The sand between my toes

Seaton Carew

 

A trip to the seaside

We have so much wonderful scenery from the beaches to the countryside right on our doorstep.  We need to take time to enjoy it and cherish it.  

In the last couple of days I have had the absolute joy of visiting the beach at Seaton Carew (twice). We went the scenic route taking us past seal sands: the decomissioned oil rig; which is fantastic in the right light, is a sight to behold.  We were also lucky enough to see the seals basking in the sun at Teesmouth Nature Reserve.

There is nothing better at the end of a long week than a paddle in the sea to refresh and relax. The sky was blue, the sea was warm, the company was excellent. I couldn't ask for more.

I love to watch the waves and listen to the sound of the sea.  I had to embrace my inner child and jump the waves; something I haven't done in years, since my children were small.  That along with the feeling of sand between my toes took me back to my own childhood. When we used to live in Scarborough and would go to the beach after school most days in the summer ....  Everyone should embrace their inner child every now and then; it's good for the soul.

Seaton Carew has to be one of the most underestimated beaches in the area.  The views are fantastic: sand dunes, wind turbines and ships along the horizon are just a few.  One of the most mesmerising sights on the sand has to be the sea coal; the way it shifts and forms as it's moved back and forth by the waves on the beach.

We enjoyed local fish and chips and for me the oyster ice-cream just completes the day.

Sunken ship at Seaton Carew

Sunken Ship

Whilst walking along the beach we came across the remains of the Seaton Carew shipwreck.  Being a fan of local history I was keen to learn more and with the help of a good friend; found several references to the site and other local ship wrecks.

Links for further information are below:


https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list-entry/1000077

www.alamy.com/stock-photo-historic-wreck-wooden-boat-shipwreck-uncovered-by-the-sea-at-seaton-58842130.html

www.hhtandn.org



I came home feeling relaxed, exhilarated and ready to paint.  A pastime I am embracing with a new found freedom and enjoyment 😊

Mini Watercolours

Starting last week, on a Monday night, I support in a local art class run by a wonderful artist friend of mine.  As well as supporting I also get to participate.  Now anyone who knows me knows how creative I am and I will give most things a go. But when it comes to art ……. Well that’s a different story. My sister … she’s great but I am completely out of my comfort zone; which in some respects is a good thing. As I say constantly to my learners, “you don’t have to be good at something to enjoy it or feel good about it or yourself”. 

When it comes to art ... In the past I often felt disappointed in myself if it didn’t look like the image or view I was drawing or painting. Then I was told, “if you want an exact replica – take a photo. A drawing or painting is meant to be a representation not an exact copy and that can come in many forms”.  So, I thought … what the heck let’s give it a go. I am trying to be looser in my methods by letting the creative right-side of my brain lead rather than the logic-led left.

Here are my three mini watercolours from this evening …. Which look nothing like the originals by-the-way 😊

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.