If I had a penny for every time someone said to me “I’m not creative at all” or ” I haven’t got a creative bone in my body”, I’d be rich. I honestly believe we are all creative, we all did it when we were younger, we’ve all painted, glued and got messy, we just forget how much we enjoy it.
Don’t get me wrong, we’re not all creative at everything, I can’t even draw well enough to win Pictionary, and I’ve never learned to knit, but I do know that I enjoy giving it all a go. There is no right or wrong in being creative, it’s all subjective but the main thing is to enjoy it. It’s good for the soul.
I think we all just need a little guidance, the time to allow ourselves to be creative and a few pointers on where to start.
My most recent workshop was in a park using old nail varnish with the Ladies Wine & Design group that I’m part of, but more of that coming soon, that’s a whole blog in itself.
If you’ve ever attended one of my workshops then you’ll know I don’t like to follow a set pattern. It’s not Blue Peter, however much I love that show! I don’t show you you the end result, give you the materials and tell you what it’s going to look like. I give you a theme, more materials and tools than is necessary and time to explore being creative.
They’re generally about reusing old materials, learning new techniques, trying out tools you’ve never tried before, meeting new people and forgetting about your day job, the housework and everything else for a few hours. Everyone (hopefully) leaves feeling accomplished, relaxed and happy with their end result.
Here’s a little insight into one of my recent workshops.
Lampshade Upcycling at The Biscuit Factory.
We started with unloved, charity shop lampshades that had seen better days, and materials that included wool, hessian, a road atlas, fabric remnants, glue guns, ribbons and everything else in my upcycled suitcase full of goodies.
What I love most about my workshops is the concentration on the attendees faces, the moments of silence as people beaver away on their creations and the fact that everybody chooses a different route or technique.
I love hosting my workshops in inspiring places and collaborating with organisations such as English Heritage, Festival of Thrift and IKEA, and this one at The Biscuit Factory just inspired creativity the moment you walked in the door. 
My workshops and talks aren’t regular things, or in regular places so you’ll have to keep an eye out for details. If you fancy getting creative and coming along here are a few dates to whet your appetite:
July 29 – Introduction to Furniture Painting. at The Biscuit Factory
August 1 – Get creative and upcycle with IKEA.
The one is fully booked but watch out for more being announced soon.
August 29 – The Crafthood Socials Takeover
September 22-23 – Festival of Thrift
November 10-11. Belsay Hall Festive Gift Fair with English Heritage
November 18. Talking upcycling at the Northern Quarters Festival
Follow my workshops page for more later in the year. If you’d like me to run workshop or talk at your event please just get in touch and help me spread the word on getting creative and saving the planet at the same time.
All round creative junkie 