Wellbeing and a wellness festival

Update 1/11/22: This post showcases quite a few craft items that I generally keep in stock or can make with a couple of weeks notice to fulfill bespoke orders so please do get in touch if you are interested in any items or similar.

Mental health and wellbeing is often at the top of my to do list - simply because it's so important to look after this. I think a lot of us, in particular, realised during the pandemic and the experience of lockdown(s) that mental health is like physical health. When you get sick it takes time to recover. Mental health can often be difficult as you and others can't always 'see' the symptoms.

I practice mindfulness with crafting whenever I can - this is my go to escape or place where I can lose myself in a creative hobby or project. Get me talking on the subject of crafting and you will probably understand why.

So, back in January I signed up to have a stall at a wellness festival local to my home. Check out the full event details as there will be lots of providers, practitioners and businesses which offer something wellbeing related within our community. 

For me it's an outlet to share what I love and help to raise awareness and ideas to look after mental health and wellbeing. At the same time raise a little bit more for Mind, the charity I am currently supporting with the proceeds from sales of my handmade cards or crafts. Mind, offers many services - I've personally used their support both via their website and locally and wanted to give something back.

Hopefully see you there. 

Jewellery inspired by my travels

I've been creating jewellery for years. From macrame bracelets to seaglass earrings, and all sorts in between. A lot of my jewellery is inspired by my travels and sourcing materials/supplies often finds me exploring off the beaten track as well as enjoying some local experiences.

Origami heart card inspiration

Practising the ancient art of origami is a wonderful way to take some time out and channel your inner creativity. I've been inspired by #pauseformind and a pause giftbox that I received.

I do hope you find some inspiration for each of the kits from the designs below.

Kit 1 - rainbows

Kit/pack contents includes materials and instructions to make this card, other than glue (glue stick or whatever adhesive you have should work, nothing special needed).

Other ideas that would work with the contents of the kit/pack:

PS - credit to a friend/colleague at work for this one - thanks Molly!

The below idea is a bit more fiddly, but once you get everything laid out, you can just stick it down.

These cards work well without sentiments too - please share how you get on (more details at the bottom).

Kit 2: heart(s)

As with the above card, kit/pack contents includes materials and instructions to make the below card, you just need glue.

Or keep it simple and try just this:

I would love to see your completed creations - please share and tag @jadedcrafter on Instagram and/or share in a comment on this post. I'm rubbish with social media but really would love to see how you got on and do hope you found it as therapeutic and mindful as crafting often is 🙏.

Why I paint rocks and pebbles

If you haven't heard of kindness rocks check out this site, I'm not the only person who enjoys painting rocks, it's a worldwide phenomenum. 

Practice mindfulness with crafting

Mindfulness is extremely important in supporting wellbeing and is available to us all for free, and yet it's only when we are aware of this and make the time for it that we benefit.

Crafting is my go to mindful practice of choice and I cannot recommend enough the calming effects of being creative. So, of course this is what I spend a lot of my time doing. We all need to be kind and look after ourselves, and others.

Daisy card ideas

Update - Sept 2022: If you have landed here looking for inspiration to make a card - firstly thanks for purchasing the kit. The info included with your pack under the suggested steps is designed to create this card.

Want to make a card like this?

Why not join me at the Friends of Sir Joseph Hood Wellness Festival on 3rd September 12-4pm.

Fabric scraps to ease stress and tension

I'm always looking for ways to be creative and if I can do a little bit to minimise the negative impact on the environment and contribute to living more sustainably then it will probably make the short list of my latest crafting projects. 

I love a charity shop, freecycle and finding a use for something that can be repurposed. Did I mention I love to craft?!

This project was inspired by a bunch of fabric scraps and some discarded rice that just wasn't as good as the usual Basmati I've grown up enjoying (I'm half Chinese!).

Challenging times and supporting better mental health

I'm not one for new years resolutions. Personally I've come to the conclusion that there are just too many challenges at this time of year! However, I've got lots of creative projects to pick through so will try and share a few as soon as I can. 

This is just a quick note to let you know that I will be donating monies from my handmade cards and other crafts to the charity Mind in respect of orders and sales from February so get in touch and stock up to support this great cause.