Unleash your inner artist at our Paint Party! 🎨 No experience needed—I provide the canvas, paints, and friendly step-by-step help. All YOU do is pick a design and show up ready for fun! Perfect for a fun evening with friends, a unique date, or some joyful "me time." DM me for all the details and to grab your spot—let’s make some art together! #BeverlyEastRiding #BeverlyEastArt #YorkRegionEvents #LocalPaintParty #PaintAndSip #CreativeNightOut #BeverlyEastCommunity #TrySomethingNew #NoExperienceNeeded

Where the Fear Comes From Often, our fear of art starts early. School experiences, being marked or compared, or hearing unhelpful comments can stay with us far longer than we realise. As adults, we add new pressures — comparing ourselves to others online, aiming for perfection, or believing art must look a certain way to be “worth it”. Over time, creativity can begin to feel like a test instead of an experience. But painting was never meant to be about proving anything. Reframing What Art Really Is Art doesn’t have to be impressive. It doesn’t have to be finished. And it certainly doesn’t have to be perfect. Painting can simply be about slowing down, mixing colours, and enjoying the movement of a brush across paper. It can be playful, calming, expressive, or quietly joyful — sometimes all at once. When we shift our focus away from the end result and towards the process, art becomes a form of self-care rather than self-criticism. What Happens When We Let Go When judgment softens, something gentle opens up. We relax our shoulders. Our breathing slows. Our mind becomes quieter. Painting without pressure can lift mood, ease stress, and help us reconnect with ourselves — especially during busy or emotionally heavy times. Confidence often grows naturally, not because we’re trying harder, but because we’re being kinder. You don’t need to “fix” your art. You just need to allow it. A Gentle First Step You don’t need special skills or lots of materials to begin.Try a simple invitation instead: Choose a few colours you enjoy Make marks without planning Let curiosity lead rather than control Even a short moment of creative play can be enough. There’s no rush and no expectations. A Soft Local Invitation This gentle, supportive approach is at the heart of my beginner-friendly painting classes in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire . They’re designed especially for people who feel nervous, out of practice, or unsure — a calm space where you can explore colour and creativity at your own pace. You don’t need experience. You don’t need confidence.Just a willingness to show up and be kind to yourself. You don’t need to be good at art to enjoy painting. You’re already enough. 💛🎨

Embracing Grief with Creativity Grief is a journey that many of us walk at some point in our lives. It can feel heavy, like a thick fog that envelops us. Yet, within that fog, there is a glimmer of light. That light can be found in creativity. Art and poetry can serve as powerful tools for healing. They allow us to express our emotions and navigate the complex landscape of loss. When I first faced grief, I felt lost. I wandered through my days, burdened by sadness. But then, I discovered the transformative power of art. Picking up a paintbrush or writing a few lines of poetry became my refuge. It was a way to channel my feelings into something tangible. The Power of Expression Creating art is not just about the final product; it’s about the process. Each stroke of the brush or word on the page is a step towards healing. It’s a way to honour our loved ones and express what we cannot say in words. I remember the first time I painted after my loss. The colours flowed from my heart, each hue representing a different emotion. I felt lighter with every stroke. It was as if the canvas was absorbing my pain, transforming it into something beautiful. Finding Your Medium There are countless ways to express grief through art. You might find solace in painting, drawing, or crafting. Perhaps writing poetry or journaling speaks to you. Whatever medium you choose, allow yourself the freedom to explore. If you’re unsure where to start, consider these ideas: Painting: Use colours that resonate with your feelings. Let your emotions guide your brush. Writing: Write a letter to your loved one. Share your thoughts, memories, and feelings. Crafting: Create something tangible, like a scrapbook or a memory box. Fill it with mementoes that remind you of your loved one. The Journey of Healing Healing is not linear. There will be days when the weight of grief feels overwhelming. On those days, return to your art. Allow it to be your companion. It can provide comfort and clarity. As you create, remember that it’s okay to feel. It’s okay to cry, to laugh, and to remember. Each emotion is valid. Each piece of art is a testament to your journey. Connecting with Others Sharing your art can be a powerful experience. It connects us with others who understand our pain. Consider joining a local art group or an online community. Sharing your work can foster a sense of belonging. You might also find it helpful to attend workshops focused on art and grief. These spaces are often filled with warmth and understanding. They can provide a safe haven for you to explore your feelings. Conclusion: A Path to Peace As I reflect on my journey, I see how far I’ve come. Art has been my guide, leading me through the darkness. It has helped me transform my grief into something meaningful. Remember, you are not alone. Your feelings are valid, and your journey is unique. Embrace the process of healing through creativity. Let your art be a reflection of your heart. In this journey, I encourage you to explore the depths of your emotions. Allow yourself to create, to express, and to heal. You may find that through art, you can transform your grief into a beautiful journey of self-discovery. --- If you are looking for more resources on navigating grief, consider visiting Happy Polka . They offer a comforting guide for individuals and families navigating grief, helping them find healing and peace through creative self-expression.

Colour shapes how we feel every day, often in ways we don’t notice. From the calming blue of a clear sky to the energizing warmth of a bright yellow, colours influence our mood, thoughts, and even behaviour. This connection between colour and emotion is at the heart of Happy Polka-art, a creative space where art meets wellbeing through playful, colourful expression. This post explores how colour can enhance emotional well-being, drawing on personal experience and practical examples. It also shares how simple art and craft activities using colour can create moments of calm, joy, and connection for people of all ages. How Colour Influences Our Mood Colour affects us on a psychological level. Different hues can trigger specific feelings and reactions in emotional wellbeing. Soft blues and greens often bring calm and a sense of safety. These colours remind us of nature, like the sea or a quiet forest, helping to slow down racing thoughts. Warm yellows evoke hope and comfort. They mimic sunlight and warmth, lifting spirits and encouraging optimism. Bold reds, pinks, and oranges spark energy and courage. These colours can inspire creativity and playfulness, perfect for moments when we need a boost. These effects are not just subjective. Research in colour psychology indicates that exposure to specific colours can reduce stress, enhance focus, and even influence social behaviour. For example, hospitals often use soft green tones to create a soothing environment for patients. The Story Behind Happy Polka-art Before Happy Polka-art existed, the creative journey was rooted in hair and makeup artistry. This background revealed a powerful truth: colour is more than decoration. It shapes how people feel about themselves and the world around them. Helping clients find confidence through colour and texture showed that creativity can be a form of emotional support. The joy of seeing someone feel calm, energised, or simply lighter inspired a deeper exploration of art as a tool for wellbeing. Happy Polka-art emerged as a space where colour, patterns, and textures encourage people to slow down and reconnect with their emotional wellbeing Using Colour as a Language of Self-Care Colour is deeply personal. Each person is drawn to different shades depending on their experiences and emotional needs. This makes colour a unique form of self-expression and self-care. Here are ways to use colour intentionally for emotional wellbeing: Create a calming corner at home with soft blue or green cushions, blankets, or artwork. This space can be a refuge during stressful times. Wear colours that uplift you. If you need energy, try reds or oranges. For calm, choose pastel blues or greens. Use colour in journaling or art. Express your feelings through drawing or painting with colours that match your mood or the mood you want to evoke. Involve children in colour play. Simple activities like colouring, dot painting, or crafting with bright colours can help kids express emotions and reduce anxiety. Colour and Connection Through Art Art activities that focus on colour and pattern can open conversations and build connections, especially in families. When children and adults create together, they share more than just materials—they share feelings and stories. For example, a family painting session using art, craft and colours can become a joyful ritual. It encourages everyone to slow down, notice their emotions, and support each other’s creative choices. These moments build trust and understanding without needing words. Practical Tips for Bringing Colour into Your Wellbeing Routine Start small. Add a colourful mug, scarf, or notebook to your daily life. Explore seasonal colours. Notice how nature’s colours change and how they affect your mood. Try colour breathing. Focus on a single colour, imagining its qualities and how it feels in your body. Mix textures and patterns. Combining colours with different textures, like soft fabrics or rough paper, can deepen the sensory experience. Keep a colour diary. Track which colours you are drawn to each day and how they influence your mood. Colour’s Role in Healing and Change During times of stress or transition, colour can be a steady companion. It offers a way to express feelings that might be hard to put into words. For example, painting with warm yellows and oranges can bring light to dark days, while soft blues can provide a sense of peace during uncertainty. At Happy Polka-art, many have found that engaging with colour and creative patterns helps them process emotions and find moments of joy. This gentle approach supports healing by encouraging presence and self-compassion. Colour is more than a visual experience. It is a powerful tool for emotional wellbeing, creativity, and connection. Whether through art, clothing, or surroundings, choosing and engaging with colour can help us feel calmer, more energised, and more connected to ourselves and others. Try inviting colour into your life with intention. Notice how it shifts your mood and supports your wellbeing. Small colourful moments can become meaningful steps toward a brighter, gentler day. If you want to explore this further, consider starting your own colour and art practice. It doesn’t require skill, only curiosity and openness to what colour can bring or join me for Art Painting Classes.