Day 194: The Little Mermaid

Sometimes you just have to treat yourself. What do you do when you need a rest, a boost of energy before something big's gonna happen?

I tend to revert back to my childhood; I watch The Little Mermaid.

Yep, it's my favourite Disney film and always will be. I pretty much know all the words and I'm not ashamed to admit it. So, the other day, I climbed into bed with some chocolate and my knitting and watched The Little Mermaid, singing along to the songs and laughing at Sebastian and Scuttle. Good times.

It's a wonderfully creative animation. I love the story, the colours, the music, the characters, the songs...Everything about it is gorgeous. And, I get to be creative in my own way by knitting while I watch. (I know it so well, I don't really need to look at the screen anymore. In fact, if I just sat here right now I could probably play the whole thing out in my head, songs and all. Who needs technology, eh!)

So, for your delight, here's a clip. It's my favourite bit (along with the rest of the film!) Sing along...

Day 193: Holidays are comin'

So today is the last day of my term and I have to say, I have never looked forward to going home as much as I do now. Christmas is a time for rest, eating, family...

...but what about creating? Do you guys have any creative plans for this festive season?

Let's decide together to put our hands/ears/eyes/mouths to something creative over the next 3(ish) weeks, people!

I am going to do some knitting, maybe even on Christmas day!
I'm going to read lots of good books...and maybe some writing too(?)
I'm going to do some colouring with my littlest sister, Olivia.
I'm going to do some baking...maybe decorate a gingerbread house in sweets and icing (yummmmm)!

What will  you do this holiday season to keep your creative side full this Christmas. Have a think, make a list and check it twice...

Day 192: What's your duvet like?

I've just put my new double duvet on my bed to keep me warm on these winter nights. It's got a really cool duvet cover which got me thinking about how many millions of duvet cover designs there must be in the world.

When I was a kid I have loads of Disney ones like 101 Dalmatians. I had a Snatch the dog one too, complete with lampshade and bin. (so cool, I know!) I had a panda one too. Everyone has one with their favourite animal on, right? Then as I 'matured,' I had, Lord of the Rings 'cause I was obsessed! When Uni started it was bright pink and now I have a brand new green one with flowers and dots. (it's actually way nicer than it sounds!)

I loved all of them at one stage or another, but I can't help but think it would be infinitely cooler to create my own duvet design...

What design would you create...? Here's some ideas to get you started on your creation!

Day 191: Illusions on the street

Check out these amazing images drawn on pavements:

They are soooo cool and really inspiring. I love illusion art. It makes you question what is there and how it can be made to look like that. Do you recon these artist draw them for fun? Art like this brings the community together and get people interested, even it it's not their thing. everyone can enjoy art out in the street! What would you draw on the street if you could?

I hope these images inspire you're creativity today. How could you bring illusion into your creative work...?

Day 190: Cats

I've been thinking about cats today. Partly because I miss my two cats back home, but also because of all the creative things that have been done with cats. I mean, how many animations have been made about cats? They've even got their own stage show named after them (which is brilliant by the way and mega creative!) And they're presented in so many adverts for cat food it's unreal.

Check this one out (sorry about the bit at the beginning, it was the best I could find):



How sexy is that cat!

How could you use cats in your creative work? (Not an actual cat, please. I am NOT supporting cruelty to animals!) Give a little time to cats today and see how they inspire your creative thinking...

Day 189: Elevator Pitch

What are you doing creatively at the moment? Maybe you're making an album or a series of paintings. Maybe you're writing a book or planning a massive creative festival!

If you were in an elevator/lift and someone asked you what you did (creatively) could you explain it to them in the few minutes you have with that person?

Or, perhaps more realistically, one of your relatives at Christmas asks you what you are doing with your life at the moment, could you confidently tell them about your creative work?

People like a confident, well thought out answer, don't they? Think about it today. How could you put what you do into a few sentences?

Here's my elevator pitch for my project:

I am running a creative writing competition for secondary school pupils, accompanied by workshops and one-to-one session to improve writing and creative thinking. All entries will be made into an anthology with proceeds split between the school and a charity chosen by the winner. An awards ceremony will follow with readings, prizes and anthologies on sale.

What does yours sound like...?

Day 188: Moonpig

Fancy getting creative with your christmas cards this year? Well, check out Moonpig.com. There's literally a Christams card on there for everyone. You can be as creative as you like. Chose your image, add a photo, insert a name...the choice is up to you.

Can't afford to send Chistmas cards? Well, just have a bit of a play anyway. Give your creative side a present with Moonpig!

Happy card making!