15 Minute Challenge

For some of us, working intuitively is a difficult task; however giving yourself permission to “play without a plan” is a great creative exercise. Sometimes some of the most interesting creative results will simply come from out of nowhere with little forethought or preparation.

Setting boundaries by limiting yourself to a set time period is an excellent way to approach this. It allows you a controlled sense of freedom in which to explore and experiment without feeling a relentless pressure to perform and produce results.

Give your creativity a real workout and take the 15 Minute Challenge.

If you have participated in any of the online classes, then you are familiar with the Creative Challenges that are issued throughout the course of the workshop. One of the most popular Challenges is the 15 Minute Challenge.

Getting Started

Learning to work intuitively and without planning or preparation, helps to build self-confidence in your decision making process. The ultimate result of these type of challenges is not that you create a great sample or project, but it’s the process of “letting go” that’s important. Letting go of the need to control; the need to plan; the need to be perfect.

The best way to begin is to gather your supplies: a coordinating range of fabrics; threads, yarns and embellishments; whatever you think you might need to complete a small project.

Then simply sit down at your machine and begin. This can be difficult – a little like staring at a blank page, but just try it. The first step is always the hardest, but try to relax and allow the process to guide you.

Again, these small pieces don’t need to be a work of art, they simply need to demonstrate a willingness to open your mind to possibilities and allow your creativity to take over.

No-one ever has to see these pieces and they can be thrown out or recycled for other purposes, but you just may be surprised at your results.

There is no win or lose, no success or failure with this exercise – what’s important is your awareness of the process and your ability to let the intuitive side of your creativity guide the process.