There was a time when the word creative made me think of people who cleverly whipped up knitted scarves or intricate patchwork quilts. Or I thought of bohemian types who spent their days painting or drawing or manipulating pottery in gorgeous but ramshackle studios. I have never really put myself into the creative category because I don’t sew or knit or paint and I don’t fit the bohemian mould.
However, I have come to realise that I love creating things with my hands and imagination. In fact I crave little slices of creativity; they keep me sane in amongst the reality and demands of daily life.
Perhaps it is a buttery, sugary apple cake sitting alongside a freshly picked piece of pear blossom.
Perhaps it is being camped out in the dust and grit of a horse event and scrambling for the camera to catch that split second when the sun rises directly over the fire and past the children’s faces.
Perhaps, as our wider world turns red and dry it means planting extra flowers in the garden because even the tiniest flowers fill me with joy and hope.
Maybe it is constantly pursuing a better sourdough loaf.
While the online world can crush creativity and leave us all feeling inadequate the upside is connecting with like-minded people who are making pretty things. Recently I made a purchase from Hart Studios for a specific magazine photo prop I wanted. Since then Nicola and I have exchanged multiple email conversations and I have made more tiny purchases, knowing that I am supporting a passionate women who has a real life story behind her gorgeous wares.
I am always eyeing off lavish books to fuel new ideas and The Maverick Soul is on my Christmas list. If vibrant, artistic interiors are your thing you might want to check this out. Or maybe like me, you just love some interior escapism occasionally.
How about this weekend in Orange for a perfect gathering of food loving creative types?
When I reflect on my blogging friends I know you are all out there knitting, crocheting, sewing, printing, painting, dyeing, cooking, growing things, writing, taking photos and styling.
I also know that you are fitting it in around your daily routines and reality. Isn’t it a wonderful thing?
What is your thing?
Do you see creativity as necessary to nourish and enhance your life? Or do you see it as a slight indulgence?
Wishing you all ramshackle studio moments x
Cheryl
I’m learning to consider creativity as vital in a well rounded life, even if it means the house is a little messier and dinner is a little late!
Lately my creative outlet has been sewing, other times it’s baking or gardening. I dream of the day when I can fritter away the hours doing all 3…i.e retirement!
Jane S
Thank you Cheryl, I hope you find some creative moments this weekend.
Chookyblue
I always thought of creative as painting drawing art…….I now know it is so much more……. And it is essential to life health…….. I’m not the most creative but I love what I do and that is what matters……. It feeds the soul……
Jane S
That certainly is all that matters Chooky, thank you for calling in.
Melissa
What a stunning photo of your children.
It’s too long since I have camped out in western NSW.
Jane S
Thank you Melissa, camping is always a winner isn’t it?
Kate
Creativity can be an elusive thing and what’s creative to one person is just part of life to another! There are so many creative things I wish I could do! I must make some more time for those that I can do xx
Jane S
So true Kate. Thanks for calling in, happy weekend x
ewe beauty
Oh Jane ! you don’t need to sew, knit or paint ….. you weave wonderful webs with your words and pictures and I relish the story … and drool over the creative photos…… that is enough! I would love to be able to bake/ cook /create like you …….. so I’ll just go on sewing wonderful things for new born babes ( like free hand quilts etc. ) and you go on baking and together we will create a balanced world xx…. just LOVE that Ivanhoe snap of the kids … award winning .
Jane S
Oh you are so kind Trish…and SO creative! That photo was at Topar last weekend, a quiet moment before the action started. Thanks for calling in x
Anne
I think you’re wonderfully creative Jane, especially the way you capture the light in your photos. Laying the table with a pretty plate or lining up flowers in vases is just as creative (or perhaps more creative) than slavishly following a knitting pattern. As you know, I’m currently rather obsessed with printing – it’s more about the process of printing and the fact that it makes me look more closely at things than being about the finished product. Definitely a nourishing and enhancing part of my life.
Jane S
I love your printing Anne and your drawing. Thank you.
Kate
I started my blog because in the middle of raising children and working and running a household and all things ‘adulting, I missed the luxury I once had to be creative. I upgraded my camera and started snapping away and uploading it and reaching out to others doing the same. It was a great outlet and well before Facebook and Instagram were what they now are. Now the blog does get forgotten quite a bit but, even now, it still serves that purpose. I find your blog extraordinarily creative. It always inspires me. Oh, and are you going to the Orange event. The line-up sounds great. Speaking of creativity, I booked this (http://www.jamboreesouthcoast.com.au/) for myself at the beginning of the year, and it’s next weekend. Beyond excited.
Jane S
Thanks Kate, your reasons for blogging are very similar to mine and that is basically how I got started too. I love your blog, it is always thoughtful, colourful and interesting. Yes, I have signed up for the Orange event…now to work it around the logistics of family and adulting! Just off to check out your link. Enjoy!
Brenda
This blog is a lovely work of creativity. To me, a well-balanced life includes a good slice of the creative. But–especially when raising children–it can be hard to find blocks of time for large creative projects. So, I love your approach of touches of creativity throughout the day. I had so many years of suppressing creativity during my work years, that it has exploded during retirement. Pure fun.
Jane S
I hope you continue to enjoy your explosions of creativity Brenda. Thank you.
Sarah @ Say! Little Hen
You definitely fit into the creative box Jane! Making or creating anything is creative in my book – including cooking, gardening, photography….it’s all creating!
Now if only we could find a way to make doing the washing creative…..
Jane S
Oh yes, the washing just doesn’t have the same appeal does it Sarah? Thanks for calling in x
dani
I wish I was more creative. I used to be… I think…I’d make up story after story before smartphones and fb and insta… or maybe I am just making excuses… who knows 🙂 Hmmmm… anywhoo – I love your photos… as always 🙂 x
Jane S
Sometimes the stories are hard to find aren’t they Dani? I know at times I have a head full of ideas and other times I have nothing. Thank you for calling in.
Suzie
I can only dream about the sourdough. love your photos. 🙂
Jane S
Thank you Suzie!
cityhippyfarmgirl
Ahhh creativity, so necessary. Without it I’m twitchy.
It’s alway done in the cracks of the day, but that’s ok, it’s still done and with that it soothes the soul.
Jane S
I always think of you when I think about those cracks-in-the-day moments Brydie!
Marcellina
I have just discovered your blog and love your calm writing style and your gorgeous photography! Plus sourdough bread is amazing.
Jane S
Thank you Marcellina, that is very kind of you.