Letting Go and Crafting Anew.

The cathartic experience of letting go and clearing space with no intention of filling it and a little update of what's coming next.

How are you? It feels like it's been ages since I last wrote to you, I've missed it.

Today marks one month since our move. There are boxes still to unpack and the furniture needs organised in my studio, something I’ve been finding hard to do. I spent the first couple of weeks trying to figure out how I could make my new creative space look and feel like the old, until I realised I was just hanging on to the need for something familiar and to remain within my comfort zone.

A new layout and letting go of old ways of doing and being will do me good, I tell myself.

I rediscovered things I’d tucked away in drawers and forgotten corners —some old journals, mementoes, gifts and cards from lovely collectors, notes from mentors and other Artists who have become friends; then there’s all the vintage textiles and trinkets I’ve collected for nearly 30 years that spark memories of distant lands and ancient crafts. Each piece serves as a reminder of the thresholds crossed.

Packing up my old studio and bindery felt like an honouring of the space and where I created some of my best work. I made a short film of the process, I hope you enjoy watching it.

The items we collect weave the narrative of our lives, reflecting our experiences and passions. It's not the expensive possessions, but those imbued with soul that hold the deepest meaning; some of my most cherished objects are the simplest and most primitive.

As you glance around the room you're in, what story do your collected treasures tell about you?

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The past month has been a whirlwind with moving and settling in. While I'm exhausted mentally and physically, the arrival of spring and slowly finding a new rhythm and routine has me feeling motivated to tackle the endless unpacking.

If only it was this fast in real life!

I gave away some vintage textiles to family and friends and donated other items to create space I have no intention of filling with other things; the act of letting go was a cathartic experience. Clearing and space-making is essential for unburdening a creative mind from clutter, physically and mentally, don’t you think?

I don’t feel settled, yet, but as I find my footing and flow, I’m looking forward to creating again and sharing the process with you. I’m especially excited to begin work on a new journal collection with some exquisite embroidered covers I designed and had embroidered by women in Pakistan, and of course continue to work on my new course The Art of Bookbinding in which I will be teaching how I make these more elaborate bindings.

Creative work is sacred work, making time for it is essential for our wellbeing and the wellbeing of the world at large. Can you even imagine the state of the world right now if there was no handcrafted beauty, books to read, art to gaze at or music to listen to?

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AN AFTERNOON IN WINDERMERE

Two weeks after moving, I had a treatment for rheumatism that left me drained. While I usually avoid discussing health issues here, it impacts everything from my creative practice to daily choices like what to wear, eat and days out exploring. Despite having moved several times, even moving countries before, this move 50 odd miles up the road felt challenging!

Cabin fever set in by week three and I needed to get away from the sea of cardboard boxes for a while so we drove over to Windermere, which is the closest lake to us. I was surprised to see how busy it was with tourists, even though the weather was grey and wet.

I can see why so many people flock here and why artists, writers and poets find this part of England so inspiring.

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A NOTE OF THANKS

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you if you ordered something from my shop while I was moving and of course for allowing me extra time in getting your order out to you, your patience and understanding as I've taken this time to adjust and find my balance is deeply appreciated.

The first orders to leave the new Lotus Blu studio and bindery! It felt good to wrap these up!

I am hoping to have my space more organised over the next few days so I can get back to work properly. The need for routine right now is very much needed!

I am also aiming to have my usual end of month shop restock with a few everyday journals, candles amongst other useful supplies for your creative practice, so do keep an eye out for an email reminder.

Until then,

Stay curiously creative,