Craft For Health

My Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis Made Me Realize that Dreams Cannot be put on Hold

Photography by Courtney Carver

Photography is part of me and has been ever since I can remember. In my experience, I have loved the sound of a shutter, the smell of dark room chemicals and now the immediate gratification of digital photography. When I was at Savannah College of Art and Design twenty years ago, being a fine art photographer was my dream.

My diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2006 made me realize that life can change in a heartbeat and dreams cannot be put on hold until the timing is perfect. I launched my first photography collection in the Fall of 2007 and The RIDE Project in the Fall of 2009. I am living the dream!

The ride project is my commitment to donate $1,000,000 to the Myelin Repair Foundation through photography sales of limited edition prints focusing on things that move. This mission to help Cure MS through my art has given me energy and inspired me to thing big. I know I need to stay healthy through a clean diet, exercise and low stress lifestyle so when the Cure for MS is available, I am ready for it!

At http://www.therideproject.com, you will also find my blog and helpful resources to MS patients and their families and to everyone who wants to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Attached are three low res images and links are below.

Thanks again!
Courtney

Multiple Sclerosis has Inspired Me to be Crafty and Reach Out to Others

Hi, awesome people!!! My name is Jamie a/k/a Inspired Mess and I'm 31 years old. I'm married to my wonderful husband Brian and together we have 3 boys, ages 5, 9 and 10. I was diagnosed with MS just a little over a year ago. My dad was diagnosed with MS when I was about 15 years old so I had knowledge of the disease but MS affects each and every person differently.

With 3 rowdy boys, working full time, dealing with MS and all the other regular "life things" that go on, crafting definitely keeps me sane. I love art and crafts of all kinds. I HAVE to craft every day. I constantly stay inspired and love creating. Right now, I'm loving embroidery and finger-knitting. I recently learned to crochet and one of my (20) goals this year is to crochet a granny square quilt. I love making garlands and creating little items for our home to show our style with bright colors that make me happy. I also love to paint, scrapbook, create mini albums, make yoyo necklaces and take photos.

Creating art makes me happy! I believe that while we can't change things that may happen to us, we do have control over our attitude and how we deal with those things. I've used my diagnosis as a way to inspire and reach out to others dealing with similar things in their life. This year I also started a project that I'm calling "Shrinking for a CURE". I'm accepting pledges for every pound that I lose before our local MS Walk in September. I'm losing weight while raising awareness for MS and helping to raise money to find a cure.

Create Adventure. Live Inspired.  xoxo -jamie  www.inspiredmess.com

Shrinking for a CURE is at http://inspiredmess.blogspot.com/2010/01/shrinking-for-cure.html

Rediscovering My Values by Painting About Food

A story by Chris Chun

It's a funny story how I got into painting art.  I went to my friend Gillian's gallery opening and mentioned to her that I have always wanted to have an exhibition of my own work. When I told her this I didn't think anymore of it. It's like when someone asks you what your dreams are  - whether it's visiting Egypt or skydiving or whatever...it's not in my immediate future but it's one of these wanderlust things to do maybe one day. Little did I know, about an hour later Gillian came back to me with her diary and said "OK, when do you want to have your show?". This was in February so I said "How about October?" So I was booked in. I love a challenge even though I had absolutely no idea what I was going to paint.

This came at a really significant time of my life. My Dad had just recently passed away so I was feeling a bit lost, bored with my current design job and really wanted to do something different. It was a really amazing time of my life, rediscovering my values and for the first time, I could paint whatever I wanted to and not be directed by a brief or client etc. So I painted about something I love - food. Yes, food. Both my parents were chefs so food is a real celebration of life for us. Dad left us with a wonderful gift of appreciating good food, dining out, trying new dishes and cooking etc. So, I painted all about my childhood memories, my holidays and significant events in my life such as my first pizza in Italy etc.

When I paint, I get into a 'zone' when everything is going right. It nurtures my soul and makes me feel alive! Each one of my paintings are like my babies - they're a part of me. I'm sad that they sell but at the same time, I'm happy that I have been able to connect with another person through my art (and make some money).  Needless to say, the show sold out and I have been painting full time since 2004. I'm very grateful for my gift and feel very lucky that I can make a living from following one of my passions.

 

Here are the links to my website, shop and blog:  htttp://chrischunart.blogspot.com/    http://www.chrischun.com 

http://chrischun.bigcartel.com

Art Takes my Mind off Psoriatic Arthritis by Cindy

 

The Penny Experiement by Cindy McMath

I have been doing creative things for as long as I can remember – some were more successful than others (knitting was one thing I never could get the hang of).  About 20 years ago I made my first tentative foray into the world of paper arts and that is what stuck – first stamping, followed by mixed media, collage, mail art and artist trading cards.  I find playing around with my art supplies on evening and weekends to be very beneficial – a great way to de-stress after a busy day at work.  I also think that exercising the right brain leads to creative problem solving both at home and at work.  I am always looking for a better way to do things, and keeping the creative juices flowing is important.

About ten years ago, in my mid-30s, I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis.  While arts and crafts don’t offer a cure, they do offer a great way to take my mind off the pain that often plagues me throughout the day.

I’m thrilled when my work can put a smile on someone else’s face or contribute to a worthy cause.  I try to send out RAKs (Random Acts of Kindness) when I have time, and I have recently become involved with a great project called the Penny Experiment, which is using the proceeds from the sale of donated art to purchase food for food banks throughout the US.  Even though I live in Canada I wanted to get involved with this project as poverty is universal and I am hoping that my contribution can turn into more than what I would be able to contribute on my own by simply donating money or food. 

These are two pieces I made for the Penny Experiment (http://www.pennyexperiment.com/) – the first (Create Change) is a postcard and the second (Grateful) is a page from a collaborative book.  You can see more of my work on my blog http://pinkbirdstudio.typepad.com and my gallery at http://www.picturetrail.com/cindymcmath

Playing Fashion Designer after being Kidnapped and Held Hostage

Empowerment from an Unlikely Situation

by Veronica Cizmar

 

I have always wanted to work for myself and received the opportunity about 6 years ago. Having just been released from 16 months of being held hostage and tortured by my former fiancé, I was left with battling post-traumatic-stress-syndrome. Not being able to work and completely bankrupt, I realized it would be quite impossible to merge back into the workforce and toil for someone else. My hostage situation left me with a volatile temper creating at the time, tension in all relationships.

 

With the help of karate classes I began to deal with my anger issues and gradually came to a place where I could once more enter the workforce. But what to do? Collecting vintage was an old hobby I did as a teenager so along with a friend, began selling vintage clothing on ebay. It proved popular enough to launch a website. A year later I took the company solo and expanded to what it is today - a successful online vintage store, Some Like it Vintage.com. Donating 10% of all my sales to local women's shelters, I am proud to help others who may need escape from a violent situation.

Being a lover of all things vintage connects perfectly with my recycling lifestyle. Sorting through my vintage clothing shipments, I often find garments I can not sell. There is a certain amount of cleaning and repair that is needed with most garments, but then there are those gems that transmit inspiration. Inspiration to alter them slightly or go beyond just a simple re-sewing of a button - these pieces need extra loving care. I name this my 'Creative Vintage'  line of clothing. A garment that is updated or changed by sewing other vintage trims or fabrics; shortening or lenghtening...maininting a vintage style but with an urban edge to it. Playing fashion designer allows me to escape from the administrative side of my business and utilize the creative side of my brain! It is equal to a mini holiday allowing me to relax and be thankful for all that has come to me.

Today I am kept busy with running the website, volunteering with and donating to women's shelters, and training in martial arts. Last year I received my first degree black belt in Wado Ryu karate - a proud accomplishment I also share with women at the shelter through monthly self-defense workshops.

 

To see the Creative Vintage line, visit www.somelikeitvintage.com or http://www.somelikeitvintage.com/category/creative-vintage/catId=3112678

Stepping Out of the Door of Depression and into Craft Happiness By Deena

Inspire Happiness

A couple of years ago, a good friend introduced me to the world of stamping, knowing that I already loved to craft and create handmade cards. I will always be grateful that she did!  I was at home with my two young boys and had given up a hobby that was too time consuming and difficult to maintain with little ones around. I was feeling depressed and lonely a lot of the time.  I was having those awful “What Now? Who am I?” symptoms that many of us women go through trying to find/prove our worth outside of being wives and mothers, even though I am very happy being both!  Crafting lifted me more than once from that downward spiral of depression!

 

Have you ever noticed that many artists suffer from depression? Wait a second, let me rephrase that.  Have you ever noticed that many people suffering from depression become artists?  Throughout our history we can find links between art and depression, and I have spent a lot of time thinking that it is no coincidence.  I think that we are naturally drawn to what is good for us, and if we allow ourselves to accept what we need, we can greatly benefit from it.

 

I have always been drawn to arts and crafts in its multitude of forms and have tried my hand at many.  It was not long before I figured out that for me, crafting is a great stress reliever, it improves my mood, calms me, and helps me focus when my mind is racing.

 

Once I opened the door to this new creative outlet I found myself stepping through many other doors too.  As I sought to learn more about paper crafting, I opened myself up to sharing my own work with others, and I found a courage that I didn’t think I had.  I went on my first online forum and began talking to people from around the world about the one thing that connected us all; crafting cards, and I soon learned that we had many other things in common too. I made new friends online, some of whom I have met in person, and care for deeply.  We support and inspire each other in many ways.  I found that with the confidence to share my art, there also came more self respect for who I am, and what I can do, which goes a long way toward being a happier person! 

 

 Nearly two years ago I decided to start my own blog, to share what I was learning and to further explore the crafting world, naming it “A Necessary Creativity”.  A friend asked me why I came up with that name…my reply was and still is; that for me, CREATIVITY is not a hobby; it is a NEED!  A need that I will always try to fill, because I know what’s good for me!  

 

Thank you to Kathy and Barb for inviting me to share, and hopefully encourage someone to get creative for their own good!  Grab a cup of coffee or cocoa, and come on over to my blog to see what I’ve been up to. I’d love to hear from you!

Have a creative day!  Deena Perreault

http://acreativeneed.wordpress.com

http://acreativeneed.etsy.com/

Painting a Tribute to Family Pets by SamCharles

Its funny, because as much as I enjoy painting, my real enjoyment comes from seeing my clients' reaction to their commissioned piece of work. I've had a number of clients who have commissioned artwork of pets who have passed away and it's their reaction to the finished piece that is so rewarding. Its the attention to detail and interaction with the client that allows me to produce just what they want - a worthy tribute to their family pet. 

 

Light and life is the key focus to each painting - my unique technique and approach to painting allows the energy of the subject to be captured on canvas. This energy then emanates from the painting and into your home to brighten your life and bring you daily joy. 

My dog TIGGS

Tiggs was my old lurcher, who has since passed. Her painting is in the kitchen and am reminded of the great times that we had each morning when I see her. FYI the painting Puppy, was actually on display at last years' Oscars. 

 

Please visit my website at  www.samcharlesfineart.com

Scrimshaw and a Vietnam Vet

 

 "The only real guarantee in life is change. I believe in placing my confidence and hope in the uncertainty of change." – Jim Stevens.

As a child, Jim Stevens' grandmother taught him how to draw and paint. As an adult, Stevens studied with American sculptor Ed Dwight and Russion stone and gem carver Vasily Konovalenko. But his growing reputation as an artist was about to end.

While in Vietnam, Stevens was shot in the head during a combat mission, which left him with permanent severe migraines. In 1994 a migraine caused a stroke in his visual cortex, leaving him legally blind. He was disability retired from his position as a professor at the University of Colorado. Soon after, Stevens’ wife left the family and he became the single parent of two young daughters. Stevens also stopped creating art.

The next several years were spent in anger and depression trying to cope with his disability.

Martial Arts

In 1998, Stevens was introduced to the martial arts under the guidance of a patient yet gruff instructor who made him see possibilities beyond his disability. In 2000, after adapting his technical skills utilizing special lenses to work with his disability, Stevens began to slowly and patiently relearn his craft and produce art again.

In 2002, at age 52, Stevens became the oldest, and only blind man to ever win the men's fighting competition at the Rocky Mountain Martial Arts "Tournament of Champions." In 2004, he achieved the rank of Shodan - a Shaolin black belt.

 

The Courage to start Carving again

After being prodded by the martial arts instructor, I struggled for two years to get my artistic skills back and that struggle changed my life. If I had given up, which I wanted to do many times, my life would not be what it is today. I discovered that when you love something like I love my art, and refuse to give up, you can change your life. Call it art or craft, when you care that much, you can overcome the challenges. At times, my daughters even helped. They would look over my shoulder and say things like, "No, Dad. You missed that line. It goes this way."

 

My struggle and the help I received to restore my skills has reaffirmed my belief in myself and my love of the art I do. Today, Stevens is also an internationally collected scrimshaw artist, carver, and sculptor whose work can be found in several art galleries around the country. He is also the author of three books on the art of scrimshaw technique published by Schiffer Publishing. He has won both First Place and Best of Show at several juried competitions and has been recently accepted as a Kennedy Center VSA Registered Artist in both the visual and literary arts.

Award winning Hollywood screenwriter Paul Cooper is currently writing a screenplay about Stevens’ life. According to Cooper, “It is a story that needs to be told.”

You can learn more about this incredible American Hero and see more of Jim Stevens work on his website:  www.ScrimshawStudio.com.  

Jim, Kathy and I both want to say, "Thanks for your service."

 

Paper Therapy: A Mom's Story by Karolyn Loncon PLUS GIVEAWAY!

Paper  Therapy . . . A Mom’s Story

 by Karolyn Loncon

After browsing this amazing blog, I feel as though my story is somewhat insignificant.  But reading these stories has brought to my attention that art, in whatever form, somehow heals people, no matter what their problems are.  I hope that my story will encourage someone whose story is similar to let art heal them.

PAPER CRAFTING:
I started papercrafting after my oldest daughter left for college.  I had been such an integral part of her life all the way through high school, and relished every opportunity I had to be a part of her world.  I was the team mom for her softball team.  I traveled with the team to help arrange for meals and snacks during the games.  We went to every single softball and basketball game, whether she played or not.  At times I felt as though I was the only mom in the area that owned a car and had a driver’s license because I was forever transporting a carload of kids to dances and events.  But as I said before, I loved every single minute of it.  I was needed, it was my identity, through and through.  It never occurred to me that my daughter needing me would come to such a screeching halt . . . until she left for college.  It was a time that I should have been proud and excited – and I was.  But my oldest daughter is very independent, and she was chomping at the bit to get her freedom, to leave the nest, and to start her own life.  A few days after she left, she called me and said, “This is my home now, mom.  Your house isn’t my home anymore.”

THEN DEPRESSION STRUCK:

It was like she’d put a knife right through my heart. I was devastated.  I cried and cried for days, and found myself in a total depression.  This lasted for about six months.  At some point in the middle of this funk, a friend called and asked if I wanted to scrapbook with her.

SCRAPBOOKING: 

Our first scrapping session gave me such a sense of relief in my depression that we continued to meet, sometimes several days a week.  I scrapped, created something beautiful, and remembered . . . remembered all the amazing times in the lives of my kids.  It was so therapeutic.

I can tell you without hesitation that it was these scrapbooking sessions that made me realize that your children leaving the nest was all part of the process of life going forward.  It’s not that I’m no longer a mom, and it’s not that I’m no longer needed . . . they will always need their moms, no matter what.  But our role in their lives changes, and that’s the way it’s supposed to be.  It’s a good thing . . . it really is.

 

HAPPINESS THROUGH CARD MAKING:
A few years ago, my friend called and invited me to a cardmaking class.  That was all she wrote.  I could apply the same principals of being creative, making something beautiful, and having something to show for it in card making.  And it didn’t take me six months to finish a project!!  I love sweet, whimsical images, I love coloring, I love coordinating beautiful scrapbook paper with yummy cardstock, adding cute embellishments, and applying a sentiment to create something that I can send to someone to make them feel better about whatever is going on in their lives.  Applying ink to a stamp, laying out the elements in a pleasing to the eye format, tying a pretty bow  – the entire process just makes me happy.  Everyone needs to know that they are loved, wanted, needed, appreciated.  Cardmaking has been my outlet, my therapy, my means of realizing that life does go on and that’s a good thing.  The results of my cardmaking – the kind words from others, the sweet compliments from a recipient of one of my cards, and the positive feedback that I’ve gotten from stamp manufacturers and store owners – have made me realize that cardmaking can be therapy, not only to me, but to others as well.  I love that . . . it makes me feel needed in a different way.  Doesn’t everyone love to feel needed?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.  I’d love for you to stop by my blog – called “Paper Therapy” - sit down with a cuppa joe, and hang out with me while I share my cards and the process that makes me happy.

GIVEAWAY:  

Karolyn is giving away this set of yummy 4 cards.  To enter, simply post you comment on her entry belo and we'll pull the winners name out of a hate.  Good Luck!  Giveaway ends Feb 27. 

Art heals Anorexia & Bulimia

 

Tia Crystal has literally turned dark days bright with just a few strokes of a paint brush. The London-born Tia says she always had that artistic streak in her. But, it wasn't a life her family really understood or supported. The mother of three barely tasted that distant but strong feeling, working in interior design and cake decoration. 

 

She struggled with anorexia, bulimia, and self esteem issue. But, at 40 years old it all changed during a simple stroll on a street in Italy when she found a paintbrush on the street.

Tia accepted the moment as sign to pursue her true passion ... fine art. In just a few years, Tia has completed more than 500 paintings, just opened The House of Tia Crystal gallery, and has sold her work worldwide. 

 

Her dramatic use of colors portrays Tia's exuberance and love of life, a feeling she hopes those who collect her fine art consistently feel. She credits the pursuit of her passion, for turning the tables on her toughest times. Tia believes her life story and work support her philosophy, "art inspires the energy of the soul".

To see more of Tia's beautiful art, please visit:  www.TiaCrystal.com

We love sharing her story and can't resist showing you one more of her incredible paintings. We hope her story inspires you as it as us.  Be well.