Craft

I really enjoyed making the felt tapestry I sewed as a practice for my planned big one for my FMP. It was so relaxing to be able to do something with my hands that after a while felt automatic in a way? I was almost able to switch my loud busy brain off and listen to a podcast or watch something whilst doing something rhythmically and creatively that didn't require constant exhausting THINKING if that makes sense? I think this is really important - to give yourself breathing space and do something without the pressure of it needing to be for something or as a way of making a living etc, but still being able to make something creative out of it ?

So anyway I've recently started evening ceramics classes with my friend who goes to LCoM! She wanted to learn ceramics and whilst I can do it at uni, I find the ceramics room here very stressful and you're also not allowed to make anything for yourself so we found Sunken Studios and decided to sign up for beginners classes in handbuilding!! It was expensive but I had some money from a commission and thought it would be worth it. Its so good, such a friendly and calm environment and I'm learning a lot. Its a really nice break on a Tuesday evening break from stressful life and I'm really enjoying what I'm making, just big wobbly forms with fingerprints and wonkiness. Theres also a dog called Martha

I think its really important to keep learning new skills and finding ways to shut off my whirry brain. This is giving me a cathartic space to make something for the sake of making something and using my hands to build without pressure. Having lots of fun and I'm really glad I started !!

woo

(it is an expensive hobby though so many next I'll try a new skill like cross stitch or knitting better. anything to keep the cogs a-whirring)