That’s polymer clay Sonya. Isn’t she cute?

Needing something to do in the winter, we visited nearby 4cats Art Studio.  We met the fabulous owner Miss Tamsin, who guided Sonya patiently through this adorable art project. I was so impressed— with the bright studio space, with Tamsin’s explanations, and with Sonya’s concentration and abilities.

First Sonya picked out a color for the skin.  Tamsin showed her how to warm the lump in her hands using “dragon breath” to soften the clay. Then Sonya rolled it into a ball against the table.  She did the same thing for the pompom, eyes, nose, body, mittens, and feet.  Then she rolled tubes for the hat, hair, arms, and legs. (“Look, look! These are squirms!”)

While polymer clay Sonya baked in a little oven, Sonya painted the canvas, using blues and purples.  Then Tamsin and Sonya blow-dryed the sky. Part of it was covered with paper so that Sonya could paint the snow.  Then Tamsin hot glued Sonya into the winter wonderland scene. The whole project was very well-explained and organized for someone Sonya’s age.

Even so, I was pleasantly astonished by how well Sonya did the project by herself.  I thought it would be a mangled blob like most of her Play-Doh creations at home. Just goes to show what expert guidance can do for creativity!

Sonya had so much fun! She’s been talking about going back and seeing Miss Tamsin again! I enjoyed watching the creative process, soothing and bouncing a congested and cranky Leena. A very uplifting way to spend a gloomy winter day with a sick baby.

(In general, I’ve been feeling grumpy and lonely the past few days. I miss the friends who moved away. I miss the grass. I miss going to Molly Ann’s knitting store with the girls).

“Daddy gonna take little Sonya to his office,” she said proudly at home.  “Won’t he be suh-prized?”

And he was surprised.