We’re all busy. There’s always another email to answer, another job to finish, something that needs cleaning, organising, collecting or doing. And somehow, the things we do simply because we enjoy them can end up at the very bottom of the list.
But when did you last make something just because you wanted to?
There’s something wonderfully absorbing about sitting down with your hands busy and your attention focused on one thing. Whether you’re stitching, painting, printing, carving, weaving or working with clay, making gives your mind a chance to slow down. For a few hours, the to-do list can wait.
Making time, rather than finding time
We often hear people say “I’d love to try that, but I just don’t have the time.” And we completely understand. Finding a spare day in a busy life isn’t always easy.
Perhaps that’s why workshops can be such a good way to make space for creativity. By booking a date in the diary, you’ve already made the decision to give yourself that time. You don’t need to clear the kitchen table, find all the materials or work out where to start – just turn up and have a go!
And you don’t necessarily need a whole day. A few hours spent learning something new can be enough to reset your head and leave you with something tangible to show for it.
It doesn’t have to be perfect
One of the lovely things about making is that it doesn’t have to be about producing something perfect. Sometimes the best part is the experimenting, trying a new technique, choosing a colour you wouldn’t normally use, making a mistake and discovering that you actually like it.
You might arrive thinking “I’m not sure I can do this” and leave with something you’re genuinely proud of. Or perhaps you’ll discover a new hobby that follows you home and becomes something you continue in your own time.
So, when was the last time you made time to make?
At ArtisOn, we love creating opportunities for people to step away from the everyday and spend a little time doing something creative. Our workshops range from one-off half-day sessions to longer courses, with something for complete beginners and experienced makers alike.
You don’t need to be “artistic”. You don’t need to know exactly what you’re doing. You just need to make a little time for yourself – and have a go.
Because sometimes, a few hours spent making something is time very well spent.
