North Berwick: Children’s artwork inspired author in Ecuador

Children from Little Artists, a group set up two years ago in North Berwick, were excited to get involved in the project again after seeing their work used last year.

Author Rebekah Murray has taken on a challenge to write a short story every day this month, inspired by a piece of artwork which is photographed and sent to her.

Mel Chambers, founder of the children’s art group, was keen to get them involved again after Rebekah used one of their creations for a piece last year.

Little Artists host regular workshops and art classes at The Lighthouse in the North Berwick; during a summer school session, Mel helped her pupils to create capes.

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The youngsters cut up donated tablecloths into the shape of a cloak, fit for superheroes and princesses.

Some of the artists then wanted to wear their home-made capes to the nearby park they often visit for a break. 

Mel said: “On the way back, we like to go through the woods in the Glen and look for trolls under the bridge. 

“If an artist answers a question correctly, they are spared being thrown into the ditch below and eaten by the troll.

“Happily, all my artists are extremely clever and got their answers right, so we returned to the art room to decorate their capes.” 

It is tricky for young children to do the tying part of tie-dye, so they instead used a paintbrush to decorate their capes.

Some of the tablecloths were embroidered, so the artists took care to trace along the stiches and make colourful patterns.

One of the Little Artists members decorating their cape (Image: Mel Chambers).Mel then got in touch with Rebekah to tell her about the group’s “silly antics” and sent across photos.

Rebekah, who was born in New Zealand but now lives in Ecuador, then wrote a short story about the youngsters’ creations.

She teaches English as a second language in Ecuador and has written three children’s books, including Raising Goliath the Anteater, which was published in April.

She has written a different short story each day based on artwork submitted by children and adults from around the world.

Her story based on the troll tale and decorated capes by the Little Artists reads: “The meandering ink followed its destined path.

“It wound through the peaks and troughs and swirled around the acute turns. The colour changed to suit the feeling of the moment.

“But it always knew that every movement and choice was in the hands of the artist.”