Why You Need Play Time and Ideas on How to Fill It

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post! And, all photos were provided by Ursula Markgraf.

When I think about April, the first thing that pops into my mind is PLAY TIME.

Some time ago I took her course, Roadmap, and I learned alot. The thing that stuck most with me was the importance of play time for us creatives. Back then I realized that I had totally underestimated this.

So I made some changes in my life and I experienced for myself what a huge difference play time makes. Ever since I started to add play time into my everyday life – yes, every day – I am much happier. And I feel more creative. And isn’t FEELING creative the best thing ever? Even better than a cup of steaming hot tea! And I do love my tea. Alot.

Well, I thought to get you started I’d share a bit about what my play time looks like. I have a whole list of different activities that I use for play time depending on how much time I have that day. Wanna take a peak and get inspired?

* If you are thinking what the heck IS play time, well, it is rather simple. As the name suggests it is all about PLAY. Your only goal is PLAYING. Nothing else. The product or result of your playing is not important – you should just enjoy the process! That is it.

{10 minutes or more}

I have my notebook with me at all times. (If I forget or misplace it – I get really freaked out.) I often use it to have creative mini-breaks. Whereever I am. On the playground with the kids. Waiting to pick up the kids from school or kindergarten. Being in the yard while the kids build forts out of blankets.

Some days are really busy and I do not get to open my notebook once. Those days I take my notebook in the evening, cuddle up on the sofa or in bed, have my tea ready – and my hands just start scribbling, writing, doodling. Even if it is just for a few minutes–it’s fun. And, it makes me feel better.

{10 minutes or more}

On some days, I feel like my life needs a bit more color. Time to break out the colored pencils. These were a gift for my last birthday. 72 different colors. Yes! The moment I unwrapped that package I swear the world did a little jump of joy with me.

{30 minutes or more}

If I have a little more time on my hands and feel more like making big moves, I get out some brushes and paint. I love smooshing around the paint, combining colors on the fly without the fear of ruining something. And if I do not like it, I just paint over it. Voila! Life just got so much easier.

{1 hour or more}

I love love love being outside. I love nature, especially woods and water. Some of my play time I spend just exploring and taking photos. I love to take my bike and just go. No thinking. Just ride. Stopping once in a while to take in the view and snap a pic. I find a lot of inspiration in a change of scenery. And I get some of my best ideas outside.

{10 minutes or more}

If I’m more in the mood for something soothing, slow and cuddly, I might embroider. Those are usually little projects, accents or little details on handmade things. But I used to do this alot as a kid and I cherish the memory. Also, I love old embroidery patterns.

{30 minutes or more}

And of course I love to sew. For playtime however I only do certain sewing projects where I do not have to do a lot of planning or measuring. Sewing a patchwork jersey scarf for example is perfect. And the noise of my sewing machine is kinda comforting. A little bit like a purring cat.

{10 minutes or more}

Whenever I need to really calm myself, I get out my knitting needles. Having two kids in the house can make it quite hard to stay calm. But knitting is soothing. I am probably the slowest knitter on earth. But I enjoy it immensely. Somehow the knitting is almost like a meditation to me. And I do not need big preparations or anything–I can just pick it up and knit two rows in between cleaning up the living room and making dinner.

{30 minutes or more}

I also love to make color collages. I love putting together bits of magazines and create color combinations. Test what works, and what does not. It’s easy, fun, and later I can put it in my studio as inspiration.

 {10 minutes or more}

Shall I tell you a secret? Do not tell anyone, but I LOVE to look at picture books. (It’s quite convenient to have kids, otherwise the women in our public library in town would probably wonder why I hang out in the kids’ library so much.) For some reason picture books make me feel special. They make me feel like a kid. They make me feel like I can go to other places just by looking at those pictures. And they almost always inspire me to start drawing, sketching or painting myself.

Of course I also love to actually read books. But for play time, I usually pick books that I can browse through, look at–something visual. It does not have to be picture books though. Sometimes I look at inspiring magazines or at DIY books. Or even some fun catalogues. Anything that I enjoy will do. Oh, and if I can have a tea or a cookie with it that does not hurt either.

{10 minutes or more}

And last but certainly not least, one of my favourite things to do for play time is crochet. I love to crochet. I have learned the basic stitches as a child and then taught myself. I really love this technique, especially when using thick cuddly wool. Me, some wool, a crochet hook, an arm chair and a blanket…and I am happy for hours.

Oh, and if you are wondering why there is a stuffed horse in all the photos. And sometimes a cup of tea. Well, easy. I love tea. Tea makes everything better. Even play time. Especially play time. Play time is MY time – and tea for me is just a part of it.

And the horse – it’s name is Nikolaus. It has been with me since I can remember. When I was sad as a kid, I used to talk to it. (And yes, of course it did answer.) I still love this horse dearly. I put it into the picture because play time is for our creativity just like what this horse was for me as a child–a good friend that makes me happy, feel comforted and peaceful.

I hope this inspired you to go and break out the pencils, colors, or knitting needles. Have fun. And if you like to see what other things I create visit me at www.ursulamarkgraf.com – and download some inspirational button postcards/mini posters while you are there.

Happy creating!

Ursula, the crafting gypsy

Ursula loves and lives creativity. She is a free-spirited yet structure-loving artist, writer, dreamer and gypsy at heart. She creates and sells one-of-a-kind handmade buttons in order to inspire others to be creative. Her mission is not world domination, but to remind women of their dreams, inspire them to live their life their way and encourage them to define success on their own terms. If you want to hear about the other projects she is working on check out her site www.ursulamarkgraf.com and get on her list.