Getting creative

Being creative isn't only fun, but it is a hobby with many benefits. It is suggested that expressing ourselves creatively can prevent the urge to buy impulsively and save money. It not only gives you a deeper sense of fulfilment, but learning to make things can prevent the need to buy as much. It is also linked to helping to combat stress, and considered a form of meditation.

I've never been one of those that excels in art, so I will never try to persuade any of you to make anything elaborate. However in my quest to get to know more creative hobbies I may enjoy, I have tried a few activities that sound appealing to me.

I did it in my teens - trying to collect my gig tickets, gathering pictures of friends etc but somewhere along the way it has been lost. However, moving to Ipswich at the end of last year, I was keen to get involved in something new. This is where I came across two interesting classes with Craftability- jewellery making and scrapbooking. Although I think they are only local to Ipswich, I think it's always good to look things up locally. I simply searched for things I was interested in e.g. jewellery making, knitting and crochet and a few things popped up. I suggest doing the same! I'm working a lot of Saturdays at the moment and most of these workshops seem to take place on weekends. 

Since my necklace didn't survive a recent night out, I won't be discussing that. It wasn't that the class wasn't good; it was more of a reflection on my talents. The heart broke off and another part fell off later in the day. It didn't even last 24hours! 

Onto scrapbooking...

I loved it! Like I said I'd done it before, but nothing fancy. Sticking pictures down, maybe decorating with glitter or given some kind of heading. The workshop taught me to use  backgrounds, reminded me how to cross-stitch, putting shapes and even using double-backed tape (you can't underestimate my excitement there). 

It would probably be more fun to do a step-by-step process, but honestly can't remember it too much. It was all about getting the measurements right and adding my own touches. For example, the sample one only had two photos for this one, but didn't like the blank space. I also used different tools to make the paper curl round or stitching that circle was the longest; as I needed several different strings and threading that needle!

I love the colours and different textures to try for this one. I also enjoyed using the stick-on pearls and would be tempted to use so many more! I made a glue mess on the graduation picture so covered it with a square and the snowflake. However think it now looks odd! 

I haven't done anymore scrapbooking, but would definitely attend another workshop as it was only £7.50 and just asked you to bring your own photos. You received teaching of techniques and use of appropriate materials. The workshops are on Saturdays, but the next one I hear I can do, I will be doing so fast. In the meantime, I need to print more pictures off and get scrapbooking! 

I hope you enjoyed my more creative post. I came across the Make it Monthly post by Whimsical Mumblings, and knew I needed to get involved. It was all about craft and sharing your wonderful creations. I thought it would be great to discuss my recent scrapbooking, and can hopefully encourage me to do more fun crafty things!

For any bloggers reading, feel free to get involved in the fun. I'd love to read and be more inspired to be creative. 

Day 9 - Crafty Christmas

I can't believe we are 3 days away from Christmas, but hope my Blogmas posts have got you in the mood for Christmas. I know writing them has made me believe Christmas is upon us, I feel like I slept through most of 2016 as it's gone so quick! I've wished I had slept through some months, but moving on...

This year is the first time I've written about Christmas, and even the first time I've read Blogmas posts and watched Vlogmas posts. Since I want to be more creative in 2017, I thought it would be best to share some of my favourite craft-related posts:

1. Zoella

Who could add their favourite vlogmas posts without including Zoe Sugg. She's got so much festive spirit, it makes me feel like such a dull person. My favourite craft videos so far are: Disastrous Brownie Baubles with Mark (love these two together despite the DIY aspect not going particularly well) and Christmas Pinterest DIYs

I've been loving Zoella's 24 Days of Zoella this year. She obviously has more to add, but my favourites have included: Christmas Jumper Haul, HUGE Festive Lush Haul & Demo (helped me decide on a bath thing for my Dad as mentioned as part of the tradition of buying for him as said here) and Gifts & Stocking Fillers under £20. I have been addicted to making sure I've seen them all. Zoella has been my 2016 discovery. She's so upbeat, down-to-earth and funny. Her videos have cheered me up when I've been bored, fed up or just needed a pick me up.

2. Pointless Blog 

Zoe's boyfriend, Alfie runs this channel and he usually does daily blogs, which I love again for his positivity, and an insight into their interesting life. No day is the same!

Alfie Deyes made a fab video on making DIY Giant Solid Chocolate Snowflakes. It looks so easy and fun to make. Since he's a daily vlogger, learning how to make it is towards the end of the video. He has also done other DIY videos which are fun to watch, but this seems to be the only festive one that he's done.

3. Smart School House

I don't really look at this blog , but recently came across their tutorial to make a fishbowl snowman, which is pretty cool.

I also bought beads and elastic for making bracelets from Hobbycraft, and hope to start making my own jewellery. If I get good, maybe my friends can get some lovely gifts next Christmas.

4. Tanya Burr

I love Tanya's makeup tutorials as she makes it simple for people like me, who are useless applying makeup. I also like hearing and seeing the fun events and things she does as a Youtuber. She has been doing some fab Vlogmas posts, but her very first shows her making Christmas wreaths. Click here to see it.

5. Lost in Coffee

One of my best friends, Lisa runs this blog with her sister and has done some fantastic posts. Maybe I'm bias but I have loved all the ones I've read; they are filled with different things such as film recommendations, DIY tutorials and just good reads. I wish I'd seen this post before I had began wrapping. It details how to make wrapping look it's very best!

I did hope to have more craft posts to share, but these are the only ones I remember reading!
My crafts

I bought some elastic and beads from my local Hobbycraft, and decided to start learning to make bracelets. Jewellery has always been a big love of mine, and have been looking for something to do which is creative too.

Here is one I made tonight:

It turned out better than hoped for a first time. I just need to work out how to get it tied. I think I will ask mum tomorrow. I also might shuffle the order of beads. For example, looking at the picture I think the silver bead might look better in between the two purple beads.

If you know anything about jewellery or know how I could learn more, I'd really love to hear it.

Hope you enjoyed this crafty post! Let me know what you think, and if you have made anything for Christmas?