Month: March 2022

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How to grow creativity everyday

What is creativity?

As you know, I love everything to do with creativity and how to develop it. For me it’s not just a way to pass the time but it’s a real art of living.

Creativity is the ability to transcend traditional ways of thinking or acting, and to develop new ideas, methods or objects.

Creativity is literally an individual’s ability to create. Being creative is therefore the ability to invent something, to reinvent everyday life, to imagine new solutions, to dare to think outside the box, to realize one’s dreams, to write…

Thus, since man has existed, he has had to use his creativity in order to adapt to the surrounding world. We call on our creativity every day: when our itinerary is changed, when we are missing an ingredient for our recipe, when we think of a working solution, etc.

As you know, I love everything to do with creativity and how to develop it. For me it’s not just a way to pass the time but it’s a real art of living.

Creativity is the ability to transcend traditional ways of thinking or acting, and to develop new ideas, methods or objects.

Creativity is literally an individual’s ability to create. Being creative is therefore the ability to invent something, to reinvent everyday life, to imagine new solutions, to dare to think outside the box, to realize one’s dreams, to write…

Thus, since human kind has existed, he has had to use his creativity in order to adapt to the surrounding world. We call on our creativity every day: when our itinerary is changed, when we are missing an ingredient for our recipe, when we think of a working solution, etc.

Let’s take a closer look at this:

  • It is an ability. Like knowing how to write, learning a lesson or driving a car, it is a knowledge that we acquire. It may seem natural to some, yet it is built and developed from an early age. Creativity, even if it is innate in some people, can be acquired by all!
  • It transcends traditional ways of thinking or acting. That is to say, it goes further than traditional ways of thinking, it allows us to see further to solve new problems that could not be solved by what is already known.
  • It allows you to develop new things. Indeed, creativity goes beyond imagination, because creativity develops. When we use our creativity, we don’t just imagine solutions, we put them to work, we build them to confront them with the world, to test how they work, to validate the initial idea.

Why develop your creativity?

Contrary to popular belief, creative people are extremely busy, both in their personal and professional lives.

Indeed, if creative profiles occupy a good place in artistic circles in particular, they are also highly sought after in other fields which, apparently, do not require any so-called creative skills; we are thinking in particular of the banking, financial and IT sectors, among others. And this is amply justified for the simple and good reason that creative people have atypical assets allowing them to easily integrate into complex and variable environments.

In particular, they can be attributed an ease in finding original solutions, an ease in solving complex problems, an openness and an insatiable curiosity for the world, an ability to adapt and bounce back from the slightest changes, an ease in dispelling doubts. and uncertainties quickly thanks to a unique state of mind.

It is also a great advantage in your personal life. Creativity allows you to free the mind, to feel fully alive, to take pride in your creations, to have the feeling of acting, to relieve yourself of the stress of an intense week of work, …

For example, when I face a problem or something stresses me out or bothers me, creativity helps me find a solution. By doing something creative, I think and act. Ideas are clearer. I feel more productive even when I’m tired. Creativity boosts me! The more my creativity grows, the more ideas flow into my head.

5 tips to develop your daily creativity

The good news is that it is possible to develop creativity! Creativity is not a magic gift that only a few lucky individuals can benefit from. It is above all a skill that can be nurtured and developed. The important thing is to find what will allow you to work this muscle.

1. Keep a creativity journal

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A journal is a great tool for nurturing your creativity. It is useful for recording all the ideas that abound in your mind during a day. It also helps to remember them!

You do not need a particular structure to record your inspiration. Practice free writing to record whatever comes to mind. You can also record your thoughts on audio or video if you don’t like to write. But always keep track of your ideas, they will always be useful to you one day!

2. Regularly letting your mind wander

Researchers have found that daydreaming can conduce to solving your problems, creatively! When your mind wanders, it accesses randomly stored memories, emotions, and bits of knowledge.

The key to using mind wandering effectively is to direct it to an area in which you seek inspiration. A meditation session (guided or not) can open the doors to your subconscious and help you find an effective solution to your concern, without necessarily addressing it directly. Let yourself go, empty your mind as much as possible.

3. Change frame often

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One of the best ways to boost your creativity is to change the frame.

In addition, new places make you more aware of your surroundings, they invite exploration and contemplation. By going to a new museum, for example, you can find a creative solution to a problem at work.

The different people you meet on a trip or a walk can also be an unsuspected source of inspiration.

Also consider changing your office or workplace periodically to spark your imagination.

4. Read blogs, magazines, books, listen to podcasts

Creativity is far from being a gift. You must find sources of inspiration to stimulate it on a daily basis. Read blogs, books, and magazines, listen to podcasts to find new ideas and answers to your questions. Find content creators relevant to your industry and follow them.

While you’re taking public transportation, cooking, or even going out to run errands, the podcasts in your ears will take you away and bring you fun and inspiration easily.

Personally, I listen to travel, business and adventure podcasts when I go out to walk my dog at night!

5. Practice DIY projects

DIY (Do It Yourself) is the perfect way to stimulate creativity and your imagination.

Indeed, the reason is simple: you have to think before making something and imagine the finished object. Then you have to find the best way to get the desired result. You will have to test, try, do and undo, before achieving your goals. It’s perfect for boosting your strategic sense!

5.1 DIY at home

When you are at home, you can do DIY easily and in your daily life by:

  • making your meals for the week while using the leftovers in the refrigerator;
  • upcycling fabrics to create your own accessories and clothes;
  • manufacturing your own household and cosmetic products;
  • gardening while making your plants proliferate;
  • creating decorative objects for the home…

In short, you will have understood that there are lots of ways to maintain creativity at a lower cost while staying at home! If you are looking for inspiration, I advise you to take a look on the Pinterest social network with the keyword search “DIY” you will find many other ideas there. You can also subscribe to my Pinterest account, where I regularly pin easy and fun DIY ideas for everyone.

5.2 DIY in creative workshops!

Of course, I couldn’t end this article without telling you about the creativity workshops. A great way to develop, implement and discover your creativity! In the creative workshops, we carry out DIY-type projects. The advantage is that you do not need any equipment or knowledge. You just need a good mood, motivation and the desire to discover new things!

The workshops are also an opportunity to meet new people who also share this creative spirit, without wanting to become an expert in one artistic technique or another. The idea is to clear the mind and spend a good time.

So if you feel like it, you can go see what the next Workshops are available on the homepage of the website!

Categories
DIY Project Sewing

What sewing machine for beginners ?

1. Why buy a sewing machine?

If you think you’re going to fix a few buttons and the holes in the bottom of the pockets with a sewing machine, I’ll save you some money: it won’t be necessary to buy a sewing machine! 😂

A sewing machine is for sewing bigger pieces such as clothes, accessories, bags, pouches, covers, bed sheets, cushion covers, furniture…

Thanks to the purchase of a sewing machine, you will be able to let your creativity speak. It will be a great weekend activity, you can go for a walk at the fabric market on Saturday morning to finally wear your new, freshly sewn dress, on Saturday evening or at Sunday brunch! 🤩

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2. What are the different types of machines?

So let’s start by telling you what types of sewing machines are there.

2.1. Electronic Sewing Machines

Electronic machines have a wide selection of stitches (including decorative stitches) and features thanks to a mini computer built into the machine. They are no more complicated to use than mechanical machines (older ones)! They have several motors to control the movement of the needle (sideways, forwards or backwards), which allows them to operate with a degree increased precision.

2.2. The lockmachines

These machines are used to finish the edges of fabrics to prevent them from fraying and give a more professional look to seams and hems. You will not need one to start. The zigzag stich on a classic electronic machine will do to start.

2.3. The embroiderers

These machines make it possible to do embroidery on fabric. Some do just that while others can also do the job of a sewing machine. Some sewing machines also offer an embroidery unit to add to the machine, for embroidery.

2.4. Industrial sewing machines

These are machines generally designed for a single point or a single task. For example, a quilter only sews straight stitches! The most common industrial machines are overlockers, coverlocks, stitchers, buttonhole machines… These machines are robust and efficient. Of course you will not need one for now.

3. How to choose a beginner sewing machine?

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3.1. What use I will make of it?

The first question to ask is: “what use will I make of it?“. If the idea is to use your sewing machine for leisure, occasionally, keep it simple. Avoid going to sewing machines that offer 30 different stitches. Quite simply, because you won’t have any use for it, but also because a machine that you use using several points may quickly break down.

3.2. Robustness

This naturally brings us to the second essential criterion: robustness! A relatively heavy machine is a solid, stable and resistant machine. In summary, if you want to invest in quality equipment, avoid colorful, light machines, which offer a host of different stitches. It’s tempting, but they are not the most reliable!

3.3. Fonctionnalities

Your sewing machine must be equipped with a forward stitch, a reverse stitch and a zigzag stitch and the automatic or semi-automatic buttonhole. This is more than enough to start sewing. You can always choose a sewing machine that also offers one or two decorative stitches, but no more.

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3.4. The budget

Brands like Singer or Brother are very reliable. But there’s no real “good” or “bad” brands. I think they are all good in the end. The ideal is to go to a shop to have an someone who will guide you at the time of purchase but also in case of difficulties afterwards. On the budget side, count about 150-200 euros for a quality sewing machine, corresponding to the needs of a beginner.

4. Top 5 budget models

People often ask me which sewing machine I recommend for beginners. It is always something complicated because there is not really a “cheap” sewing machine. I would say that the first prices of sewing machines are from 150€ (to have something nice), and can go up to several thousand euros of course!

So it is not at all easy to find your way around. When we want to get into sewing we always have this dilemma. Whether or not to invest in a sewing machine. We don’t really know if we’re going to like sewing, since we may have never tried it, or just a few times. But if you love it, then don’t you want to spend 200€ on a cheap machine and have to buy a better one later?

Especially since the more expensive the machine, the more pleasant it will be to use. And contrary to what you might think, starting out on a machine that is difficult to adjust makes sewing less fun and much more difficult in the beginning.

In any case, you can come and test the sewing during the sewing workshops of L’Atelier de Pandora. You can even come with your own sewing project and we will discuss it together!

I have therefore selected 5 sewing machines for beginners…

4.1. Singer 333 Fashion Mate 

Singer 333 Fashion Mate naaimachine (about 150€).

Strenghts of this sewing machine

  • Easy handling
  • Good finish
  • Functional and easy to use
  • Very competitive price…
  • Lightweight and easy to carry

4.2. Singer Single 3221

Singer Simple 3221 White/Blue Sewing Machine (about 170€).

  • Automatic threading
  • 21 programs
  • Extra high foot position
  • 1-step automatic buttonhole

4.3. Bernina Bernette Sew & Go

Bernina Bernette Sew & GO8 (about 380€).

  • Very quiet machine
  • Easy to use
  • Many decoration points available
  • Nice design

4.4. Brother FS 40 Electronic Sewing Machine

Brother FS 40 Electronic Sewing Machine (about 380€).

  • Simple to use
  • Silent
  • Great variety of stitches
  • Lightweight

4.5. Pfaff Smarter manual sewing machine

PFAFF SMARTER 140S sewing machine with 5 year warranty (about 260€).

  • Easy to use
  • Good value for money
  • Silent

5. The sewing machine I use every day: the PFAFF Passport 2.0

I bought this very first sewing machine in 2018. I actually started sewing in the 1900’s when I was young, with my mother’s old Singer. It was with a manual sewing machine that I learned to sew, little by little. Then, during teenage, I completely stopped sewing and only resumed when I finished my studies, after my first job.

In fact, that’s when I really learned to sew, and from there came my passion for sewing. I had just moved to Nantes and started as a freelancer in web communication (a job that I still do full time). I then spent half the week sewing and testing techniques, and the other half at my web agency.

I finally perfected myself thanks to youtube videos and free patterns on the internet. Something that wouldn’t have been possible when I was little since we didn’t even have internet! 🙈

So this famous first machine (and still current) is the passport 2.0 from the Pfaff brand. Although this is not of great importance when it comes to choosing a sewing machine, it should still be noted that the pfaff passport 2.0 sewing machine is of particular beauty. Indeed, it attracts the eye with its beautiful colors and its particular finishes. In addition, it must be admitted that it is not only beautiful to look at, it is also robust, solid and resistant to shocks!

In addition to its sleek design, the Pfaff Passport 2.0 sewing machine is also ergonomic and very light. In fact, it weighs only 6.3 kg, which makes it easy to transport (but still quite heavy I can tell you).

The Pfaff Passport 2.0 machine is sold with many accessories. Much more than necessary for a beginner, but you will end up using them some day believe me. What I prefer about this machine is its noise: it is very low.

In other words, you can easily sew your fabrics with this machine, because it is fed with great regularity above and below. This therefore makes it possible to work on all types of fabrics (thick, thin, stretchy), without folding them, and even with faux-leather. Thus, the PFAFF Passport 2 sewing machine achieves precise assembly and smooth sewing, while avoiding shifts.

To recap, here are the main features of the Pfaff Passport 2.0 sewing machine:

  • a lightweight for a sewing machine: 6.3 kg,
  • a small footprint thanks to its compact size, which allows it to be stored on a simple shelf or bookcase,
  • a wide choice of sewing stitches, including utility, decorative, fancy, quilt stitches and artistic stitches, the point of Paris and buttonholes;
  • adjustable stitch width,
  • the adjustable needle height, even for thick fabrics,
  • the possibility of working with or without pedal,
  • a free arm for tubular seams, such as the hems of sleeves or trouser legs, for example,
  • a reverse function, ideal for easily carrying out stopping points (like every sewing machine actually)
  • claws to practice and see how each point is rendered,
  • worktop lighting for visual comfort and the possibility of sewing in all light conditions, (this is quite important when you sew in a not very lightful room)
  • a needle threader,
  • possibility to adjust the stitching speed of the needle,
  • many accessories supplied with the machine.

I am truely happy about this sewing machine and I wouldn’t change it !!!

6. The sewing machines that are available in the Workshop

I offer sewing workshops all year round, by appointment only. the workshops aim to open you up to the world of sewing, to discover your talents, and why not, to improve your skills.

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I offer projects such as making small handbags, or make-up remover wipes. You can also come with your own project, and ask me how we could work together for you to carry it out. This was the case of Virginie, who wanted to make her white dress for her civil wedding.

During these private workshops, all equipment is included! You don’t need to bring your own machine, I’ll lend you one. These are second-hand sewing machines, which I buy from individuals on the internet (on marktplaats or on facebook marletplace). They all work well, and are beginner machines.

Come and test them, and tell me if, following a workshop, you ended up buying your own machine!

Categories
DIY Project Food

Make your own Granola !

The origins of Granola

Granola was invented in the early 1860s in the United States by Dr. James Caleb Jackson, manager of a health resort in New York. He uses for its manufacture a dough of flour spread in a thin layer and baked, and then calls it “Granula”, from the Latin name “granum” which means “seed”.

The grunola was then soaked in milk overnight and served as breakfast to patients. The whole point of this was to provide healthy food for his patients.

A few years later, Doctor John Harvey Kellogg would have had the same idea. Following legal proceedings, Dr. Kellogg was forced to change his name from “grunola” to granola !

It was in the 1960s that the Hippie movement, which modified the basic recipe to obtain a more natural mixture, made granola truly known and healthy at the same time. They decided to add fruit and honey, for example, for more indulgence and a truly complete breakfast.

Today, the granolas that we find on the market are often of low nutritional quality or very expensive. Yet, prepared and eaten the right way, granola can offer a multitude of health benefits, and in some cases even be a real healthy snack.

When to eat Granola ?

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Of course, it can be consumed at any other time of the day and even as a dessert. Personally, I never eat breakfast. I’m just not hungry when I wake up! So I eat granola as a snack at 10 a.m., or in the afternoon.

Sometimes, I even take it as dessert, for lunch or dinner, with 0% cottage cheese or yogurt. This really makes it possible to close the appetite and it is both so good!

Most of the time granola is eaten for breakfast. It represents a rather complete contribution for this important meal of the day.

The benefits of Granola

Granola, due to its composition, offers many health benefits for everyone, at all ages. Of course, it all depends on what you are going to put in your granola. But on the basis of a “classic” granola, we can easily say that it will:

  • allow you to maintain a sufficient fiber intake during the day, and therefore help with good transit;
  • constitute an excellent source of proteins;
  • protect the heart thanks to healthy unsaturated fats for the cardiovascular system;
  • help reducing cholesterol thanks to its fiber and good fat content;
  • to satisfy one’s hunger. Indeed, it is a very satiating food that also regulates blood sugar;
  • fight fatigue, as well as in times of stress and convalescence. Because it gives us a lot of energy and vitality;
  • bring oats, seeds and nuts, which all have the excellent property of balancing the nervous system, and therefore helping to reduce stress;
  • strengthen your immune defenses, if consumed throughout the year;

And the best thing about granola is that it is suitable for everyone, young and old, athletes, pregnant or breastfeeding women, etc!

Why doing it yourself?

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I always find it interesting to do it yourself, in general. Products like Granola are so easy to make that I don’t see much point in buying a ready-made one. Especially since it gives us the freedom to put what we want inside. For a few months I have been on a diet, and I try not to eat too much of things that are too sweet or too fatty. Being able to make my own granola and take it with 0% yogurt is a great way to keep control over my diet, while having fun.

So here are some reasons why you should make your own granola, rather than buying it:

  • Take time for yourself: indeed, the activity, alone, of cooking, allows you to free up time for yourself. From the store stage to the oven, it is a real “project” that you do yourself. It’s so many times when we don’t think about work, stress, or the things that have upset us. I love cooking while listening to podcasts. It’s a way for me to take the time to do things and refocus on what’s important.
  • This is a fun and easy activity with children. If you have kids, once they are old enough, this is a fun and engaging activity to do with your kids. Of course in the first place it is a moment of sharing. But it is also an opportunity to introduce them to the different seeds and cereals, dried fruits. They will be able, without danger, to help you!
  • Know the composition and therefore limit sugary or fatty products. This lets you know what foods are in it, the good and bad fats that granola contains. You can make it 100% gourmet, or a little lighter!
  • It’s really more budget friendly. Indeed, you are not going to pay the “brand”. You will buy, in bulk, seeds, fruits, cereals, and mix them. So you will probably make large quantities at once.
  • If you buy your ingredients in bulk, then this will also generate less pollution. Indeed, less packaging but also less printing on paper, etc.

The Basic Ingredients of a Good Granola

I think you are now convinced about making your own granola ! So, here are the traditional ingredients to make a good granola:

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  • Oats (oatmeal): it is one of the cereals richest in protein, but also has a large amount of amino acids that promote digestion. Oats do not contain gluten.
  • Nuts: they contain fiber, protein, minerals, vitamins B and E, as well as healthy fats for the heart and the whole body. You can use the ones you prefer: walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios, etc.
  • Seeds: they all have interesting properties. Sesame, flax, pumpkin, sunflower, chia…
  • In general, nuts will provide you with good fat (Omega 3), fiber and minerals. And dried nuts will give you the benefit of their high fiber, potassium and magnesium content.

How to make it?

Nothing’s easier ! Just mix all the ingredients together. Once the mixture is done, you can choose to add a sweet binder, such as agave syrup or maple syrup.

Here is my recipe :

  • Oats (60%)
  • Crushed almonds (6%)
  • Cashew nuts (9%)
  • Pumpkin seeds (4%)
  • Pistachios (7%)
  • Goji berries (5%)
  • Chocolate chips (9%)
  • Maple syrup (until it gets a little sticky)

Mix everything in a large bowl, except the chocolate chips.

Spread the blend on a baking sheet and bake at 170°C for 30 minutes.

Then let cool completely, untouched, to form small packets of the blend. When almost cold, add the chocolate chips on top. Then let it dry for a while.

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How to store granola?

To best preserve your granola, it must be stored in a dry, cool and dark place.

It is best to place it in an airtight container such as a glass jar for example, in the cupboard.

I advise you not to store it in the refrigerator, because it will loose taste and will soften. Just use old jars of tomato sauce or jam, no need to break the bank !