by Ruth Stanton

As far as my creativity in fall 2024, two projects took up my time. One is a doll I’ve promised to my next-door neighbour in appreciation for the loan of her husband to cut our lawn. The weeds were more than half as high as I am. I was afraid that if we didn’t get it done soon, I would be lost if I ventured in among the weeds. 

I’ve taken to making dolls for grandparents now. I realixed that the little great-grand nieces for whom I was making them have about a dozen or so dolls already. So decided it would be better to make the dolls for their grandparents or their great-grandparents. Or for my neighbour, who has three little granddaughters. Then there’s something a bit different for them to play with when they come calling.

My dolls include a complete wardrobe, including pyjamas, dresses, blouses, shoes and socks as well as a pair of jeans made from somebody’s well-worn cast-off pair. This is the doll going to my neighbour.

My other project is a Motanka, a traditional Ukrainian doll. The creativity is not so much making the doll (see below) as writing and illustrating the directions for making the doll. I am putting together kits for the children affiliated with our church—mainly grandchildren or great-grandchildren of our members since most of us are into our 70’s or 80’s.

I wasn’t satisfied with the directions given by Google, so decided I had to write and illustrate my own. The kit includes the directions plus the materials—all cut to order—for assembling the doll. 

A Motanka doll has a cross rather than features on her face. She must be assemble using strings and knots, no needle or thread. If you want to make your own, have a look on line. There are lots of resources. I thought this would be a good project for the children because an aspect of the project is that one is supposed to think good thoughts while making it. I’m suggesting our children think about the children of Ukraine and say a prayer for them. Such a troubled country.

Are you creating something for members of your family, community? Maybe revisiting skills from another time? Share! Send words & images to cagac.ca@gmail.com . Be part of this creative community.