Day 145: Alice Kuipers

Last night I did something I have only done once before in my life...I read an entire book cover to cover. The weight of my achievement kind of comes crumbling down when I tell you some (most) of the pages only have 50 words max. But, needless to say, I did it and I am pretty pleased with myself.

'Well, what is this book, Emma? For goodness sake tell us!'

Alright, calm down. Jeez!

It's called Life on the refrigerator door by Alice Kuipers. A girl called Claire and her Mum live together, but both lead very different, busy lives. Most of their communication is done through notes on the fridge and this is what we, as the reader, see of their relationship. It's very cleverly done and so touching. Everyone should read it!

I did a bit of research into Alice Kuipers and it turns out she too has a blog. It's really great if you want to get into writing so make sure you check it out. Life on the refrigerator door is her first novel. I often find the first ones are the best, so good news for all new writers, eh! Here's to hoping. One day, i'll share my writing with you all, but for now take a look at Alice Kuiper's work. It really is inspiring stuff!

Day 144: Natural Gas Advertising

Check out this super cool video:



Doesn't it just make you feel warm and cosy? I don't know about you guys, but it make me want to get out the knitting needles right now. The coolest bit is the trainers. Can you imagine wearing knitted trainers. Comfort!

If you could knit anything, what would it be...? (this questions applies to all, not just knitters.)

Or, if you could make an advert out of anything, what would it be?

Don't you just love doing a bit of creative thinking...? It's everywhere!

Day 143: Creativity after death

I have spent the last few days preparing to saying goodbye to my Grandma. She died suddenly a few weeks ago now and the whole family gathered together for her funeral yesterday. Isn't it funny that there's people in your family you don't speak to in years, but as soon as a funeral comes along, the whole family are brought back together again. I'm pretty sure my Grandma would like that.

So why am I chatting away about a funeral on a creative blog?

 When I started this blog I had a strong sense that creativity made people happy, gave self worth and was a path to self expression. I still think it does all these things, but the last few weeks have shown me that, actually, creativity is for all occasions.

When I found out Grandma had died I wanted to make sure I would remember the day, so in my own creative way, I bought a novel and wrote in the front so I would remember her. That book will help my own writing and in turn inspire creativity. I'll keep it forever.

My sisters, cousins and I were asked to choose the flowers that went on Grandma's wicker coffin. We chose autumnal colours which she would have loved. The way they were arranged was beautiful. Floristry really is an art that creates real meaning for many special days.

One of my sisters, Becca, spent a whole day baking cakes and snacks for the wake after the funeral, which everyone enjoyed (of course). I know my Grandma would have been proud of her.

These are just little things, but I think it's significant that they are creative in some way. So, today I wanted to share this with you and encourage you that creativity, even in the smallest forms are everywhere, even after death.

Day 142: Paris and Centre Pompidou

Ok, Ok, I can't keep it in any longer. I spent the last weekend in Paris with my lovely boyfriend and it was amazing! There, I said it. Now you all know. Cleverly, I managed to keep my blog going daily, but that's another story.

As you would expect from a creative person such as myself, I did in fact do some creative things whilst I was there (as well as climb the Eiffel tower and stuff that's not so creative!). It's hard to chose a favourite, but if I had to recommend somewhere I would choose The Pompidou Centre. It's a contemporary art gallery with loads of stuff attached (like cinemas), but the cool thing about it is, there is other things exhibited like furniture and architectural structures, so there really is something for everyone.

Perhaps the coolest thing about it is the glass escalator that goes all the way up the side of the building so you can see the whole of beautiful Paris. As Sam quite rightfully pointed out, it kinda looks like something out of a science fiction movie!

It was incredible, so if you've got a share afternoon in Paris, make sure you check it out! If not, then check out the website to see what cool things are going on...

Be inspired wherever you are, whatever you're doing...

Day 141: Express Yourself: Charles Wright

I was in class today and a wise classmate said, 'Creativity is how we express ourselves.' True words I think.

So, how do you express yourself? ...art, dance, music, writing...How do you want to express yourself?...singing, drama, fashion...

Just pick one and start showing the world the real you! If you've already found you thing, then get it out there and enjoy what you're doing.

I was trying to find something visual to inspire you all and I found this video. It makes me real happy, so I hope you share in this happiness!



Enjoy creativity and share the love! Go on, express yourself...

Day 140: Innocent smoothies' Big Knit!

You know those yummy fruit drinks which are ALL fruit and count in your 5-a-day thingy?

Well, they've got a creative challenge for you! They are asking people to knit tiny little hats for the bottles. It gets pretty chilly in the fridge!

It's all to raise money to make winter warmers for elderly people across the country. What a nice thing to do for those in need, eh.

'How do I get involved,' I hear you cry. Well, to play your creative part, check out their website. There are patterns, info, instructions and you can even win stuff. So, I won't here any excuses! All can join in the fun. Me and my housemates are on the case and I need you to join me.

Now go, be creative and help make the world a warmer place!

Day 139: Audrey Niffenegger's graphic novel

The other night I was lucky enough to see Audrey Niffenegger, who wrote The Time Traveler’s Wife. It’s one of my favourite books and she even signed it for me (so cool!)

One of the things I love about her is how imaginative her stories are. Her newest book is actually a graphic novel called, The Night Book Mobile.

It’s about a women who goes onto a book mobile (which is a mobile library) in the middle of the night. The thing about this book mobile is all the books are ones she’s read. Even books she never finished are in there, accept they’re not complete. Only the pages she actually read are in the book. The rest of the book is blank pages.

This (of course) got me thinking...what would my book mobile be like? I’ve read loads of books, magazines, newspapers, plays, kids books...and not finished some of them. They’ll be books in there I don’t even remember reading, books I'm ashamed to have read, books I'm proud to have read...but my collection wouldn’t be very big. I’m pretty new to all this writing, reading stuff, but its growing all the time, which is exciting.

What would yours be like...?

What if there was one for all the music you listened to, or the art you’d seen...?

Audrey Niffenegger is a practising artist too. She said, ‘Writing is just a hobby. A side project.’ Isn’t that amazing? She’s one of my favourite writers and it’s her hobby! It’s great to think what we could achieve with our hobbies and interests outside what we have to do. Maybe you have to go to school, college or work, but is that it? Well, if Audrey Niffenegger is anything to go by, then no way!

What’s your thing, your hobby, the creative activity you love? Whatever it is, stick at it and maybe one day (after a lot of hard work) you can be as successful as Audrey Niffenegger.

Here’s to hopin’!