What has gotten you through the last year of pandemic, quarantine, and news? Here’s how one of my dear friends turned to creativity to help her get through it all.
Meet Wende, unexpected artist
I noticed my friend Wende Carter started sharing some of her art projects on Facebook a few months ago. Like many of us, her job went virtual when quarantine started. She turned to creativity to help her cope.
She started doodling and drawing zentangles as a way to meditate and get out of her head. Then she found tutorial videos on drawing mandalas. She was mesmerized and it all clicked for her.
“The meditative aspect of creating these designs aligned perfectly with my need to focus on something other than the turmoil going on around me,” she wrote on her Facebook page. “Each tiny line requires your thoughtfulness, only thinking about that next line, that next element, kept me focused, busy and calm.”
Wende says she’s never been into this kind of art, but it’s become her therapy.
“The hours that it takes to create them also surprised me because I’m usually an instant gratification kind of person. I need to see results fast or I get bored but for some reason, this isn’t a problem when it comes to creating my mandalas. I work an average of 10 to 14 hours minimally on each piece but those hours fly by and my reward is each finished piece.”
Taking a leap with creativity
With some encouragement from her husband, son and friends, Wende recently took a leap and set up shop at a local craft fair. She’s now selling her projects through her Facebook page, Wendala Designs.
Making that leap was scary for Wende, but she’s happy she did it.
“The thought of letting them go terrified me. And yet here I am, pushing through every self doubt I’ve ever had. I’m still scared but I’m braving it out and taking a chance, I have nothing to lose except time and I’ve got so much of that right now!” she wrote.
What’s your creative outlet?
What kind of creative things are exciting you and helping you get through this time of pandemic? I’d love to hear from you! For me that’s designing printables, coloring, and working on puzzles. My nieces have been painting, redecorating their room, and making slime. It’s not about making masterpieces or starting a business, it’s about doing something that makes you happy — whether that’s drawing, baking or decorating your lawn with lights. Your creativity can look like anything.Want to support small, creative businesses? Even though this is a holiday guide, these creators are in business all year long and you can treat yourself to something cute!
Creative Resource Guide Freebie
Need some creative inspiration? I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite resources – books, podcasts, websites and more – to help spark your creative mojo. Sign up to get your copy below! Please share and pin if you found this post helpful.
