🌈 Three afternoons of crafting, playing and being creative

6 minutes ago
4 min read

Planning three whole afternoons of crafting for the Rainbow Jane Summer Retreat has been rather a lovely challenge!

What do you choose when you have three afternoons to fill with creativity?

There are so many possibilities, and I could have happily filled the shed with dozens of different crafts.

But eventually I had to make some decisions – and I'm really happy with what I've chosen.

Because actually, the Summer Retreat isn't really about learning three particular crafts.

It's about having time to play.

Time to choose colours simply because you love them. Time to rummage through boxes of interesting things. Time to try something you've never done before, or pick up something you haven't done for years. Time to sit alongside other creative people, chat, laugh and simply enjoy making something with your hands.

And most importantly, there is no requirement to be "good at craft". It's the doing that matters.

🎨 Wednesday – Decoupage, paint & play

Wednesday is all about decoupage and painting, which has been a Rainbow Jane staple for many years.

It's one of my favourite things to offer in a workshop because it allows absolutely everyone to create something that looks beautiful, regardless of whether you consider yourself to be artistic.

There is something wonderfully liberating about having a pile of gorgeous papers in front of you and simply choosing the ones that make you smile.

Add some paint. Perhaps a little glitter. Maybe some sequins or other embellishments.

Daub, dabble, experiment and see what happens.

There are lots of decoupaged and upcycled things around the Art Shed and in my garden room to provide inspiration, but I'll be equally happy to give you lots of help, a little bit of help, or simply leave you to get on with it.

Sometimes it's lovely to have someone show you how to do something.

Sometimes it's even lovelier to sit down with a cup of tea and be left to play.

And that's exactly what Wednesday is about.

🧶 Thursday – Slow stitching, yarns & wonderful things

Thursday sees me getting the felt, fabrics, yarns, threads, buttons and sequins out.

You can sew, embroider, knit, crochet or collage – or simply experiment with the materials on the table and see what you fancy making.

I've recently been having fun crocheting things to hang in the garden – crocheted mandalas, spinning hangings and floral garlands – so perhaps you'll be inspired to make something similar.

Or perhaps you'll discover that what you really want is to sit quietly with an embroidery hoop and indulge in some slow, mindful stitching.

There really isn't a particular thing you have to make.

It's about enjoying the process, taking your time and letting yourself be creative.

And because the afternoon starts with an Open Craft Session, it's an opportunity for younger members of the family to join in too.

There will be binca and plastic canvas for anyone who'd like to learn some simple stitching, or you can simply choose the materials that appeal to you and glue them down to create a wonderfully colourful collage.

✨ Friday – Beads, bangles & beautiful things

Friday takes me right back to my early crafting years.

Long before Rainbow Jane, I had a bead shop in Leeds. It was in a long-gone market which was part of what is now the Victoria Quarter, and then I moved to the Merrion Centre and later the Grand Arcade.

I've always had a bit of a passion for beads.

And that means that over the years I've accumulated a rather wonderful collection of them!

So Friday is going to be a chance to get the bead boxes out and play with all things shiny, colourful and threadable.

You might want to make a bracelet or necklace, create a beaded hanging, or perhaps embellish a piece of clothing with beads, sequins and buttons.

There will be lots to choose from, and plenty of examples to inspire you.

And if you've got an old piece of jewellery at home that you love but never wear, bring it along. Perhaps it can be given a new lease of life.

I suspect Friday could be a rather sparkly afternoon!

💜 Three afternoons, three very different ways to be creative

Looking at the three days together, I think I've accidentally created a little journey through some of the things I love most about crafting.

Wednesday is about colour and transformation.

Taking something ordinary and turning it into something beautiful with paint and paper.

Thursday is about texture, stitching and slowing down.

Letting your hands work while your mind relaxes.

Friday is about colour, sparkle and playing with tiny treasures.

Choosing beads simply because you love them and seeing where they take you.

And that's really what I hope people take away from the Summer Retreat.

Not necessarily a perfect piece of craft. Not even necessarily a new skill.

But a few hours where they gave themselves permission to play.

To sit down, make something, chat to someone, have a cup of tea and perhaps discover that they are far more creative than they thought. And for those who fancy making a whole afternoon of it, each day finishes with the option to stay on for a simple, sociable supper. There's something rather lovely about carrying on crafting, sharing some food and ending the day with a bit more chat and laughter.