Craft and Art As A Therapy For At Home Carers And Disabled People.

Thursday 9th May 2013



Hello!
I thought I would tell you a little more about myself today. If you read my first blog, you will know I love to make jewellery. My crafting helps me cope with all that goes on around me and keeps me sane!(well as sane as I will ever be-lol!)
For those of you who don't know me-I am a qualified primary teacher .I loved my job and the little people whom I worked with. I gave this love up after my second daughter was born, to become a full time mum to both my daughters . My oldest daughter-(Bob) was born with a very rare congenital right leg disability, which has involved us traveling to Great Ormond Street hospital in London. We did this regularly for thirteen years, while living in Scotland.
Bob had a very intrusive operation almost two years ago-sadly she now suffers chronic pain and has to be home tutored. I am carer and mum to my lovely Bob. Days are often hard emotionally and physically for both Bob and I .Somewhere within all the madness, I find tranquillity and peace of mind in making my jewellery. It has become a therapy for me-where I can leave my worries for a while and the magical sparkles of bead , fabric and wire allow me to transport myself to a place of calmness and normality-just for a little while.
Bob herself is now limited to what her body allows. Pain takes over her life and and has stolen her teenage life to a degree .Little, by little she is wandering down the pathway of art and music to help her deal with her pain. Her love of photography and nature is helping her see her life is worthy and just because she spends a lot of time in her wheelchair, doesn't mean she can't achieve in, or enjoy her life. Her photographs allow her to create and give others pleasure, as well of giving her a sense of achievement. Her music allows for relaxation and transports her to a less painful place-if only for a while!
So, when you look at my jewellery, or wear a piece, know that it not only does it give you pleasure to wear it, it has helped me find time for myself, helped me relax and forget my worries and given me a sense of purpose. Each little dragonfly has given me so much before it touches you!
Until Next Time!
Clare x

Inspiration For Jewellery Making

Thursday 2nd May 2013

My first Blog!!!!

Hi!-to all of you who have decided to give my blog a chance and read it. It feels a little strange writing about myself to people I have never met, may never meet and also to those of you who do know me  .Strange! strange!-but exciting too!
Thought I'd better introduce myself first-that what you do when you meet someone for the first time!
I'm Clare-a 40+ years lady. I am married to Peter-aka-Mr S!-we have been married for ever- (17Years!) we have two girlies-Robyn-(Rob) and Laurel-(Berty). We live in Ayr, coastal town in Ayrshire, on West Coast of Scotland with our two hammies-Rosie & Haggis.
Now that my into bit is done-I'll babble a bit I think . I like nothing better than being arty-creative and making jewellery!-well that and chocolate!(but they go so well together!)
Lots of people ask me -"Where did you learn to do that? "  "Where do you get your ideas?"
I have always been arty, for as long as I can remember-as a child I was always making things out of rubbish-junk modelling I think it was called!(Today!- that would be up-cycling!)
To answer the question where did I learn to do that-I really don't know!-I guess its in my genes. I had wonderful art teachers at school, who supported my love for art and encouraged me in all I wanted to do! My parents saw my talent and always provided the paint, the glue and anything else I asked for to help me be creative. The learning bit-well that's still on-going!-I teach myself-the best way to learn-is by making mistakes! (and a big mess!) I love trying new ways to make jewellery-some work and some don't!
Where do I get my ideas?-that's a bit easier to answer-I like to "People Watch"-People are fascinating -we are all completely original -in every way!
We all want to noticed and liked for who and what we are-that's fact! the way we dress and wear our hair tells others so much about ourselves. I have always been drawn to the "unusual person"-the one with the "different" clothes and "different" hair styles.  Ok ! Ok!-so where does that fit in to me getting ideas for jewellery.-I love the colours people put together-the textures and patterns of their clothes. This usually stimulates my taste buds for chocolate and being creative.
You have to know where to "People Watch!"-coffee shops are fab for this!-a window seat is the best. That way you get to see those who come into the shop and those who walk past in the street outside too. Then there are train stations!-so many people coming and going, telling their own personal story by their clothes and hair styles.
 My very favourite place for ideas and inspiration has to be Camden Town in London. The Markets along the canal side are the most wonderful array of chatter of so many languages, music from every genre and the smells of street food to make every taste-bud take note. The explosion of colourful clothes, hats & hair styles awaken every creative cell in my being. Inspiration floods me from every nook and cranny here! -Join me again soon for more arty- jewellery babble!-Clare x