I was asked by the lovely & super talented Massofhair to do my very first blog hop!
She is a fabulous artist & inspirational woman! Well worth a follow on her blog & on Twitter!
The blog hop is about getting to know more about each other by answering some questions, so here goes!
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| Journal page 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' |
About Me
I'm a 35 year old wife & mother from Northants in UK & I work as a Teaching Assistant in a local primary school. I am also partially deaf and currently studying British Sign Language.
I started making things from a young age. My Grandma taught me to knit, crochet, embroider, cook & to embrace my creative side. She even allowed me to paint a mural on her bedroom wall when I was 9! I started distressing jeans long before it was fashionable & have always had my own sense of style. I always wanted to go to art college but unfortunately it never happened... My art teacher didn't like me much & told me that I wasn't very good so I didn't continue with my creative journey until I was much older. I re-started my journey by making cards, which my Mum encouraged me to do! Thanks Mum!
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| Greetings card. |
Then moved into jewellery...
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| 'Saracen' Necklace. |
and also mixed media, which I love!
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| Altered box. |
Before working in school, I was a self employed mixed media artist & sold my wares at local art markets & emporiums. I also taught workshops in various techniques and medias. Guess my art teacher was wrong, eh!
I was also on Stamping Dragon design team & have taken part in art challenges for PaperArtsy.
Why do you create what you do?
I used to create commissions for others but it can be very frustrating to create things for sale! I mainly make art for myself & as gifts to others. My art is my therapy! My job can be very stressful but also very rewarding. I don't get a lot of spare time as I have 4 children, 3 step-children & 2 beautiful step-granddaughters, but when I do, I love to get messy & the kids can join in too!
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| 'Elsie' Wedding Posy made with polymer clay. |
How does your creative process work?
I usually have an idea of how it will look & my brain is fabulous at keeping me awake at night with loads of ideas! I even dream ideas... Although I quite often 'see' my creations before they actually exist, I do love the freedom of 'randomness' & going with the flow.
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| 'Lydia's Happiness House' made for my daughter's 13th birthday. |
How do you stay motivated?
I will be honest, I have lost my mojo & found it hard to get it back. I'm the first to admit I am, (as most creatives are) emotionally charged. So my art is closely linked to how I'm feeling. I have suffered with depression in the past and am very aware how quickly the downward spiral can start, so I try to stay positive as much as I can. But sometimes the fight becomes too hard. My art can reflect this. Sometimes I dry up completely, then other times my creative juices overflow! I must be a challenge to live with!
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| 'Tears' journal page. |
What are you creating at the moment?
My latest make was a 'Positivity folder'. It stores my inspiration papers, which I hope will help me fight off the mojo eater! I am a member of Jennibellie's Journal Workshop and made an 'Inspiration Station'. Check out her YouTube channel, she's fab!
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| 'Positivity Folder' |
I hope this 'getting to know you' post wasn't too boring...
Thank you for taking the time to stop by & read it!
Now to introduce the creative souls I have chosen to pass the baton too!
Mary Woolley from Black Flower Creative.
Find her on Twitter as @Mezzy1306
and the lovely Emma Taylor from Pink Sparkle Days.
Find her on Twitter as @pinksparklegirl
Give them both a follow & pop over to read their inspirational stories next week!
Crafty hugs
Sez x
