So I have been a little bit quieter than usual on social media recently for a few reasons. One fun reason is that I am trying to redesign my blog and perhaps even my whole career at this point. But the not so fun reason is that this is kind of leading me to a total paralysing overload and burnout. Too many choices, too many decisions! Brain...Does Not Compute...It's illogical, Captain...Pufff. That was the noise of my head exploding in case you weren't sure. Yes, it was only a tiny puff of smoke, barely noticeable from my usual self, apart from a lack of social media presence perhaps.
Do you have any survival techniques for overload and burnout? I mean sitting on the couch in my pants drinking wine and eating chocolates can only take you so far! Ok, so I don't actually sit on the couch in my pants. Does a big fluffy dressing gown count? Well, it isn't really MY dressing gown, I time share it with the cats. They let me borrow it occasionally. If I am good.
Anyway, if you do have some survival techniques I would love to hear them! In the meantime here is a round-up of my April Art Slice videos in time for inspiring your creative weekend, I hope.
[There are some affiliate links in this blog post, so if you buy through them I do get a small amount of money at no extra cost to yourself. Thanks for your support!]
DIY Butterflies With Gelli Plate Prints And PaperArtsy Stamp
Supplies:
PaperArtsy Eclectica³ {Kim Dellow} Stamps EKD05
PaperArtsy Eclectica³ {Kim Dellow} Stencils
Ranger Archival ink Jet Black
Scissors
Gelli Plate
Gouache World
Supplies:
Turner Gouache paint
Strathmore mixed media journal
plastic sheet from old packaging
Sakura Pigma Micron pen
Kitchen towel
water spray
Gouache Poppy Flower
Supplies:
Turner Gouache
Sakura Pigma Micron pen
Strathmore Mixed Media journal
Gouache Paint Space Feather
Supplies:
Turner gouache paint
Brushes
Sketchbook
But joking aside, I do feel I need to regroup, rethink and redesign so if I am a little quiet, then that is why. Watch this space! I honestly don't know what is going to happen next! Is that good or bad?
Hope you enjoyed the videos and are ready for making some art this weekend, I would love to see what you make so do link me up or shout out on any of the social media channels you use and I will come say hi!
Kim
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The downtime and the personal turmoil is I believe important to us. Evaluating what you are doing may change your direction or strengthen you resolve with what is right for you Kim. Too often we stay on automatic and actually miss the twists and turns that just might provide an adventure you didn't know you needed.
ReplyDeleteNever dismiss that voice that warns somethings not right!
Sending a positive to you...over the ocean.
BTW when I need to think through really big decisions its to the sea that I go!
Ahh thanks Julie, what you say makes so much sense to me. You know I have had a real urge to go to the sea recently, I keep coming back to the idea. It is a little bit of a trek for us, unfortunately, but maybe I need to go!
DeleteHave a good weekend x
Try something completely different. Something that's been on your list of things to try but you have't given yourself permission yet because it is too far off the path you are currently on. Sometimes just that carefree playing can make a huge difference. And don't feel like you have to share it. Have you ever watched Dede Willingham's ustreams or you tubes? She has done several idea type journals that can keep me motivated just because of the infinite variety that the "idea" gives as a jumping off point. I find that if I take too long a break, it is difficult to get started again. So I make art everyday. I am disabled and can't work a regular job anymore, so art is my job in that it keeps me connected with other people and keeps my mind working. Hope that helps. thanks as always for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAhh thank you Theresa, some wonderful ideas and I will definitely check out Dede Willingham! I think you are right I need a bit of something different. I love what I do but I no longer have any hobbies and I am always thinking of work and what I need to do next. So doing something different just for me sounds like a great idea.
DeleteI am glad you are making art everyday, it really is just the best isn't it? And a great way to connect with others too.
Definitely helps! Thank you!
Hope you have a nice and creative weekend :)
My thinking is:
ReplyDelete1 do NOTHING to do with art/craft for a long weekend - read, bake, eat, have long baths etc (the etc is the interesting bit)
2 toy with list making- what I enjoy doing / what I want to do but haven't yet / what is new?
3 trust your own instinct - the art slices are excellent, Kim. They have a uniquely accessible style.
This bit is a timely coincidence in that it is new to me and came from a chance comment on someone's Instagram. Everyone is making bullet journals. But many of us like to use electronic organisation - calendars, memos, files, lists, docs etc.
Have you heard of TRELLO? It's a fascinating organisational app. I've spent two days making the bones of mine and will be going to it every morning - a central hub of all things online. I just pray it doesn't get blitzed by a bug...perhaps the written format has its attractions but I've achieved more in two days than I ever did on paper!
All the very best, Kim. Don't let fear take your heart and creativity away.
Ahh thank you Shirl. I followed your advice and took some time off and I think I am feeling the focus and motivation coming back again. Sometimes I have to let some things go and regroup to be able to work out the direction I need to take.
DeleteAnyway, I will checkout TRELLO, thanks for the recommendation. I've not heard of it. I tend to do the writing things down physically thing as I've not yet found an organising app that I don't ignore :D But I will give it a go as I am still hoping to find one that works for me!
Have a lovely weekend!
Thanks for all the tips and fun you give me. For me the stress goes when I walk. Just get out and do it, a little time just for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the tips and fun you give me. For me the stress goes when I walk. Just get out and do it, a little time just for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the tips and fun you give me. For me the stress goes when I walk. Just get out and do it, a little time just for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol, I've definitely been working some me time into this week and it has helped, just like you say! Hope you have had a good week and have a lovely weekend!
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI used to go for a run when I needed my head cleared up. After 10 miles or so the canvas is blank again and one has a different point of view on eveything.
For me always works being outside when I am stuck with ideas or have too many ideas to know what to do first.
Btw... when you eat the chocolate in the dark then at least the calories won't find you ;-)
Greetings from Germany
Rena
I totally admire you Rena! Going for a run is fabulous! I'm not a runner but I do love long walks and I think you are right getting out and a change of scene really helps.
DeleteOh and thanks for the chocolate calories tip :) It's like if you put fruit in ice cream there are no calories, right? :D :D :D
Have a lovely and creative weekend!
It's definitely a good thing Kim, my hubby took on a challenging career change about 6 months ago and has not looked back, totally for the best.
ReplyDeleteAs others have mentioned, I'd recommend running or walking to clear your head and to help see things in a new light. Working from home can be such a challenge, there's just no getting away from it! xxx
Hey up Vicky,
DeleteIsn't it just? This working from home Murlarky!
I am so glad things are working out with your husband's career change. What we all need is a time machine to help us make the decisions, imagine how much easier it would be to pick the right direction! (and choose lottery ticket numbers) :D
I miss waking up in Canada on Wednesdays and Fridays and seeing a new video... great way to start my day. However, I totally understand burnout or the need for a change. I agree totally with the comments on going for a walk or run... outdoors in nature has a way of clearing your mind. I hope you figure out what makes you happy and pays the bills.
ReplyDeleteAhh thank you Diane, I am really pleased to hear that you have been enjoying the films, I am sorry they are on a little break at the moment! But you will be pleased to know that I spent today filming three new videos!
DeleteYeah, I think my mind is clearing again and my focus coming back :)
I hope that you have been having a creative week? And have a lovely weekend too!
Such a good idea Jennifer, scheduling in some you time. I think this is what I am really bad at. I am so bad at switching off and not switching off is the fastest way to a burn out and I keep doing it and never learn either *sigh!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the advice and it really does help. I hope that the market is going well, it is fabulous you are getting orders, massive congrats, it is great to hear!
Thank you and big hugs back!