Many of us are swept up in the joy of the holiday season as we bake up a storm or spend extra time with friends and family. I hope you’re having fun!
While the holidays are wonderful (and they truly are), they can be a bit overwhelming. To slow things down and avoid potential stress, I take a bit of time to calm myself through the quiet, simple joy of arts and crafts. I encourage you to do the same, if only to enjoy more creative time.
Whether you’re hoping to try a new medium or bringing mindfulness to your favourite creative practice, here are some resources to get your browsing started.
Mindful Sketching: How to develop a drawing practice and embrace the art of imperfection by Peggy Dean
Embracing imperfection can be difficult, which is exactly why I picked this book. The author is candid in her vulnerability as she introduces and encourages mindfulness in art. The book is full of fun, simple projects that are designed to build skills as well as shrugging off the confines of perfection. I love all the tips to help make both drawing and mindfulness part of your daily routine.
Cross Stitch for the Soul: 20 designs to inspire by Emma Congdon
Packed full of beautifully designed patterns, you can enjoy the simple repetition of cross stitch with any of these inspirational phrases. The colours and stitches are clearly defined for each project and the finished product is photographed as a framed piece to show you how great it will look in the end.
Elemental Macramé: 20 macramé and crystal projects for balance and beauty by Rebecca Millar
Enjoy macramé in a different way by setting an intention and inviting beauty and balance into your work. This book offers some stunning projects and encourages the reader to incorporate crystals and other elements into their work. You can focus on making something splendid or bring a touch of magic to the knots.
Mindful Crochet: 35 creative and colorful projects to help you be in the moment, relieve stress, and manage pain by Emma Leith
This book had me right from the intro, where the author assures us that our creative efforts have value. How lovely! Colour is embraced in projects for all skill-levels and interests. You could make a colourful garland, a puffy tea cozy, a delicate shawl, or the incredible mandala in a hoop project featured on the cover and found on page 63.
Simple Hand Sewing: 35 slow stitching and mindful mending projects by Laura Strutt
For those familiar with sewing, this book offers lots of colourful hand sewing inspiration. Add designs to existing accessories, make something cute to display, or mend clothing with a visible flourish. There is even a little embroidery project that uses colours to record the daily temperature, which would be a nice way to reflect on each day as we head into continue into 2024.
Honourable mention to:
Watercolor for the Soul: Simple painting projects for beginners, to calm, soothe and inspire by Sharone Stevens and Painting Calm: Connect to nature through the art of watercolour by Inga Buividavice
These two books look fantastic, but they’re so popular that I couldn’t get a look. I have my holds placed and look forward to enjoying them.
Want more creative fun? Check out our Info Guide on Hobbies and Crafts.
~Meg
Readers' Salon 