If you haven’t already seen my Instagram video on the same topic, and would prefer to watch a small clip rather than read, then feel free to watch on that space… here’s the link https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUZZHYdqcxG/?utm_medium=copy_link
Other than that though, I’m honoured that you are reading this. In all honesty, this is my very first attempt at writing a blog. So I’m approaching it probably with less confidence than I should and an equally minimal amount of finesse (I’m hoping this improves with time!)
For those of you who haven’t seen my Instagram profile and don’t know what on earth a Gentle Reminder is, let me give you a brief synopsis…
Generally speaking, a gentle reminder is when you nudge someone regarding something they already know or are aware of, in order to bring that thought to the front of the brain… it is a kind gesture, full of understanding.
This describes precisely what my Gentle Reminders series are intended for. There are times when we all need a help – when we forget to focus our thoughts in a direction that is most helpful.
Each piece has a few levels to their creation;
The words. Each one of these has come from a place of personal journey in my own life. To cut to the chase, I realised just how powerful words can be when used with intent. At the lowest points in my life, I got into the habit of scribbling positive affirmations I needed to be reminded of daily onto scraps of paper and sticking them up where I knew I would see them.
I have also found journaling to be an amazing tool, and found that amongst other things i would write down things I knew were treasures and I need to fossilise onto my brain and into my heart.
The writing. I have loved the act of writing and the art of calligraphy since I can remember… I even took lessons from a little old lady who lived nearby (she was the only person I ever heard of who could do calligraphy or who even knew what it was!!). I am absolutely no master in calligraphy, but put a pen in my hand and ask me to copy something or write something in my best handwriting, and you’ll find me in my happy place.. there’s just something about scratching letters on to paper and having it look composed and fluid that I find delightful.
The pressed flowers. O mannnnnn… where do I even start! Taking a tiny slice of creation and placing it between layers of protective papery membranes, and finding it perfectly preserved a few weeks later is honestly one of the most satisfying things I have ever done. Opening a press feels like Christmas every time!!
The printing. As soon as I had a series I was happy with, I took them to a flat bed scanner in Cape Town. There they scanned the pieces without squishing the flowers, and printed each piece 10 times onto German etching paper (trust me, it’s beautiful!)
The framing. It just so happens that my darling Dad is a carpenter – not just as a hobby… it’s what he has done his whole life. So I am in the super privileged position of being able to say that each and every Gentle Reminder has been framed in a handmade, solid wood frame by a master! The wood is either oak or walnut – and exquisitely beautiful!