Calming Crafts 24th September 2020
Oh Hai,
How are you this week? It’s been such a weird one hasn’t it?
In some ways I feel really positive and as though things are close to normal and then in others I feel like ‘normal’ will never be here.
Then I feel guilty for wishing for normal when so many are suffering and then I feel really frightened of it all. It’s a lot. The ‘corona coaster’, as they say!
I have wondered a few times what the national/global psychological effects of this will be.
It’s bound to change our thinking and mentality in some way, surely?
I feel a bit like right now we are all just trying to make it through, make the best of it, stay positive etc but when it’s all over and we can breath a sigh of relief, will it all be ok or will there be some sort of collective reaction? I worry that there will be a lot of trauma.
Bereavement and separation and prolonged fear are powerful.
So, as you can see, I’ve been really catastrophizing and not always feeling like I can control my runaway thoughts or fears.
I’ve not been sleeping well and I’ve been worrying excessively over things relating to the children.
I’ve tried all the usual things this past seven months – bubble baths, box sets, chocolate (omg far too much), wine, chatting to friends, tidying etc but none of them have really ticked the box until – Crafts!
Fun fact for you, when I start my OG Blog in 2009, it was called, ‘Beads, Buttons and a Sprinkle of Glitter’ because it was all about crafts!
I had just bought my first home in the Spring and I was doing it up on a shoe string. I HAD to be crafty to make it all work but I loved it!
Crafting is in my DNA. My Mum ran a craft fair business, my Granny did watercolours so beautifully, Auntie Judith can make clothes, Auntie Rose stitches quilts, Great Aunt Edna sewed, Great Aunt Barbara draws, it’s just our ‘thing’.
Life has been so busy this past decade that crafting took a back seat. Books, babies and boyfriends have taken up all my time but now with the world at a weird stand still, I need something.
I have been absolutely LOVING turning my hand to crafts projects big and small. It gives me a focus, I feel pleased with the results and it’s a lovely opportunity to spend quality time with the children.
I’ve renovated larger pieces of furniture or just painted sticks from the park and called them ‘magic wands’. Also, it’s a really lovely time of year to see things you’ve made dotted around your home. Gotta get that cosy yanno?
I was going to make this post about how I make things but it’s turned into a waffle about the COVID feels. Sorry about that gals! You know how it is- once I start typing it all just pours out!
Next time I’ll do a bit more of a step by step on crafts if you’re interested.
I hope you are finding things that soothe the soul and are managing your minds a bit better than I am!
Such big love to you all,
Toodlepip!
xx
Hi Louise, glad you’re finding respite through crafting but if you’re feeling this way I can’t help but recommend therapy. I know it’s difficult but it’s made a huge difference to my life and so many others. I hope you don’t take this unsolicited advice the wrong way.
I really never thought of all the emotional trauma we’re all going through and what will happen “after.” I even have a serious mental illness that I had to deal with alone during lockdown. I really hope and pray we will all come out stronger than when we started. You’re such an inspiration. Transparent and genuine. Love following you and your lovely family. Much love from Canada 💜🇨🇦💜
I have been feeling the same, its really kind of hit this week for me just how far away ‘normal’ feels.
Currently i feel exhausted, emotionally and physically drained and to be honest dont have much of a good reason to feel this way as i am a student thats not started term yet.
It is scary for me as to what the economy, mental health and general health of our country is going to look like by the time i graduate.
Crafts.. now that is a bloomin brilliant idea! Especially with Halloween and Christmas round the corner. Watch out Hobby Craft :p
Thank you for sharing this, Louise! I’ve been feeling all these stressful emotions as well here in America, and even just reading about your crafting is soothing! I’m now 30 years old, but growing up, my mom always made it a point to make up craft projects for me and my brother, especially during the fall season. Going hunting for acorns and the *best* colorful fallen leaves to make something out of, or to put in a scrapbook, are treasured memories for me, and as an adult I’m so appreciative that my mom made it a point to express her creative side with us. She always had a knack for making beautiful things out of nothing! Since many years ago my mom has struggled intensely with alcoholism, and remembering the joy she got from crafting with us kids is an important reminder for me of the wonderful, talented person she really is underneath the shell of her addiction! I do apologize if this is too much information to put in a reply for a post about crafting, but I wanted to share how much your crafting posts have calmed me and reminded me of very happy times, and inspired me to do some of my own DIY 😊 (And I’m sure it will do the same for your girls as they get older and have those memories with you!) Thank you, Louise! Happy crafting, sending warmth and kindness your way 💕
P.S. Loving all your blog posts!
Love it! Writing like this is also good for all these 2020 feelings and life feelings in general so enjoy it, would love some autumn / harvestcrafty ideas for my 2 and 4 nearly 5 year old x
Craft is definitely my go-to; I love to cross stitch, and I picked that up from my mum who did it until her eyesight got too poor. But I love it, it calms me, and I can work on it while listening to podcasts and audiobooks. Life has been crazy for the past few years, not just Corona, but having a chill space is so important for my brain.
(Also, I feel like blogs are having a real comeback lately? I just started mine but OG bloggers seem to be back blogging and I love it)