The artists way by Julia Cameron has been one of the most influential books I have read about moving forward in creative practice. She talks about writing morning pages, and at the present stage. I am still working with this the most. There are many other things she has in the book for homework exercises, however, I will need to re-read it at a later stage to implement these processes.
So morning pages mean writing three pages every morning to get everything clear in my mind. This helps me to get any negative things or difficulties on the page and then work through a process on how to manage these difficulties and overcome them and ask for clarification or requests from God. It helps me sort through what things I need to be working on today to ensure that each day I make progress in my business.
When I did the ‘Immersion” course with Bonnie Christine, she talks about doing one thing each day to ensure you move towards your business goals. This is something I have taken on board and implemented each day. Some days don’t always make it into pages, but I am still moving very slowly in that direction.
Another of my business idols is Stacey Bloomfield, her motto is ‘slow growth is good growth’, this is so true and I absolutely relate to it.
Further, about the Artists Way, Julia Cameron talks about having an artist date. It is supposed to be on your own but I enjoy doing things with people, especially my family. However I do walk the dogs on my own often, so I guess I have my artist date each time I walk. There is always something different to see, a flower, or type of leaf, or an idea I get when just walking for that short time each day. I find it to be an extremely valuable experience. I take my phone so I can photograph something I may like to draw later. I also like to say hello to at least one person on my way, it gives me a feeling of community.
There are many other things Julia Cameron talks about in her book, but these two are the things that are what I have implemented so far and made a life-changing difference. This has changed the way I can focus and produce work for my business.
I enjoyed this book, however, I found some parts with the homework overwhelming, so I have left them until I get these first two into a pattern that is working. I recommend this book to anyone who needs clarity and direction in building their business. Of course, I still need clarification from others, but I get a good grounding on a direction first.
Please note, that I am not paid for this review, it is simply my thought after reading and implementing the directions of this book. If you enjoyed this review, please join my newsletter for further updates and reviews.
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The Crazy Caterpillar out of Alice in Wonderland is my first costume to start working on. The reason I chose this one, is because it was the easiest. Everyone involved chose what they wanted to dress as, and how it was to look. Skye chose the crazy Caterpillar.
We looked through lots of patterns at Spotlight, but most of the ones we liked were not available. So I searched online, and found this lovely sweetheart neckline stretch top that was super easy to sew together. This is what it looks like so far on my mannequin, this is not the final product, just the mock-up. The plan is to find a stretch velvet that will work with the caterpillar look.
Do you have a community of people that you love to hang out with? I wonder what science says about connection in a community.
So, according to Science Magazine, scientific studies have revealed that socially isolated people have a much higher risk of death. Those involved in a community to talk and interact with have, lower mental health issues, lower heart disease deaths, and better overall health.
Being part of the community and having friends to go to events with, have always been an important part of my life.
Why start this group?
However, in January 2021, I became sick with an illness generally not known about, called Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This condition affects the nerves in my body from working correctly, so even a small outing can cause time in bed to recover. At the time I developed paralysis in my arms and legs overnight. Yes, the ability to walk returned very slowly, and I was using crutches for a while. However it was scary not knowing how much movement would return, and frustrating to lose so much mobility.
The start of ‘Create Together’
I found I was stuck at home, not able to live the social life I was used to. So I finally decided to hold my own craft get together.
We all get to socialise and create at the same time via Zoom. Have you noticed how healing creating is? ‘Create Together’ is what I called the group, because it is about everyone coming together, to make a community of people, helping each other and creating together.
I have been passionate about craft and sewing for a very long time, so this is going to be a way to put it to good use. I am keen to connect with all you other craft and sewing enthusiasts, and look forward to what we can learn together.
Who can come to this group?
Anyone who has a love of craft, sewing, creating and connection.
There is already quite a bit of diversity and talent in our group. We have been working on wire crochet to create jewellery, designing stickers to eventually sell, mind dumping to create outfits for cosplay, designing houses for gaming, and then painting and creating models for Warhammer, they are so tiny and yet created with accurate and professional style.
How does our group work?
We are a pretty easy going group, the aim is to support and uplift each other in our journey of crafting and making.
We bring what we are making and create while we chat, then show what progress we have made to the group if you want.
Future Plans
I plan to use my stash which seems to have grown lately, from material with my patterns on them, to dresses I want to make. There is also a Cosplay wardrobe to sort out.
I would really love to know what you are keen to learn, perhaps it is a skill I already have to pass on to you.
I am super excited to make usable and sellable items, and I hope you are excited about what you want to make also. Looking forward to seeing you all at our next catchup.
I am very excited to see how our group grows and what the next amazing skills will be included in our community. If you would like to join, and show us your talent, or just join in the fun, fill in the form below. We meet monthly via zoom, I will send an email with the link. I also send out a bi-weekly update on projects being worked on, or news you may be interested in. Come and join the fun, we can’t wait to meet you.
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Are you interested in learning or expanding knowledge in Crochet? Check out my classes
This is where I spend most of my day doing various activities. Editing websites, and creating newsletters, to drawing with pencil and paper or drawing straight into Creative Cloud Fresco.
One of my favourite programs to use is Illustrator, I just love bringing my created drawings in, adding colour and creating a pattern to go onto fabric or other items.
Who is in my world?
Wes, Benita, Skye and Sammi
My husband Wes and I have four children between us. A son in Orange NSW and three girls here in Sunny Brisbane. Our eldest daughter lives with her partner and fur babies (yes we have fur grandbabies.)
They may be practising to walk over the threshold (ssshhhhh don’t tell them I said that)
We also have our own fur babies, Chihuahua’s, that keep us amused with their crazy doggy antics.
Benita and Bailee
Melody
What am I learning?
I am learning to draw, every day I learn a little bit more as I practice each day. This is a drawing I did yesterday, of an Iris growing in my backyard. All my patterns start out like a simple drawing that I upload to the computer and create into a pattern. This is only a first draft, so there are many more stages before this will be pattern worthy as you can see.
Rough sketch of Iris from my back yard
Earlier this year (2021) I completed the Immersion course with Bonnie Christine. This was an amazing course and I learnt so much about using Adobe Illustrator to add colour, create patterns, and oh so much more! I am still learning as I put what I have studied, into practice creating collections to put on my Spoonflower shop.
Also I am learning about God our creator as I read through the Bible with my dear friend Nicole. We use an app called YouVersion where we can comment on the verses we read and what we learnt or thought. It’s a game changer for me as it makes me focus on what I am reading, and also consistent.
Interests
I love to sew, and would absolutely love to be able to sew my whole wardrobe with organic fabrics printed with my designs.
Calligraphy is also something I love to practice, in fact my latest calligraphy pen was a reward for myself for completing my collection called Nature Walk (Soon to be released on Spoonflower).
TWISBI Calligraphy Pen and Pilot Ink from Larrypost
I would love to see your world
I would love to see what make you tick, feel free to post some images of your world. Lets connect!
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