Sometimes, I find that the best way to refresh my creative energy is to step away from the paper trimmer and ink pads for a little while. While I’ll always love a good paper crafting session, there is something incredibly therapeutic about the slow, rhythmic movement of a needle and thread.
On my work table this week, things are looking a bit more “cuddly” than usual. I’ve been busy hand-stitching a set of felt animals and characters inspired by The Little Red Hen.
Why I Love Hand-Stitching
There’s no rush with projects like these. Each stitch requires a bit of patience and a lot of love. It’s the perfect “sofa craft” for a quiet evening when you just want to keep your hands busy while relaxing.
I’ve made a few little tweaks to this set as I’ve gone along. For instance, I decided to turn Mr Baker into a finger puppet rather than the stand-alone doll I used to make. I think it makes the whole set much more interactive for storytelling. There is nothing quite like seeing a child’s face light up when a character actually “comes to life” on your hand.
Work in Progress
The little pink pig and the bright yellow ducklings are finished, but the set isn’t quite complete yet. I still have to sit down and design Mr Miller. I’m thinking about what little details will make him stand out… perhaps a tiny felt hat or a different waistcoat?
Even though this isn’t a card making workshop, the same principles apply: it’s all about the joy of making something from scratch. If you’ve been feeling a bit stuck with your usual projects, I highly recommend trying a different medium for a few days. It really helps clear the “creative cobwebs.”
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