Creative Play

One of the pitfalls of working for yourself is that it is really easy to get in the habit of just working constantly and never taking time to play.  This has really caught up with me lately and I've found myself running on empty, both physically and emotionally.  So I decided to remedy the situation by starting with this bit of creative play.  It's time to fill the well.

I wanted a place where I could keep inspirational photos and notes for home decor and nesting.  I ordered some pretty origami papers and washi tape online, then went out and picked up an inexpensive sketchbook.  Because I've really been drawn to this pink color lately, I redid the cover with lots of pink and a spattering of orange.  I first covered all the words with gesso.  I didn't care if some of the blue still showed; I thought it offset the pink nicely.  Next, I put down some layers of pink acrylic paint and after that dried, I glued down some flower shapes.  I had to keep telling myself, "You are just playing.  You're not making fine art.  Just have fun damnit!!"  Then I traced around the flowers with some more paint, and covered it all with acrylic medium.  There is also some watercolor pencil and Jacquard Pearl Ex pigment in there.  It's all pink of course.

I separated the book into sections and gave each one a tab and a name.  I have sections for colors, textures, and spaces that inspire me, as well as tabs for things I want to do or make.

I wanted a decorative front page:)

My mouth is starting to water, thinking of the strawberries growing in my backyard!

Inside I am taping or gluing down magazine photos that I find attractive.  Nesting is one of my all time favorite activities, but it is another one that gets pushed to the periphery of my life.  Oh sure, I make the bed, wash the dishes, and vacuum the floor.  When I talk about nesting, I mean the little details that help make the house a home, things like making pillow covers or putting flowers in a vase. Grace notes.

Big sheets that have something I want on both sides, I'm just taping down on one side, so I can flip it over.  I'm leaving space on the pages so I can take notes or make sketches.  I'm noting what it is about rooms or photos that draws my attention.  Is there something there that I can replicate in my home?  Is it something specific or a feeling?  I find that I'm always drawn to rooms with lots of light, also ones with white walls.  I just don't know if I would really be happy with white walls in my own home.  I love color too much!  I am going to paint my kitchen and studio white, the kitchen because I need as much light in there as possible, and the studio so that I can get true color when I'm photographing or painting.

I've been having a lot of fun with this, and I have to say I am feeling better already!  Of course, that may also have something to do with getting a couple deadlines out of the way and catching up on my sleep here the last couple of days;)

Tell me how you find time for creative play in your life and what that looks like.  I'd love to know how you fill your well:)