Liming Huang - unsplash.com
At this time of year many of us think about the things that we have to be grateful for as part of giving thanks. Feeling and expressing gratitude has health benefits both physical and psychological, not to mention spiritual...
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Photo Credit: Radu Emanuel at unsplash.com
When I am asked: What do I do when I want to meditate but I can’t sit still with (or without) my thoughts for more than a few minutes?
My answer is: Fine! Begin where you are with what you have. That holds true for many things in life and is ...
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Photo Credit: Ashley Batz on unsplash.com
Walking a labyrinth is an ancient meditative practice which is believed to have the ability to bring about personal and spiritual transformation, a sense of calm and balance, and to increase one’s feeling of well-being...
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Photo Credit: Dingzeyu Li at unsplash.com
When it comes to the question “Can I make art and meditate at the same time?” the answer is “Yes you can!” Art can be meditation in motion just as walking meditations are. There is a long ancient history of art and meditation. Throughout the ages art has been made while chanting, or repeating mantras, or meditating with breathing exercises. Try it!
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I didn’t just volunteer to chop it to be helpful, but because I saw it as accomplishing the meditation portion of my afternoon in addition to achieving the task of chopping up the rhubarb.
Read moreThe sewing machine was bought years ago on sale, left in its box unopened, survived moves and came with me from one city to another before finally, last spring, I opened it up, looked at it, and signed up for a beginners sewing class at a local sewing studio.
Read moreSpring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation for all of earth. Not only the trees plants and nature but us as well. We can help the process along by taking some simple actions.
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Gustave Caillebotte "Garden in Trouville"
....my thoughts turn to spring and the welcome anticipation of what I will plant this year....
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Las Menenas by Picasso
ThIs is a powerful quote that resonates deeply with me. Thinking this way gets me moving on projects....
Read moreIf you have reached mid-December without having made your gifts despite your best intentions, do yourself a favour and give yourself a massive break.
Buy the work of other crafters and creatives to give as gifts and support people just like you who have had the courage to put their work out there and go for it!
These crafty creative who like to “make stuff” are making their livings with their small businesses, many through the awesome site Brika.
Tip for late gift buyers: If the gift will still be in the mail on Christmas day, print out a photo from the website and put it in a card.
Below are some carefully chosen selections that I’m shining a crafty creatives spotlight on….
Black + White Ceramic Planter $28 by Rosslab
Black + White Handmade Necklace $34 by Rosslab
Heart Creamer + Sugar Bowl Set $48 by Rosslab
Heart Creamer + Sugar Bowl Set $48
Rosslab items available on the Brika.com website
5x7 Dachshund Portrait Print $14.00 by Gus and Abby
Magnetic Dog Calendar by Gus and Abby
Magnetic Dog Calendar by Gus and Abby
Magnetic Dog Calendar $16.00
Custom profile illustration, 8’’ x 10’’ print, $150
Your gift can be a homemade certificate that you will be gifting a custom profile illustration by Gus and Abby! The giftee can then just email a photo of their dog to Gus and Abby and they illustrate a custom print of the beloved pooch! Note: The finished print is not going to arrive by Christmas - so you are going to write a gift certificate for this gift.
Gus and Abby items available on the Brika.com website
Celebrate the Alphabet Poster $39 by Screech Owl Design
Celebrate the Alphabet Poster $39, 20’’ x 26’’
I love the creativity of Screech Owl Designs and the love of the handwritten letter ritual that led Jacqueline Schmidt to design these delightful notecards.
Going on a Journey Notecard $16 for set of 6, by Screech Owl Design
o with the Flow Notecards $16 for set of 6, by Screech Owl Design
Go with the Flow Notecards $16 for set of 6
Screech Owl Design items available on the Brika.com website
Deer Wooden Chalkboard $22 by 163 Design Company
Buffalo Wooden Chalkboard $22 by 163 Design Company
Blue Whale Print $50 by 163 Design Company
I love this Bee Silk Bar by MadeOn: Skin Care Products! And it not only helps with very dry skin but customers find it helps with eczema and psoriasis too. Made by the phemononal Renee Harris and her family and distributed through their website hardlotion.com.
Bee Silk Bar (hard lotion bar) pocket size 0.71oz, $6.95 by MadeOn: Skin Care Products:
Bee Silk Bar (hard lotion bar) pocket size 0.71oz, $6.95
It also comes in a family size bar of 2oz, $12.95, or try a 3 item pack of Bee Silk (pocket size bar and family size bar) and Lip Balm for $22.50.
MadeOn: Skin Care items available on their website hardlotion.com
Drawing Your Life by Michael Nobbs
Available wherever books are sold, or for more info see "Drawing Your Life".
A great way to get started in the habit and art, of keeping a sketchbook: this book “Drawing Your Life” by Michael Nobbs. It’s really a guided journal or sketchbook and the great thing about it is that it encourages one to get drawing right away.
Michael Nobbs’ website is sustainablycreative.com
All of these makers' interesting gift items are sure to delight. Do you have a favourite go-to crafter, creative, designer or maker to buy your holiday gifts from? I'd love to hear from you in the comments.