My art-based wellness practice usually happens in a journal however, this is not always the case.  I often end up with a stack of paper that have various marks on them.  This stack is created with bilateral drawing, breath prints,  one line drawing, and creating with my eyes closed.  
A big question becomes: What do I do with all of this paper ? ...because I don't want to thorw it away. 
Check out these ideas:

• Cards - I love to cut paper into various shapes to make cards or gift tags that can be used for special events like birthdays and over the holidays.  You can't get more personal than a handmade card.
• Wrapping Paper - I rarely have wrapping paper on hand and find myself looking for creative ways to wrap gifts.  Sometimes I am able to find a nice piece of paper in my stack that's ideal to wrap a small gift.  
• Journal Covers - Since I started making my own art journals I am always searching through my stack of papers to find the perfect journal cover.  
• Collage Paper - Working with collage paper is a wonderful tool for self care and creative play.  I really enjoy reusing paper for collage either in my own work or at community sessions.  
• Ripping - The simple act of ripping paper is surprisingly relaxing.  If you find yourself at the end of a busy day, find a piece of paper from your pile and start ripping.  Burn, reycyle, or compost your small ripped pieces.  

I'd love to hear your ideas too, on ways to repurpose your artwork.  Creating something new with past creations is therapeutic in nature as you transform a piece of your past into something new and meaningful; like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.  

This video will show you all you need to know about your waterbrush, watercolours, and micron pen, as you relax into calming watercolour play.  If you have more questions, drop me a line, I'd be happy to help. 

This is an invitation to take a minute to nurture what you need during this difficult time of political decision making that feels harmful and out of our control.  
Over the past month, something I continue to think about is how is everyone doing?  My friends, small businesses, individuals, and marginalized communities.  At times I find myself overwhelmed and consumed wtih a range of emotions, thoughts, and worries.  
I want to offer a creative invitation that will help ease emotional stress you may be experiencing.  You can repeat it as often as is helpful.  You can share it with friends and loved ones as a way to connect and share with each other.  
Choose and draw a symbol to represent wha tyou need in this moment.  A nest could represent comfort, a triangle could represent solid ground, and a circle could represent hope.  Then draw yourself in or around the symbol.  
What do you notice?  Do you want to add anything to help nurture or strengthen this image?  
Reach out if you'd like to learn more about how therapeutic artcan support your emotional health during times of stress and overwhelm.  

​When I heard about the Peoples Portrait Prize, hosted by the Chester Art Centre, I knew right away that I wanted to participate.  This was an opportunity intended for community regardless or age or ability.  I know it can feel vulnerable to show a piece of yourself when you believe that others have more to offer than you.  By participating I wanted to remind people that it is okay for you to believe your work is not as good as others; it is the process and courage to show up that really matters.  As a Therapeutic Arts Practitioner I want to encourage space for individuals to be witnessed, whether in a 1:1 session, small group, or as part of the larger community.  This was an opportunity for a community of people, from diverse creative abilities, to be witnessed and YOU are worth that. 
I believed it was important to show up just as I hope others feel they can show up and be seen.  In deciding on a subject for my portrait, I wanted to honour someone who has played a beautiful role in my life and chose to create a portrait of my grandmother.  She loved to be creative and would not consider herself an artist.  She valued community and the space each person holds in it.  She was humble and would be embarrassed to have her portrait on the wall.  She is my inspiration.  

I invite you to join me for a healing cup of tea. 
First, I'd like to reminder you that sometimes a cup of tea is all we need for healing and other times we need  more than one cup. A cup of tea can be a good starting point to help move us in the direction of where we want to go for deeper healing.  
Let's get started.  Pour yourself a cup of your favourite tea and sit down with your sketchbook or piece of paper.  Take a minute to think about what healing you need from this cup of tea.  Do you need to let go? Forgive? Sit with the hurt?  Do you need courage? Kindness? Is your cup of tea a starting pont for larger healing that you'd like to happen?    
As you reflect on what you need in this moment you can sketch out your cup of tea.  As you can see, it doesn't need to look pretty.  Add any notes, reminders, or symbols that you'd like to include.  As you enjoy drinking your cup of tea, imagine it providing you with the healing you are looking for in this moment.  

Affirmations are a beautiful way to start your day, create positive energy at the beginning of a group session, and can set the tone for a collaborative meeting.  These are only a few examples of when these simple cards come in handy and create a big impact.  In my experience I have invited people to choose an affirmation card at the beginning of creative groups with youth, empowering experiences with women, and business  Every time at least one person (usually more) has a strong positive response to the message they receive and many people express gratitude for the grounding experience. 
Affirmations are messages that encourage personal growth, healing, and kindness.  They reduce stress, increase confidence, and improve mood.  While I have a few affirmation decks that I use regularly I believe a personalized deck is more meaningful and creates a stronger connection between you and your life journey.  When you gather with a group of like minded individuals to create your own personalized deck the ideas flow as the room becomes filled with inspiring messages.  I hope you are inspired to create an Affirmation Deck of your own.  Watch for upcoming workshops or book one for you and a group of friends.