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BRAIN-KNEADING

© Barbara Massie

It's sleeting, a dismal, bone-chilling, freezing rain and this can be the longest time of year for me. There is a feeling of urgency of wanting nature to come alive and to have the stay-in-the-house doldrums go away. Those in the warmer climates may not feel this as much, but anywhere you are, this can be a slower time of year.

In this discombobulated frame of mind I just feel like rambling. Let's look at bits and pieces. Whatever pops into mind will be listed. Get a sheet of paper and list your ideas that are triggered by mine. This can be an exercise in brain-kneading.

Brain-kneading; my term. Massaging the mind and just letting thoughts come out can be a rewarding experience. You are actually brainstorming with yourself. A process that can shape ideas and prompt new thoughts. For an interesting perspective look at what artist Chris Huang uses to describe Brain Storming.

Brain-kneading.Use questions to trigger thoughts when you have some quiet time. Look at the Brain Stormer Form you can use to brainstorm (brain-knead) with yourself. An example of a topic could come from the following question:

Question:

Were there any fads during your youth that you vividly remember?

Is it something others could enjoy now?

The answer could give you an idea for an item to create that is similar. It could start a fad!

Let's look at some Bits and Pieces:

My goal was to find and learn about a new product someone had mentioned to me. She didn't know the name; she just knew what it did. I went to a large craft store, then became frustrated that I couldn't find what even vaguely resembled the product. Two women were strolling the same aisle, so I asked if they had heard of it. One of the women not only had heard of the product, she gave me the name of a crafter who used it!

The moral of the story is - when in a favorite aisle at the craft or fabric store strike up a conversation with whoever is there. There can be an exchange of information and possibly the start a new friendship.

And of course, there is the Internet. This idea came from the Martha Stewart site: When using a hot glue gun, have a bowl of ice water nearby. If a spot of glue gets on your hand, immediately dip it into the ice water to stop the heat of the glue. I have ruined the skin on my one thumb for life. The gory details won't interest you. Know my thumb was burned so deeply the doctor states it is unlikely that it will ever be completely repaired.

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