I often hear people say “I’m not creative” or that they wish they had a creative streak, however what many people do not realise is that creativity lies within us all. 

The dictionary definition of creativity is “The ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations”

Creativity is often thought of in the context of art or storytelling but that is not true. Creativity is utilised by all of us and in all circumstances. Creativity is a brain function used to solve problems. If you want to open a packet but have no scissors to hand you may use your teeth, if you can’t reach the top shelf and have no steps to hand, you may use a chair. Neither of these are particularly good ideas, don’t try this at home, but they do demonstrate our innate ability to be creative in our endeavours. Creativity lies within us all.

Creative pursuits are very popular here, they are therapeutic, it is easy to lose yourself in the process and fail to notice the hours slipping by. 

The good news for all of us crafty folk is that as well as being thoroughly enjoyable, there is evidence that creative pursuits positively affect memory. Put simply, although a different part of our brain is used in creativity, creativity relies on memory, these functions are connected by pathways and the stronger these connections or pathways are, the easier it becomes for us to access them. If I ever needed an excuse to delve into the craft box this would be it.

At Kingfisher Court we try to get involved in creative pursuits as often as possible. As a group we really enjoy them. We hold craft clubs and art classes, we knit, we draw, and we arrange flowers. It’s very special to watch simple items such as paper and glue transform into something beautiful in front of our eyes.

This week we had a visit from Creative Paths. They provide art workshops, and what a wonderful workshop it was. It’s so nice to have someone to guide and inspire us. We are a creative bunch but sometimes we struggle to decide what to create. There is no danger of a creative block when Chris is around.

This week we made some pretty cards, decorated with paper flowers. We cut, we coloured, we glued, and we folded. We had a lovely time. Crafting together in a group allows us to discuss our art, to feed off each other and to have a good old natter over a cup of tea. Chris teaches us new techniques and we relish the opportunity to learn a trick or two. We were so proud of our cards, even more so when we heard that someone had commented on Facebook asking us if we take orders, maybe we’ll start our own cottage industry and corner the market in handmade cards.

Thank you, Chris, and thank you Creative Paths, we all had a lovely time, we look forward in anticipation to your next visit, we’ll have the kettle on ready.