Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been creative. Piano lessons from age four, singing since Big School, a flare for English literature and language and quite the colouring-in queen! In fact, you know how certain comments made towards you stick with you for life? I recall being in Florida at a friend of a friend’s house. The three of us were laid on the floor with our colouring books, I was doing my thing, they were doing theirs. I noticed them gawping at my picture and they couldn’t believe I was ‘keeping in the lines’. I was young! But they were impressed and it must have left an impression on me as I can still remember their comments to this day. A bit like how Charles Boyne in P.E class called me Thunder Thighs as we walked to the tennis courts, but that comment wasn’t so nice!

I love putting my mind to something new; a new skill, a new idea – anything that gets the cogs whirring. When I was invited to the Viking Arty Party at The Chimney House in Sheffield I couldn’t wait to get my craft on!

I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect but after a nosey of the #VikingArtyParty on Twitter, I knew I was in for a good time.

(Above photo by elouisageorgiou.co.uk)

Local bloggers of Sheffield came together and it was great to see a couple of ladies I’ve met before and lots of new faces too. It’s amazing how friendly our community is.

What’s also amazing is realising what a beautiful venue I have on my doorstep. The Chimney House is gorgeous inside; bare brick, industrial windows and it’s heaven for an interior enthusiast like myself.

After coffee we had 3 activities to sink our teeth into and my team started with calligraphy; our tutor was Joyce of Artsy Nibs. As with any craft, practice makes perfect. Alphabet sheets guided us with each letter and it took me back to a time when I studied Teeline Shorthand (what many journalists use). We used specialist pens in an array of colours and got to grips with how different pens can give different results. Joyce is fantastic; this kind of activity would be a fab idea for something different to do as part of a Hen Weekend with the girls. Actually, all the crafts we had a go at would be ideal for those looking for something fun and unusual to do as a group.

(Above photo by elouisageorgiou.co.uk)

(Above photo by Tracey of The Naughty Forty Diaries)

Look at the concentration! I really wanted it to be perfect but that’s not possible on my first attempt.

After a delicious lunch of sandwiches and one of my all time favourite deserts, Key Lime Pie, our group moved on to the next table from Tea & Crafting, headed by Jane. Origami is something I’ve seen done on programmes such as Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas and I’ve always wanted to give it a try. I wasn’t as good at this as the calligraphy, but still managed to create something pretty.

These yellow flowers are now on my dining table in a glittery jar for all to see.

Finally we sat with Maddie of Tea & Crafting to experience the art of Stencilling. Due to the sharp knives you use to get a precise cut, this is definitely an art that requires full concentration! We used photo paper to create personalised designs with our initial in. They look really pretty in a frame or on the front of a greeting card. It’s quite fiddly, depending on your design, but tools such as a heavy metal ruler come in handy and make a defined cut.

If you’re looking to pick up a new hobby and something that you could use going forward as gifts or as part of a greeting card, all of these crafts are fun and very relaxing; ideal for unwinding after a stressful day or week at work.

(Above photo by elouisageorgiou.co.uk)

We left with a goody bag, or should I say goody plant pot, with pens and card paper so that we could continue our crafting at home. All in all, a lovely four hours spent with equally lovely people. Thank you, Viking!

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Thank you for reading, until next time, take care. Natalie x