Creating Stars Craft Club

27/07/2021

You know when there is something you should be doing, yet you seem to find a hundred and one other things to do instead?
Well that’s me!
It’s not even something that I should be doing, it’s something that I think I should be doing and something that I vowed to be better at, and that thing is keeping my page up to date and posting a bit of something everyday.
Oh well, better late then never

I was so excited after my Safe & Soft launch of Creating Stars last Friday in Salobreña.
I had 3 bright shiny stars come along (after several others booked and cancelled, due to those blasted unforeseen circumstances, illness, and sleepless nights that we all experience) and what Creating Stars they were.
This session was a Star Themed workshop (see what I did there?) and the little stars loved it.
We made photo frames then “mixtures”, to start with and it was genuinely hard to prize the crafters away from their makes, even after an hour and a half. But we did manage the treasure hunt and a story to finish with.
Everyone was delighted with their lucky bag of craft ingredients and their surprise gifts of a bottle of magic star dust necklaces.
There were so many things planned that we didn’t get around to doing because I didn’t want to interrupt the artists at work as they were so focussed, but that’s all good because they had a fabulous time and they got to take all the unfinished things home with them, in their lucky bags, to complete at their leisure.
I got a lovely message from one of the mums that night (it’s posted in the comments below) and on Sunday, I bumped into one of the Creating Stars by the swimming hole in my village and she shouted
“Deborah, Deborah, you know when we had Star Day the other day? Well I’ve brought all my things with me and I’ve put somethings that grandma sent me in as well and I’m going to do them when I’m not swimming today!” And there she was in her swimming costume with her Stardust necklace on too, what a compliment.
All the mums said how surprised they were at how focussed their children were in the session, with one (a teacher) saying “anyone who can keep 3 of this age, focussed and engaged for so long is incredible in my book”
Thanks for reading and get in touch if you want to discuss booking a session.

22/07/2021

https://youtu.be/fJwjLYRPxJY

I feel that the stars are shining bright above me, this was always one of my mums favourite songs and whenever I hear it, it takes me back to being a small child that was small enough to wrap my arm around my mothers thigh whilst she talked to the postman at the door. I have a vivid memory of the sun streaming down (unusual for the north west of England) and having the feeling that everything was alright in the world. It’s funny how a song can take you right back to a specific place and time. It came on the radio this afternoon as I was preparing the Lucky Bags for tomorrow’s Introductory Launch of Creating Stars Craft Club and with it being my dads birthday today too (he would’ve been 81) and me being so excited to get started with this new venture, it felt like a message from the stars.
In addition I am feeling loved by all the likes and comments I have been receiving and wanted to say a huge thank you to all the lovely people who have liked my page. I have tried to respond to you all individually and love how we are all connected in one special way or another.
Due to technical issues this week I haven’t been able to post updates (phew, you’re all thinking) but next week I hope to do a daily drop in, wish me luck folks.

Official audio to "Dream a Little Dream of Me" by The Mamas and The PapasMore from TMATP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-aK6JnyFmk(C) 1966 Geffen Records

17/07/2021

And so it is the weekend. Time to step away from the planning, making, cutting, preparing and researching and instead I’m having a bit of downtime.
Today I have been digging, raking and sieving soil on our newly acquired plot of land. It’s thirsty work in 31 degree heat I can tell you but this little pool that the teenagers have built in the river is exactly halfway between our house and the plot, so a quick swim on the way there and on the way back helps to break up the 5 minute walk

16/07/2021

Today I want to talk about what Creating Stars can deliver to your bright little stars.
Every Creating Stars sessions will have a different theme each time. The fun will start on The Blanket Of Stars where the idea for the day will be introduced and discussed. The children will be encouraged to think about the subject and what it means to them, what their experience of the theme might be and what they might be able to create., the children will guide conversation and introduce their own perspectives on the theme.
We’ll also have a song and/or a dance and some time to absorb the information.
Then we’ll go to the Crafting Table where each child will be given their Lucky Bag.
Do you remember Lucky Bags from your childhood? Filled with surprises and treats.
The Creating Stars Lucky Bags will be filled with all the ingredients for the session pus a free gift to use in their crafting or to take home with them. There will always be extras of everything and some things to do at home afterwards. Once they have opened their Lucky Bags and explored the ingredients it’s time to get creating and making.
After so much thinking and doing, we’ll stop for a play break and a snack, which will be followed by an activity, giving everyone a chance to stretch and roam. Before we we end the session we will check in on the crafting to finish things off, or to see if there is anything else to do. When we’re all happy that the crafting is complete, we will return to The Blanket of Stars for some reflection, for a story and for meditation.
Most of the time I will only ask for parents to provide a healthy snack and a refreshing drink for their children but from time to time I may ask for a particular ingredient for the theme. These will usually be something I expect most people to have in the home and/or affordable and readily available things.
If you think your little (and not so little) stars might enjoy this please get in touch and let me know.

Hoy quiero hablar sobre lo que la creación de estrellas puede ofrecer a sus pequeñas estrellas brillantes.
Cada sesión de Creando Estrellas tendrá un tema diferente cada vez. La diversión comenzará en The Blanket Of Stars, donde se presentará y discutirá la idea del día. Se animará a los niños a pensar sobre el tema y lo que significa para ellos, cuál podría ser su experiencia del tema y qué podrían ser capaces de crear. Los niños guiarán la conversación e introducirán sus propias perspectivas sobre el tema.
También tendremos una canción y / o un baile y algo de tiempo para absorber la información.
Luego iremos a la mesa de manualidades donde cada niño recibirá su Lucky Bag.
¿Te acuerdas de Lucky Bags de tu infancia? Lleno de sorpresas y golosinas.
Las bolsas de la suerte de Creando Estrellas se llenarán con todos los ingredientes para la sesión y un obsequio gratis para usar en su elaboración o para llevar a casa con ellos. Siempre habrá extras de todo y después algunas cosas que hacer en casa. Una vez que hayan abierto sus Lucky Bags y hayan explorado los ingredientes, es hora de empezar a crear y hacer.
Después de tanto pensar y hacer, nos detendremos para jugar y tomar un refrigerio, que será seguido por una actividad, dando a todos la oportunidad de estirarse y deambular. Antes de terminar la sesión, revisaremos la elaboración para terminar las cosas o para ver si hay algo más que hacer. Cuando todos estemos felices de que la elaboración esté completa, regresaremos a The Blanket of Stars para reflexionar un poco, para contar una historia y para meditar.
La mayoría de las veces solo les pediré a los padres que proporcionen un refrigerio saludable y una bebida refrescante para sus hijos, pero de vez en cuando puedo pedir un ingrediente en particular para el tema. Por lo general, esto será algo que espero que la mayoría de la gente tenga en el hogar y / o cosas asequibles y fácilmente disponibles. Si crees que tus pequeñas estrellas podrían disfrutar esto, ponte en contacto y házmelo saber.

15/07/2021

And where is this Creating Stars happening? Some of you have asked, so I need to tell you about the beautiful and unique venue of Los Guajares Nature.
Nestled in the breathtaking Andalucian Mountains just above the picturesque village of Guajar Faragüit, this is where we will start to deliver our craft club sessions.
Please keep an eye on our page for dates to be announced
If Los Guajares is a little too far for you to come, I have love and will travel!
to the Alpujarras, Costa Tropical and Valle de Lecrin. So if you have the space or know a venue nearer to you, get in touch and I can come to you.
My first free introductory session (sorry fully booked) is being hosted at a beautiful Finca in Salobreña next Friday, and there are plans in the pipe line for a Wednesday afternoon course starting in September close to Vélez De Benaudalla at a truly splendiferous location. (I can’t wait for the reveal on this one)
Updates regarding times, dates, venues and possibly freebies will be announced over the next few weeks, but if you have any questions or want to discuss anything (without obligation) I welcome your call, text, messenger or WhatsApp
+34 601653896

Entonces, ¿dónde está sucediendo esto Creando Estrellas? Algunos de ustedes han preguntado, así que necesito contarles sobre el hermoso y único lugar de Los Guajares Nature.
Ubicado en las impresionantes montañas andaluzas, justo encima del pintoresco pueblo de Guajar Faragüit, aquí es donde comenzaremos a impartir nuestras sesiones de club de artesanía.
Esté atento a nuestra página para conocer las fechas que se anunciarán.
Si Los Guajares está un poco lejos para que vengas, ¡tengo amor y viajaré!
a las Alpujarras, Costa Tropical y Valle de Lecrin. Entonces, si tienes el espacio o conoces un lugar más cercano a ti, ponte en contacto y puedo ir contigo.
Mi primera sesión introductoria gratuita (lo siento, completamente reservada) se llevará a cabo en una hermosa Finca en Salobreña el próximo viernes, y hay planes para un curso de miércoles por la tarde que comenzará en septiembre cerca de Vélez De Benaudalla en una ubicación verdaderamente espléndida. (No puedo esperar a la revelación de este)
Las actualizaciones sobre horarios, fechas, lugares y posiblemente obsequios se anunciarán en las próximas semanas, pero si tiene alguna pregunta o desea discutir algo (sin compromiso), doy la bienvenida a su llamada, mensaje de texto, mensajería o WhatsApp.
+34 601653896

14/07/2021

So, there I was setting up my Creating Stars Craft Club, when my close friend Marsha Mallow said,
“It must be impossible for you to count all the things that you have done for a living!”
And that really got me thinking…
I have worked in various retail settings from the Pick n Mix counter in Woolies, perfume counters at Heathrow Airport, green grocers, gift stores, antique shops, health food and even running my own shop in Brighton in the 1990’s (then it was called Cutie, now it is Get Cutie) I have worked in hairdressers, been a waitress, and hosted language students.
I have worked with people of all ages too, from setting up a playgroup, nannying and childminding, working as a care assistant in a residential care home for older people, gaining a professional qualification in Youth Work, when I worked with young people with complex needs and multiple issues for 15 years. From there I went on to be a Personal Assistant to the fabulous, feisty, feminist, punk, poet writer and performer Penny Pepper, and most recently have been delivering the Art Through Nature Component of Dome School at the magical Casa Sierra, Vélez De Benaudalla where children get to experience Yoga, Art, Pony Care and Riding.
In addition to these roles, I have also been a backing singer for Captain Sensible of The Damned, been the lead singer in the Brighton band SexLoveBusterBaby! I have had my own ‘live advertising’ business, Really Rank Advertising, been a performer at one of the original burlesque nights Vavavavoom. I’ve had a fashion and a crafting business where I have made clothes, accessories and soft furnishings under my label The Pink Minx. I was the founder member of a group of volunteers who organised a twice yearly fancy dress ball Outrageous Decadence which raised thousands of pounds for charities in Hastings U.K. With my husband I performed in our vintage inspired surreal cabaret act, Cheap Thrills Bonkers Bingo and Rowdy Pub Quiz at festivals and at The Albion Pub in Hastings once a month.
And that’s just off the top of my head. I can’t help thinking that Marsha was right. Goodness knows how I found time to raise my two amazing, grown up children, Sidney Mae (32) and Dylan (Crispin McCrunch 29) and how the hell I would get all that onto a CV is anyone’s guess.
However looking back at all these things it became apparent that in all of these roles I have been working with people, and I have always enjoyed that engagement with any age, from cradle to grave so to speak. I also realised that three main themes came up for me too, 1) I have always brought humour and fun into everything I’ve done, 2)I have always put my heart and souls into everything I’ve done and 3) I have always been creative in finding ways to get the best out of everyone and everything.
Anyway, here is a picture of me wearing a hat made from pegs it’s from a few years ago, but you have no idea how hard it was to find a picture of me that I was happy to share.

13/07/2021

I’m so excited to be launching my Creative Stars Craft Club. I have lots of fun, interesting and exciting things planned and want to share my enthusiasm with you.
Therefore I am offering a limited number of
FREE INTRODUCTORY SESSIONS
For 3-7 and 8-12 year olds
The first of these sessions will be in Salobreña on
Friday 23rd July between 10:30 -12:30
There will be games, stories, surprises and crafting sessions.
Get in touch to book your place, or to find out more about Creating Stars Craft Club

Estoy muy emocionado de lanzar mi Creando Estrellas Craft Club.
Tengo muchas cosas divertidas, interesantes y emocionantes planeadas y quiero compartir mi entusiasmo con ustedes.
Por lo tanto, estoy ofreciendo un número limitado de
SESIONES INTRODUCTORIAS GRATUITAS.
La primera de estas sesiones será en Salobreña el
Viernes 23 de julio de 10:30 a 12:30
Habrá juegos, historias, sorpresas y sesiones de manualidades.
Póngase en contacto para reservar su lugar o para obtener más información sobre Creación de Stars Craft Club

11/07/2021

I’m starting a children’s craft club, who wants to join?

11/07/2021

Welcome to the launch of Creating Stars Craft Club.
I am Deborah and my children’s crafting sessions aim to deliver fun, interesting and exciting new experiences to children aged 3-6 and 7-12.
We will discover, explore and learn through stories, surprises, games, crafting and discussion.
Each of my sessions are themed and designed to encourage the children to guide the learning. I can also design bespoke sessions and to encompass your child’s needs, interests and likes.
You can book a one off session, a course of 6 weeks, or an Arty Farty Birthday Party Activity.
I have a beautiful venue in the heart of Los Guajares (Guajares Nature) where we will welcome your Creating Stars to get involved, or I can come to you to deliver my 2 hour format that will engage and delight the participants.
I am happy to take calls and messages to discuss anything about the club, without any commitment.