Creative Living : My creative summer to do list

From the many years of writing and reading blogs there is nothing I love more than reading about a summer to do list. I’m nosy and honestly don’t care how basic the activities are, I want to read ALL about them.

This summer to do list began weeks ago. The sun shone for a whole week, the first swim in sea (and river) had been taken and house was littered with sun cream. Then it started raining…Then the weeds ran wild…Then I got busy…

Today the post resumes on the summer solstice no less. The official start of summer.

Originally it was going to be called sitting down for summer; I began scribbling notes whilst sitting in my favourite deckchair in the garden and thought this is it! Peaceful time to write, read and think of ideas. More of this please!

Writing more is a top priority, the right words often find me at unusual times. Usually when I’m loading the dishwasher first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

I have introduced a kitchen notebook/sketchbook to capture fleeting thoughts. Whilst sitting in the garden I wrote a few notes for this post. Once the words were out I tried to sketch a few flowers, something that is  hugely intimidating. I started and THAT is always the hardest part. The flower sketches moved onto outfit sketches. There is a big pile of newly purchased second hand clothes waiting for some action.

Since my social media spring clean, I have found myself taking more time away from Instagram. Coincidentally I ‘discovered’ a new app called Coreli that gave my link page a fancy make over. It has beautifully gathered all the important things in one space keeping my page feeling alive and active so I can step away for longer. In these social media pauses, the urge to create is in full flow.

Jostling for first place on the list are freehand embroidery projects. They have been following me around all winter. Developing these ideas onto garments is something to explore over the summer. I found an old coat in the charity shop which is asking for some decoration.

There is now a basket full of embroidered patches and ribbons waiting to be stitched. Will it happen?

I’m not sure but my Pinterest use has gone through the roof as I search for inspiration. For this kind of project, Pinterest is so helpful and really calming. I always look at it before I go to sleep.

The downside to these night time scrolls is waking with more ideas than hours in the day. Also on my creative to do list is; to make zip up pouches with some handmade printed fabric, necklace making with my Barcelona beads, rustling up drawstring bags, finishing napkins, fabric printing, tassel making and editing a huge backlog of photos. I’m teetering on overwhelm and trying to workout the best possible plan of attack. This doesn’t include my floral projects…yikes!

Shall I give myself a creative day before the summer holidays hit? A creative day with just my sowing machine and a nice coffee to get it all out my system. Or try and dabble throughout the holidays..? Working calmly between the project baskets to get each one finished.

IDK, but keep in touch and I’ll show you how it goes… Now tell me, what’s on your creative to do list. Any projects you must complete or are you about to embark on something new?

If you’d like to get creative with me. I run a floral centred craft workshop 1st Saturday of the month. The next is July 4th and then 5th September, 3rd October, 7th November. Each spot is £25pp and runs from 2 – 3:30pm at my home in Leigh-on-Sea. Message me to book a spot. They are so beautiful.