing again.
   
3. It's Good for Your Brain
   We all need to keep our brains active, even if we're giving our brain a break from the normal routine. The challenge of arts and crafts stimulates the brain while not exhausting it. In fact, some studies have shown that arts and crafts can aid in relieving depression, increase mental agility, and reduce stress.
   
4. Develops Fine Motor Skills
   When glueing a small piece in place, or painting a fine line, these tiny motions help to mold and develop your fine motor skills. That might even help improve your handwriting.
   
5. Promotes Self Confidence and a Sense of Accomplishment
   There's just something about looking at a tangible creation that you made with your own two hands. Even if it isn't perfect, it is your own creation. I think part of this feeling comes from being made in God's image, who is the ultimate Creator. 

So there you have it. Some encouragement for the folks that are already crafting, and maybe a little prodding for those of you that aren't. :)

Let's chat! Do you currently do arts, crafts or DIY? Why or why not? What benefits have you gleaned from them? If you don't, do you still enjoy hearing about them and seeing pictures?