In the words of Albert Einstein “Creativity is Intelligence having fun“. And Sir Ken Robinson
said “Creativity is putting your imagination to work, and it’s produced the most extraordinary results in human culture”. These are my two favourite quotes.
Creativity – it’s good for you
Finding time to do something new and creative in a relaxed environment has many benefits besides the satisfaction of making a unique piece of artwork. Participating in creative activities is well recorded to relieve stress, and I must agree that this is the case when I have been under pressure; I get my sketchbook and paints out and focus on the creative process for a while. There is a lot of information on the web if you care to take a look.
I had great fun using charcoal and pencil 
I loved painting this little fellow in watercolours 
Finger painting haha
Our priorities change over time
As interests have changed throughout life; family have flown the nest, two grandchildren arrive, and with several different career paths, now I ask myself, is the creative career path I am following the right one? I ponder this question regularly after leaving a job to become a self-employed artist/educator rather than teaching in mainstream education. The answer is varied, but most often it’s a Yes, I made the right decision! Still loving to educate people but without the restrictions and red tape! And developing my own work, though that sometimes takes a back seat to my business.
Bali- Not quite a holiday.
Teaching May 2019-Charity Event.
Sunny side houses Inspired by my visit to Portmeirion Village, nrth Wales on a cloudy day.
Being creative has a strong effect on my life and is a great happiness booster, I love to help create memories for people, being involved in their creative journey, if only for a short while. My students often comment on how they can put aside everyday worries whilst creating something unique in my classes – many describe their time with me as therapeutic as well as a bit of escapism from everyday life. A chance to indulge in a bit of me time!
Giving a creative experience
Workshop gift vouchers sell like never before as so many people are now buying creative experiences as gifts opposed more things for the home! My most popular Feltmaking class is the beginners Felt Picture making where students create a beautiful landscape picture using either the wet felt or needle felt technique, often combining the two! The beautiful colours of the wool fibres are mixed together like an artist mixes paints, it is an amazing technique that really must be experienced to appreciate it. Students leave more relaxed and take home a lovely piece of artwork to frame or often they over a book or diary, give as a gift. But you can also make slippers, bag, scarf, footstool etc on a full day too. https://www.feltworld.co.uk/gift-vouchers
Dividing my time
Life is quite a juggling act for me, and as I work from home I find that the distractions are immense. Do I redecorate that room, rearrange my wardrobe, spend the day gardening, shopping, having a coffee with a friend… turns in to 3/4 hours! family etc you understand where I’m coming from lol! I have to try very hard to remain focused in dividing my time between the business side i.e. marketing, promoting, writing articles and then the fun side comes later of running creative classes.
Far and wide
Family and friends who live at opposite ends of the country often meet halfway and do feltmaking or batik for the day before having a meal together and going in opposite directions again. I have had visitors from Australia, Jordan, Canada, Australia and the US attend my classes when they have been visiting family or on their travels. I enjoy listening to people’s stories and sharing stories too and often we have a laugh as well as deep concentrated moments during the design process. What is there not to love when teaching subjects that make people happy…I love my job!
Creative parties for children
Children’s parties or small groups are good fun too.
I will send you information on request: email – Barbara@feltworld.co.uk
Children’s private classes in painting, multi media or feltmaking 
Birthday parties and group bookings available
Book a creative day with Barbara
My courses run throughout the year and cover wet felt making, needle felt making, Nuno scarf making (these are really lovely and wearable too), as well as Batik painting using quite an addictive very old technique of designing with hot wax and then painting your material. See the link below.
For more details, course dates, and secure online booking follow the links below. I look forward to meeting you.
If you have any questions, please do ask.
Barbara
