It's at just this sort of time that Muse starts to get antsy and I remember that when I launched my website I really wanted to be publicly accountable for making sure I stopped once in a while and ensured Muse got to refill the well.
Simple craft projects are guaranteed to help Muse and I retain perspective and get back to that chilled-out place. Doing something that's completely different to writing but that's still creative--really helps free up your mind, helps you relax and restores a little balance.
So I thought I'd post a simple project that takes around an hour to complete.
Ornament Decoupage: You can use an old Christmas bauble and update it using this technique or buy ready-made ornaments to decorate/embellish.
Pretty Paper
PVA glue
Decoupage paintbrush
Varnish (optional)
Ruler, pencil and scissors (optional)
Instructions:
![Picture](/uploads/1/3/5/2/13522589/8703016.jpg?169)
2) Mix some PVA glue with a little water.
3) Using the paintbrush put a little glue onto a small area of the ornament. Pick up a piece of paper and lay it over the glue. Next, take your
brush and brush a little glue over the paper to seal it.
4) Repeat the process, overlapping the paper in any pattern you want as long as
you cover the surface of the ornament.
![Picture](/uploads/1/3/5/2/13522589/2998053.jpg?281)
6) Allow to dry.
7) Paint over with varnish (optional) to make it extra shiny.
Have fun with it and leave me a comment about your decoupage exploits, or let me know which craft projects soothe your soul and free up your mind to go back to your writing fresh and revitalised.