I was stressed out this week. I'd been to a conference for a few days and when I returned I had several large projects due, including two for new clients. One thing I've learned as a freelancer is that the workload is very uneven. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, my immediate reaction is to stop all nonessential activities, such as walking, reading novels, baking, writing fiction, sleeping, and crafting.
Bad idea. Crafting in particular has been shown in scientific studies to reduce stress. (See Nancy Monson's website and Craft to Heal book for details.) So yesterday I deliberately sat down with my iPod, pulled out some bezels, papers, and tiny artifacts and worked on several pendants. I tried to concentrate on the process, rather than worrying about the perfection of the finished project. I felt energized and ready to return to work when the hour was up.
Free Pendant Project
It's very soothing to sort through mementos and create a small piece of art. I especially like the idea of being able to wear your art, so I created a free pendant project. The pendant is fairly quick to complete once you've chosen and prepared your mementos. (I used scrapbooking paper, a candy wrapper, an apple seed, a snap, a playing card, and a bead for my pendant.) The piece is sealed with Amazing Glaze which melts in a toaster oven and hardens in minutes. Check out the free instructions and step by step photos at The Dabbling Mum. And keep crafting! Sleep can wait, trust me.