Ok, when I say an inspiring work space for girls I don’t mean that this is it…that I’ve got it nailed! But simply that this was a little quest to create a space, by gathering bits and bobs from around our home, to carve out an area that will hopefully inspire creativity; writing or drawing.
Here are some simple and cost effective ideas that I used…
* use some washi tape, string and mini clothes pegs to hang up photos, writing or inspirational postcards
* gather some of their ‘special’ little pieces such as my Annie’s ‘Big Ben’ sharpener…useful and quirky but looks lovely (a wee reminder of William Morris’ philosophy…
* use some pretty cups of jam jars as storage (again..the William Morris philosophy!!)
* add a little colour with a piece of art or a drawing of their own displayed in a frame
* our table is one I picked up at an auction for about £20. I love that it has a bit of character, a drawer to store away all the little bits of scrap paper and odds and ends which will clutter the work space. Thrift stores or heading online to sites such as gumtree or eBay are a brilliant way of finding something unique at a low cost!
* maybe add something which holds a little nostalgia…I lean the old annual from the year I was born (thank goodness my mother is a hoarder!) against the wall and they laugh at the old cartoons and drawings. Despite the age and seemingly hilarious illustrations, things like these can promote and trigger imaginative writing and creative drawing. A good starting point for seeing the written word in different frameworks and formats.
* keep the space organised. I definitely believe your mind works better in a tidy space; so if your kids know where everything goes to keep it tidy, then hopefully, the desk top will remain clutter free and therefore make it a more appealing place to come. Don’t be deceived though…despite all my best efforts I frequently have to clear it of scraps of paper and often items of clothing. Just because it should be easy to keep tidy doesn’t mean that it is!!!
Mainly at my hubby’s lead, we made a decision that we don’t use it as a space for homework but rather as a free writing or drawing space…hopefully a lovely place, free from the pressure and fear of mistakes that homework often brings. On reflection, although I had originally intended for this to be a place for our eldest girl to try to complete her homework a little more independently, it was such a better decision to reserve it for those moments of writing or working that are self motivated and therefore usually much more enjoyable for our girls.
I’m sure it will change again and again as the girls change and grow, but for now, it is a perfect wee mix of retreat and inspiration!!
