The Great Toilet Paper Roll Creative Challenge

I think we all have one or two of these around the house.

Last week I sent an impromptu email to my “Living the Creative Life” class with the subject line “The Great Toilet Paper Roll Creative Challenge.” What does a creativity coach with no particular agenda on a lazy, rainy Saturday afternoon do for fun? She dreams up a creative prompt using empty toilet paper rolls.

So, I'm a slightly compulsive about recycling, (hmmm…“slightly compulsive” is an oxymoron, isn't it?) and as I tossed another toilet paper roll into the recycling bin that day I thought “What if I used this ubiquitous household item as a creative prompt?” (BTW – asking ourselves "what if" is a fabulous way to mine creative gold!) I'd made some cute little owls for my daughter several months earlier that I’d seen on The Hidden List. She in turn had recently created something on her own she dubbed “The Little Roll of Happiness” and left it on my desk as a surprise. As you turn the roll the messages say: I love you! You are amazing! You are beautiful! Best mom ever! Best wife ever! You are you! (Still get vklempt whenever I read it.)

So, inspired by these fun little projects, here is the optional creative challenge I offered up to my class:

“Sometime before we meet this week, what if you created something with an empty toilet paper roll?  You can use one roll or fifty. (though I doubt you have 50 spare used toilet paper rolls handy) You can create the project all on your own or you can look for something fun on the internet. You might collage it, or paint it, or write a poem to it or about it. There are no rules other than to have fun with it!”

Everyone chose to participate, although some admitted that at first they weren’t going to, either because they didn’t think they had the time or couldn’t imagine what they would do or thought it was a little silly. But, in the end everyone came up with a wonderfully creative idea of their own and completed their creations in a short amount of time.

Funky Necklace

One person shared that though she was excited to create something at first she soon felt stuck. She found herself worrying about whether or not she would make something “good enough” (does this sound familiar to anyone?) and it totally shut her down. Then, as she sat holding her empty toilet paper roll she saw the humor in it. “Why am I freaking out over making something out of a used toilet paper roll?” And she decided to lower her expectations. (The super cool serendipity here is that lowering expectations was a Kaizen-Muse® Creativity Coaching tool I'd already planned on sharing that week!)

She gave herself permission to create the ugliest thing ever and that released the pressure she was feeling and helped her begin. She allowed herself to have fun. She combined her love of color and textures with the belief that anything can be turned into a necklace and ouila! Before she knew it she had created something very cool in a very short amount of time and had a lot of fun doing it. (and, as it turns out…she may end up using this as a template for some other real necklaces – yay!)

The Guardian Angel of Toilet Paper

Another wonderful creation was The Guardian Angel of Toilet Paper. She watches over your bathroom to make sure your holder is always ready with a full roll with the paper faced in your preferred direction! The wings were crafted from the used roll, flattened and covered with glitter and Modge Podge. Then the angel herself was made from actual toilet paper. (we all agreed there may be a market for this beauty, so consider her copyrighted!)

Planter and beautiful reminder

This tiny planter holds a bit of soil and some lemon balm seeds. The lovely reminder reads, "When I tend to my garden my creative spirit soars!" This was one of the wonderful creations that nearly didn't get made. (not enough time...don't know what to do....ect....) And then, when the idea came to her, she created the entire project from start to finish in less than ten minutes and admits it made her very happy to do so. When the seeds begin to sprout, she's going to plant them outside as a living reminder for herself. (I told you - these are amazing!)

Toilet Paper Butterfly of Transformation

This sweet butterfly was inspired with a discussion of the butterfly as a symbol of transformation in a previous class. Again...a fun creative project, created in a very short time which gave a large amount of satisfaction to the creator and to the entire group.

In a beautiful bit of serendipity, Jill Badonsky, founder of Kaizen–Muse® Creativity Coaching recently shared this fun list of creative modalities:

Though toilet paper rolls are not on the list, I feel sure she would applaud their addition!
So there you have it. Further proof that it doesn't take huge amounts of time or baskets of expensive materials, or even a particularly serious idea to enjoy some wonderful soul-nurturing creative satisfaction! If you're up for The Great Toilet Paper Challenge I'd love to see your creations. Please send a photo to me at creativeoasiscoach@me.com! 
Until next time, all the best from my creative oasis to yours,
Jill
www.creativeoasiscoaching.com

Money, Awareness & Good Questions Raised at "Who Does She Think She Is?" Screening

Over forty women (and one very cool, supportive husband) ventured out in the crazy Dallas heat for our special screening of the documentary, "Who Does She Think She Is?" on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at LaGrange in Deep Ellum. I'm happy to share that in addition to raising over $200 and awareness for Women for Women International, we brought together some wonderfully creative women to discuss the questions brought up by this inspiring film.

Full house at La Grange

After every barstool and seat was filled more tables and chairs were brought in, orders for yummy $2 tacos and drink orders were placed and then together we watched "Who Does She Think She Is?" by Pamela Tanner Boll and Nancy C. Kennedy.

The films shines with beautiful images and weaves together the stories of several female artists (painters, scupltors, singer/actress, film makers, activists and more) as they share their personal challenges and rewards that come with pursuing their unique creative paths.

After the film, I was joined onstage by a panel of four women artists and art-related business owners for a Q and A session. We discussed the struggles and joys we've experienced in our own creative journeys while attempting to balance our lives and honor our artistic endeavors.

Jill leads the Q and A session

From left to right:

Michelle Stroescu (artist, designer, mother)

Ashley Thames Brown (artist, writer and mother)

Victoria Webb Pendergrass (artist, art school owner, teacher, mother)

Mary Tomás (artist, gallery owner, mother)

The general consensus was no matter how difficult it can sometimes be, making time and space for our creative expression is essential to living meaningful lives. Many of us agreed with the women in the film who said they thought they'd go crazy if they couldn't get to their artistic process. Even if it means telling society to taking a flying leap...or risking relationships...or changing where and how we live...it's worth it! As far as trying to have it all while keep all the balls in the air and plates spinning, I love Annette Benning's take:  "Balance is overrated!" 

As a creativity coach, I also used this opportunity to remind everyone that even spending a small amount of time with our creativity is better than doing nothing at all. Ten minutes spent sketching, knitting, playing piano or working in the garden can infuse the remaining 23 hours and 50 minutes in our day with a renewed energy and joy that everyone in our life will feel. (What a great return on such a small investment of time!) 

I know personally that when I've made time for my music or writing I'm in a much better place to be the mom, wife, friend, and human being I want to be. As some wise philosopher once said, "If Mama ain't happy - ain't nobody happy!" 

Thanks so much to everyone who came out. I hope that you felt as inspired and supported by this film as I did. 

Also, a special thanks to Art & Seek, Lakewood Women in Business, the White Rock Lake Weekly, Women for Women International, the Dallas Morning News, Natural Awakenings and The Hidden List for helping us spread the word about the screening.

Until next time,

all the best from my creative oasis to yours,

Jill