Alison Day Designs: creativity

Fry’s Teak Gardem Furniture

Thursday, 7 December 2023

The Next Stop Is . . .

Waking up in the dark to go to work isn't my, or I should imagine anyone else's, preferred start to the day. But, once on a bus, I'm resigned to the current 9-5 work segment of my day.

Chauffeur driven, I'm left with my thoughts, the Internet and podcasts. It's December and I'm bundled up in a duvet coat. I share the commute with a variety of travellers at close quarters. Unavoidably, it’s the season of coughs and sniffles, which I hope will serve to strengthen my immune system, rather than make me ill.

As the blue-black of night relents, revealing a damp, pale, blue-grey dawn, filled with seemingly motionless trees and shrubbery, another day begins.

Arriving in the city, shop doorways bear the evidence of late night feasts. The revellers have long since gone, leaving behind makeshift cardboard carpets, takeaway packaging and lone bottles.

The Christmas Market stalls connected by twinkly string lights and conical Christmas trees promise a variety of delights come opening time: cheeses from home and abroad; wooden animals and figures made from teak roots; cashmere and woolly hats alongside original handmade silver jewellery; mulled wine and churros to nibble while pondering pottery plates.

Not wanting to be late, I stride by. Later, on my return journey, I'll pass by the stalls in the dark once more, but this time they’ll be busy and the street will be filled with people, the air with music and the Christmas lights will be twinkling.

Homeward bound, rain puddles have become lakes and I queue for the bus.

Wash, rinse, repeat.

Re-awaken your inner creative and grab my FREE download: The Ultimate Kickstart

Alison Day Designs

Saturday, 18 November 2023

Unlock the inner artist: Creativity for a busy schedule

Have your creative passions faded into the background, in the daily hustle and grind of work and family responsibilities that demand constant attention?

Does the spark that once ignited your artistic spirit seem like a distant memory, buried beneath the weight of endless to-do lists and urgent commitments?

Is your inner artist searching for an outlet for creative expression?

For those seeking to rekindle their creative spark, the world of hands-on, creative, digital courses offers a gateway to unlocking artistic potential, while fitting into a busy schedule. Courses that provide a supportive and nurturing environment, where new skills and art forms can be explored.

The beauty of these courses lies in their flexibility; whether you're a complete beginner venturing into the realm of art, or a seasoned artist seeking to refine your skills. There's a course tailored to your expertise and available free time. Online learning platforms offer a treasure trove of options, allowing you to access courses from the comfort of your own home during those precious moments of downtime.

With a vast array of creative disciplines to delve into, the possibilities are endless. From the intricate art of paper quilling, to the mesmerising world of digital animation. Embrace the tranquility of painting, the meditative rhythm of knitting, or the power of storytelling through photography or filmmaking.

Engaging in creative activities has been shown to enhance cognitive function, boost problem-solving abilities and reduce stress levels. A therapeutic outlet for emotional expression, allowing you to process and navigate the complexities of life through art.

Moreover, joining online creative courses provides an opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded individuals. This sense of belonging can be particularly enriching and offers a supportive network and space to express one’s authentic self.

As you embark on your journey, remember that creativity is not about achieving perfection or conforming to a specific standard. It's about embracing the process, the joy of exploration, and the freedom to express yourself without judgment. Embrace the imperfections, the unexpected twists and turns, and allow yourself to be guided by your creative spirit.

So, with this in mind, why not start by dedicating a few hours each week, for some me time? Explore a new art form, take an online course, or simply pick up a paintbrush and let your imagination run wild. You'll be amazed at the transformative power that this can bring into your life and remind you of the boundless potential that lies within.

Re-awaken your inner creative - grab my FREE download: The Ultimate Kickstart 🌸

Alison Day Designs

Thursday, 2 November 2017

May the Universe be with You

We all have those days. No matter how hard you try to keep your positive mojo going, something happens whereby the doldrums hit, or something underwhelms you to the point of disbelief.

I get it, there are worse things happening in the world and every day I have, I should be grateful for what I have. So, without this turning into a complete whine fest, let me put you in the picture...

On days that I don’t feel on top of the world, I tell myself:

‘Get out of the house, take a walk and clear your head’.

It helps—it doesn’t always solve the problem, but it generally raises my mood and gives me some level of clarity on how to proceed.

My local park, is a seasonal delight. Filled with autumnal colours, amplifying the end of the year, yellow clay underfoot, made squishy by the recent rains and bouncing dogs and their people.

As I trudged along, trying to replace the negativity in my head, banging on like a small town gossip, my eyes were cast to the ground. With each step, I saw mud and a variety of different leaf sorts sunken into it and admired their variegated shapes and shades: greens, yellows, reds and browns. Reaching a trident in the path, habit dictates I take the central path and head up a small hill.

On this particular day, I noticed a sprinkling of leaves that although familiar in shape, were out of place. Puzzled, I stopped in my tracks and looked around to find the tree these could have fallen from. Nothing. No tree, shrub, branch remnants or root ball in sight that these could have possibly come from—just fresh, green leaves, everywhere.

Gathering up 9 of the leaves, I continued up the hill. At the top, I stood a while and looked down the stone steps to the bandstand. With the leaves in my hands and a smile on my face, I contemplated the odds of why this particular leaf and not another. You see, when it comes down to it, I am a firm believer that when we ask for help, the Universe will oblige us with an answer, in some form or other.

‘What were the leaves?’ I hear you ask.

Oh, yes, I almost forgot—they were fresh, green, Ginkgo leaves, strewn all over the path.

Why did this made me smile? Well, because this is the leaf that is featured on my new logo, for my up and coming website: Dream Create Reveal, for online courses, due early 2018!

In need of a creative boost? Take part in this month's: Creative Jumpstart

Dream Create Reveal

Friday, 27 October 2017

Creative Jumpstart

The obligations of modern life are manifold and often leave us with little real time for ourselves, Five minutes here and twenty minutes there, snatched in between daily obligations and work. Any real 'me time', is as precious as gold dust and when it comes down to it, we’re often out of puff, uninspired, or blocked creatively…

Taking time for ourselves, and tapping into what we really want is an important way of giving ourselves space to breathe, re-boot and energize. This is not only important for our personal well being, but also affects our relationships and every other area of our lives.

Creative Jumpstart is a FREE, 5-day, creative boost, delivered daily to your inbox. Each message contains a mini assignment and each day builds on the one before.

Whatever your artistic experience—whether you’re in need of a creative boost, are just starting out, or a seasoned professional—Creative Jumpstart is for you!

Monday, 16 October 2017

Autumn Ink

This month, along with thousands of artists the world over, I’m taking part in the inky drawing challenge of #inktober, over on Instagram.

Shared work is tagged with #inktober or #inktober2017. For those who want it there's an official prompt list for inspiration, but ever the rebel, I’m seeing where each day takes me!

Saturday, 7 October 2017

Weekend Fun!

A couple of days ago, via my Facebook page, I set up a a group called Dream Create Reveal, with the vision of of connecting artists and creatives and offering daily prompts to start conversation.

If you'd like to join and take part, you can HERE

For more creativity, subscribe to my monthly newsletter and be one of the first to hear when my creative course launches.

Dream Create Reveal

Instagram

Friday, 14 July 2017

Floral Unity

A floral Mandala created using botanical finds from my garden: Wild Strawberries, Poppy seed pods, Hydrangea, Lemon Verbena and the grass is Red Baron (love the name— reminds me of the cartoon, Snoopy). I don't know what the yellow flower is.

The name Mandala comes from the Sanskrit meaning 'circle'. Easy to make and a meditative action. The balance of elements within the circle are a symbol of harmony and unity. Mandalas are used by many cultures the world over, for pre-meditative, intention setting. It is also seen as a tool for the psychic journey and represents cosmic as well as psychic order.

What do you think of my creation?

Currently, I'm writing an E-Course. It's for anyone wishing to take time for themselves creatively, develop their knowledge, as well as meet others of a like mind. Regardless your artistic experience or creative level—so that includes you!

If you'd like to be kept up to date on my E-Course as it progresses, or have always wanted to take part in a creative class, with an environmental flavour, please, sign up for my newsletter to be kept up to date on my progress: here

Tuesday, 4 July 2017

Eternal Flame

Revealing the Inner Artist through Creativity, Knowledge & Personal Development

In the last few months, I've been writing a Creative E-Course for adults, whatever their artistic experience or creative level. It's for anyone who would like to get in touch with their artistic muse, or carve out a little time for themselves.

Although I'm not at the stage to reveal all yet, more details will be revealed as I progress. I will say however—it promises to be good!

So, if you'd like to be kept up to date with its progress please, sign up for my monthly newsletter: here