A life creatively lived
This is kind of following on from my last blog post where I talked about finding a new path for GW, (here) I want to talk a little bit about what I am doing to keep the creative fires burning not just because it’s fun but because for me it is a MUST for maintaining my sanity and sense of self. Though I’ve learned that it doesn’t always have to be physically making something, sometimes it could be as simple as reorganizing a shelf to display interesting objects. It isn’t some big thing that requires lots of effort, it’s actually about small things that build over time, almost without realising it that add up to a life creatively lived. So here are a few of the things that have kept me going creatively over the past few months and they are honestly all very easy things that anyone could do.
A new path for Grey Whale
Where has time gone?? It’s 2020 and I’ve not blogged since mid 2018, wow. Here’s what happened. The year started out sparkling with possibility, big plans, finally making a profit (spoiler: profit does not equal a living though) and I was getting official help with making my little business physically sustainable and clearing a path to growth. Then I became pregnant with my third child, great! I could work until the end of the year maybe getting some extra outside help and take a few months off after, right? Nope, very wrong.
Catch up, Makers 4 Refugees and exciting things to come
Well my good intentions of posting to my blog every week or two at the latest clearly haven’t been working out. I see so many people saying they feel bad about not managing to do it all and I’m the same if I’m honest. I think about how I’m not blogging probably once a day which is ridiculous as I should probably just sit for 10 minutes and share a few thoughts and pictures (I have oh so many). Today is about a quick little catch up with my online pals so let me pour you a virtual cuppa 😉
Organics and the road to sustainability
Finally GOTS certified organic cotton bags and scarves are coming! I am so excited about this and I hope many of you will be too so this new branch can thrive and grow. I’d like to share some of the process I’ve gone through coming to find just the right fabric.
The life changing magic of keeping a sketchbook.
Why keep a visual diary or sketchbook? Whether or not you call yourself an artist, a maker or creative at all there are huge benefits to keeping one. For anyone who already has a written journal or diary you know how nice it is to look back at where you were in mind and body at a certain time in the past. A visual journal is just the same but without text. There are no limits and bad drawings, messy pages and writing are entirely allowed.
Going pro and other stories
So recently I haven’t been online as much as usual but sometimes other stuff must take priority despite my insta-addiction. I have been busy pushing forward with my handmade business. Shops have been contacting me, I’ve had some very inspiring custom orders and about 6 weeks ago I got a second hand (very vintage) industrial sewing machine. It took ages to find once I had decided it was the way to go but it was a very exciting ‘going-pro’ turning point!
Fear, anxiety + the will to push through
So what does fear have to do with making bags? Nothing and yet everything. To me Grey Whale is not just about bags it is about a different way of living, thinking and seeing the world. It’s about creativity and mindfulness in a bid to do my bit for humanity in some small way at least.
