Category: Mindfulness Crafting

1. Designing with Zentangle Doodles & New Zentangle Geometric Buttons!

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 2nd Aug 2024

   Last night I returned to the creative outlet that has been both relaxing and inspiring: zentangle. I've been feeling particularly stressed with the challenges of dog training, especially yesterday when we met for a 1:1 session with our dog trainer. I've found that taking some time to engage in this meditative drawing practice helped me unwind. Zentangle, with its unstructured patterns and focus on mindfulness, provides a calming escape and a way to channel my energy creatively. What I love about last night's zentangle is that it allowed me to experiment with different knitting stitches and patterns on paper in a completely random and spontaneous way. This freeform exploration not only helped me relax but also sparked some new ideas for future knitting designs. I found that each doodle lead to an unexpected pattern or stitch combination, offering fresh inspiration that I might incorporate into my next project. So here are the Zentangle tiles that I created. I'm not a good artist by any means and my hands are all wobbly (think it's an age related thing) but the whole process kept my mind at rest whilst creating something beautiful in my eyes. Watch this space because more tiles will be produced so I can eventually create my own Zentangled Sweater. Want join in? Send in your tiles or your finished zentangled garment.  Get your own Sweater to Zentangle Get your own Vest to Zentangle Get your own T Shirt to Zentangle Find out more about Zentangling from Sandra A boxy sweater with a patchwork of traditional Nordic knitting patterns.     A beautiful design that does somehow mimic my zentangle thoughts. I just HAD to show you these new beauties that landed in my web site shop.

   Check out our ZENTANGLE BUTTONS Introducing Our Black and White Geometric "Zentangle" Buttons Elevate your crafts and garments with our stunning collection of black and white geometric buttons! These buttons are a perfect blend of modern elegance and timeless style, designed to add a unique touch to any project. Whether you're a knitter, seamstress, or DIY enthusiast, our buttons are the ideal accessory to complete your creations. Why Choose Our Zentangle Buttons? Striking Designs: Our collection features a variety of geometric shapes, from classic circles and squares to edgy triangles and oval shapes. The bold black and white palette ensures that these buttons make a statement, whether they're used on clothing, accessories, or home decor. Versatility: These buttons are perfect for adding a contemporary touch to a wide range of projects. Use them to embellish knitwear, upgrade a plain shirt, or even as a focal point on a handmade bag. Their simple yet striking design complements any color scheme, making them incredibly versatile. Quality Craftsmanship: Made from durable materials, our buttons are designed to last. They are meticulously crafted to ensure smooth edges and a high-quality finish, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Unique Touch: Each button is a mini piece of art, capable of transforming an ordinary piece into something extraordinary. The geometric shapes offer a modern twist, perfect for anyone looking to add a stylish and contemporary element to their creations.   CHECK OUT OUR BUTTONS Novelty Buttons Pre Loved Buttons Wooden Buttons Happy Zentangling Designing or Knitting ! Sandra

2. 3 small bowls

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 20th Jun 2024

   Pottery and Mindfulness Crafting: My Journey to Inner Peace In today's fast-paced world, finding creative outlets that fosters mindfulness has been incredibly rewarding for me Earlier this year I decided to join a pottery class at The Clay Mill in Slaithwaite where I could start to learn the craft in a 6 week course (1 afternoon a week),  The process of shaping clay whilst it's spinning on the wheel brought me a profound sense of calm and satisfaction. I was surprised how the process did just take over my mind and empty it out; it stopped the niggly thinking and agitation.

   Learning to Spin on the Wheel My journey began with learning to spin on the potters wheel. This practice demanded focus and patience as I centered the clay and guided it with steady hands. The rhythmic motion of the wheel and the tactile sensation of the clay beneath my fingers created a deeply immersive experience.  3 Small Bowls I started with throwing small bowls, a perfect introduction to pottery. These manageable projects allowed me to practice and refine my techniques without feeling overwhelmed. As I molded and shaped each piece, I experimented with different forms and sizes, finding joy in the imperfections and unique qualities of each creation.  Playing with Colors Once my bowls were formed and dried, the next step was to play with colors. Selecting glazes and mixing hues allowed me to express my creativity and individuality. The anticipation of seeing how the colors would transform in the kiln added an element of excitement and wonder.  Painting the Glaze On With each brushstroke, I lost myself in the gentle rhythm of applying the glaze. This act of painting encouraged mindfulness, as I focused on the texture and coverage of the glaze, ensuring each piece was evenly coated.  Waiting for Results The final stage of pottery was perhaps the most challenging for me: waiting for the results. Once my glazed bowls were placed in the kiln, I had to wait for the firing process to complete. When the kiln was finally opened, the sense of anticipation and excitement was unparalleled, as I witnessed the transformation of my creations. Conclusion Pottery has become more than just a craft for me; it is a journey of mindfulness and self-discovery. From the initial steps of learning to spin on the wheel to the final reveal of my glazed creations, each stage offered an opportunity to practice presence, patience, and creativity.  I MUST join the classes again in September.