The Ribbon Mat - Crocheting with Ribbon

This round mat was crocheted with ribbon and a 9mm hook. It came out soft and elastic.

I love my excuses. I am actually quite good at making them. When I don't feel like crocheting, I would use the excuse, "I don't have any yarn". This time, however, I didn't allow myself that excuse and I used ribbon instead. Crocheting with ribbon was better than I would have hoped.

My first try was with soft ribbon, which is the homemade home decoration you can see in the photo. It came out looking smooth and soft, which it is. My second try I didn't bother finishing, as the ribbon was hard and just didn't have the effect I wanted. Hard ribbon does have it's possibilities, but I just didn't want to use it for anything at the time.

The Pattern

It is made in a very ordinary way, so this is simple and quick for those who need either a quick birthday present or just want something new for the house without much effort.

I will only tell you how to do this in a short way. If you don't know how to slip stitch, then you will need to learn that first (I will eventually make a tutorial for this). If anything is unclear, ask away!

Base: Chain 6 and slip stitch into the first chain to make your circle. Chain 1.

Row 1: Single crochet twice into every chain stitch. Slip stitch to finish the row and chain 2.

Row 2: Double crochet (DC) in the back loops only. You will crochet like this: DC x 2 into the first single crochet, DC x 1 into the next single crochet, continue with this pattern until you slip stitch to finish your row. Chain 2.

Row 3: DC in the back loops only. You will crochet like this: DC x 2 into the first single crochet, DC x 1 into the next single crochet, DC x 1 into the next single crochet and then DC x 2 into the stitch after that. Continue with this pattern until you slip stitch to finish your row. Chain 2.

You will continue doing more single DC in the stitches for every new row you make.

Working with Ribbon

One issue is that the softness made it hard to hide the lovely seam...

Working with ribbon is definitely something every crocheter should try at some point in time, as you get experience working with different materials.

I have tried making this with a harder, see-through ribbon, but it came out looking completely different, and not at all in a good way.

If you want to try crocheting with ribbon, I would highly recommend it, as it is fun and nice to work with. However I will say start with soft, silky ribbon. I will definitely work with this ribbon again in future to make a variety of home decorations!

Happy creating!

Irish Crochet Throw Degrades into Tablecloth: Retrenchment Life Lesson Learned

The Irish crochet motifs that I am still working on.

Things often don't go according to plan. The Irish crochet throw I was working on has now become an Irish crochet mini tablecloth, or something of that kind. Seeing that I might need to move country again, second time within a period of 3 months (tiring and exciting at the same time), I have to lower my costs and baggage. So, dum-dum-dum, the throw won't get what it needs to grow into a full throw.

Disappointment: Only an Emotional Stage

I cannot afford the wool to finish this project, neither can my new sponsor. My mother is so kind as to buy me the wool to (at least) make a small table decoration of some kind. Since I can't take my entire apartment with me, I have to leave a lot behind, and the throw-decoration thing goes to my mother.

It is rather disappointing, as this project was going quite well and I was enjoying it, but sometimes we need to accept we are not in charge of our own lives. We are also having quite an adventurous life, one that I know many people would love to live. We are still young, so we can afford restarting a few times until we truly find our feet.

Disappointment is short-lived, or it can be, if you allow it. You can stay disappointed or you can work with what you have. I went through my disappointment stage, like we all do. You just need to push through to the next stage, namely acceptance.

The Life-Lesson

The Cause

This whole affair was quite a life-lesson. My husband was retrenched from a job we never thought would sell-out or go under. We were comfortable, thinking we are okay now, financially secure, as he got a promotion. Not even a month later, we heard the news: Everyone needs to panic. We are calm through this; our only issue is the rental apartment, which is turning into a real headache.

Life Tip

Never get stagnant and too comfortable in your current situation, as it can change so easily and quickly. If you have wanted to live in a caravan while you explore the world, then start planning. Don't just dream, plan out and then live the dream. Don't plan for years, though, as that is just stagnation as well. Anything can change in a few days time and then you might never get to do what you want to.

Also, don't look at an issue like retrenchment and think "Oh no, I'm done for". Take a deep breath and think of all the open doors, all the possibilities that you couldn't try before. Your safety net is gone, what will you do now? You fly. You go do whatever you wanted to do, because if you do nothing you will be in a very bad situation. If you do something, it might change your life for the better.

We know that retrenchment sucks - it really does, but when we really thought about it, it became exciting. What do we want to do now? Where do we want to go. Yes, it is easy to say when you have the money for it, but guess what? We don't have the money for it, but we make it work either way, because we have to. We cut our costs, we take action immediately, we look for lower positions and we go for it all out.

Different Perspective

My throw is now a downgraded little tablecloth, but at least it is still something. I will post another blog the moment it is done, so you can see that even when it isn't what I wanted it to be, it can still be something great when you look at it in a different light.

Hope you are inspired to make that change and find your happiness in the disaster.

Handmade Gift: My Grandmother's Birthday Necklace

I have never been good at remembering birthdays. I almost forgot my own grandmother's birthday! I am blessed to still have my grandmother. This necklace I made with her in mind, and luckily she likes it. Here is what I did and my thinking pattern for those interested.

Take note that I haven't made any jewelry in such a long time, and I was quite worried that I would have forgotten how. It is like riding a bike - I was quickly able to get the hang of it again. I started off by choosing my colours and arranging them as I would like them.

I decided to give it different levels, which I did through the use of crimping beads. I covered the crimping beads up to ensure that it all fits in nicely with the design. I wanted to use ribbon, but decided it wouldn't really enhance the elegant, yet simplistic look - always know what you want and how to get it!

My table soon looked like this:

Quite an organised mess...

In the end, my grandmother was very happy with the necklace and it fitted perfectly with her top she wore on her birthday outing. There is nothing like giving a gift made by hand with love. Next time, try making someone something rather than running to the shop; most people would appreciate the gesture of time and effort.

Feel free to tell us about your own crafts!

Free Scarf Crochet Pattern: Mother's Present Completed

The crocheted scarf that had me worried for a moment.

Now that my mother's scarf is finally done, I just need to remember to actually give it to her. This crocheted scarf had me worried in the beginning stages, as it looked a little on the sloppy side. You can read about my experience with it here and here. For those who like the look of this crochet pattern, I will write down the specifics here for you, so you can try it yourself.

The Sloppy Start

In another post, I mention the fact that this particular scarf was looking a tad bit sloppy because I chose the wrong hook size. If I remember right, I had to go under the recommended hook size, which I consider as a little weird - I work tightly naturally.

Luckily, after common sense kicked in, the scarf started to look a lot better and the pattern was a lot more suitable for a light scarf. The colours together with the open work of the pattern, makes this a great crocheted scarf for the summer or in between seasons (but you will need something a lot more cozy for those winter days).

The Free Crochet Pattern

I had to remake this scarf pattern. I got it from somewhere on the net, but I can't find it again. If anyone knows where this pattern came from, please let me know. I need to add a link to their website. For now, be aware that this is not my pattern, but it is at least a free crochet pattern that I found.

Row 1

Make this free crochet pattern as long as you need it to be, as long as you stick to multiples of twelve. Thus chain in multiples of twelve plus an extra one for your next row.
Turn your work.

Row 2

Single crochet (SC) all the way through.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

Row 3

Skip 2, SC into the 3rd stitch.
Chain 6, skip 5 and SC into the 6th stitch.
Chain 3, skip 2 and SC into the 3rd stitch.
Continue on with this pattern until the end.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

Row 4

Double crochet (DC) into the 3 stitch gap.
*DC 9 times into the 6 stitch gap.
DC into the next 3 stitch gap.
Chain 2.
DC into the next 3 stitch gap.
Continue from * until the end.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

Row 5

SC into the 4th stitch of the 9 DC group.
SC into the next stitch.
SC into the next stitch after that.
Chain 3.
(Petal Stitch) - Yarn over, go into the 2 chain gap of the previous row, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over and go through the gap again, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over and pull through 2, yarn over and go through the gap a third and last time, yarn over, pull through, yarn over and pull through 2, yarn over and pull through the last 3.
Chain 3.
Continue from the beginning.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

Row 6

SC into 3 chain gap.
Chain 3.
*SC into the middle SC of the previous row (of the 3 SC group).
Chain 3.
SC into next 3 chain gap.
Chain 6.
SC into next 3 chain gap.
Chain 3.
Continue from *.
At the end, you need to make sure that you have 3 3-chain gaps. You should end with a 3 chain being SC into the last 3 chain gap of the previous row. After this, chain 3 and SC into the last loop of the previous row, allowing you to have a block-form (otherwise your work's sides will be all over the place) and your 3 3-chain gaps that you need.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

Row 7

DC 4 times into the first 3 chain gap.
*DC into the next 3 chain gap.
Chain 2.
DC into the next 3 chain gap (see why those 3 3-chains are so important?).
DC 9 times into the 6 chain gap.
Continue from *.
At the end, make sure to DC 5 times into the last 3 chain gap.
Chain 1.
Turn your work.

Row 8

SC into the same stitch.
SC into the next stitch.
Chain 3.
*Make a petal stitch.
Chain 3.
SC into 4th DC of 9 DC group.
SC into middle DC (next one).
SC into next DC.
Chain 3.
Continue from *.
At the end, your last SC will fall on the last DC.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

Row 9

SC into first 3 chain gap.
*Chain 6.
SC into next 3 chain gap.
Chain 3.
SC into middle SC of the previous row.
Chain 3.
SC into the 3 chain gap.
Continue from *.
Chain 3.
Turn your work.

From here you repeat from row 4 until you have it as wide as you want.

Until next time! Remember to leave a comment.

Crochet Help for Newbies: Choosing Your Hook Size

I hope you are all having a good day! I am - I am able to tick one project off my list. I will write a blog about it soon, but first I want to add this one that is on WillowSeed's website, too. It is all about the size of your hook versus your project.

Your Own Tension

I have had plenty of experiences where I realised that I work either too tightly or too loosely. I often work tightly, but now I do it on purpose. I like the look of my work when it is just a little more on the tight side (just as long as I can still move my hook around with ease).

Because I work naturally tight, I hardly need to go for a smaller hook size. I often use the same hook size as recommended on the yarn label. Sometimes, however, a mess up can come from following the guidelines put on the label. Some projects come out looking far too loose and large. I call it looking sloppy, because that is exactly what it looks like.

The one below looks a lot more fluffy and sloppy than the one above it, doesn't it? This is what 0.5 hook size difference can do.

This is why I always say it depends on yourself. You have preferences. You have certain techniques. You have your own unique ways of doing things, and the yarn label doesn't know that. Keep yourself in mind before you go crazy and use up your entire yarn on a project that could have looked a little neater.

The 0.5 Difference in Hook Size

I need say no more. The picture here illustrates the difference between a 4mm and a 4.5mm better than I can explain.

Small changes make big differences, so try to change your hook size only by 0.5mm until you are happy with your end result.

It made a difference in how I saw my project. In the beginning I wasn't happy about this project at all. Go read my feelings in this entry. Now, I can say the end result is much better. As I mentioned before, I will write an entry about it next time with a link here for you. Your hook size can either make a project disaster or, well, make a nice, good-looking project.

The End Result

I am unique, and so are you. This is why patterns and labels can be used as a guideline, but only as a guideline. In the beginning, I wanted my work to look exactly like the so-called experts out there. I felt annoyed every time my work came out looking a lot different. I thought I was terrible at crochet. I understand after plenty of practice that everyone has their own way of crocheting. Yours will look different than mine, but it doesn't mean my projects are better or worse than yours - it's just different.

Work with your own unique way and create what feels right. If you aren't happy with your end result, do something different. If you can see the pattern looks a little too loose, use a 0.5mm smaller hook (make small changes to your hook size). Play around. It's your own project, even if it is another's pattern.

You might want your project to look loose, then use a bigger hook. You might want your project to look really tight, then use a smaller hook. Make changes to your design using your own creativity and judgement. Remember to always have fun when crocheting.

I hope I helped, inspired and motivated some of you today. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Update Time: What I Did

In the past few months, I have been on a discovery of new things. These things can be seen as interesting, rewarding experiences and others as less so. One of these events led me to Irish crochet, so it wasn't all bad. So let me get you all updated.

Irish Crochet

Irish crochet is an amazing way to make things you didn't think you could. Currently (or not-so-current, as I have stopped for a while now), I am busy with two Irish crochet projects. The one project is a small decoration that I decided to make as a learning curve; and the second project is a rather large one: an Irish crochet gown. Rather, I think I could call it a gown. I will post pictures of these as soon as I have space to pack it out.

I am also trying to make a huge Irish crochet project, namely an Irish crochet throw. This project is only in my mind. I have found a pattern I would like to try and the wool. As with all creative projects, mine won't look like the pattern's end result, as my wool is a lot thinner. I am still excited to give this project a try and I will keep you updated once I start with it (once I have my table back).

My parents gave me this amazing table; perfect for Irish crochet projects, but as you can see, it's useful for other reasons too...

My Mother's Birthday Scarf

I can say that I am, after months of only practising Irish crochet, finally busy with something else, too. It feels good to return to plain crochet after so long!

My first project after the Irish crochet is a scarf for my mother's birthday (about time, as her birthday was a few months ago...) and it is not going exactly as planned. Here is a photo of the half-finished job.

My mother wants the scarf done in the same crochet pattern as I used for this tablecloth. Problem is that this particular pattern was one I found on the internet. I have no idea where it is. I have been trying to remake it, but with this particular wool, the pattern isn't looking as beautiful to me as it does on the tablecloth.

Update: I have changed the hook size and I am a lot happier with it now. Read here about the importance of hook sizes. 

And So...

Work is going slow, as I recently moved again. This time, I am living in one of the loudest places I have ever lived. Isn't apartment life great? I mean, where else do you get to pay a fortune for a box where you actually get to do nothing but stress and complain about lack of sleep and many other necessary things?

Only last night the police were called out to the apartment block next to us, as it sounded like someone was getting murdered in the parking lot for about half an hour. The police ended up going on a high speed chase, while everyone else was just standing on balconies watching everything play out.

I will rather continue another day before I go into a rant. Enjoy your day and don't forget to comment (especially about your apartment life story)!

The Less than Perfect Crocheted Project - Not a Mistake

Don't be discouraged when your newest project looks less than perfect, or rather completely different from what you envisioned. This happens to me quite often when I work without a pattern. I like creating my own crochet patterns, which often leads to projects looking a little ... less professional than I would like. Yet I find that I learn best this way.

My recent project was crocheted gloves. I made these for myself to work with, as I get pretty bad winter hands. I tried to make them as unique as I can with thinner wool than I usually enjoy working with. I love green and brown, which led to my ultimate decision to buy this particular yarn.

It wasn't the worst job, but it came out differently than I anticipated. They do work well to keep my hands nice and toasty, but they are still too thick to allow me to work comfortably while wearing them.

The point is that no project can really be considered a mistake if you learn from it. I am not entirely unhappy with the project (as I can wear them), but I do know it could have gone a lot better. I have learned a lot from this project, but there was one specific one I'd like to share.

Write Down Every Detail!

Yes, this is seemingly obvious. I wrote down the pattern I used for the one side of the glove, which I thought was thorough enough. However, as you can see, the one glove is not exactly the same size as the other. I never wrote down how much to decrease and because of this small detail, the one glove fits too snug.

The crocheted glove being worn is the first one I made, and a great fit, but the other one has plenty of issues. It is even duller in colour.

No one is perfect and therefore no one will have a perfect crochet project. This will definitely not be the last project I mess up, and it might once again be because I don't write down the patterns - I am so lazy when it comes down to writing down my patterns...

Tell me about your own "disaster" project and what you learned from it! You might just help other crocheters out there. Whether we have crocheted for months or years, we all make mistakes that we can laugh at.

The Newest Finished Crochet Project: Crocheted Lap Blanket and Its Pattern Guide

It is about four months since I started with crocheted lap blanket and I only finished it yesterday. It took a long time, but I can say it was for good reasons, namely that I was busy with other projects in between and that sometimes I was an expert procrastinator.

This crochet project was redone a few times as well, since I had trouble with the crochet pattern (which I made myself). I kept being unhappy with how it looked, but third time is a charm, or was it the fourth?

This lap blanket will be perfect for those cold nights sitting in front of the television or computer, and it will be even better for a pet to take over. I got an order for one of these from my own husband, so I will probably start another one soon.

This crocheted lap blanket was a blast to make, but I had to remake it a few times to get the pattern right.

Lap Blanket Crochet Pattern

Sadly, I can't tell you exactly how it was made, as I never made notes. I can try to give you a little guidance if you want to try to make something like this yourself. Take note that I expect that you already know how to crochet and what the different stitches are. I'm not going to explain every detail, but feel free to ask me a question.

I'm sure you can make something like this yourself with the guidance I'll give you on the pattern I made.

Terms Used
Single Crochet - SC
Half Double Crochet - HDC
Double Crochet - DC
Double Crochet into Front Posts - DC into FP (to make another front post)
Triple Crochet into Front Posts - TC into FP (to make another front post)

First Row
Chain as many chains as you need until the lap blanket is as wide as you want it.

Second Row
SC or Half Double Crochet HDC to create your strong base.

Third Row
Chain 2,
{skip 2 stitches,
DC 5 times into the 3rd stitch,
chain 1,
skip 2,
do a petal stitch,
chain 1,
skip 2,
DC 5 times into 3rd stitch,
skip 2,}
DC into FP in each of the next 3 stitches,
grit/seed stitch into the next few stitches (as many as you want - I had 7),
DC into the next 3 stitches,
do the same stitches as between the "{}",
grit/seed stitch again (I have 6),
DC into FP in each of the next 10 stitches (this marks the middle of your work).
Continue with the rest of the row in the same manner. Finish your row with a DC into the last stitch.

Variations in Rows

The rest of the pattern is basically the same, but there are variations to create the certain look.

From this picture, you can see the variations and add it to your pattern.

Variation 1

Every second row I changed the following regarding the groups of shells and petals:

Original:
skip 2 stitches,
DC 5 times into the 3rd stitch,
chain 1,
skip 2,
do a petal stitch,
chain 1,
skip 2,
DC 5 times into 3rd stitch,
skip 2

Variation:
skip 2 stitches,
do a petal stitch,
chain 1,
skip 2,
DC 5 times into the 3rd stitch,
chain 1,
skip 2,
do a petal stitch,
skip 2

However, do this only to the ones on the inside, never to those on the sides. You can change them as often as you want.

Variation 2

As you can see, the front posts often twists. I do this by changing a part in the pattern. I will try to explain as best as I can.

This is how I make the 3 FP:
DC in FP,
DC in next FP,
DC in next FP.

What I do to twist it, is this:
TC into the last FP of the previous row,
TC into the first FP of the previous row,
TC into the middle FP of the previous row.

Just keep your head. Please look up how to do these on your own, as this pattern is purely a guidance and not a full pattern.

I hope that this pattern inspires you to make something amazing this week. I am currently trying to learn a new skill, so I will not have anything new for you for a while. I hope that soon I can show you some of what I learned, but until then, happy creating!

For more information, visit our website's entry on this project by following this link.

My Home Decorations

Let me share with you two of my decorations I made for my flat. I have to say, they didn't come out at all as I planned, but at least they are decorating the place.

You will see here that my own trade is crochet. I love to crochet. I feel like I can make anything I want, and best of all, I can make it while watching my favourite programs. A bonus is the satisfaction I feel once I have a completed project, but my perfectionist side sometimes spoils it by noticing flaws.

Crocheted Lampshade

The crocheted lampshade, made with wire, spool knitting, beads, toilet roll and variety of crochet stitches.

This lampshade might not look like much, but it creates such a beautiful ambiance. My plan with this lamp was to make it a little larger, but I lacked the right materials, such as proper wire. I did have some wire that I use for my beading, which you can see around the beads (covered with spool knitted wool).

I made plenty of mini crocheted circles and crocheted them together to merge the top part and bottom part together, while still looking nice. The bottom part got it's volume from the curled wire on the inside - again, I would have like it to have had more volume, but creativity comes from making something with what you have.

The top of the lampshade is a piece of toilet roll crocheted over. It was the perfect size to fit snug over the light bulb. Just be aware that this room doesn't get used a lot, which means the light never gets time to really heat up. I have no idea how well this decoration will handle heat.

Mini Crocheted Tablecloth

I probably shouldn't call it a crocheted tablecloth, but it is what I wanted until I ran out of wool. I decided that it actually looks nice when it is such a small size. I got this crochet pattern somewhere on the internet, but sadly I can't remember where. I take no credit for the pattern.

It's fun to decorate your home with your own handiwork. If you have made something for your own home, please share it with us!

How to Find Yourself through Art

How do I find myself? How do I reconnect with myself or my family? It’s all too easy to loose touch with ourselves and it can’t (always) be blamed on the age of technology. Perhaps we can point our fingers at the media, as they do contribute to the confidence issues men and women often face.

Most women are unhappy with their own bodies and want to lose weight. We see the media’s images of perfect bodies (should we be reminded that they do belong to imperfect people) everywhere. We don’t necessarily want to look exactly like the model on the cover, but we do find ourselves thinking “I could look so good if I lost a little weight here or there”. We create ourselves as models in our minds, hoping to reach that unattainable goal.

Other people lose themselves in their fast paced race to the top of the corporate world. You always try to reach that next goal instead of enjoying the one you just scored.

The reason for your lost connection or how it happened is not what is important here, but rather how to feel more fulfilled and connected with yourself. No one knows you like you, right? If you know yourself so well, then why are you limiting yourself?

In short, to find and reconnect with yourself, you must do the following:

1. Be true to yourself
2. Be honest with yourself
3. Spend time with yourself
4. Be happy with who you are, not just accept yourself
5. Ask and answer hard questions about who you are and what you are feeling
6. Challenge yourself realistically

These can be reached in many ways. We will give some ideas that we hope will be inspiring. We hope to bring your image you have of yourself in line with who you really are (which is an amazing person you want to get to know better).

1. Imagination

Imagining ourselves looking like models is one of the problems our imagination has created for us. Our imagination can be wonderfully cruel sometimes. Yet, this same imagination can be used to your advantage.

Instead of imagining yourself looking like a model, rather try to put your imagination to better use. Imagine yourself exactly as you are and being happy with who you are and what you look like.

If you have trouble getting excited about being yourself, then perhaps you can make a few small changes and see if that helps. Make a few tweaks to your wardrobe or change your hairstyle (which can be anything from a dramatic cut to curling your always straight hair).

This is where the next part comes in…

2. Creativity

Be creative. It really is as simple as that. You can’t expect to find yourself if you hide away from who you are. Do everything you do in a way that you want to, not because others want you to. If this means to eat with your hands in an expensive restaurant, then do it (but don’t blame us for being thrown out).

Creativity is one of the many keys to happiness. You can explore your own creativity. Start with something small if you are new to it. You can look for ideas on the internet or try something random that comes to mind. You can try to make a really strange hairdo, but be sure to have fun while doing it.

Be careful to fall into the “But it could have looked so much better” hole. Focus your full attention on positive thoughts, such as “I am having so much fun using my makeup to draw this crazy looking house” or “My hair has never looked this strange, but you know what, it was worth it, as I now know that I have really nice and thick hair to do things with”.

3. Artistic Physical Activities

Dancing and yoga are two of the activities you can turn to when you are stressed or just feel like loosening your body. Both these activities challenge you to do something more than your body is used to. Focus on your body and the movements you force it to make while always being mindful and careful.

It is important for our mental, physical and emotional state that we keep active and it does do wonders when you are feeling a little low on self-esteem. While it won’t change your views on yourself immediately, it will help you connect with yourself in new ways.

Yoga is especially great for getting to know yourself. While you do the slow movements or meditate, you can allow yourself to ask yourself some deep questions and try to find the honest answers. There is no point in lying to ourselves, but we all do try to.

4. Be Inspired and Create from Within

Once you have fulfilled the requirements of all the points above, you can finally go big. This is something we want each and every person to do and feel free to send your end result to us to put on this website! We would love to hear from all of you and your stories.

For this challenge, we want each person to draw themselves. This picture doesn’t need to be perfect, as we are never perfect. After you drew yourself (on any medium with any medium) write down what you love and like about yourself. It must be things you have discovered about yourself on this journey of self-discovery. Again, be creative and have fun. It is all about you.

When you become stronger within yourself, then images in the media won’t affect who you are. You won’t look at the pictures of models and feel inferior, but rather look at it as art. Become happy with everything you are and stand for and do whatever you want to by not only finding yourself, but also connecting with yourself. Know who you are and what you are truly capable of through something as simple as art.

Remember to send those stories in (it can be anonymous)!

The Concept of Art: Fulfilment, Peace and Enjoyment

This post is from my previous website - they are written differently from my other posts, so if you don't like it, save yourself and go look at a different post!

What is it in life that gives you the feeling that you did well at the end of the day? What is it that makes you get out of bed early because you feel energised? Some might answer coffee, others will answer family and others might, possibly, have no answer at all.

It doesn’t really matter what makes you tick, as long as you find whatever that is. Art is special, as it has so many different branches where it is used or needed. In a previous post, art was above “rules” that might restrict its full potential, and in this post we are looking at, well, exactly what the title says.

Fulfilment

Sometimes we can’t help but feel that life is missing that something spectacular, that something that will make you feel a little more awake and happy. Some people find that creating something from something else is where they find that missing piece.

God creates from nothing, but we are given the ability to create from things around us. Sometimes our imagination creates better than our hands could, as many of us often have something amazing planned, only to see it look more than half of what we envisioned. Yet, we should never let that hamper our talents, but rather appreciate what we created for what it is: an artwork that will allow us to take a deep breath in and say “I am done”.

We all chase after something, whether it is money, happiness or love. When you have finished a project you have worked on for a few days, weeks or months, you can be proud that you pushed yourself to finish something that you have chased after. With other words, you keep challenging yourself, keeping you fulfilled and driven to reach some type of purpose.

Peace

Yoga is an art to find your inner peace, but sometimes writing or drawing can be just as helpful. It allows you to think only about what your hands are doing and enter your depths as you work. Sometimes you get glimpses of yourself while you work, realising why you are using that particular word or colour.

Art is not just writing or drawing, but also dancing and acting. Whenever you practice your own art, you are able to lose yourself in it, if you give it a chance. Even in hard times, you are able to work through your emotions so much easier when you put your emotions into your work.

Enjoyment

What is a hobby or a job without enjoyment? If you are not enjoying the art form you are currently doing, move on to another; it is the only way you can truly find peace and fulfilment.

These three things stand together to form a trinity of happiness. Find your happiness in the art around you, whether you made it or not. It can often be hard to find happiness when you go through hard times, but focus on the flower that is in bloom or on the little moth that is sitting next to the light, and if you feel like it, do something creative. May everyone find their peace, fulfilment and enjoyment.

If you have something to add to this discussion, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment.

The Concept of Art: Rules

This post is from my previous website - they are written differently from my other posts, so if you don't like it, save yourself and go look at a different post!

The concept of art is something that could and should be explored by any person, whether he/she is and artist (or even wants to be one) or not. It is something that can be very personal to each and every person, and, as such, the concept of art has many different branches within WillowSeed too. Today, however, we want to write about a particular branch, namely “rules”.

Are Rules Useful?

Rules can be useful if used as some type of guideline. Yet, WillowSeed personally believe that where some rules can be useful, other rules can hamper creativity. WillowSeed is against two particular rules that have been brought to our attention: writing in certain ways and sticking to one signature technique for your artwork. Both these rules can hamper the artist in exploring and growing their talents.

Art is not something that can be contained, oh no, for it is about being free – free to express yourself and hopefully find someone who understands the deeper meaning within the artwork (and perhaps even your own soul). It will be hard for people to see who you are if you hide behind the rules others put down for you (this is no reason for you to shun all rules, just certain ones set down for creating art).

The Personal Aspect

Is art part of our souls? Yes! Art is part of everything we are, for we create from what we are inside, do we not? We put a little bit of ourselves in whatever we create, which makes it such a personal, open project.

Artists show themselves, and therefore they often show their own vulnerabilities to the people willing to take notice. Others show their passion, their strengths and their talent. Each and every artist is unique and so each and every artist will have his/her own technique and signature. It is very personal and so is art. We choose our favourite artists because we like their particular technique. They create these techniques through events that make them the unique people they are and from talent bound to their own personality.

So, No Rules?

That’s not what we mean at all. Rules can be good, but some are but guidelines. Some people say their way of doing things is the right way only because it makes money for them. Others will try the exact same techniques and it will not work for them. Some artists will always live the “artist’s life” where there are struggles, lack of food and little understanding, but at least they are doing what they love. Just make sure you can pay the bills first.

Perhaps it is about finding the balance between what we want as artists and what people want from us as people. While you try to find that balance, try not to forget who you are and who you would like to be. Remember that art is not meant to be perfect, but its imperfections should be admired.

The next post will be a rant on the Concept of Art again, but this time we will explore a different branch. The Willow tree has many branches!