Scarcity is not always a bad thing. Of course, when it comes to natural resources—water and food—scarcity creates a problem.
But scarcity also might mean that something is unique, precious.
Sometimes scarcity might prevent waste. I work tirelessly to purchase fresh vegetables that will be used completely. Too often, when I was younger, lettuce and celery and carrots would wilt, berries would mold before I had a chance to prepare them for my family. Exercising scarcity has helped me solve this problem.
I have a dear friend, a bonafide artist, who has made a pact with herself to not only work through all the materials in her studio, but to also see what might become of trash combined with a bit of imagination. Trash to ephemera—recycle, reuse, repurpose. Sandra’s “Sunset Clouds Over SLO” (oil on repurposed cardboard, 4 x 4) fits the bill whimsically.
Beautiful things can be created unexpectedly!
Coming this July, Blackbird & Company will be expanding its offering to support primary students (TK, K, 1st, and 2nd) in gaining the skills that are often overlooked in our electronic era.
Cutting, pasting, coloring, painting, folding, and making, actually set the stage for higher learning. More significantly, the activities we are providing will seem on the surface to be toss-able. However, offering elevated art supplies plus a little nugget of knowledge, and, there is is!
Voilà, ephemera!
I smile remembering the piggy banks of olden times, likening our Print Shop for Primary being pennies and nickels and dimes and quarters that little minds are adding to their fund of knowledge.
Our concept of offering Print Shop for Primary ABCeDarian style, constrains and connects learning to the 26 letters of the alphabet where all of the English language originates. These 26 letters, organized individually or in combination creates the 44 sounds we humans use to communicate. This truly is an awesome example where scarcity is maximized.
Following in August, right after our July Print Shop drop, we will be introducing our ABCeDarian Activity Box.
This kit will include books and projects across domains of learning—anatomy, animal life cycles, color theory, fine art, craft, the alphabet, and much more. Everything in the box will promote independent learning, fine motor skills, focus, patience, and offer information to build the fund of knowledge. Simply stated, the ABCedarian box is certain to delight!
But here’s the thing: We are only making 50! Yes, FIFTY! Because of the handmade nature of the ABCeDarian Activity Box, we decided to treat it very special. That’s scarcity for you! Watch for the release next month when Print Shop for Primary goes live.
