What is the single most important habit you intend to cultivate in 2013?
So what single most important habit I want to cultivate in 2013? Well it's going to have to be two things, reading and more creating away from the computer.
I don't read enough I feel, and I fully admit I'm a slow reader too. So I hope to improve the amount of books that I want to read in 2013.
I want to create more in 2013. When I made my map Christmas wreath, I felt more at ease. Creating on the computer is fun etc, but actually creating items with your hands, feeling the texture of paper, fabric or wool is just a little more satisfying. So the habit of creating I want to cultivate in 2013.
Recently I've had difficulty in stirring up the energy to be creative. The motivation hasn't been there. My passion for designing has dipped since I've been on holiday. Even blogging is an effort. I am so hoping this is just a little bump in the road. Or could it be that life and it's troubles have taken over?
Yesterday I had the pleasure in taking part in a beginners class for Zentangle TM. The class was conducted by the lovely and enthusiastic certified Zentangle teacher, Kass Hall.
The class was conducted in the famous Nicholas Building in Melbourne, which has a high reputation of housing many art studios, quirky shops and it just oozes creativity.
I fully admit I was very nervous doing this course, I am not an illustrator, (I am a computer person). I will be lucky if I can draw a decent stick figure. :-) However Kass was very encouraging and stressed you don't have to know how to draw. Just relax, experiment and have fun!
Anyway I hear you say, what is Zentangle? It originated in America, and from what I can gather it's big over there, and just hitting the shores of Australia. Zentangle TM, is "an art form and Zentangle is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life"....."inspired invention and offspring of Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts." To read more about it, go here
Getting back to the course. Kass Hall, explained the history of Zentangle, it's positive effects on ones self and then proceeded to teach us all the steps.
I loved it! I found the whole process so relaxing and a little boost. Funny when going home on the train, I saw some kids with very large lolly pops. I was imagining what Zentangle would look like within a shape of a lolly pop. And of course just before bed I tried some more Zentangle and completed it this morning.
If you want to enroll in a beginners class please contact Kass Hall. I am hoping to do some advance classes with her in the future.
My first time joining Maxabella loves grateful list. So here goes.
Today I am grateful of my son. He was a 2 month premature baby and he has had a little rough time growing up. But at the age of 10, he seems to be blooming with creativity, energy and love.
Here he is learning how to do stop motion filming with his Lego.
One of my favourite blogs, Calico & Co, has formed a Creative Collective with a few other chosen bloggers. They would like their readers to join them in creating a lovely inspired craft project. The theme they have chosen is 'spring'. So of course I'm going to join in. To read more and to join in, go and check out Calico & Co.
Yesterday Margaret and I had the pleasure of attending the premier of 'Making it Handmade'. The doco was featured at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
The 60 minute doco covered the craft movement in Melbourne, illustrating this topic by focusing on a selection of high profile Melbourne craft women. We got to see how, why and where they craft and what they felt about the craft movement and how it has currently gone into mainstream media, like adverts, magazines (ie: Notebook and Realiving). Also discussing how politics and female sexuality can be interwined into craft. There was also the discussion of Etsy and other internet based craft oline sale sites.
60 Min. was way too short to cover the vast subject of craft. Seeing the movie was filmed around a year ago, I would be interested to see a follow up. Even the shear amount of craft markets in Melbourne, and now around Australia, is showing how capitalism maybe taking over creativity. One could mention that the small token craft market that you may see at a church hall is being dwarfed by the big serial craft markets like Magnolia Square and Finders Keepers.
Overall I really enjoyed the doco. I found it inspiring, educational and even funny /quirky. I wish the makers good fortune and hope there is another film.
It has been so long since I joined in with Kootoyoo's creative space. I must say my creativity is of a different kind. It's been school holidays, so all my creativity has been going into keeping my son entertained. Today we had a quiet day and played some Monopoly City. I always loose. I always say he is my little Donald Trump.
After the the lead up to the Made In Thornbury market, it is nice to sit down away from the computer and soak up the inspiration and colour from my desk. Just using an old fashioned paper and pencil to brainstorm and dream.
My desk looked like a bomb had it hit, so I totally de-cluttered and put my ribbons up on display instead of hiding them in a box.
Recently on Konstant Kaos blog, Miss Margaret talks about her creativity goals in life that she wants to achieve. She has encouraged others to travel down that road. A road that I sometimes find confronting but rewarding.
So here goes.
My 10 Creative Goals
1) To learn how to sew 2) To continue with my knitting and finish projects! 3) Do more research for my design projects. 4) To focus on task and not to drift onto other projects. 5) To learn from other crafter's that I admire. Konstant Kaos, Finki, Cosmic Cat Creations) 6) To encourage my husband with his creativity. 7) Continue with learning how to draw 8) To master Adobe software 9) Apply to do some courses 10) Not to force creativity, let it happen when it does happen. And not to stress about it!
It's been awhile since I ventured onto my blog. The dreaded cold /virus has hit this one. So as you can guess my creativity has gone out the window. Creativity can be such a roller coaster at times, it doesn't help that a cold can just take over.
I hope soon the creativity and my health will return, I so want to visit the Sonny & Coco market this Sunday. I will have to wait and see.
