Glutton for challenges

Hi all,

Because time restraints due to work and show rehearsals finding time to do challenges has been...well...challenging. After discussing it with Ms G. we came up with a solution - I need smaller challenges that I can do in an hour or two. Probably best to start off small as well. So before I knew it more challenges have been put on the table. And here they are:

5. Design and make a desk sign with Ms G.'s name on. Potato printing is preferable. To be completed by 13th December.

6. Design and make Ms G. a Christmas card with potato printing. I can make more than one and give them out. To be completed by 13th December.

Spot the theme... :-)

I had a text from the wonderful Ms F. this week who suggested I went to life drawing classes with her. Unfortunately, they are at the same time I am in rehearsal so it was decided I would postpone this till after the show is finished. So probably the New Year. I did meet up with her afterwards though and lo I did come away with 2 more challenges.

7. Attend a life drawing class with Ms F. To be completed by the New Year.

8. Sing at an open mic night by the end of 2011. I can choose which open mic night I go to and Ms. F must be in attendance. I've been thinking about doing this for a while so this gives me the perfect excuse. I already have a couple of songs in mind.

Right, can't stay here writing all night, I've got some potato printing to do!

I'll let you know how I got on tomorrow.
EmJay x

The First Challenges

I have my first four challenges!

1. Make Chutney by Christmas (challenge laid down by Ms G.)

We decided on tomato chutney and the recipe I have is for 1.5 litres so there's going to be an awful lot of people getting chutney for Christmas!

2. Re-design an oversized dress by January (challenge laid down by Ms R.)

Buy a cheap dress which is much larger than my actual size and re-design it to make it fit me.

3. Find a random local creative activity and go do it! within the next 2 weeks (challenge laid down by Ms F.)

Go onto a local website’s 'what's on' page and find 3 creative activities that are of interest and pick one.

4. Buy/borrow The Artists Way by Julia Cameron and read it. No end date! (challenge laid down by Ms F.)


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Artists-Way-Discovering-Recovering-Creative/dp/0330343580

Apparently, it's all about rediscovering your creative self with a 12 week course with different challenges each week. Sounds right up my street.


So I'll let you know how I get on and will post photos as evidence!

Creative slump

Hello, I'm Em.

I'm in a creative slump.

Actually, I'm nearly always in a creative slump until that undeniably wonderful feeling of creativity pops up. Sometimes its for a couple of minutes and sometimes its for hours on end. I know when I'm being creative because when something works, it really does work. I get butterflies in my tummy, a tingling in my fingers and I grin like a Cheshire cat because I know I'm standing on the edge of the cliff looking out. I know that if I make the right decisions and go with my gut instinct it could be amazing. 

It's rare that creative feeling and I think that is what annoys me most. Is there a way of harnessing it? Can I learn to make the most of those moments? Are there triggers for being creative? Can I learn how to switch it on and off whenever I wanted to? Does it even exist or is it me being weird?

I think the first thing I need to do is be more positive about my own creativity. I know I am and can be creative, I have been hundreds of times before. So why not this time?

Next thing is to remember that it's rare to get flashes of inspiration. So when they do happen, seize the idea and run with it. Go where ever it takes you. 

Next...I'm the only one who can actually do it. No one else can be creative on my behalf. 

But I don't have to do it all on my own. Friends are great at pointing you in new and exciting directions and this is where I'm starting. 

I asked and handful of friends to set me creative challenges....