Craft For Health

Creativity Is So Important When You Suffer From Chronic Pain by Maria Nerius

When I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 12 years ago, I knew my life was going to change, but I thought I’d have to give up most of the things I enjoyed in life. Chronic pain can eat away at you, taking your energy, your creativity, and much of your joy. However, I was blessed with a supportive family and community. I’ve worked in the art and craft industry for over 25 years now and each day is a new discovery! Creativity became an even more important part of my life. 

With fibromyalgia, I have great days, good days and some not so wonderful days. I’ve found that my “not so good days” aren’t so bad when I concentrate on my art and craft work. I can’t sit at the computer to write, but I can paint, needlepunch, bead, and create all kinds of paper art. The pain melts away as I get involved with color, texture, design, and creating! I am no longer someone with chronic pain, I am an artist, a craftsman, a someone who is learning new things and building my skills.

 

I am not sure what path I would have taken if I didn’t have my crafts. I sense it wouldn’t be the fulfilling, peaceful world I am so happy to enjoy. With creativity we have an outlet to express ourselves, we don’t have to let an illness, disability or handicap limit us. Art and craft opens up our lives and is a fantastic way to be productive. Through creativity we can make a difference and give back to our family and friends. 

Crafting is a healthy; healing activity with so many rewards and benefits. With that apple a day, I make sure I always craft each day for wellness!

Maria Nerius is an author, writer, designer, and consultant in the art and craft industry. Her work has been published in numerous consumer magazine, books, and websites. She lives in Florida with her charming husband and a merry band of dogs. Feel free to Twitter or add Maria as a Facebook friend.

Crafting is the Answer For All My Life Challenges by Barbara Matthiessen

 

I always tell people I am one of the luckiest people alive having been blessed with a wonderful family, friends and being able to do what I love.  However, there have been some rough times too with loss of loved ones, illness and financial setbacks.  Crafting has helped see me through all of these.

After losing my grandmother, dad and dog I went into a very deep depression.  Sure I went through all the motions, took care of business and acted as though things were OK but they weren’t.  Each of us must handle loss of loved ones in their own way and time but I found myself sinking deeper, I quit making things, hid out, and basically climbed into a shell of sorrow.  I knew I had to do something, something new, something to get my mind into another place.  Since I had been painting and working with fabric for years I sought something totally different, something I had to really focus on.  I found cold metal forging.

 

Cold metal forging is basically using a hammer and anvil to beat metal into submission.  Maybe it was the physical energy release or the fact that I had to focus on the work to keep from injuring myself but I found myself feeling better and enthused to try more and more metal working techniques.  I became wrapped up in the process and then started adding in some of my “old” mediums like fabrics and fibers. I felt better, started sleeping and eating better which gave me the strength to do more and a far better mental attitude.

Life can be a rollercoaster ride, things are bright then slide down again which is what happened to me.  Depression wasn’t the thing this time as much as stress and anxiety.  My husband had a couple of very serious health issues including open heart surgery we also lost about 70% of our income over the next couple years.  Trying to care for him and pay the bills was taking its toll.  Again, I let my time, my creative time for me go.  Not a good idea!  Here again I was not sleeping, was not eating well, and allowed circular thoughts and worries consume me.  I gained 40 plus pounds blew out one knee and most days felt rotten and miserable, really cranky. 

During this time period of my husband’s delicate health, a loved one also got lymphoma. I devoted myself to health issues, what to do to help both of them.  I did loads of research on the causes of cancer and heart disease.  I became versed on everything from nutrition, metal attitude to environmental causes.  What I found shocked me to the core.  Many of the products deemed safe and non-toxic, including many of my art supplies, were potential contributors to disease!  So now I am in a real pickle knowing I need to get back to crafting for my own mental and physical health but concerned over the products I use.  This is when I found Earth Safe Finishes, the only no VOC and truly non-toxic paint and finish products made in the USA.  I fell back in love with painting. 

I am normally a private person and am surprised I opened up this much here. (I even cried in the shower when my husband was ill so he would not know how I felt.) It is important to me to let others know that they are not alone and that there is an answer; love and crafting!

My name is Barbara  Matthiessen and you can view my artwork at:  

www.earthsafefinishes.com

http://artofgreenrecycling.blogspot.com/

http://totally-creative.com/

http://craftgate.com/blog/BarbaraMatthiessen

 

 

Finding the REAL Me in Art by Judi Kruis

When you aren’t living the dreams God has for your life, it can seem futile, empty, and often hopeless. I was born creative but left it behind to be “responsible” in the corporate world. It was an okay existence but not filled with regular joy or a feeling of real purpose.

Was I was really making a difference in this world or the lives of others? 

Did my life really matter?

I went back to college in my 40’s and was getting the itch to do something more with life. After college, I started classes at a local arts council and at first was embarrassed. In class two, I could see something finally emerging. I started to paint scenery in my mind and imagined the brush strokes as I drove down the road. Oh, those clouds…I’d use a light wash of blue, with a touch of brown…then pull of a bit to bring in the clouds. Those greens…add a touch of red here and yellow there. I would sit in meetings and imagine portraits of those around the table. I was starting to find the real person underneath; I was discovering who I really was created to be and it felt amazing. I went from watercolors, to sketching, then oil painting. I was discovering more possibilities lying under the surface.

Soon after this, I was invited to go to Haiti to help with a women’s art co-op. They were thinking I'd be helpful with my business and product development background but it was even more fuel for my creative self. 

Our presence brought a message of hope as we worked our “Business as Mission ” with Haitian Artisans for Peace International (HAPI). I spent six weeks that first trip then returned home to my job. I started painting more and would be in awe that these creations were really coming out of me.

Six months later, God said to leave my job (I know that sounds bizarre but facts is facts). I thought it would be for further missions in Haiti or Guatemala, but instead felt God saying to pursue ART. ME?? You have to be kidding!! How often do we doubt ourselves and God to just stay in a place that does not feel right, maybe shape our lives to look good or please others, yet we know we aren’t where we truly belong?

I still do short term trips and work from my home on HAPI business. It is through my paintings that I have found such a spiritual healing for myself. I work to share that hope and encourage others locally and internationally to do the same. I have been restored through creativity and life now seems very natural, not forced; filled with a purpose and benefiting others. I’m at a place of really loving who I am because I can be who God intended me to be. Created in His image…a creator…a reflection of Him.

 

Judi Kruis works at home in Holland, MI , painting in oils, weaving rugs and shawls, and sharing her journey through speaking, writing and creativity classes. You can connect with her through www.WeaveOrKnot.com , www.HaitianArtisans.com , or www.facebook.com/jkruis

Craft Your Fat Off by Janice Taylor

“What’s your ‘stay fat’ strategy?”  
“Is your past masquerading as your future?”  
“Are you drowning in drama?” 

And my favorite, “What’s the difference between you and an Olympic swimmer? … Seriously!”

You can be sure that these queries bring about lively conversation that ultimately helps to change their relationship not just with food, but with themselves! 

Extraordinary results!

And then the day culminates in an arts & crafts project. One such project that has popped up in previous workshops is: The Affirmation Container!

What is An Affirmation?

An affirmation is a form of auto-suggestion a.k.a. self-hypnosis, in which a statement is made about the future in the present tense, as if it had already happened in the past.

Yes, that's right. Repeat, please ... An affirmation is a statement about the future, made in the present, as if it had already happened in the past!

It is a statement or a desirable intention that you can deliberately meditate on, or repeat in order to embed in both your conscious and unconscious minds. It is a statement that transcends time and space.

Repetition opens the door to your unconscious mind. And your unconscious mind is much like a computer. Today, you are beginning to input the right program into your mind. Your programming is called the "I CAN" Program and it is designed by YOU!

When we speak in 'affirmations...'

"I am in control of my life, and I am committed to my goals."

... our unconscious hears the affirmation as a fact that is yet to be and it immediately seeks ways in which to manifest this new fact. Yes, your unconscious is taking your affirmation in as fact.

Boy's Craft Too--Giancarlo's Jewelry

This is the bracelet that my 13 year old son made in his jewelry class.  It's a beautiful hammered and twisted steel bracelet that I wear all the time.  I especially love the way the clasp is integrated into the design.  

I think he signed up for the class because a friend told him that it was a great way to meet girls, and in any case he was only one of 2 boys in the class, so in that regard, he considered it a big positive. What surprised him, was how much he loved the class.  After this project they moved to bead work, and I don't mean stringing beads, but blowing their own glass beads.  I'll post those photos next week.

I was a little surprised that a teenager, who likes to skateboard and plays his fair share of video games would be so interested in a crafting class.  But, he not only liked the class, he signed up for the next level. Every day he came home with another wonderful treasure that he created, which made him feel so good.  It was the same in wood shop last year, the sense of accomplishment that these middle school kids get is priceless.  His wood shop teacher said that these types of classes help kids with eye hand coordination, with problem solving skills and learning how objects are made.  

When I think about it, it was only about 75-100 years ago in our history that most people made most of the objects that they used every day, they didn't buy them ready made.  People made their own clothes, blankets, window coverings, tables, chairs, and yes, even jewelry.  

Middle school kids, and especially boys need lots of creative outlets and opportunities to build, design and create.  They thrive on the sense of accomplishment and learn so much from the process.  I highly recommend jewelry or any other of the craft offerings as electives.  Creating something with your hands just feels good.

Unconditional Love Gave Me Confidence in My Art by Linda

 

My name is Linda O'Neill and I'm the Artist behind Abby Creek Studios.  I work in three styles of Art: Dog Portraits, Abstracts  and Still Life what touches my heart the most is painting dogs.

I have always had a very strong love for dogs...but never did I realize how much until my husband and I adopted a beautiful Retriever Mix about 10 years ago. Her name was Abby and she inspired me to start painting dogs.

I didn't have a lot of confidence in my art until then. I had worked for LucasFilm in the San Francisco Bay Area as a Digital Painter before moving to Colorado in 1998. When we got here, I started pursuing my Fine Art career again but felt as if I didn't have a real direction. We didn't have any friends here yet and so I felt a little isolated and unsure of my talent. I was definitely lacking confidence and was feeling pretty depressed.

When Abby came into our lives, things changed. She was a silly, funny, smart girl who looked up at me one day with those big brown eyes and I decided I just had to paint her. I think she sent me doggie brainwaves or something! Anyway, my first painting of her was pretty raw and unpolished...but there was something there that was special and worth pursuing. I kept at it and soon, with a new sense of self, my business was born. Abby had given me real gifts with her companionship...of love and confidence.

 

So now you know why my business is named, Abby Creek Studios. I just finished a new website, AbbeyCreekStudios.com, so please come for a visit and take a look at my recent dog paintings

I have a blog as well, where you can read about the latest goings on as well as the antics of my new dog, Maisie.

She keeps the legacy going...and makes me laugh every day!

The Big Black Balloon of Depression by Violette Clark

I suffer from depression from time to time. One of the things that has saved me is art - time and time again. Recently in a telephone coaching session my coach asked me some questions about how I felt after getting certain things done. I pretty much dismissed what I had done feeling like it was not enough. Very casually I mentioned "the void" and then she was off and running with it. I noticed I was quite annoyed because I did not want to talk about the void at all - I wanted to talk about my business, accomplishing more, being more organized etc. But she kept at it asking me what colour it was, what shape it was and where I was in relation to it. I had to muster all of my energy just so i didn't scream "I DON'T FREAKING WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE VOID OKAY????!!!"

What emerged was the big black balloon. It was interesting to me that I was on top of the balloon and not inside it. As we were talking I was mindlessly doodling - what emerged was a tiny person ontop of a large black balloon. My coach and I established a few things about the balloon story and I pretty much decided that it would become a little comic strip. That was my homework.

So yesterday I was in a very dark place - it was pouring down rain, the sky was dark, all of my lovely flowers were being mushed and the magic garden did not look so magic anymore. I decided that I  needed to either:

1. Go back to bed and pull the covers over my head or

2. Make the black balloon comic strip.

Thankfully number  2 won out.

What can you do when..... 
you are visited by the big black balloon or the dark dog or whatever name seems to suit your dark moods and feelings? Why not remove all distractions such as the radio, TV, text messaging, internet surfing, phone calls and sit still. Listen to yourself. You have an inner knowing that will tell you what to do next. Create a piece of art around the guidance that you are given. When you are stumped simply ask "What's next?" If you listen closely you will find the answers.

My name is Violette Clark and I'm am an artist passionate about creating art journals.

One Smile Says it All! Kids Really Do Enjoy Crafting by Debra Quartermain

Crafting or being creative I believe is as necessary to a healthy whole life as breathing. It nurtures mind, body and soul, brings a sense of well being, satisfaction and of course is lots of fun! When my daughter was in elementary school art programs were dropped and the art room in her school sat vacant most of the time. I approached the principal about starting a weekly Craft Club for the older children giving them opportunity to explore a variety of materials and techniques. I would fund the program and provide everything for the kids if I could use the art room.  It was a go! The kids had such a great time and loved trying out materials they had never used before. My older daughter came by, sometimes with a friend to help out. For the end of the year we would do a sewing project, a teddy with diploma to celebrate their “graduating” elementary school. They would arrive excitedly ready to create. Some of the bears went home with pirate patches, glue sticks turned into swords, tattoos and flowers in their ears. Just as unique as each child the bears all had their own distinctive personality.  The first year was a big success! It taught me as well about remembering to play just for the sake of playing, I learned as much from the kids as they did from me.

A couple of my favourite moments happened in the second year. The former grade four kids were now the grade fives and now the Craft Club was theirs! Many of them told me how excited they were to take part in the club. The day we were to sew the bears one little boy came in with a manly swagger saying he didn’t know how to sew and was proud of it. By the end of the club time he walked out with the same proud swagger with his bear saying he was going home to show his whole family how to sew.  Another little boy whispered in my ear when he arrived that he was so excited about making the bear that he wasn’t able to sleep the night before. His smile says it all!

Creating the Craft Club was one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done. The faces of the kids, their excited chatter when they arrived and their wide smiles as they left proudly carrying the results of their creative fun was so special! While they crafted they would share stories, talk of their families, pets, and relax into the friendly warm atmosphere of the room. One group wrote stories of their bear’s adventures along with pictures to give to me at the end of the year.

I continue my creative journey as a Creative Eternal Optimist! “Inspiring the JOY of Creativity---1 Stitch, Stick or Sparkle any Time!” Thank you Kathy and Barb for the opportunity to share my story and for celebrating “Crafting for Health.” Debra Quartermain, CEO!  www.debraquartermain.com

The Emotional Side of My Colorful Craft by Nancy Medina

 
  
When I was little, I used to get into trouble in school for doodling in the margins of my assignments. Today, I travel throughout the country photographing nature and gathering inspiration for my paintings of flowers and landscapes.

  

I have always felt an immediate emotional response to bright color and the beautiful shapes of nature. I have dreamed of blank, white canvases that stretch for miles, endless palettes of color, and all the time in the world to create. The studio was not an escape from the memories of my father, but a celebration of his life, and a quiet place to work and build, two of the things he spent so many of his hours doing from his own shop on the organic farm where I grew up.

I switched from charcoal pencils to oil paints when I was 30, the year that my father died. Since then my art has grown from a hobby into a business, and its pursuit is my life work and passion.Iall with bold color and just a touch of whimsy. Most of all, I love creating large painted indoor gardens that cheer the heart with pots of flowers in all the colors of nature.
 
 I like to think that my father would be proud of me today, and how far I have come in my journey of art. At times working in the studio is a quiet, solitary pursuit. But sharing it with people, and seeing their eyes alight at the color and the shapes, makes all the work a joy.

My name is Nancy Medina andI'm an artist, animal rescuer, and pug mom who creates original oil paintings from Flower Mound Studio in Texas. I specialize in florals, landscapes and pet portraits and you can learn more about my art at My Web Site http://www.nancymedina.com/ or on
My Blog: http://nancymedinaart.blogspot.com/ 
 

Crafting For the Mental Health of Others by Tara Reed

Rubber stamps have been a staple in my life for years.  In school, I always beamed with pride when I would see the smiley face stamp on my papers or the "Great Job!" star.  I loved pressing the rubber into different colored inks and putting them on paper, with no particular rhyme or reason, just to do it. The process was like magic.

Then I got older and the way I looked at and used stamps changed.  Instead of joy with no plan, my stamps became decorative elements on scrapbook pages or hand made cards.  I can't begin to tell you how many holiday, birthday or everyday cards have gone from blank to beautiful, thanks to rubber stamps and stamp pads.

 

More years ticked by and I started designing for a living.  How fun to have my own art on rubber stamps!  This makes the process of stamping, shading, coloring, sending and gift giving that much more fun. (Although I must admit that the time I have to actually USE the stamps has gone down now that I am designing them.)

 

Having designed dozens of stamps for Janlynn / Stamps Happen, I am starting to have the joy of seeing what others are doing with my designs.  And thanks to the internet and blogs, it is easier than ever.

 

I recently found a blog post by Mary B. Giemza who used one of my stamps to help keep a smile on the face of her friend whose husband is deployed in the military.  Not only is she crafting for her own health but for the mental health of others -- now this I like!  What better way to show support and concern than with a hand stamped card.  And I believe it did just that since there is a comment on her post that says:  "You should see me smiling right now girlfriend!! I LOVE this!!!!"  (I assume that is from the recipient of the sentiment.) CLICK HERE to see her full post.

 

Times change and things evolve, but my love of rubber and ink lives on.  When things get a little crazy or I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, there is nothing like going back to the simple act of pressing a stamp on the ink pad, then on paper, and creating that one-of-a-kind end result!  

 

May good health and the stamps be with you! 

– Tara Reed

www.TaraReedDesigns.com

________

Links:  

 http://mycardz.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/a-chick-rules-this-roost/

 

http://www.janlynn.com/category_results.cfm?Category=20&Desc=Memory_and_Stamps