This tool was developed as part of Cultural Cwtsh, which was an online creative wellbeing hub for the health and care workforce in Wales, created by the Arts Council of Wales in collaboration with artists across the country.
In partnership with the Arts Council of Wales, we’re excited to share this mental wellbeing tool, alongside with many other creative resources, with everyone in Wales!
Hello, I’m Karen, a textile artist based on the eastern border of Cardiff where the city meets the Gwent levels.
I was born to make! Inspired creatively and to fix things by my parents, I have crafted and stitched for as long as I can remember.
Alongside a professional career, I’ve studied many creative disciplines and became a teacher to enable me to inspire others.
I’m passionate about the value of creativity in promoting wellbeing. Whether alone or in the company of others, as our hands are engaged and our minds focused on enjoying making something beautiful/useful, we become absorbed and wind down.
Sketch-walking
This video will introduce you to sketch-walking. From making a concertina sketchbook costing virtually nothing, it will show you how to use it to capture memories of a walk.
Made from junk mail and unwanted packaging, your characterful book can be slipped into your pocket or bag along with a few pens, pencils or paints to enable you to pause, observe things closely and record them.
Your quick sketches of whatever catches your eye – a leaf, pebble, flower, seed head, colours, textures, shapes, or patterns can serve as a memory, or be used as inspiration for other creative work.
Art textiles
The second video introduces you to art textiles by showing you how to use a needle and thread and a few scraps of fabric to convert your drawing into a small textile artwork.
You will be shown how to transfer your design onto fabric, use an embroidery hoop, split yarn, thread a needle, tie a knot and form a few beginner embroidery stitches.
The process, especially when using your own design, is very forgiving and freeing. You may find you want to learn more stitches and techniques like appliqué or machine embroidery to enable you to tackle more adventurous art textiles projects.
About Karen O’Shea
As a mature student, I graduated in art and craft and subsequently achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. I now teach art textiles, stitch and a wide range of mixed media crafts to people of all ages and abilities. I try to work as sustainably as possible and love to connect with nature through my work.
If you’re interested in learning more, please follow me on social media (karenosheaart) or visit my website for details of classes and workshops.
Meanwhile, enjoy your sketch-walking and introduction to art-textiles!
Resources supplied by Karen O’Shea and Sam Walton.
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