Hi everyone, and welcome to the September newsletter. I write these each month to share seasonal reflections from nature and gentle ideas for sustaining a regular creative practice. You’ll also find details of upcoming workshops and a few seasonal invitations to help you notice, connect and create.
I’ve always rather liked September. I know January is meant to be the time for fresh starts, but September has always felt more like the beginning of a new year to me. Perhaps it’s because I’ve spent so many years working in schools, but I still find myself wanting to get organised, make plans and begin new projects.
Nature seems to be changing too. The mornings feel cooler, the evenings draw in just a little earlier and there are small signs of autumn wherever you look. Howthorn beries and acorns are starting to ripen and the a few leaves are starting to turn. It’s not quite autumn yet, flowers can still be found, but you can feel it on its way.
I think creative practice is a bit like that too. It naturally has seasons. There are times when we’re full of ideas and times when life gets in the way. If you’ve hardly opened a sketchbook over the summer, I don’t think that matters. September isn’t about catching up or making grand plans. It’s simply a good time to begin again.
For me, beginning again usually starts with something small. A walk with my nature journal, ten quiet minutes drawing a leaf or simply noticing what’s changing on a familiar route. One small step is often all it takes to find your way back into a regular creative practice.
Is it too early to mention Christmas..?
I work in a primary school and it definitely would be there but maybe September is also a good time to start looking ahead and planning something nice for yourself. My festive workshops often fill quickly so if you’d like to spend some creative time together later in the year, now is a good opportunity to book a place either on the morning or afternoon workshop.
Notice • Connect • Create this September
🌿 Notice
Return to a place you’ve visited throughout the year and notice what has changed. The first signs of autumn are often quieter than we expect.
🤝 Connect
Visit Art in the Gardens at the wonderful Botanical Gardens (5th -6th September). It’s a huge event where both professional and amateur artists can exhibit their work. There are also craft stalls and the chance to meet local artists. I always find it really inspirational and come away brimming with ideas (and sometimes some new art!)
🎨 Create
Choose one creative project you’ve been meaning to begin and make a start. It doesn’t need to be finished—just opened.
If you enjoy gentle creative ideas, nature-based inspiration, and invitations to slow art workshops in Sheffield, you’re very welcome to stay subscribed — and to share this with anyone who might enjoy making a little more space for creativity.
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