Summer Holiday and Visual Journalling

Now the Summer holidays are here and this year will be slightly less hectic than last year. with chilled days in Cornwall on our own and a big family holiday at Center Parcs (hate American spelling)...there will be time to reflect and have some creative times.
As I have mentioned before, I am very interested in Art Therapy and have always carried a sketchbook around with me to catch those ideas. 
Visual journaling  has a long history in the field of art therapy, particularly as an approach to assist recovery from trauma or loss and as a form of stress reduction. Carl Jung is often considered to be the art therapy “poster person” for visual journaling because he maintained a regular practice of visual journaling. He generally created small circular drawings that he believed corresponded to his inner feelings and the archetypal realm of the collective unconscious. I particularly like this idea of using old texts and pictures with paint or handmade paper.

Easter holiday projects

At last, time to experiment with all my new crafty things gathered this year. Drop spindle is dliw going but very satisfying when you look and see how much wool I have spun.
My knitting projects are still ongoing, but I would like to put my Easter gifts of the seeing bee books to good use by making the vintage dress (in a day) and other simple outfits. Love the colours and patterns of the vintage prints (although pattern matching will be tricky) but am ready for the challenge!  I have started a needle felted robin for a friend, I hope that will be finished in an evening this week. :)

Needlefelting workshop

Recently have been on a fab workshop in Salisbury with an artist who owns a lovely workshop space. We made a Bluetit from her instructions. I knew a little about 2d felting and lots about wet felting but taking a sculptural approach was new.
So the next few days after were packed with felting projects. I have finished the bluetit and have designed and made my own hummingbird and sparrow (which has been given as a present to my TA.
Next project is a penguin for a friend. Have lots of ideas for characters in this media.

Work, life balance and being mindful

I know this is a crafty ideas blog, however, my crafting exploits will help me focus. Having had a relaxing Christmas,  the first few weeks of working have been busy, but a welcome relief from events that have been happening. Brownie and rainbow meetings have now started, planning is done for the week, resources being made and collected. Friends have been visiting and the house is tidy, craft room is sorted and three knitting projects unearthed and challenged to get finished.
All this is helping me get over the pain of losing yet another pregnancy and hopefully trying again. Each time getting further and further, each time thinking it's going to be the one. Hoping that the gynaecology clinic will make appointment soon. Still tricky to see pregnant women and not feel jealous but God will say when it is our time.

Earrings

Decided to make earrings and maybe a pendant set as have already made a bracelet. Will add onto etsy when daylight so I can get decent images.

Chainmaille daisy.

Christmas eve, and the relaxing has commenced. Starting with    finishing off my chainmaille project,started some time ago. Now starting another daisy project with dark green swarovski crystals and silver e-rings. Very complicated and needs lots of light. Enjoying the precision of chainmaille and liking finishing a project in an evening.
Photos a little dark, will take better ones for fb page and Etsy.

Completed sparkly necklace!

Having had an eventful summer with holidays,camps,weddings and classroom redecorating, I have finally finished my beaded rope necklace with added sparkle! Love wearing it in the sunshine as it feels like I'm in a disco when the sun catches the faceted sides. Next project was bead crochet bangles... made on the aeroplane on holiday and by the pool, very relaxing and therapeutic. Hope the recipients like the colours I've chosen.