for as long as i've been at the library, i've been doing preschool crafts for toddlers and their moms. i try to make simple things (as many variations of coloring and gluing stuff to stuff as you can possibly imagine) and every week, the moms make works of art. their toddlers scribble and glue too many eyes to their projects, but right next to them the mothers are creating beauty.

i felt bad for these mothers who were forced to use all their imaginative powers on construction paper and crayons so i've started a mommy craft time. the plan is to use "real" crafts as an outlet for their creative inspirations and as a social time. at the same time, i pull out toys for their children to entertain themselves and learn to socialize.

this week, we made teddy bears. the moms had a great time sewing bears with different colors of felt and stitching button eyes and embroidered mouths (one even added a small tongue!). the children played mostly quietly (and some learned that you can't simply walk up to other children and beat them) and enjoyed the toys. and, by the end of teddy bear time, the moms had planned to get together to share and make recipes together.

also, as an added bonus, each child got to carry home a new teddy bear.

mission accomplished.