The quiet work of showing up

We have reached and crossed over the calendar’s edge.

If you have been reading my posts for a while, you’ll know I feel very much aligned with the Spring Equinox, waiting for the actual shift in the earth’s tilt to signal a fresh start.

There’s something about this particular January that feels significant though, even for someone who prefers a March renewal.

This past year was relentlessly disorienting. We have been through a collective wringer, navigating a series of shifts that have left many of us feeling bruised and weary. In response, we’re arriving at 2026 with more of a slow, heavy exhale than a sprint.

Claiming the light

Sometimes, feeling a spark of happiness or a moment of peace in the middle of that heaviness can bring a wave of guilt, a sense that we ‘shouldn’t be okay’ when things around us are not.

I’m reminding myself that we have the capacity to appreciate beauty or find a moment of stillness, we should lean into that privilege – it’s how we keep our fires lit during a slow start to the year.

Photo by Hugo Sousa on Unsplash

A promise of consistency

I’m not interested in radical transformations or grand declarations as I look to the months ahead, my focus for 2026 is creative consistency.

I am committing myself to the simple practice of showing up. I’m not ready to dive into the specifics of what I’m building, but I know that I want to keep the thread moving. I want to honor the impulse to create, even when external forces are loud and the path feels unclear, regardless of the output.

Photo by Doncoombez on Unsplash

Moving (gently) forward

As we navigate these first few weeks of the year, I hope you allow yourself to move at your own pace. Whether you’re waiting for the spring to truly begin or just trying to find your footing in the cold, I hope you find those small pockets of light.

Let’s move with grace, both for ourselves and for those around us, as we find our way back to showing up in whatever capacity we can manage.

Thea x

Further reading

• Navigating the urge to create during times of Global crisis
• Creative reassurance during the winter’s chill
• Navigating the 5 stages of the creative process

Navigating the urge to create during times of Global crisis

Drawing on creativity as self-care

The weight of the world has been pressing down harder than ever. A barrage of first-person accounts of the atrocities human beings (?!) are inflicting on others, carefully worded headlines that make you question if everything you’ve ever read from ‘legacy’ news providers has been so skewed (yep, pretty much!). The world is self-destructing right before our eyes. And honestly, I can’t even begin to imagine how parents and grandparents are grappling with what the future might hold for their children. It’s overwhelming, to say the very least.

In the middle of this profound global mess, a persistent and petty (in my view) impulse arises: I want to create.

Randomness: Three of Thea’s doodles from 2024’s 100 Day project

Why do I feel guilty for practising creativity as self-care?

In the face of the incredible privilege I have, to be able to go about my life while others who used to travel to work, post on social media when out with friends, dream of their future, of getting those damned financial ducks in a row to buy a bigger home, get a promotion, spend less time ‘on the daily grind’ and more time with loved ones.. have been ripped from every piece of security, every hope of ‘normality’, they ever had. Children thinking of nothing more than their favourite subjects in school have been robbed of adulthood, and in my corner of the world, my mind keeps turning to the urge to write, to make, to express.

It feels ridiculous, right? Who cares about a small piece of art when large-scale, heartless political decisions dominate the news?

The thought of engaging with the social media machine feels repulsive. My desire to create is about self-care and restoration. Creating offers a small pocket of order, a moment where I can focus my energy and attention on the tangible.. a way to process.

Creating as a way to process trauma

The desire to write, to make, to express, is about establishing a small pocket of order when everything else feels chaotic, not becoming another cog in the overall content machine.

When I engage in the creative act, I focus my energy and attention on something tangible. It’s a way to process overwhelming emotions that have nowhere else to go.

• The discipline of finishing a doodle or a sentence provides a small, much-needed win.
• Entering a ‘flow state’ allows the mind a temporary respite from the barrage of news, reducing mental load.

The psychology behind creative restoration – why our brains need it

In times of stress and crisis, the brain’s emotional centre (the amygdala) is constantly activated, keeping us in a state of high alert.

Engaging in creative activities, whether structured or unstructured, shifts activity to the prefrontal cortex, which handles planning and logic. The shift supports the brain’s ability to regulate emotions.

The act of focusing on a tangible project creates a temporary, safe boundary against overwhelming external chaos, helping to reduce both chronic stress and the physical toll of anxiety.

Low-barrier creative practices for high-anxiety / low-mood days

You don’t need a dedicated studio or hours of free time to practice creativity as self-care. Consider these low-barrier activities:

A low-barrier activity is one that requires minimal obstacles to start, like needing little equipment, money, or specialized skills, making it easy to begin and build confidence, common examples in fitness being walking, gardening, or simple bodyweight exercises, while in education/games, it’s about accessible tasks with simple rules, such as describing shapes. It focuses on ease of entry to encourage participation and enjoyment.

• Timed brain dump/ e.g. ‘morning pages’ The Artists Way: Set a timer for five minutes and write down every thought, worry, or observation without judgment. This releases cognitive load and can be a precursor to more structured writing.
• Abstract doodling (a personal favourite): Keep a small notebook and pen handy. When you feel overwhelmed, draw repetitive patterns, squiggles, or shapes. This simple, non-representational art engages motor skills without requiring complex decisions.
• Digital photo curation: Spend ten minutes intentionally organising photos on your phone into albums. The act of sorting and reflecting on past moments is a gentle, structured creative task.

A 100DayProject doodle, I could call it, ‘Frustrated Futility..”.

For now:

I’ll redefine my audience (or lack thereof). This blog post? It’s for me.

If it resonates with someone else, that’s a bonus, but it’s not the primary goal. I might publish it, or I might keep it in a private folder. The act of writing itself is the ‘reward’.

I’m not fantastic with analytics anyway, but I’ll ignore the numbers. No checking page views, no tracking shares. The moment I start doing that, the pressure mounts, and the creative act gets muddled with performance anxiety.

Flowing with the unpolished nature of what I create (writing, doodling, accessories) as a direct reflection of my messy, evolving, and human state could be liberating, right? Let’s see.

Peace? Pockets of joy and quiet satisfaction come from the actual doing. It’s in the stringing together of words, colours and components, the shaping of ideas, the act of bringing something into being. The finished piece is a byproduct of that process.

It’s a plan of sorts.

Irrelevant, ridiculous? Certainly from ‘the good side’ of humanity.. that’s all we can give each other at this time, I guess.

Thea x

A plate spinning life

Juggling multiple commitments is a familiar reality for many of us. Whether it’s the demands of a full-time job alongside family life, the pursuit of passions alongside daily routines, or navigating a mix of interests, it often feels like we’re all spinning plates. For me, this involves a full-time job, being a member of a busy choir, and my handmade jewellery and doodle art business – a demanding yet fulfilling combination.

The art of not burning dinner (and everything else!)

It’s similar to managing multiple pots on a stove. You need to keep an eye on each one, adjusting the heat, stirring occasionally, and ensuring nothing boils over while everything cooks through at the right pace – constant vigilance and swift shifts in focus.

Photo by Xingchen Yan on Unsplash

Photo by Gio Bartlett on Unsplash

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

It’s a delicate dance, and plates will inevitably wobble, but the key is learning to catch them before they crash.

The benefits of a multifaceted life

Despite the challenges, the rewards of managing multiple income streams and passions are huge!

Creative fulfillment
Each of my pursuits feeds a different part of my soul. My full-time job provides challenge and intellectual stimulation, choir offers emotional encouragement, a sense of community and tension release, and my creative business allows me to find a sense of calm and express my artistic vision.

Skill development
Juggling diverse activities forces you to develop a wide range of skills, from time management and organisation to marketing and artistic techniques.

Personal growth
Stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing new challenges fosters personal growth and resilience.

A passion-driven life
Life is too short not to pursue the things you love. Having multiple passions keeps life interesting and fulfilling.

Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

Advice for fellow plate spinners

If you’re also navigating the world of multiple income streams and interests, here are some tips that have helped me:

Photo by Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare on Unsplash

Set realistic goals

Don’t try to do everything at once. Set realistic goals for each area of your life and celebrate your progress along the way.

Batch similar tasks

Group similar tasks together to minimise mental switching. For example, dedicate a few hours to jewellery making, then a few hours to editing captured progress video clips for social media and marketing, saving them somewhere handy for quick access later on.

Adapt and flex

Be prepared to adjust your schedule and priorities as needed. Flexibility is key to avoiding stress and burnout.

Protect time for yourself

Don’t neglect your physical and mental health. Schedule time for rest and for activities that recharge your batteries.

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Finding your balance

The art of juggling multiple income streams and passions is deeply personal. What works for one won’t necessarily work for another. There will be days of exhilaration and days of feeling stretched thin. The key is to experiment, listen to your rhythm, and consistently realign with your core motivations.

Celebrate every step forward, learn from the stumbles, and let your passions continue to ignite your path. Believe in your ability to find your way!

Thea x

Further reading

• Too Many Interests? How You Can Absolutely Manage Multiple Interests, The Dilettante Life
• Tiny Tweaks, Big Wins: My experience with Atomic Habits
• Letting self-help advice marinate: Why slow growth matters

A decade of handmade jewellery

Can you believe it’s been 10 years since I picked up a pair of pliers and started making jewellery? A whole decade of beads, wires, and countless “aha!” moments. Time does fly when you’re doing something you love.

If you’ve read some of my previous blog posts, you’ll know that making jewellery has become more than just a creative outlet for me; it’s a way to slow down, focus, and find a little peace in a busy world.

A blue and red stack neckpiece

Costume jewellery love

Growing up, I was drawn to costume jewellery – those bold, colourful pieces that seemed to carry a bit of magic. Whenever I travelled, I would pick out a favourite piece as a wearable memory, something I could hold on to long after the trip.

I remember finding an oversized pair of earrings with enamel detail in a tiny market in Es Cana, Ibiza. They didn’t go with any of my outfits, but they stood out as I looked at everything displayed on the market stall and I had to have them. To this day, they remind me of the smell of sea salt and freshly cooked food in the air there.

A selection of Thea’s handmade treasures

The journey into making

About ten years ago, I stumbled upon jewellery-making tutorials online, and something just clicked. I became obsessed with learning how to create my own, unique pieces. It started as a way to make things for myself, but I soon realised I wanted to share that joy with others.

Now, I create treasures for fellow jewellery lovers who appreciate accessories as unique as they are. No two pieces I make are the same, and I love that each has its own personality. Sometimes, I’ll start with a vague idea, and by the time I’m done, it’s turned into something completely different – like the materials have a mind of their own.

A close-up from one of Thea’s earliest table displays

Finding my style

Over the years, I’ve noticed certain themes emerging in my work. Maybe it’s a particular colour palette, a texture, or a shape that keeps calling me back. I’ve always been drawn to discs, earthy tones and organic shapes, but now and then, I’ll surprise myself with a splash of neon and a geometric design.

My hands guide me to create pieces that feel authentic to who I am. I think that’s what makes handmade jewellery so special – along with the materials and design, it’s about the energy and intention behind the creation.

The beauty of handmade

One of the things I love most about my jewellery is how tactile it is. I want people to feel it – to run their fingers over the textures and notice the little details that make each piece unique.

I also love how jewellery can elevate an outfit, drawing the eye and adding that perfect finishing touch. It’s a simple way to express yourself and feel good in your own skin. Plus, let’s be honest, there’s something incredibly satisfying about the weight of a well-made piece of jewellery. It’s like wearing a little piece of art.

Gratitude and intention

Creative encouragement

If you’ve ever thought about trying your hand at a craft – whether it’s jewellery making or something else entirely – I’d encourage you to give it a go. You might find that it brings a little more joy and calm into your life, and in ten years, you could be reflecting on your own creative journey, as I am now.

P.S!

Did you know that the oldest known jewellery pieces are over 100,000 years old? They were made from seashells and were found in a cave in Morocco. Isn’t it amazing to think that humans have been adorning themselves for millennia? It reminds me that I’m contributing to a very long tradition.

Thea x

Find out more

• Browse and buy from my current range in the shop
• Take a virtual stroll through my previous makes in the archive gallery
• Read more blog posts about my approach to creativity and small business ownership