Supporting Positive Mental Health

It is my firm belief that by learning new skills and developing our existing ones we can build confidence and self-esteem which can in turn support positive mental health.

I have the privilege of working with men and women with mental health issues.  I am a strong believer, from my own experiences, that by trying new things and learning new skills we achieve a better sense of well-being.  When I am in my creative zone, nothing else matters.  All other worries and stresses are put to one side for that period of time.  I can become so absorbed in what I am doing that I focus on that task, giving respite from everything else around.  It is this ethos that I share with my groups; with excellent results.

Each week I try to encourage everyone in the group to either try something new or develop their existing skills by stretching themselves a little.  Although not all the projects are practical; a good number of them are. This can include cooking, sewing, woodwork, art and sculpting with wire or clay.

This week, with my 'Amazing You' ladies, we had a wonderful Thursday creating wire hearts and clay sculptures.  All of which were a great success.  For each session it is my aim for everyone to leave the session feeling inspired, relaxed, happy and with a sense of achievement.

Wire Hearts

1.  We created a structure by making a circle with heavy duty wire.
2.  More heavy wire was double twisted before the whole thing 
     was reshaped to create a heart.
3.  Thinner wire was twisted around and interwoven with beads to 
     create the decorative detail.  A hanger completed the project.

Clay Sculptures

The clay sculptures were made using air-dried clay.

1. We created the leaves by rolling clay till  it was 1/2cm thick.

2.  Leaves were laid onto the rolled clay and pressed in to create the detail.  

3. The leaves are cut out before being removed from the clay.

4. The leaf shape is then manipulated to give it a more realistic shape.

5.  The roses were made by using small thin rounds of clay rolled flat.  The first round is used to make a cone shape.  This is the centre of the rose.

6. Further rounds are used to create the petals  - adding them one at a time.  The rose will start to take shape so continue until it becomes your required size.

7.  The leaves and roses are layered together to create the sculpture.   A paint brush with water is used to stick the roses and leaves into place.

In the following session we paint them and /or varnish them with Mod Podge.

Welcome to Positivity Through Creativity

I am a 49 year old woman bordering on the big 50; a hippy chick who loves to hug trees, burn incense and play with wire.  I enjoy all things creative as well as sewing, reading and poetry; but I also love to learn about the history of the place I live; Stockton-on-Tees.  

Writing a blog is something I have been thinking about for a while but wasn't sure how to get started. I aim to write about my creative projects, days out with family and friends and things that I enjoy and inspire me.

I believe in the positivity of creativity.  It is not something you have to be good at … just something you enjoy.  Personally; when I am in my creative zone I switch off from everything else.  I find it excellent therapy for stress and taking my mind off things.  

My more recent makes include wire trees and pixies which I thoroughly enjoy doing. I have not ventured into the sales market yet … maybe one day who knows? Right now, I enjoy making them for family and friends as well as teaching others how to make them too.

I plan to share all these experiences on my blog.  If you would like more information please let me know.