Artful Connections: A Creative Guide to Bonding with Loved Ones

In a world where it can be tough to form meaningful connections, this guide highlights how art can help strengthen relationships. By doing creative activities together, you can boost communication and make lasting memories. You'll find inspiration to explore different art forms with family and friends, turning shared experiences into special moments. Join me on this creative journey where every brushstroke, laugh, and artistic project brings you closer to your loved ones. Let’s embrace the joy of connecting through art!

Create a schedule that is simple to follow. Whether it's a monthly Zoom meeting or an in-person gathering at home, ensure it's convenient and comfortable for everyone.

Begin each session with a moment of reflection to help everyone feel centered and engaged. This could involve a simple breathing exercise, a few moments of silence, a prayer, a poem, or lyrics from a song. Experiment with different approaches in each session to discover what resonates best with your group.

Engaging in meaningful conversations can be a daunting task, especially if you're like me and often feel anxious and introverted. However, with patience and practice, these conversations can be very rewarding, much like exercising. You can start slowly with simple conversation starters.

At Advent Lutheran Church Sunday School, we went around the group and shared our "Rose, Thorn, and Rose Bud." A "Rose" is something exciting, happy, or comforting that has recently happened to you. A "Thorn" is something disappointing, sad, or difficult that you have experienced. Finally, a "Rose Bud" is something you are hopeful about or looking forward to.

Make art and have fun! The materials you use and the type of art you make don't matter. The only rule is that it should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone in the group. You can also help one another.

When I created art with my mom, we used printer paper and markers. We both started by drawing flowers and then swapped our papers, adding to each other's drawings. This approach helped us relax and not take our art so seriously. Even though the drawings are a little wonky, they are currently my favorite pieces because they remind me of the time spent with my mom.

Share your art with others. This is not required. However, if you are crafty and create greeting cards, home decor, seasonal decorations, quilts, or blankets, you may want to consider giving your art as a gift. Or, you can consider selling your art to raise money for a local charity, school, or Church.

The possibilities are limitless. I would love to hear how it goes and see what you create. DM and tag me on Instagram @maquina37co.