Craft For Health

Creativity Is So Important When You Suffer From Chronic Pain by Maria Nerius

When I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 12 years ago, I knew my life was going to change, but I thought I’d have to give up most of the things I enjoyed in life. Chronic pain can eat away at you, taking your energy, your creativity, and much of your joy. However, I was blessed with a supportive family and community. I’ve worked in the art and craft industry for over 25 years now and each day is a new discovery! Creativity became an even more important part of my life. 

With fibromyalgia, I have great days, good days and some not so wonderful days. I’ve found that my “not so good days” aren’t so bad when I concentrate on my art and craft work. I can’t sit at the computer to write, but I can paint, needlepunch, bead, and create all kinds of paper art. The pain melts away as I get involved with color, texture, design, and creating! I am no longer someone with chronic pain, I am an artist, a craftsman, a someone who is learning new things and building my skills.

 

I am not sure what path I would have taken if I didn’t have my crafts. I sense it wouldn’t be the fulfilling, peaceful world I am so happy to enjoy. With creativity we have an outlet to express ourselves, we don’t have to let an illness, disability or handicap limit us. Art and craft opens up our lives and is a fantastic way to be productive. Through creativity we can make a difference and give back to our family and friends. 

Crafting is a healthy; healing activity with so many rewards and benefits. With that apple a day, I make sure I always craft each day for wellness!

Maria Nerius is an author, writer, designer, and consultant in the art and craft industry. Her work has been published in numerous consumer magazine, books, and websites. She lives in Florida with her charming husband and a merry band of dogs. Feel free to Twitter or add Maria as a Facebook friend.

Sometimes The Spirit Is Willing . . .by Diane Evans

 . . . And the body is really tired.  There are many days when the muse pays a visit, and I want so badly to move myself into the studio and play.  However, the fatigue of fibromyalgia seems to rear its ugly head at whim.  I consider myself extremely fortunate that I haven’t yet experienced the extreme pain that afflicts many people with this condition, so I’m trying to find ways to deal with the exhaustion that seems to propel me to the nearest couch.

 

One thing I’ve learned is that there is nothing wrong with spending just a few minutes in the studio.  I’m now learning to push myself, just a little, to go into the room and do something, even if it’s just handling the fabric, for five minutes.  It’s amazing how five minutes moves easily into fifteen, and, before I’m aware of it, I’ve spent an hour planning a design or appliquéing fabric shapes and it hasn’t been an effort at all. 

 

It’s been said that energy creates movement, but movement also creates energy.  I must remind myself of the truth of this little maxim each time I’m about to surrender to the sleepiness, and create my own energy instead.  There can be no greater medicine.

 

My name is Diane Evans, and I am a retired math teacher, studio quilt artist, and blogger.  I agree with Danny Kaye that “life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it.”  My designs are available for sale on my website and I am happy to do commissions –- just contact me.

If I Didn't have my Crafts I Wouldn't be Here Today by Linda Chilcott

 

I read Lisa Rojas story about Crohn's disease, what a great person to pull herself up and keep starting over.  (April 12, 2010 post)

 

Lisa and I met at a workshop with Maki n Clay we started talking and she shared her health problems with me.  Little did I know Lisa has Fibromyalia also.

 

In the class I was having a Fibro attack, but would not tell anyone what was wrong.  It took me twice as long to finish my project than anyone else.  This was not good just being a new designer, Lisa came over sat next to me and we just started talking like we knew each other for along time.  I asked, Lisa to please be my mentor and she said, YES!  I felt all the stress melt away after that.

 

If I could please ask if you to put two important other health problems on your web page.   I have Hemochromatosis and Sjogren's (show-grins) you would not believe how many millions of people have these other health issues that goes along with Fibromyalia.  If  I didn't have my crafts and being a designer I wouldn't be here today, even on my web page I try to get women to not give up because of Fibromyalia.  Doing the crafts and designing really helps by letting me relax and keeping my mind busy in a positive direction

My Crafts Helps Keep The Pain and Stress Away From My Many Disabilities

I just read an article that John Sanpietro sent me from Artisans monthly. I was very pleased to see your spot to show your artwork and talk about your health set backs. I've been an artist over over forty years, I have RA, Fibromyalgia, Chemical Sensitivities, Allergies, Asthma and  a few extra health problems thrown in for a little extra kick.'

 

I have art training, but with my medical disabilities I have not been able to work outside the home for over ten years. I paint mixed media, and watercolor. I also do paper-crafting, scrapbooking, fabric art, sewing and embroidery when my hands work well enough. I love to create, it is my passion in life. When I "lost" in my artwork I feel less stress and pain. I'd like to be "lost" all the time.

 

I sell Stampin' Up! and have just started an Etsy store, it is my only means of work. Thank goodness my husband works.  Best wishes,  Sarah Miller

www.stetlerarts.stampinup.net
http://stetlerarts.blogspot.com

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