Taking Things Slow When Life Speeds Up

The last few months have been a whirlwind of sorts. I’ve come across many unexpected turns and very pleasant surprises. For one, Craft Party PH has been moving much faster than expected that sometimes, I find myself trying to catch my breath… Is this really happening? Can we do this? And later on… Woah that happened! We did it! It’s crazy busy but Mia and I are currently having the time of our lives rolling with it!

And yes, I still do graphic design work. It’s still something I enjoy doing despite all the arts and crafts that I’m involved in. And work has actually been better then ever! Aside from all that, there’s lots going on at home as well. My three growing girls are quite a handful. Most days feel like a boxing match — three against one — and the most clever wins! Ha! (Not always me. Boo.)

So yeah, gone are the days when, after having put the kids down for afternoon naps, I literally walk around the house looking for something to do. Because now, there is always something to do and some days there seems to be too little time. Undoubtedly, it’s a lot of fun. I like art and I like crafts and I love that I get to do those all the time but there are also moments when I miss making things just for the sake of making it — not because I’m paid to do it.  So lately, I’ve actually been more conscious about taking time slow down and craft for the sake of crafting. Oftentimes I do it with my kids. I actually owe it to them! If it weren’t for them always begging me to “make something,” I wouldn’t be able to take breaks to just work on little projects for fun. And during days when it’s impossible to do things other than work (and chores), I try to just immerse myself in it and enjoy. Again, I’m grateful to be doing what I love. It wouldn’t be as easy if it were something else.

I’m also grateful for opportunities I get to do fun things like join Life After Breakfast‘s Stamp Swap at the Katipunan Art Festival. I found it a bit crazy when I decided to sign up because it meant I had to make ten stamps with a print/artwork each! (As if I didn’t have enough in my plate!) But I did because I knew that each stamp gives me a chance to slow down, to take a break from work and play a little. I know it sounds so ironic! But yes, it’s true and it did work! I had so much fun carving those tea cups and mounting them and making those tin can lid artwork! It felt a little like the old days — scrounging around the house for seemingly useless things to turn into something pretty — and it was exactly what I needed! (Thanks again, Alessa, for organizing that swap. Writing a separate blog post all about that! )

I’m thrilled about these pockets of “slow crafting” as I call it (Yes, seems like crafts has become a very fast paced, highly in demand and commercial thing here in Manila). So you can just imagine how thrilled I am about going to La Union for Craft Camp next week!(!!!) I, together with Mansy Abesamis, Alessa Lanot, Mikko Sumulong and Macy Alcaraz — all of them very talented and experienced makers, will be holding a weekend of crafts by the beach, with the goal of providing a chance to relax, reconnect with nature and of course, awaken love for handmade. And we’re holding it at the perfect place to slow down and feel right at home in — Urbiz Garden Bed & Breakfast. Just look at how dreamy this place is! Simply looking at the photos puts me at ease.

Five capsule sessions are included in the program: Fabric banner making by me, beach blanket marbling by Mansy, watercolor crafts by Alessa, journal writing by Macy and twiggy necklace making by Mikko. As a bonus, there will also be craft demos throughout the weekend such as papercutting, calligraphy and botanical doodles, nail art and rubberstamp carving. There’s lots to do and make but there’s also a lot of free time to just enjoy the time and place.

Aaaahhhh! I’m really so excited! You just have to wait for my post-event feature to find out what takes place. OR you can also just join us! Visit www.craftcamp.ph for details and to register. The more, the merrier!

So yes there’s lots going on and I’m quite busy but I think it’s possible to learn the art of slowing down when things around me are moving very fast. If I step out of my busy work bubble a little more often, I see that I’m doing pretty amazing things so I start enjoying every moment of it…then, I can breathe more easily.

Urbiz Garden photos by Sheryl Martinez