Saying Yes

So, this past weekend, I had the glorious opportunity to create with other creatives. Which is a gift. Which doesn’t happen as much as it should. Which is often viewed as an extra until you go & do it & then you realize how much of a need it actually was for your soul.

We are in a world of go-go-go, busy-ness, to do lists. Being a creative amongst all of that can be draining. However, when we view our art as a hobby or an extra or a ‘when I have time’ pastime, well, it’s honestly amazing we create anything at all! Creativity needs space to breathe, not ‘I have 20 minutes before I need to pick up the kids, so I need to be creative now & it better be good!’ Talk about pressure! No wonder we find ourselves doubting our talents and abilities or going through a “creative rut”.

I began to wonder, What if we said YES to our creative needs? What if we devoted time to leave all of the ‘other stuff’ for just a few days & let ourselves sink into the space of creativity? What if we did it together, with others who understood that calling of our heart? What might happen?

Well, I’ll tell you, Magic happens.

We journeyed from all parts of the country, meeting internet artsy friends at the Wichita, Kansas airport & made our way to the Whatever Craft House. This space alone is enough to make any creative’s mouth fall open in awe. It is a feast for the eyes, pure delight around each corner…

And soon we filled up the tables with our supplies, our stories, our laughter, our tears, our art and our friendships…

We made glorious messes & beautiful art. But mostly, our simple answer of “YES” lead to us making friendships, connections, & memories. It led to a soul-filling space to open up that part of ourselves that is so often squished into a corner of the room for 20 minutes here & there, to let it roam in a space made specifically for creating, to a time frame that was limited only to the departure time of our flights days away. Like I said, it led to magic.

Stay tuned for my next 2 posts which will feaure our sponsors, Marabu Creative USA & Gelli Arts, with tutorials & project ideas!

If you are interested in attending a retreat, please check out info on this site & feel free to email with any questions (alexadoebler6@gmail.com). I would LOVE to have you join us on our next magical weekend!