IWSG for November: Writing aside, do you have creative activities?

You’ll be sorry that you asked if I have other creative activities when I am not writing. Not only will I tell you, but if you’re brave enough to follow me, I will explain in too many words about them.

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group is the creation of science fiction writer Alex J. Cavanaugh. You can find his books here. He started the IWSG, “To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!” The IWSG’s website offers resources and a support group. Join the blog hop the first Wednesday of each month here.

 

The awesome co-hosts for the November IWSG are Diedre Knight, Lisa Buie Collard , Kim Lajevardi, and JQ Rose!

The optional question for this month is: What creative activity do you engage in when you're not writing?

 

I have so many hobbies that I cannot keep up with myself. If this makes your head spin, me too, and I apologize in advance for possible head spinning. Here are my main creative activities. 

 

My struggle with ADHD is huge and maybe feeds my inability to relax. I might be good at something if I didn’t struggle with ADHD. With that being said, if I’m not writing, which I love doing and do most days, I always have my sideshows. Here is a short list of creative activities that I do when not writing:

 

1.    Woodworking. I am an amateur woodworker. My current projects are finishing tabletop Christmas trees to give as gifts (to use for décor). I will either paint or stain, Modge Podge with pretty paper or all of the above. Also, finishing a new cat condo for two outdoor cats that are now mine. 

 

2.    Decorating. I’m an amateur decorator. This creative side of me goes back to my teenage years where I was always redecorating my bedroom. Ideas are always brewing in my mind for both writing and redecorating. A couple of years ago, I decided to close in an extra doorway between the kitchen and laundry room that was never used (a needed doorway before renovation in 1988). I needed to claim that real estate on each side for shelves/storage. Phase one was finished last year (the kitchen side). I need to complete phase 2, finish the drywall on the laundry/utility side, build shelves from the floor to the ceiling and paint the room. I'm excited. (I also taught myself to reupholster chairs, seat cushions and ottomans/footstools. Definitely amateur.) 

 

3.    Sewing. I’m NOT an amateur sewer. I’ve been sewing since the age of 12 or 13. I can sew just about anything, create my own patterns, and I have. Just like a newly purchased, not needed, paper smelling, notebook, I LOVE fabric as much. I’ve made furniture covers.  I nearly always make my curtains and decorative pillows. These days, I only sew clothing that I want but can’t find in the stores. My current sewing projects are to finish a quilt, sew new curtains for one window and make a jacket. The jacket is one I saw someone wear on TV and could not find it in a store or find a modern pattern. I was about to create my own pattern. While thrifting, I found a pattern from the 1990’s, a never used jacket pattern with a round collar. Fifty cents!!! With brown plaid fabric, I’m ready to make it. 

 

4.    Art. I’m trying to get back to drawing. I’m also learning to paint, using acrylics and also learning more about watercolors. I have a field of flowers on a medium size canvas, with acrylics that I would like to finish soon. It screams amateur, but like writing, art is a good therapy. Art is an expression, not to be compared to other artists.  

 

5.    Gardening. I’m also a pretty good gardener. I love creating new gardens and sitting places in my yard, although physically this one is getting harder to do. 

 

So, there you have it. Part of my crazy world of creative activities, things I do when I am not writing. 

How about you? Where is your creativity?

T.