'Get Arty & Crafty This Christmas'

Picture courtesy of crazylittleprojects.com

I am a member of  a Hastings writing club called G.R.O.W. (Grass Roots Open Writers) and one of the things the group gets up to from time is a bit of arts & crafts. Trying out new things may not seem much like a writing exercise but inspiration comes from new experience and writing can often 'spring forth' when you do something different.

This morning we all had a go at decorating glass jars with special paints. Drawing outlines with either silver, gold or black 'pens' we made up our own Christmas designs. Next week the group will tackle the painting of the jars and complete (we hope) a series of fun, home made items to give as presents or to use at home to make the house look more festive. Some of the bigger jars we hope will be useful as vases while some of the smaller ones will be great for putting tiny tea lights in. The power of light is especially powerful at Christmas and there is something intimately timeless about sitting in a darkened room lit only by fairy lights and the flickering of candles.

If you are alone at this time of year don't sit indoors wishing you had company - get yourself out the door and join a similar group or club near you! There is always a plethora of group meetings, dinners and social events at this time of the year so December is a great time to join a new club because you get more opportunities away from the clubs normal activities to mingle with others and get to know new people.

I am also a member of Shorelink Community Writers and can honestly say that in my unemployed, single state membership of both clubs is invaluable to me. If there isn't a club near to where you live why not start one yourself? Even something like a simple games evening will be sure to attract people and once you take the first step and enjoy that first evening you will be hooked! 

So DON'T sit indoors feeling sad this Christmas. I've been there, done that and work the t shirt. There may not be a simple solution to your problems and you may feel as lonely as hell but there are plenty of other people out there in the same boat as you so never lose sight of that...

I will post some photos here of our finished works of art next week!