I’ve always said, either on here or to people I know, that the one thing I hate to do, is to do nothing. I love to keep busy, I thrive on it. But last month I spent two weeks completely helpless and unable to do ANYTHING. Most of my serious aches and pains had gone after a two week period and I was left with just a couple of symptoms, the main one being extreme fatigue.
During that time of pain I ended up doing something I never usually do. I sat on the sofa and spent all my time watching tv. Sometimes not even having the energy to change the channel.
What did I learn from this? Well the first thing I realised was daytime tv is beyond the level of s*%$ I expected it to be. The other worrying thing that I gradually learnt was that the more time I spent watching tv… the less motivation I had to do anything else. I was in a lose-lose situation. I needed the rest to help myself feel better, but I needed to get up to kick start my body into wanting to do something, get my mind to adjust back to the old me.
I’m happy to say that I think this weekend I managed to drag myself back to normality, more on that a bit later. But I realised what I had been doing wrong. I had tried to relax by doing something that I don’t actually find that relaxing.
There is only one thing that truly calms me down in times of need…. and it’s not staring at a screen, it’s picking up a pen, pencil, crayon, paintbrush and making marks on paper.
Colouring books have fast become a popular form of stress relief and a simple way of tuning into your zen. Have you ever tried it? Well I have, and it works. It’s such a brilliant distraction from the dramas of everyday life. And there are so many fantastic books out there these days!
Anything craft related can be a form of relaxation. Its a way to take yourself out of everyday life and make time to do something which you wouldn’t ordinarily do at home.
Back in March I went to a doodling class with Dave Draws where we learnt how to draw our very own maps whilst sipping on drinks (non-alcoholic) and nibbling on canapes.
I learnt the art of henna not so long ago at the very quirky Boho Utopia café in Didsbury with Hina from Henna Manchester. I’ve spent many evenings practicing my skills, becoming slightly obsessed my temporarily tattooing myself.
In April, I was super excited to attend the Viking craft party where we learnt a number of crafting skills at the fabulous King Street Townhouse hotel. I started the afternoon creating bespoke book covers, stamp-making and then we were treated to an introductory session on calligraphy by the fabulous Joyce from Artsynibs.
There are so many amazing workshops available these days at craft centres and independent venues, it’s such a great way to get out and do something different, whatever the weather. It’s a way to make new friends, or take your old ones and make new memories.
Speaking of workshops… tomorrow is the first ever World Calligraphy day and to celebrate, the Manuscript Pen Company are hosting a number of events and workshops at the Pen Museum in Birmingham.
The MD of the Manuscript Pen company has spoken about how the art of beautiful writing has been taken to new heights with the trends of modern calligraphy, Faux calligraphy and hand lettering. It’s what led them to found #WorldCalligraphyDay.
In the heart of Birminghams Jewellery quarter they’ll be celebrating the art of calligraphy and hand lettering with a host of world renowned creative artists, including the lovely Joyce 🙂
Unfortunately I have to work which counts me out for the Birmingham celebrations. But that doesn’t mean we still can’t get involved!
My sister, my usual go to person when booking any kind of workshop recently attended a fantastic calligraphy course by the wonderful Caron from The Creative Nib. I’ve been to a few calligraphy workshops but never one long enough to learn some real skills.
After a day with Caron, my sister came back being able to beautifully label and write artistic messages, I was so impressed!
I can’t wait to get myself on the course and I thought, seeing as it’s World Calligraphy Day… why not give you the chance to have a go too…
SO
Fancy a freebie?? Why the heck not 🙂
ENTER TO WIN CALLIGRAPHY GOODIES AND CREATIVE NIB WORKSHOP
I’ve got a beginners calligraphy set and creative lettering double tip marker set from the Manuscript Pen Company aaaand 1 place on the fabulous Creative Nib workshop.
Caron runs workshops in Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and surrounding areas, and she can get you well on your way to beautiful writing. You’ll also receive a starter kit with all you need to continue with this art.
Interested? great! It’s simple, just follow the instructions below and don’t worry if you choose to stay away from social media, just comment on this post and I’ll make sure to add your entry in 🙂
You’ve got a week… Good Luck!!!
*** Terms & Conditions ***
- Last day for entry is 23rd August, Winner to be announced 12:00pm 24th August.
- Winner will be selected randomly by rafflecopter
- Winner will be contacted by twitter/Facebook direct message or email
- If no response is received within a 48hr period, a new winner will be chosen
- There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.
- The prize is as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered.
- By entering this competition participants consent to their full names being available by request from jetsetchick.com
- Entry to this competition confirms that participants have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions
Click here to check out The Creative Nib on Instagram and make sure to check the #WorldCalligraphyDay hashtag to see all the fun from the day.
OH and be sure to show me if you create anything 🙂 I can’t wait to get practicing my lines
What other creative workshops would you recommend? Or how do you relax?
