In today’s fast-paced world, stress seems to follow many of us like a shadow. Between juggling work, family obligations, and personal commitments, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. However, a powerful remedy for this stress lies in the world of art and craft. My personal journey through creative activities has shown me that immersing myself in these pursuits not only provides a much-needed escape but also helps me navigate life's complexities with a clearer perspective. The Stress Relief of Creative Expression Art and craft have always been threads in the fabric of my life. It wasn’t until I faced a particularly challenging period that I truly recognised their therapeutic benefits. When my life got chaotic, I turned to painting and crafting as an outlet for my emotions. The simple act of putting brush to canvas or creating something with my hands quickly became a form of meditation. Research indicates that art therapy can reduce stress levels by up to 70% . By engaging in creative activities, we can express feelings that we might not otherwise articulate. During moments of stress, I found that focusing on my artwork quieted my mind, enabling me to process my emotions more clearly. For instance, after a long week of work-related stress, spending just 10 minutes painting, crafting or colouring helped lift my mood significantly. Finding Mindfulness Through Art One of the most notable benefits of engaging in art is the mindfulness it encourages. When I’m immersed in sketching or assembling a scrapbook, I become completely present in the moment. This practice of mindfulness diverts my attention from daily worries and immerses me in the joy of creating. Studies have shown that art activities can lower cortisol levels , the hormone responsible for stress, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. When I dive into colours, shapes, and textures, I feel my stress waning. It’s as if each stroke of my brush resets my mind, providing clarity and calm amidst life's chaos. It's simply a therapeutic art that I enjoy practising. "Thank You" card - design by Happy Polka-Art The Community Aspect of Art and Craft Art and craft also provide a vital sense of community. I’ve participated in local art classes and crafting groups, meeting like-minded individuals who share my passion for creativity. These connections have not only enriched my artistic journey but also provided a support system during challenging times. Sharing my creations and receiving feedback has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a reassuring reminder that I’m not alone in my struggles. According to a survey conducted by the American Art Therapy Association , 75% of participants reported feeling a positive impact on their mental health through community-based art projects. The camaraderie formed in these spaces offers comfort, especially when navigating through grief or personal challenges. Creative Healing and Personal Growth Practising therapeutic art has sparked significant personal growth for me. With each new medium and technique I explore, I discover new facets of myself. The stories told through my artwork reflect my journey, including times of stress and healing. Art therapy can be particularly effective in emotional healing, allowing a constructive way to process experiences. Creating art for me has been a journey of self-discovery. When I confront my feelings through art, I find peace, reminding myself that healing is a process and creativity can be a powerful ally along the way. Transform Your Life with Art Therapy . Practical Tips for Incorporating Art into Your Life If you're eager to tap into the therapeutic power of art and craft, consider these practical tips: Set Aside Time : Make a dedicated slot in your schedule for creative activities—whether it’s an hour a week or just a few minutes each day. The key is consistency. Create a Comfortable Space : Designate a distraction-free area in your home for your creative work. Stock it with materials that inspire you. Experiment with Different Medium : Explore various forms of art, from painting to knitting to pottery. Trying new things can keep your creativity alive. Wrapping Up the Journey with Art In a world that can often feel overwhelming, art and craft have become my haven. The therapeutic power of creativity has helped me manage stress and find joy in the little things. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting, I encourage you to explore the world of artistic expression. You may uncover the healing and clarity you've been searching for. So gather your paints, scissors, or yarn, and let your creativity shine. You might be surprised by the beautiful creations—and personal insights—that await you on this artistic journey. Join us for Face-to-Face workshops .

Halloween is a fantastic opportunity for kids to engage in creative crafts while also learning about sustainability. Instead of buying new decorations that will only be used for a short time, why not reach for materials you already have at home? In this post, we’ll explore eco-friendly Halloween crafts like jar lanterns, bottle mummies, and cardboard ghosts, using everyday items to inspire crafty fun. Let’s dive in! Why Choose Eco-Friendly Crafts? Many parents and teachers are increasingly seeking ways to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Eco-friendly crafts not only help the environment but also teach kids valuable lessons about recycling and creativity. By using materials that are easily found around the house, crafting becomes an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning. Plus, it’s an affordable way to celebrate the spooky season while minimizing our ecological footprint. Craft 1: Spooky Jar Lanterns Jar lanterns are a classic Halloween craft that can bring a festive glow to your home. Here’s a simple guide to making them. What You’ll Need: Empty glass jars (like sauce or pickle jars) Acrylic paint (in Halloween colors like orange, black, and purple) Paintbrushes Tissue paper (optional) Battery-operated tea lights Scissors Permanent markers (optional for extra detailing) Step-by-Step Instructions: Find a Jar : Start by gathering your empty jars. Glass jars with smooth surfaces work best. Clean the Jar : Wash the jars thoroughly to remove any labels or residue. This will ensure a clean surface to work on. Paint the Jar : Choose your favorite color and paint the outside of the jar with a brush. Allow it to dry completely. Create Spooky Faces : Once the paint is dry, use a permanent marker to draw spooky faces on the jars such as ghosts, pumpkins, or monsters. Alternative Tissue Paper Method : If you prefer, you can apply pieces of orange or black tissue paper to the jar using a glue stick. Once dry, paint on spooky faces. Light It Up : Finally, place a battery-operated tea light inside the jar. Dim the lights and watch your creations glow! This craft is a wonderful way to get kids involved in a fun, hands-on activity! Letting their creativity run wild with colors and designs can make for a memorable family activity. Craft 2: Bottle Mummies Transform old plastic bottles into creepy mummies that can serve as decorations or even as Halloween treat holders. What You’ll Need: Empty plastic bottles (with labels removed) White gauze or old white t-shirts cut into strips Googly eyes (optional) Glue or tape Scissors Step-by-Step Instructions: Prepare the Bottle : Ensure your plastic bottle is clean and dry. Wrap the Bottle : Begin wrapping the white gauze or fabric strips around the bottle, leaving gaps for a spooky look. Secure the ends with glue or tape. Add Eyes : For an extra creepy effect, glue on googly eyes or paint some on using black paint. Display Your Mummies : Arrange them on your porch, windowsill, or around the house. These mummies can even be stuffed with treats for Halloween night! This project is not only fun, but it also promotes fine motor skills as kids practice wrapping and adhering the fabric. Craft 3: Cardboard Ghosts These quick and easy cardboard ghosts are perfect for decorating your home or yard. Gather some old cardboard to make spook-tacular decorations. What You’ll Need: Cardboard (from boxes or packaging) White paint or white fabric Black paint or markers Scissors String (optional, for hanging) Step-by-Step Instructions: Cut Ghost Shapes : Start by cutting out ghost shapes from the cardboard. Vary the sizes for added interest. Paint or Cover : Paint the cardboard ghosts white or cover them with white fabric. Allow them to dry. Add Faces : Once dry, use black paint or markers to add spooky faces to your ghosts. Get creative with different expressions! Display : You can hang the ghosts from trees, attach them to your porch, or place them around your yard. Creating cardboard ghosts is a hassle-free craft that not only looks great but also helps recycle materials that might otherwise be thrown away. Other Eco-Friendly Craft Ideas If you're looking for more inspiration, consider these additional eco-friendly craft ideas: Egg Carton Bats : Use an old egg carton to create spooky bat decorations. Paint the cups black, cut out bat wings from cardboard, and attach them for a fun hanging display. Nature-Inspired Decorations : Collect leaves, twigs, and pine cones to create a Halloween nature scene. Use them to make a spooky wreath or a centerpiece that celebrates fall. Engage and Inspire By incorporating eco-friendly practices into your Halloween celebrations, you teach your children the importance of sustainability. Kids love crafting, and these activities not only brighten your home for Halloween but also foster a sense of responsibility towards the planet. Get Crafting this Halloween! Let’s gear up for a fun-filled Halloween with these eco-friendly crafts. Gather your supplies, invite your kids or students to join in, and get creative! You might be surprised at the incredible things you can make with items that would typically end up in the trash. In saving the planet, one craft at a time, you can inspire your children to appreciate the environment as they engage in playful creativity.

Grief is a quiet visitor. It arrives unannounced, settling deep within the corners of our hearts. Sometimes, words fail us. The ache is too raw, the loss too profound. In those moments, I have found a gentle companion in creativity. A way to speak without speaking. To feel without words. This is the magic of art therapy - a tender path that leads us through the shadows toward light. Embracing Art Therapy for Healing When loss wraps itself around us like a heavy cloak, it can be hard to find a way out. Traditional conversations might feel too sharp or too shallow. But art offers a different language. It invites us to express what we cannot say aloud. To paint, draw, or sculpt our feelings into something tangible. Something real. I remember sitting with a blank canvas, the brush trembling in my hand. The colours I chose were not random - they were fragments of my soul. Blues for sadness, reds for anger, soft pastels for moments of peace. Each stroke was a breath, a release, a step forward. Art therapy for healing is not about creating masterpieces. It’s about the process - the journey inward and outward. It’s about giving yourself permission to feel, to explore, and to transform pain into beauty. You don’t need to be an artist. You only need to be willing to try. Start with simple materials: pencils, watercolours, clay. Set aside a quiet space and time just for you. Let your emotions guide your hand, not your mind. Don’t judge what you create; honour it as your truth. Starting a healing journey with art materials The Healing Power of Creative Expression There is something profoundly soothing about watching colours blend or feeling the texture of clay beneath your fingers. It connects us to the present moment, grounding us when grief threatens to pull us under. This creative expression becomes a mirror reflecting our inner world. Through art, I have discovered hidden parts of myself - memories, hopes, fears - that were tucked away. It’s like opening a window in a dark room, letting fresh air and light in. The act of creating becomes a ritual of self-care, a gentle reminder that healing is possible. Here are some ways creative expression can support your healing: Externalising Emotions - Putting feelings into form helps to understand and manage them. Building Resilience - Each creation is a testament to your strength and courage. Finding Meaning - Art can reveal new perspectives on loss and hope. Connecting with Others - Sharing your work can foster empathy and support. Remember, this is your personal journey. There is no right or wrong way to express yourself. The colours, shapes, and textures you choose are uniquely yours. Colours blending to express emotions How is art different from EMDR? EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic technique often used to help people process traumatic memories. It involves guided eye movements while recalling distressing events, aiming to reduce the emotional impact. While EMDR works primarily through cognitive and neurological pathways, art offers a more sensory and emotional experience. Art invites you to slow down, to feel, and to create. It is less structured and more intuitive. You don’t need a therapist guiding your eye movements; instead, you become your own guide, exploring your inner landscape through colours and shapes. Both methods can be powerful tools for healing, but they serve different needs: EMDR focuses on reprocessing trauma through specific protocols. Art provides a safe space for emotional exploration and expression. For many, combining these approaches can be especially effective. Art can prepare the heart and mind for deeper therapeutic work, or simply stand alone as a gentle, ongoing practice of self-compassion. Art journaling as a form of emotional exploration Practical Steps to Begin Your Creative Healing If you feel drawn to try this path, here are some simple steps to help you start: Gather Your Materials You don’t need fancy supplies. A sketchbook, some pencils, crayons, or watercolours will do. Create a Sacred Space Find a quiet corner where you feel safe and comfortable. Light a candle or play soft music if it helps. Set an Intention Before you begin, take a moment to breathe deeply. Think about what you want to express or explore. Let Go of Expectations This is not about perfection. It’s about honesty. Allow your hand to move freely. Reflect on Your Work After creating, take a few moments to look at your art. What feelings arise? What stories does it tell? Share if You Wish Sometimes sharing your creations with a trusted friend or group can deepen your healing. Remember, healing is not linear. Some days will be easier than others. Be gentle with yourself. Celebrate every small step forward. The Journey Beyond Grief Grief changes us. It reshapes the landscape of our lives. But within that new terrain, there is room for growth, for hope, for renewal. Art therapy can be a lantern lighting the way through the darkness. By embracing creativity, you give yourself permission to heal in your own time and way. You transform loss into a story of resilience and beauty. You find peace not by forgetting, but by remembering with love. If you ever feel lost, remember that your hands hold the power to create light from shadow. Your heart can paint a new dawn. If you fancy a cuppa and a chat over making a masterpiece, let me know. You can find us here . May your journey be gentle, your colours bright, and your spirit free. Happy Polka