Painting artwork and creating anything should be fun — and I believe that anyone who wants to create something can. While I know there is a time and place to be exact (baking, I’m looking at you!), creating a cozy home, styling a holiday mantel, or beginning a painting is as much about good composition as it is about gut feel. Everyone knows what they like, what feels balanced to them, and alternatively, what feels off.
I take the discipline of creation seriously. Time spent creating anything is a gift to myself; but I lighten up on the process. If a painting doesn’t work out and I can’t put the puzzle together, it’s ok — I set it aside and try something fresh. If I crochet half a scarf and I just don’t love the design, it’s ok — I pull it out (frog it!) and see all the yarn I have for something new.
The moment I put pressure and undue stress on myself and whatever I am creating, it loses some or all of the joy. And when something loses joy, I tend to find any excuse not to do it.
I also know how easily life gets in the way. Often when I am stressed, “busy,” or overwhelmed, the first thing to go is my time spent creating.
Therefore, my philosophy and intent with this website is to focus on creation as a living practice. When life gets busy, or we are overwhelmed, what if we used our creative time to help us slow down, practice mindfulness, and feel alive again? What if we saw dusting off our sewing machine or paintbrushes as the self-care we need to bring balance back?
This site is where I document my creative adventures and am accountable to my practice and philosophy. I hope you can use this as a place to come for inspiration and ideas on things you can create.
