When I saw this month’s Tell Us About theme was creativity, I couldn’t help but smile. If ever there was a theme with my name written all over it, this is it! Although, to be honest, I never really thought of myself as a particularly creative person for most of my life. I always assumed creativity meant being good at art — you know, painting, sketching, that sort of thing — and I’m absolutely useless at all that (not that I let it stop me!).
But looking back, I realise I’ve actually been creative in my own way all along. A few years ago, I went through a really creative phase when I started designing all my own book covers. I even began making covers to sell — and I was ridiculously proud of them! Sadly, I didn’t sell a single one (probably more to do with my lack of marketing than the covers themselves!). Below are a few of the ones I created (sadly all the original files were lost in a corrupt hard drive). Still, I loved the process — playing with colour, typography, and texture (and a bit of photography too) to bring my stories to life visually.
I haven’t done as much of that recently because, let’s face it, AI tools like Leonardo AI have made it so easy to create beautiful things in minutes. These days, if I get the urge to design something, I’ll use AI as a starting point and then play around with it in Affinity Photo or Canva to make it my own. It’s still creative, just in a more modern, techy sort of way!
A few years ago, I also dabbled in digital art on my iPad using the Affinity apps. I’d spend hours drawing and experimenting with different brushes and effects. None of it was particularly polished, but it was such fun — and it definitely sparked something in me. The image below was one I made (following a tutorial!!)
Right now, though, my creative energy has taken a whole new direction: sewing. I tried it once or twice over the years using the old Singer machine that Michael bought me in my early twenties (it was already from the early ’80s then, but it’s still going strong!). About a month ago, I treated myself to an Overlocker (or Serger for my American friends), and honestly, I’m obsessed. The way it neatly finishes seams and makes the inside of garments look professional blows my mind.
So far, I’ve made two pairs of shorts — the first looked like something out of a dodgy 1980s football match (I couldn’t stop laughing when I tried them on!), but the second pair turned out beautifully after I tweaked the pattern. I’ll definitely be wearing them next summer. I also made a pair of bright pink fleece lounge trousers that came out even better than expected — I haven’t worn them yet because it’s still too warm, but I’m chuffed to bits with them. Even Michael’s put in an order now!
I do have one slightly bad habit though… whenever I start something new, I immediately want all the things. So lately, I’ve been scouring Vinted for sewing books, collecting fabric, and even buying old curtains to upcycle. And when I mentioned to Michael that I’d love an adjustable mannequin for Christmas, he ordered it that same night as an early present. So I’d better stop reading about sewing (and binge-watching The Great British Sewing Bee on repeat) and actually get on with making more things!
Of course, creativity shows up in so many other areas of my life too. Writing, for one, has been at the heart of who I am for years. Since self-publishing my first novel back in 2009, I’ve written 13 books — mostly YA urban fantasy, chick lit, and romance. My Raven Witch Saga will always have a special place in my heart because it was born from such a magical, transformative time in my life. I re-did these covers this year, using AI as a starting point:
And now, I’m working on something completely different — a non-fiction book that’s very close to my heart. It’s all about spirituality, energy, and living a more intuitive, soulful life. It’s been such a joy to create something that feels so aligned with who I am now. It’s also connected to the wellness world, which feels like a natural next step for me. I can’t say too much yet, but let’s just say… I’m really excited about where it’s heading!
Then there’s my YouTube channel — another huge creative outlet. Making videos about all things magical, spiritual, and a little bit witchy lights me up in a way that’s hard to describe. I love the whole process: brainstorming ideas, filming, editing, choosing music, making thumbnails — it’s all part of the magic. And I adore connecting with others who share that same sense of wonder. I will be sharing more of my sewing journey in the upcoming months on there too!
My blog, too, is where everything comes together — lifestyle, spirituality, and style. I love writing about life in Portugal, personal growth, and of course, my style challenges like Songful Style and Style Imitating Art. Fashion is another form of creativity for me — a way of expressing energy and personality, and having fun with it all.
Even building our dream home was a creative journey in itself. From designing spaces to picking colours and finishes, it was such a rewarding process. There’s something magical about seeing an idea that once lived in your head become part of your everyday life.
For me, creativity isn’t about being perfect or ‘artistic’ in the traditional sense — it’s about expression, curiosity, and play. It’s about taking what’s inside you and bringing it out into the world in whatever form it wants to take.
So yes, this month’s Tell Us About theme couldn’t be more fitting. I might not have realised it years ago, but I’ve always been creative in my own way — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I can’t wait to read how everyone else interprets Creativity this month. Last month we wrote about kindness.
Don’t forget to check out my fellow Tell Us About co-hosts
- Sally — Sally discusses how judgment and comparison can be the enemies of creativity. Within a World of My Own
- Marsha — Marsha always used to think creativity meant you could draw really well. She has since learned creativity means so much more! Marsha In The Middle
- Rosie — Rosie tells us about creativity in her English cottage garden. Rosie Amber
- Mary Katherine — MK’s Adventures in Style
- Debbie — Debbie wonders at times if she has a creative bone in her body. She looks at different ways we can be creative and discovers something about herself in the process. Deb’s World
