Creativity – Important?

There is a much greater understanding about the importance of mental health as well as physical health today than there was when I was a child. My mother, a crafter and artist herself just wanted us to develop our own individuality and have fun. Consequently, as children, my siblings and I were blessed.

Arts and crafts are well known as a cure for anyone struggling internally. I talk about slipping into my creative bubble, and it’s just that. The opportunity to switch off from the labours of everyday life and enjoy an escape, giving your conscious mind a break. Making something, creating something with our minds and our hands is completely relaxing by default. It’s also fun!

When I was teaching in primary schools, I was taught to never underestimate the power of fun. When children are having fun, they are engaged. When they are engaged, they are learning. Adults respond to fun in exactly the same way. My workshops are full of laughter. Folks enjoy creating. As well as being rewarding, engaging and empowering, creating is also fun.

When joining a workshop, you are buying into how, where and when you spend your time. There is a description of what’s included in your workshop, the skills you will learn and what you will make. Everyone on the workshop has chosen to spend their time in exactly the same way. This makes you like minded. I find that folks who come on my workshops often enjoy many similar passions and so many become friends beyond my workshops. Exchanging contact details and arranging to meet up on future workshops.

We all need an opportunity to fly. This complicated world we live in is so full of regulations, rules and routines. Agreed that most of this is for our protection, however it can make us feel mundane, weighed down, trapped. Crafting allows for self-expression, expanding our understanding of ourselves and what’s important to us. Being creative gives us a unique opportunity to escape and regenerate the soul.

It’s been really tricky for many of us these last few years and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any easier, any time soon. Recreational activities are one of the first things to go when we need to tighten our belts. However, learning a new skill can make all the difference. For years there’s been a slip into far too much consumerism. Let’s make and not buy. Crafting gives a feeling of personal achievement, the chance to impress your friends and family with home-made presents, not to mention business possibilities.

Who would have guessed that a virus would stop the whole world in the way that Covid did. In a time of crisis and so much uncertainty many folks turned to crafting to relieve the stresses of lockdown. I know I did. Everything we have talked about so far came together as a way to cope with a world I suddenly didn’t understand. When the going got tough I disappeared into my creative bubble and created first Felix, then Milo, then Roxy and a whole bunch of bears who became the Bramble Wood Bears. What started as a creative escape from a crazy world, turned into a happy place where I could be creative, where I found fun, purpose and meaning. This creative escape  became Jacqueline’s Bears.

Jacqueline’s Bears now offers workshops in a variety of ways. From 1-2-1 private tuition to our popular small group workshops scheduled at throughout the year. If none of the small group workshop dates work for you then why not organise a private small group or 1-2-1 workshop? I’m always happy to talk about making bears, or maybe a bunny?

Jacqueline runs 2-day, mixed ability, small group bear & bunny making workshops, in various venues, at scheduled times throughout the year. Do come and join us!