Crafty Ways to Keep You and Your Family Busy During Lockdown

Let me start by saying that I hope you are all safe and well. As a part time teacher, I am working modified hours in school but mostly from home. However, as an artists, it is mostly business as usual. Below are a few ideas on how to stay inspired during Lockdown.

Get Social While Social Distancing

For a long time I had been unhappy with how I was using my Facebook group so I recently changed it.

Have Your Tried…? is all about getting creative with lots of simple activities and there are loads of opportunities to share what you’ve been doing too.

Colouring Pages

It can be hard to get hold of art materials when you’re trying to keep your distance and some of you may be in total isolation not wanting to receive deliveries so why not download what you need?

Downloading one of my colouring sheets is so simple and you can get them from both of my online shops. Below are some pics of the ones available right now for the bargain price of only £1 each.

So all you need to do is click the link, download, print and colour to your heart’s content.
I’d love to see what your versions look like too so comment below or tag me on social media:

@heatherdoesprints (Instagram)

@thepeacockandtheprintmaker (Facebook)

Printmaking Kits

The newest addition to my shop is printmaking starter kits. These are suitable for ages 3 and up and really do not require any prior experience. In the kit you get:

• A set of instructions

• 4 press print tiles

• 8 small square pieces of cartridge paper

• Two mini coloured ink pads

Click the link in any picture to view the product in my shop.

Embroidery

I’ve been rekindling a passion for all things embroidery to help me switch off from the madness that is right now. I’ve been trawling through my hoard of kits but I’ve also been taking a look at some of the more modern and colourful kits by the wonderful Clare from Hello Hooray (not and ad - I genuinely love what this woman is doing!) How amazing do these kits look!

These beauties are definitely on my Wishlist. If it’s just inspiration you’re after, her amazingly colourful instagram grid is well worth a visit @hellohoorayblog

Keeping a sketchbook

Another thing I’ve been doing a lot more of is experimenting with new ways to keep a sketchbook. I use mine a lot but I’ve been taking part in the sketchbook prompt challenge by Jessica Kinnersley at www.instagram.com/jessicakinnersleytextiles and it’s made me totally fall in love with the sketchbook process.

Jessica is a collage and textile artist working in Northumberland and well worth checking out (again - not an ad).

And Finally…

You may want to follow these social media accounts to find inspiration:

www.instagram.com/handmade_hour They are holding online markets and introducing us to some really great small businesses.

www.instagram.com/justacard They champion small artistic businesses and are another great place to learn about new and exciting things in the craft world.

Also, have you been watching Sewing Bee? It’s brilliant TV - nuff said.

That’s all from me this month. Stay safe and comment below if you have any questions or anything to share.