“HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS THROUGH CRAFTING”

The type of career that I am in is a very stressful and unforgiving one. I am a law enforcement officer and the majority of my time spent on the job involves some sort of negativity. It can also be physically demanding, working many long hours. It's most certainly not a glamorous job, and in several cases, I found myself bringing work home with me. When someone takes work home, it can become physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. This friends, leads to a lot of stress, and sometimes depression.

One of the ways that I have been able to cope with everyday stress has been through doing craft projects. This has ultimately turned into a great hobby for me. There have been so many things I have enjoyed doing such as crocheting, card making, using modeling clay, etc, but so far my favorite has been creating silk flower arrangements and centerpieces. One of the reasons that I enjoy making floral arrangements is because I love the beauty that flowers have to offer. There are so many different colors, shapes, and styles of flowers that can be created, with endless possibilities. Most of the silk flowers found in craft stores today are made to look just like the real thing. Such arrangements can last a life time, and can be changed for different occasions. Nothing could ever take away the beauty of real flowers. But I do believe that silk flowers are second best.

The other reason I enjoy creating floral centerpieces is for the simple joy of giving. When I can see someone's face light up because they can't believe that I made it, makes it all worth while. For me, giving has always been more fun than receiving. That joy also encourages me to create more beautiful pieces, and it helps to keep tension away. Whether it's a special holiday like Christmas, someone's birthday, or special occasion, some of the greatest gifts are those that are handmade from the heart.

One must always have an outlet that helps them to escape into their own fun-filled world. This world has to be a place where they can be creative and happy. Within your extraordinary place you must bring with you the things that you enjoy, whether it be building model trains, photography, knitting, or even metal sculpting, it's your very own place to get away from it all. Any thoughts of work or deadlines that must be met are not welcome in this wonderful place. This place must also be where negativity and stress is never allowed to enter.

Simple and elegant St. Patrick's Day Floral Arrangement

I love having a beautiful, fresh arrangement of flowers sitting on my table just like the next girl. However, as we all know, flowers can become very expensive to buy. Well I have a great solution to your floral fix and for those crafters who enjoy creating your own arrangement. This particular centerpiece is themed for March's St. Patrick's Day holiday.

Supplies that you will need:

• Your choice of a beautiful vase
• A set of floral cutters
• Fun vase fillers such as moss, colored glass beads, etc
• An assortment of silk flowers, leaves, and greenery

First, take the silk flowers and place them all inside the vase prior to cutting. This is how I'm able to decide how tall I want each flower to be. Of course everybody has their own way on how to achieve this. Once you figure out your height choices for each flower, repeat the same step for your leaves and any other greenery or sticks that you may choose to add.

Now that you are done cutting everything, grab your chosen vase fillers and start adding them to the bottom of the vase. For my arrangement I used glass beads for one arrangement, and moss for the other. The glass beads adds an elegant look, while the moss fillers are a more natural, earthy style.

Tip: When adding the fillers, place just enough in the vase so that you can place the flowers in pressing down into the fillers gently. Continue to fill the vase with the remaining fillers. This will not only help you to cover any open bare areas, but it will also keep the flowers standing up much straighter.

The final touches to your beautiful creation are any new adjustments that may be needed to the height of the arrangement, as well as adjusting your leaves. Making your arrangement look as real as possible is really the key to having a long lasting table centerpiece that you will love and enjoy. There is nothing worse than seeing an arrangement that has silk flowers that looks fake.

Tip: Placing scented candles or plug-ins of your choice throughout your home will make up for the lack of aroma from the flowers.

Adding fun whimsical (I love that word) party favors to your table, and even your arrangement, will create a more festive centerpiece that can be used if one is throwing a party. What's better than a St. Patty's day party with green eggs and ham for breakfast, and green beer and haggis for dinner. Party on crafters!