Introduction to sewing
Threading a needle
Mindfully stitching
In and out, in and out
A new garment takes shape.
Introduction to mixed media
Ink, bleach, acrylics, oils, pastels
Gentle strokes across the paper
Back and forth, back and forth
A new image unfolds.
Introduction to ceramics
Lumps of clay on the bench
Shaping the mould
Kneading softly, kneading softly,
A new pot emerges.
Introduction to metalwork
Heat gun blazing, colours swirling
Dipping into ice cold water
Sizzling and cooling, sizzling and cooling
A new brooch is born
All these crafts
So different in nature
Bring calm from pain
And peace and growth
For the weary soul.
– Jane Nodder
Writing has always been part of Jane’s life. As a Senior Business Manager she wrote strategy documents and business plans and designed training and development materials. She then worked in Higher Education and was a Clinical and Research Supervisor and Course Leader for over twenty years. During this time she gained an MSc and an MRes. All of her HE roles and post graduate qualifications involved a lot of writing! Now retired, Jane uses creative writing to cope with the physical and mental health challenges she faces in living with chronic pain.
“Growing Through Creative Practice” was shortlisted for the debut competition from the Where Ideas Grow Blog. The competition theme was ‘Growth.’