Tips for Winter...

27 October 2019|BOATLIFE, WONDERINGS & PONDERINGS, WOOL & YARN

There is no denying it… Winter is upon us. The clocks have changed, Summertime is officially OVER and with it comes the prospect of long, dark evenings ahead. I feel this season even more deeply by living off grid, immersed in Mother nature but the thing that sustains me during this slow time is my craft and desire (a need even) to make and create. So reliant am I on this approach to Winter I worry for people who don't have a hobby or a means to create. This leads me to thinking, how can I help people to 'find their thing'.  If you need some suggestions and would like to find a winter sustaining hobby here are some things you could consider.

Using your hands to make and create keeps them off the unhealthy distractions… phone, food, fags or booze…. There is some truth in the old saying Devil makes work for idle hands. Find an activity to keep your hands busy.

What do you want to make? Think of all the possibilities….art, music, clothes, stories?

What do you like to See? What pleases you? Colour combinations,  monochrome, shape, patterns, how things fit together, how colours contrast.

What do you like to Feel? What is pleasing to the touch?..... Soft and yielding, rigid and strong, wet or dry? 

I know for myself I like the feel of spinning silky fibres feels. I like the challenge of finding the perfect colour combinations and how they tessellate into beautifully colourful blankets.

Whether it's whittling wood, painting pots, strumming strings or winding wool there's something for everyone and absolutely nothing that can't be learnt from YouTube videos.

So please, do some searching and try things out. Take a class or just teach yourself at home. But I can promise that having a creative activity that you can lose yourself in for an hour or so a day will help you through the dark times.

Do get in touch to share your ideas and tips or if you just need some suggestions.  

Happy hibernating folks x

Blankets are great for winter nights. Fun to make and keep you warm at the same time.

The Story So Far

5 October 2019|BOATLIFE, SCHOOL LIFE, WONDERINGS & PONDERINGS

Roughly two years ago I left a job that was making me feel miserable and unfulfilled. It was a rather spontaneous decision which left members of the family a bit thrown off course and we did have a bit of a wobbly time. But, I decided I was not going to stress about it and let the Universe show me the right path. 

A friend suggested a job at a dear little school working 1-1 with a young Autistic boy. It was less hours and less money but I thought What the Hell and checked it out. After visiting the school to chat with the Head I then had one of the worst migraines ever, which meant I was unable to prepare for other interviews I had lined up for the following a week. I decided this was A Sign so took the job thinking I could supplement my income with Woollycraft Workshops and selling my hand crafted wares.

What I discovered during my two years of working with my new friend was an aptitude, skill set and love of supporting non-neuro typical children. I also discovered the only part of my so-called business I actually enjoyed was the making....I was useless at self promotion, I found selling at markets stressful and I struggled to 'put myself out there' . I liked sharing my skills and tools doing workshops but found it hard to get the word out and attract enough participants.

As the two years progressed my hours increased and the time spent on my 'business' decreased. I had also joined the wonderful Wiltshire Mighty Girls, helping run afterschool clubs empowering our next generation of young women find their confidence and their voice in what still appears to be a male dominated world.

Then by the end of the last academic year my friend was due to move onto a specialist autism unit much better suited to his needs, I was looking at finding another job.

Cue another wobbly time. I was tentatively offered some hours to stay at the school which left me with the quandary of staying somewhere safe and familiar or moving on to pastures new.

Again the Universe came through with a possible role at the autism unit my friend was moving to. I went for it and got the job and I'm now a month into my new role.  I have to say I LOVE IT. The unit has 29 primary aged children all with the same diagnosis but all different and wonderfully unique. I love how everyone's characters and quirks are accepted and I really do agree with Greta Thunberg when she calls her Asperger's diagnosis her Super Power!

So, for now, Woollycraft has returned to an activity that soothes my Soul. An activity that helps me process an often challenging day, a chance to just make the things I love for the people I love. I no longer have to worry about monetising my creativity, I can just enjoy it but I shall continue to create and share my creations as when I feel like it. 

Boat life continues as usual...

Ta Ta for Now xx

Christmassy Thoughts

19 December 2018|BOATLIFE, WONDERINGS & PONDERINGS

We are now well into the darkness of Winter and life afloat does allow it to be a time for slowing down, quiet restfullness and introspection. I can mostly avoid the bright lights and bustle of Christmas. Maybe it's the long(ish) walk from the car (and civilisation) to and from the boat that aids this process. This morning I saw a Barn owl glide past as we exited for the school run, and on the return I spent a few moments watching a cormorant sunning itself high up in a tree. 

But it is still very easy to get caught up in the frantic-ness of Christmas. Dashing about, mostly shopping, to the soundtrack of This is Christmas in EVERY.....SINGLE.....SHOP !  And as each year passes I am feeling less and less inclined to join in with that. Thankfully my children are grown and I'm past the stage of needing to make it magical. Now we can appreciate our time together, eat and drink together, and generally slob about, and for that I'm very thankful.  Love and appreciation can be shown in the currency of homeade mince pies and all the nice things.

As the shortest day approaches I wish you all a time of restfullness. Have naps, go days without getting dressed. Go out for walks but also don't underestimate the power of NOT going out for a walk. 

Christmas is a time for indulgence so I urge you all to indulge in Rest.

Seasons Greetings and Happy Solstice Everyone :-)

The Eight of Pentacles

31 October 2018

The woman decides to express her artistry by painting a golden pentacle upon a silk canvas. As she works, she loses herself in creativity's flow; she feels blessed as she draws upon the talents given to her by the Divine Feminine. Symbolising the golden circle of contentment the woman has created through her focused and honorable labour, an arc of seven pentacles appears over her head, like a golden rainbow depicting the material rewards of Lakshmi.

 (The Goddess Tarot - Kris Waldherr)

It is the time to bring my creative work to the market place.

I shall be at the Bath Artisan Market this Saturday where I hope my endeavours will be positively received.

I am a little nervous so have spent my Half Term week preparing and crafting and resting. Tonight I shall light a little Samhain candle and hope for fair weather. Dry and cold enough to make people yearn for my delectable Winter Woolies.  Do come and say Hi if you're out and about.

Bath Artisan market on Facebook

TTFN xx

One More Trip Around the Sun.

14 October 2018|PHOTOS, WONDERINGS & PONDERINGS, WOOL & YARN

This weekend I have been celebrating another trip around the Sun. That's 47 now.  I did all of my faviourite things...Family, Fluff & Films...

I started off with a day of inspiring, sharing and alchemising, through laughter and tears with my Soul Soul sisters...what can be a better tonic? I am grateful for my friends :-)

I then spent a morning of blending and carding with my niece. We created a soft and rainbow coloured Birthday blend full of sparkles. I spent the day spinning it into a stunning yarn...I am grateful for my skills that bring joy and comfort, and that can shared with others.

The day was topped off with visits from family and mother daughter bonding over Avengers: Infinity War (such a guilty pleasure). And all from the comfort of my little floating home...I am so very grateful for my home, my safe haven full of wool and crafts.

I quite like getting older :-)

So here's wishing for another year of growth, of gaining wisdom and of doing more of what I like doing best.

Cheers xx