Choosing Community and Creative Adventures!

Hello :)

I hope you are well and that February has got off to a good start! It continues to be grey and wet here in Yorkshire and the weather, combined with all of the negative emotions that current world events stir up, mean that I am looking for sunshine and friendship in my craft room and online. Do you feel the same?

My creative practice - whether it be art journaling, stitching, designing - has never felt so important for my mental health and, increasingly, I am finding joy in being part of a wider creative community where creators cheer each other on rather than compete. After all, we each have something unique to offer and I think that is something to celebrate!

As you may know, I already work closely with my talented friends in The Craft Collective - we offer in person and online workshops together and with fabulous guest tutors. Each of us has a very different style and also, by working together, we balance out each others strengths and weaknesses. Leonie, Erica and Claire have supported me through some difficult times behind the scenes and we love bouncing ideas off each other....sometimes too many ideas :)

All of which, leads me to talk about my latest collaboration with a wide range of creative friends from around the world! We have got together to offer you the opportunity to choose from an eclectic mix of creative adventures - for free - so that you get to explore your own art and hopefully discover some wonderfully talented artists in the process.

Choose Your Creative Adventure is the idea of Beth Chien and Rachel Mims and is a celebration of the rich diversity of art styles and creativity that we have to offer - from watercolour to mixed media, texture play to collage you will discover something that resonates with you! We have grouped together to offer you easy access to a whole heap of free resources that you will be able to access from 9-16 February. You will have lifetime access to them once you sign up and you can choose one or all of the varied creative adventures on offer! This is our valentines gift to our art community - the opportunity to explore, share and celebrate creativity in all of its forms!

I will share more info about this event in my newsletter on Monday but, in the meantime, check out the art being created by the rogue's gallery above over on instagram. Check out each of our instagram feeds and you may just discover your next art crush :)

@bethchienart

@wildfreeart

@sharoncollinsstudio

@divergingart 

@dawns_creative_life

@dawnbajaartist

@funkyfossildesigns

@ninasuggs.watercolor

@amberbennison.art

@j.macisaac_studios_art

@barbaraaboren

And finally there is a third vital part to the community that is keeping me nourished and positive - that is you! Connecting with all of my creative friends on FB, YT, Instagram, this blog and in person events is a real highlight of what I do - I feel like I have found my tribe and it is always fun when we get together (in person or virtually). As a real introvert, I won't deny that sometimes I find the prospect of putting my makes or myself 'out there' quite intimidating - but your encouragement, patience and enthusiasm always lift me up. It honestly means the world to me and I can't thank you enough. In fact, it has got me thinking about starting up a low cost membership where we can spend more relaxed time together making and sharing ideas. I would love to know whether that is something you might be interested in.

So, I guess this blog post is a reminder that, while you may be looking out at grey skies and feeling a bit flat at this time of year, there is a vibrant and diverse creative community out there with lots to offer. It is time for an adventure :)

See you again soon!