Guest post: Penni from Penni Pops Designs

Firstly, I would like to thank the lovely Dom for having me here! She’s absolutely FAB, but I am sure you know that already!

Crafting in any form, as well as my love for all things vintage, is a HUGE part of my life, so thankfully, GUESS WHAT? ….  Research shows that Crafting is actually GOOD for us, both physically and mentally… But you already know that too, right?

There are many reasons as to why we LOVE crafting! These might include:  

– express our creativity.

– experience the happiness that comes with looking at our finished project!

– reuse, recycle and repurpose stuff.

– create practical stuff for our homes and families.

– be economical (depends on how much you spend!)

– have desperately needed time out from our busy lifestyles!

– escape the humdrum of life.

– just escape.

– have some “ME Time”

…and I am sure you could add heaps more!

<– This is me at work with one of my designs!

It makes sense to me as to why I have ALWAYS LOVED everything to do with vintage and crafting whether it’s sewing, beading, knitting, crochet, painting or drawing. Ever since I was a little girl! I used to watch my Dad design and make the most amazing model aeroplane designs…and both my Mum and Nanna were incredible at sewing, embroidery, knitting and crochet. So, dare I say, it was in the genes (me hopes!)

Little did I know how important crafting would become for me as I grew older. Crafting is not just a practical, economical, (…but dare we admit how much we really spend on our supplies after visiting a craft show!) and fun activity, but it is also good for the soul, a great stress management tool, and an awesome mood buster! Yes it is! Even in spite of our frustrations with our broken sewing machine needles, running out of yarn in a particular colour, or realising that you made a big “Boo Boo” with the pattern that you were “meant” to be following…Aaaggghhh! But I am sure that you know this already too, you clever thing you! I mean, there has to be a reason so many mental health institutions have Art or Craft Therapy in their programs, right?

Crafting for health is NOT a new phenomenon. In fact, there is much research and antedotal evidence in the form of blogs devoted to such things. Crafting can actually help us through life’s challenging times, and help us to heal. That has certainly been my experience anyway.

During my final year at school (Year 12), I remember skipping classes and escaping to the Art Room to work on my paintings when things just got too much to handle. I spent every spare minute in there, even joining all of my art teachers for breakfast every Friday morning! 

Since then, much time has passed, dare I say two decades!! Over these years, sewing, painting and knitting have graced my journey on the odd occasion, but none more so than after my beautiful Mum passed away. It was then that I truly grasped the significance of how important crafting was for me.

I found myself facing my worst nightmare, I was completely shattered. 

When I could not do anything else (look after my children and husband, housework, connect with friends), I found that after a while, I COULD sew up little things, make some jewellery, or crochet a scarf. I felt my motivation and mood improving, and I even ventured out to some craft and vintage shows, and bought some fabrics, laces, ribbons, yarn, beads and other supplies, and before I knew it, I was again running the craft stall at my children’s school fete – but this time, ALL crafted by ME! Woohoo!

My love of treasure hunting in Op/Thrift Shops was also rejuvenated, only to be surpassed by what I could “create” from my finds. I had found myself again, and I have my love of crafting to thank for that! Then, after seven years of school fetes, and at the persistence of close friends and family, “PENNI POPS DESIGNS” was eventually born! Wow! What a ride!

So, there it is……the secret is out! My love of “CRAFTING” (plus of course the unconditional love and support from my beautiful three children and darling husband!) saved me from…well…I hate to think! So, do not underestimate the benefits of “CRAFTING” in your life! If you are not a crafter, I encourage you to give it a go! What have you got to lose? 

A couple of my crafting projects!

Crochet Grannies for the Queensland Flood Victims Project. 

Organised by the lovely Sarah London from Crochet a Rainbow.

My day job as a Clinical Psychologist with adolescents also allows me to extend my passion for crafting. I actively teach and practice mindfulness, distress tolerance and emotional regulation through Art Therapy with my students.

So go and practice some mindful crafting, it does not matter how good or bad a project turns out to be, it is all about THE JOURNEY…and ABOVE ALL… ENJOY YOURSELF!!!

Blessings!

Penni x

(Avid Crafter and Artist, Mother, Wife, Friend, Vintage Lover, Thrift Addict, Treasure Hunter, and Clinical Psychologist!)

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I would LOVE to know YOUR REASONS for CRAFTING and hear about your projects so pop-in and leave a comment! Happy Journey-ing!