When I last did a blog I wrote about a few things including the “becoming a butterfly” retreat (still places available to book for that ) , my radio show on Johnstone sound (still broadcasting every Monday 2pm-4pm ) and my drawing/ creativity that I mentioned in my last blog is really flowing with a few new ideas coming to the fore….the affirmations and art colouring book you already know about and that’s progressing really well, in fact it’s almost ready for proof stage, and there’s a few more projects/ ideas in the offing which I will share with you as they develop
The main thing I wanted to share with you in regards to this creative path I find myself on, or I should probably say BACK on, is the wellbeing side of it. When I first became self employed, and for a fair time before that actually, I was a crafter…..it took me a while to wear the artist label, which I’ll touch on in a bit, and I loved cross stitch, even getting to a stage where I was drawing out my own designs and creating all sorts of things from cards to wedding cushions (as you’ll know if you’ve followed me from those very early days…..and if you have then thank you…..and well done for your commitment lol ) so I never imagined having the confidence to put anything I’d drawn out into the world…..cos I wasnt a “proper” artist.
But I began exploring and experimenting a bit more and fter I started putting out the colouring books last year. The ones I released were made with “white label” files but I had a notion then to have one with my own artwork….i mean I’m always telling people in workshops that it’s the process and joy that matters and that perfection is an unrealistic, unattainable goal…so I decided to try to walk my talk and just go with it…..what’s the worst that could happen?
Working on the affirmations and art content has been really therapeutic for me, as someone who isn’t conventionally artistic (which I think just means I couldn’t draw a bowl of fruit in school!! 🤣) or had any training (although to be fair a lot of great, well known artists are self taught) my enjoyment and confidence with the markers and fine liners is really growing.
I’ve already shared some prints and little note cards and now I’ve added in these little mini journals/notebooks. They’re all individual designs and also have a motivational quote inside the front cover too.
Its been lovely to sit with each notebook and see what emerges….its such a flowing, almost intuitive process… almost meditative process and even when I’m not working on things im finding myself reaching for my sketch pads and just “doodling”. I’ve found if I’m somewhere where there’s a lot going on and there’s a potential for sensory overload or discomfort caused by an uncomfortable chair I can turn the volume down on the unnecessary “noise” and focus better on what I do want to take in if I’m drawing. That might sound unlikely BUT there have been studies done and it has shown that doodling can reduce stress and regulate brain function around thoughts and emotions, enhance memory, boost concentration and focus and also improve creativity (obviously!)
There will be opportunities to explore this stuff with me going forward….ive got a mindful crafting workshop coming up in a couple of weeks time, the first where I’ll be sharing about doodling and drawing so that will be another step along that new, or newly rediscovered, creative path. The other explorations and offerings will need a wee bit more work so, as I said at the start, I’ll hold of on sharing about them till the fine lines are a little thicker and more defined but I’m excited about this journey so I CAN promise that it’s worth joining me on it…or at least following the blog for the updates (was that a shameless subscribe plea… maybe! 🤔😆
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