Hello Fiber Friends!
While most of the population has been forced into some sort of isolation, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information – and misinformation . It seems to be all around which makes it hard to ignore and it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of it. Now more then ever it’s so important to look after our mental health; to take time away from all the negative noise and make a space where our heart and soul can find a bit of peace and comfort. One of the best ways I know to achieve that is through being creative.
I’ve written about it before but I think it’s important to touch on it again. I, myself, find when I am feeling grumpy and extra anxious it usually means I need to take a time out in my studio…LOL
When I walk in all my troubles seem to melt away! Whatever was bothering me seems like a distant memory as I get excited about all the possibilities that lie ahead in my creative world. I am transported into a state of flow–it’s the state you get in when you’re completely absorbed in something. Flow reduces anxiety, boosts your mood, and even slows your heart rate.
It’s not just being in flow that helps your happiness. Repetitive creative motions like knitting, needle felting, or writing help activate flow, and are all tasks that create a result. And when you succeed at creating a result, no matter what it is, your brain is flooded with dopamine, that feel-good chemical that actually helps motivate you. Whether or not you’re aware of your increased happiness, the hit of dopamine you get after being in flow will drive and influence you toward similar behavior.
NEEDLE FELTING
You know me…lol…I love my fiber and needle felting! It is the perfect activity to attain the state of flow. The repetitive stabbing is very relaxing and you really do lose track of time. Making a journal cover is very easy. Start with a piece of muslin or pre-felt and then just start stabbing fibers on to it. Check out my Facebook post on using a needle felting machine!
needle felt spring flowers
MAKING A JOURNAL COVER
Ok…so now let’s get out the materials and play. Here is a great website to learn how to create your own journal cover. It is the one I used to create mine! This author used a wet felting method but your could use needle felting…that is what I did. I have a felting machine and used that but I have made pieces felting my hand. It just takes a little longer…..more stress relief!
JOURNALING
Sooooo… let’s get to the journaling part! Whether it’s a writing journal or an art-based journal, on the pages of your journals you can lose yourself for a while. You can use a writing journal to explore your thoughts and feelings. Journaling is also a therapeutic way to manage stress and anxiety. It offers a safe space when everything around you seems to be spinning out of control.
Spending time being grateful heals, energizes and transforms our lives. Use your journal not only to record your feelings but also to write down what your are grateful for that day and read it often during the day.
You can find felting supplies at Anita’s Fiber Art and if you need further inspiration grab my free tutorial here.
BE SAFE & HAPPY CREATING!
ANITA